The most important natural endowments of Hungary, particularly in its western and central areas, are its fertile soil and abundant water resources—notably Lake Balaton, a major asset for tourism. Fossil fuel resources are relatively modest. Lignite (brown coal) is mined in the Northern Mountains and in Transdanubia. Coal once satisfied half of Hungary’s energy requirements, but it now represents less than one-fifth of energy production. Oil and natural gas were discovered in the late 1930s in Transdanubia and during the decades following World War II at several localities in the Great Alföld, especially near Szeged. Their share of energy production ...(100 of 37110 words)