Country Profile: Hungary

Hungary is a landlocked country situated in Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. With a population of approximately 9.9 million, Hungary has a diverse demographic makeup with a rich cultural heritage. The economy, classified as high-income, is experiencing a modest recovery following a recession, impacted by factors such as high fiscal deficits and export reliance. Governance is structured as a parliamentary republic, with a vibrant political landscape shaped by a multiparty system.

Geography

Hungary is located in Central Europe, northwest of Romania and covers an area of 93,028 square kilometers, slightly smaller than Virginia. The terrain is predominantly flat with rolling plains, and the country features a temperate climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Notably, Hungary is landlocked, which influences its strategic importance as a transit point between Western Europe and the Balkans.

2,106 km: Total land boundaries
3,420 sq km: Water surface area
55.6%: Agricultural land (as of 2022)
Kekes: The highest point at 1,014 m
Lake Balaton: The largest lake at 590 sq km

People and Society

Hungary has a population of around 9.9 million, with a median age of 44.8 years. The majority of the population identifies as Hungarian (84.3%), with ethnic minorities including Romani and German. The official language is Hungarian, spoken by 98.8% of the population, while urban areas attract a higher density of inhabitants. The country faces demographic challenges with a negative population growth rate.

72.9%: Percentage of urban population (2023)
9.1 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024 estimated)
14.5 deaths/1,000: Death rate (2024 estimated)
76 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 estimated)
4.7 deaths/1,000: Infant mortality rate (2024 estimated)

Economy

Hungary has a high-income economy, with a projected real GDP of $389.207 billion (2024). Recovery from a recession is being driven by private consumption while facing challenges like high fiscal deficits and fluctuating inflation rates. The economy's structure is diverse, with services contributing the largest share, followed by industry and agriculture.

4.5%: Unemployment rate (2024 estimated)
$40,700: Real GDP per capita (2024 estimated)
49.1%: Household consumption (2023 estimated)
80.8%: Exports of goods and services (2023 estimated)
2.1%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024)

Government

Hungary operates as a parliamentary republic, with a President and a Prime Minister as the heads of state and government, respectively. The National Assembly is unicameral, comprising 199 members who are directly elected. Major political parties include Fidesz, Democratic Coalition, and Jobbik. The constitution was last amended in 2011, and elections occur regularly every four years.

Tamas SULYOK: President since March 2024
Viktor ORBAN: Prime Minister since May 2010
18 years: Minimum voting age
19 counties: Administrative divisions
8 years: Residency requirement for naturalization

Military and Security

The Hungarian Defense Forces (HDF) are organized into various branches, ensuring the country's defense and contributing to international peacekeeping. Military expenditures are increasing, representing 2.1% of GDP in 2024. The country maintains a small but trained active-duty force and engages in multiple international missions.

21,000: Active-duty personnel (2024)
250: Troops deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina (2025)
4: Number of operational nuclear reactors (2025)
No conscription: Military service abolished in 2005
250: Personnel in Kosovo (NATO/KFOR)

Energy

Hungary's energy landscape features a balanced mix of sources, with nuclear power playing a significant role in electricity generation. Access to electricity is universal, and the country is transitioning towards renewable sources, although fossil fuels still comprise a substantial part of the energy mix.

100%: Electrification rate (2022)
42.739 billion kWh: Electricity consumption (2023)
44.2%: Nuclear share of installed generating capacity (2023)
1.92 GW: Net capacity for nuclear reactors (2025)
2.454 billion kWh: Transmission/distribution losses (2023)

Communications

Hungary enjoys a well-established communications infrastructure, with high mobile and internet penetration rates. The country has a diverse and developed media landscape, comprising both state-supported and private broadcasters.

10.2 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
92%: Internet usage rate (2024)
3.56 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
2.693 million: Fixed telephone subscriptions (2023)
Broadcasters: Numerous, including state-supported and private chains

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure in Hungary is well-developed, including extensive rail and air networks. The country has several airports and a single merchant vessel, underscoring its connectivity within Europe.

7,687 km: Total railway length (2020)
109: Airports (2025)
15: Heliports (2025)
1: Merchant marine vessel (2023)
3,111 km: Electrified railway lines

Environment

Hungary faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution stemming from industrial and agricultural activities. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

55.6%: Agricultural land (2022)
25.9%: Percentage of municipal waste recycled (2015)
14.24 µg/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019)
104 billion m³: Total renewable water resources (2020)
4: Global geoparks (2024)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	9,855,745	Estimated for 2024
Area	93,028 sq km
GDP	$389.207 billion	Purchasing power parity (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	96.152 million Btu	Estimated for 2023
Birth Rate	9.1 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	4.5%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	76 years	Estimated for 2024
Urban Population	72.9%	Total population (2023)
Military Expenditures	2.1%	Of GDP for 2024
Electricity Access	100%	Total population (2022)