Native Hungarians, also known as Magyars, are an ethnic group native to Hungary. They are descended from the ancient MAGYAR tribes who settled in the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century. Magyars are traditionally characterized by their unique language, culture, and customs. They are predominantly Roman Catholic and speak Hungarian, a Finno-Ugric language. Native Hungarians have a long history of cultural and political autonomy, and are known for their strong sense of national identity.