Hungary is a landlocked parliamentary republic located in Central Europe. It is geographically divided by the Danube River into western Transdanubia and the Great Hungarian Plain, where the typical puszta with its pastoral economy, characteristic draw wells and hermit farms can be found. In hilly western Hungary lies Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. With its beaches and hot thermal springs, it is of enormous tourist importance. Budapest is the capital and largest metropolis of the country. Most of the important buildings are located directly on the banks of the Danube: for example, the Academy of Sciences, the National Theater and the Parliament Building. However, the city's landmark is the Chain Bridge, built in the 19th century, which spans the river. Debrecen is located west of the Romanian border. After the city became known the famous Debrecziner sausage. Szeged scores with charming coffee houses and a beautiful monument of Elizabeth of Austria-Hungary.
