Country Profile: Hungary

Hungary is located in Central Europe, bordered by seven countries and known for its temperate climate and rich cultural heritage. With an estimated population of 9.85 million in 2024, the country exhibits a diverse ethnic composition, predominantly Hungarian. Hungary's economy is classified as a high-income EU member, although it faces challenges such as fiscal deficits and reliance on exports. The political system is a parliamentary republic, which has undergone significant changes since the fall of communism in 1989, leading to its current democratic governance.

Geography

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe, slightly smaller than Virginia and sharing borders with Austria, Ukraine, and Romania among others. The terrain includes flat to rolling plains, with the highest point being Kekes at 1,014 meters. The country experiences a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers, and its major rivers include the Danube and Tisza.

93,028 sq km: total area
2,106 km: total land boundaries
72.9%: urban population (2023)
55.7%: agricultural land (2023)
22.7%: forested area (2023)

People and Society

As of 2024, Hungary's population is estimated at 9.85 million, with a slight majority being female. The country is predominantly Hungarian (84.3%), with significant minorities including Romani and Germans. The official language is Hungarian, and the main religious affiliations are Roman Catholic and Calvinist. The demographic landscape features a median age of 44.8 years and a growing elderly population.

72.9%: urban population (2023)
9.1 births/1,000: birth rate (2024)
76 years: life expectancy at birth (2024)
44.8 years: median age (2024)
16.1%: population identifying as having no religion (2022)

Economy

Hungary's economy is characterized as a high-income EU member, with a modest recovery projected from a recession in 2024. The GDP (PPP) is estimated at $389.2 billion for 2024, with the service sector contributing 59.7% of the economy. Economic challenges include high fiscal deficits and dependency on exports. The country has a diverse agricultural sector and is known for its automotive and pharmaceutical industries.

4.5%: unemployment rate (2024)
$40,700: GDP per capita (PPP, 2024)
2.4%: agriculture sector contribution (2024)
$166.5 billion: exports (2024)
77.6%: industrial sector contribution (2024)

Government

Hungary operates as a parliamentary republic with Budapest as its capital. The government is led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has been in office since 2010. The National Assembly is unicameral and contains 199 members. The country’s legal system is based on a civil law model influenced by Germany.

President: Tamas Sulyok (since March 2024)
199: seats in the National Assembly
18 years: minimum voting age
Number of counties: 19
Constitution approved: April 18, 2011

Military and Security

The Hungarian Defense Forces (HDF) are responsible for national defense, organized into various commands including land and air forces. Military expenditures are at 2.1% of GDP, and Hungary has approximately 22,000 active-duty military personnel. It is a NATO member and participates in international peacekeeping missions while maintaining a focus on defense modernization.

250: troops deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina (2025)
4: operational nuclear reactors (2025)
2.1%: military expenditure of GDP (2025)
22,000: active-duty personnel (2025)
6-month: service obligation for volunteers (2023)

Energy

Hungary's energy sector is transitioning, with a reliance on nuclear, fossil fuels, and increasingly, renewable sources like solar. Electricity consumption is at 42.74 billion kWh for 2023, with a 100% electrification rate. The country aims to improve its energy infrastructure to meet future demands.

44.2%: electricity from nuclear sources (2023)
100%: total electrification (2022)
4.293 million metric tons: coal production (2023)
1.612 billion cubic meters: natural gas production (2023)
1.8%: renewable energy in total installed capacity (2023)

Transportation

Hungary has a well-developed transportation network, including 109 airports and a railway system that spans 7,687 km, with significant portions electrified. The civil aviation code for Hungary is HA, and the country's infrastructure supports both domestic and international travel.

7,687 km: railway system (2020)
109: airports (2025)
2.693 million: fixed-line phone subscriptions (2023)
10.2 million: mobile phone subscriptions (2023)

Communications

Hungary boasts a high rate of internet connectivity, with 92% of the population online as of 2024. The telecommunications market includes a mix of state-supported and private media, with extensive satellite and cable services available.

3.56 million: fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
28: fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023)
92%: internet user penetration (2024)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	9,855,745 (2024 est.)	Total estimated population
Area	93,028 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$389.207 billion (2024)	Projected real GDP
Unemployment Rate	4.5% (2024 est.)	Percentage of labor force seeking employment
Birth Rate	9.1 births/1,000	Birth rate per 1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	76 years (2024 est.)	Average life span at birth
Energy Consumption	96.152 million Btu/person (2023 est.)	Per capita energy consumption
Current Account Balance	$5.074 billion (2024)	Net trade and income balance
Forested Area	22.7% (2023)	Percentage of land that is forested
Urban Population	72.9% (2023)	Percentage of population living in urban areas