Summarized from the Hungarian Human Rights Foundation (HTMH)’s 1996 annual report on transborder Hungarian minorities — one part of a five-part series circulated by A.J. Vadasz in September 1997 (section B is not present in the surviving copy). Other parts in this series: Transborder Hungarians: Serbia (Vojvodina) · Transborder Hungarians: Slovakia · Transborder Hungarians: The West · Transborder Hungarians: Carpato-Ukraine (Kárpátalja) · Transborder Hungarians: Romania (Erdély/Transylvania).

The HTMH 1996 annual report also treats Hungarians “in the West”. I don’t plan a detailed description, just a few of the highlights.

D1. Austria

Included are two elements: the old, indigenous Hungarian population in Burgenland, which now only constitutes about 1.5% of an otherwise shrinking provincial citizenship and the more numerous emigrants largely in Austria’s major cities. The latter are more than seventeen times the Burgenland minority of 4000 (which is also exceeded by the Croat minority) Notwithstanding their small number, there is Hungarian elementary school education provided in Burgenland. Hungarian high schools have ceased operating since before WW2. Proximity to Hungary is a factor in cultural activities.

D2. Slovenia

Population is but 8500 (1991 census), though estimates range to 12000. The Slovene constitution specifically grants Hungarians and Italians free use of their language and provides minority representation in the central legislature. A number of special agreements with Hungary include cultural and educational cooperation. In 1994 the jurisdictions with .large minority ratios received representation privileges at the local level, established an office of minorities, which seems to receive tha approval of Hungarians. Dual language instruction is assured for those desiring it from kindergarten to high school, and includes vocational courses. Hungarian religious activities are fulfilled partly by indigenous clergy (Catholics) or by visitors (Reformed church). Cultural associations operate freely and receive good support. The Slovene government supports both printed and electronic (radio and TV) Hungarian media: . Relations with the majority generally harmonious.

E3. Emigrees

The report characterizes Hungarian associations in the major Western countries (e.g. Germany, Australia, Switzerlans, USA, France, UK , Canada) It believes the USA has the largest number (put at 375 societies) but also labels it as fragmented by many groupings, and hampered by distances. There is a rundown of Hungarian media in these lands, including electronic, printed versions. No mention of the internet. General character of associations has been shifting from political to social and cultural.

An estimate of Hungarians and descendants: Austria 75000; Germany 120000; Israel 200000; UK 28000; Switzerland 20000; France 35000; USA 1.7 million; Australia: 20000 (Canada not listed)