1947-49 – Communists consolidate power under the Soviet occupation, with a new constitution, the nationalisation of industry, collectivised agriculture and mass terror.
1956 – An uprising against Soviet domination suppressed by the Soviet Army. Janos Kadar becomes head of government.
1989-91 – Fall of communism after the opening of the border with Austria to allow thousands of East Germans escape to the West. Democratic elections are held and Soviet forces withdraw from Hungary.
1999 – Hungary joins Nato.
2004 – Hungary is one of 10 new states to join the EU.
2010 – Populist right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban consolidates power with increasingly authoritarian measures.
2022 – Hungary bans the discussion of gender and sexual diversity in schools, the media and advertising. The law, which conflates paedophilia with homosexuality and expressions of gender identity, is challenged by the European Commission.
European Parliament passes a resolution stating that Hungary has become a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy” under Orban’s government