History

The Order was based upon the Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic, in the Orders of the Republic of Hungary (1944-1949).

It was awarded to Hungarian citizens and foreigners in recognition of meritorious service in the realm of international co-operation, as well as for service to the Hungarian People’s Republic.

The awards may feature the emblem of the Hungarian People’s Republic from 1949-1957, or the emblem employed from 1957-1990.

Each of the higher ranking Order grade was awarded with an associated small grade, also known as Kleine Dekorationen or Small Orders. These decorations take the form of the V Class decoration, and feature a miniature version of the large decoration on the ribbon.

The Small I Class was worn as a less formal version of the full-sized I Class.

The Small I Class has a miniature version of the I Class decoration on the ribbon.

See the Hungarian Order of Merit, HUN102, in the Hungarian Regency (1918-1944), the Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic, HUN149, in the Republic of Hungary (1944-1949), and the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary, HUN236, in Hungary (1989-) for more information.