King Stephen I, also known as Stephen the Saint, was the first King of Hungary, reigning from 1000 to 1038. He played a crucial role in establishing the Christian faith in Hungary, promoting the conversion of the pagan population. His efforts helped to integrate Hungary into the broader European community. Stephen I is recognized for his administrative reforms and the establishment of a centralized government. He divided the kingdom into counties, which improved local governance. After his death, he was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1083, and he remains a significant figure in Hungarian history and culture.