Hungary

World Book Index

Introduction

Hungary, a nation steeped in history, became a Christian kingdom in A.D. 1000, marking the beginning of its significant role in European geopolitics. For centuries, it stood as a bulwark against the expansion of Ottoman Turkish influence in Europe, shaping the continent's cultural and political landscape. Following World War II, Hungary fell under communist rule, which lasted for several decades. The pivotal moment came in 1990 when Hungary held its first multiparty elections, transitioning towards a free market economy. This shift was further solidified by Hungary's accession to NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004, integrating the country into the broader European framework and enhancing its geopolitical significance.

Neighboring countries

Austria - Croatia - Romania - Serbia - Slovakia - Slovenia - Ukraine

Geography

Area
Total: 93,028 sq km
Land: 89,608 sq km
Water: 3,420 sq km

Hungary is located in Central Europe and is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes plains, hills, and rivers. The country is bordered by several nations, which enhances its strategic importance in the region. The climate is temperate, featuring cold, cloudy, and humid winters, alongside warm summers that contribute to its agricultural productivity. Hungary is endowed with natural resources such as bauxite, coal, natural gas, and fertile soils, which support its economy and sustain its population.

People and Society

Population
Total: 9,855,745 (2024 estimated)

Ethnic groups
Hungarian 84.3%, Romani 2.1%, German 1%, other 1.2%, unspecified 13.7% (2022 estimated)

Languages
Hungarian (official) 98.8%, English 25.3%, German 12.6%, Russian 2.1%, French 1.5%, Romanian 1.4%, other 5.1% (2022 estimated)

Religions
Catholic 30.1% (Roman Catholic 27.5%, Greek Catholic 1.7%, other Catholic 0.9%), Calvinist 9.8%, Lutheran 1.8%, other Christian (includes Orthodox) 1.6%, other 0.4%, none 16.1%, no answer 40.1% (2022 estimated)

Population growth rate
-0.28% (2024 estimated)

Hungary's population is predominantly Hungarian, with a significant Romani minority and smaller communities of Germans and others. The official language is Hungarian, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population, while English and German are also commonly used, reflecting the country's integration into European and global contexts. The religious landscape is diverse, with a notable proportion of the population identifying as Catholic, alongside various Protestant denominations. However, a significant percentage of the population reports no religious affiliation, indicating a trend towards secularism. The population growth rate has been negative, highlighting demographic challenges that the country faces, including an aging population and emigration.

Government

Government type
Parliamentary republic

Capital
Name: Budapest

Executive branch
Chief of state: President Tamas SULYOK (since 5 March 2024)
Head of government: Prime Minister Viktor ORBAN (since 29 May 2010)

Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Szabolcs Ferenc TAKÁCS (since 23 December 2020)

Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Robert PALLADINO (since 7 March 2025)

Hungary operates as a parliamentary republic, where the government is elected by the people and is accountable to the parliament. The capital city, Budapest, serves as the political and cultural heart of the nation. The executive branch is led by the President, currently Tamas SULYOK, who represents the state, while the Prime Minister, Viktor ORBAN, heads the government and implements policies. Hungary maintains diplomatic relations with various countries, including the United States, where it is represented by Ambassador Szabolcs Ferenc TAKÁCS. The political landscape is characterized by a strong executive branch, which has significant influence over legislative processes.

Economy

Economic overview
Hungary is classified as a high-income economy within the EU and OECD frameworks. The country is currently experiencing a modest recovery from the recession of 2024, driven primarily by private consumption and moderated inflation rates. However, Hungary faces several challenges, including high fiscal deficits, frozen access to EU funds, and vulnerabilities stemming from its reliance on exports. In response to these issues, the government is implementing various measures such as tax exemptions, price controls, and mortgage interest caps in anticipation of the 2026 elections. These strategies aim to stabilize the economy and foster growth while addressing the immediate concerns of the populace.

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$389.207 billion (2024 estimated)
$387.223 billion (2023 estimated)
$390.513 billion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$40,700 (2024 estimated)
$40,400 (2023 estimated)
$40,700 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$166.503 billion (2024 estimated)
$173.034 billion (2023 estimated)
$158.98 billion (2022 estimated)

Exports - partners
Germany 25%, Italy 6%, Romania 6%, USA 5%, Slovakia 4% (2023)

Exports - commodities
Cars, vehicle parts/accessories, electric batteries, packaged medicine, computers (2023)

Imports
$154.077 billion (2024 estimated)
$163.192 billion (2023 estimated)
$167.262 billion (2022 estimated)

Imports - partners
Germany 23%, China 7%, Austria 6%, Poland 6%, S. Korea 6% (2023)

Imports - commodities
Vehicle parts/accessories, natural gas, integrated circuits, broadcasting equipment, industrial acids/oils/alcohols (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.870, ranking it 46th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 35th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 6.442. (more information)