After providing data on the geography and demographics of Hungary, the 1100 years of Hungarian history are briefly surveyed. The introduction, development, and present state of medical education and, in particular, surgical education, including specialty training, are discussed. Attention is devoted to the organization of the surgical community and of surgical manpower in the country. Various disease patterns and their influence on surgical practice are discussed. Attention is also devoted to health care provision and research activity. Finally, the future of surgery, especially general surgery, is outlined.