Welcome to our ultimate Hungary facts — a comprehensive guide for everyone who wants to understand this Central European country better.
Whether you want to visit Budapest or another city, move to Hungary, invest, study, or simply get to know the local life, this page provides reliable, up-to-date answers to the most frequently asked questions about Hungary.
All information has been compiled and verified by the editorial staff of Daily News Hungary, which has been providing relevant news since 2013 and is currently Hungary’s leading English-language news portal. We have tried to compile the topics objectively, and although we have our personal opinions on some of the more complex issues, we have focused on providing balanced and factual answers.
1. General Hungary Facts
Hungary lies in Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Its capital, Budapest, is divided by the Danube River — Buda’s hills on one side, Pest’s vibrant plains on the other.
The nation covers 93 000 km², has about 9.5 million inhabitants, and uses the Hungarian forint (HUF). Hungary is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is UTC+1 during standard time, and Hungary observes daylight saving time (DST).
Yes, along with August 20 (Saint Stephen’s Day) and October 23 (1956 Revolution Memorial Day), March 15 is one of the three main national holidays.
Hungary has been a member of the EU (European Union) since 2004 and of the Schengen Area since 2007. It joined NATO in 1999. While geographically small, Hungary’s cultural and scientific impact far exceeds its size — from inventions to Nobel laureates. Hungary is located in the middle of Central Europe, which means that it is a transit country, but also that throughout history, anyone who wanted to conquer from east to west or west to east always had to cross Hungary.
2. Politics and Government
Hungary is a parliamentary democracy with a unicameral National Assembly (199 members) headed by the Speaker of the House. The head of the government, which has a parliamentary majority, is the prime minister. The parliamentary majority elects the president of the republic and performs mainly ceremonial duties, while also serving as commander-in-chief of the Hungarian Armed Forces.
Debates on the rule of law, corruption, and media freedom often place Hungary at the center of European attention. The Orbán government often stands alone with its views among EU countries, so it frequently uses its veto power against the will of other countries.
Foreign policy follows the so-called “Eastern opening” line, deepening relations with China, the Turkic states, Russia, and the Gulf states, while remaining active within the framework of the EU, NATO, and the Visegrad Group. President Donald Trump’s second term has created a new situation, and Hungary’s foreign policy is clearly changing under the influence of the American position. Hungary’s diplomatic narrative is largely defined by its dual orientation towards East and West – independent, yet integrated.
3. Economy and business
Among key Hungary facts, its open, export-driven economy stands out. Automotive production — Suzuki, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi — anchors industrial output. Other strong sectors include pharmaceuticals, IT, energy, and agriculture. Tourism is also a major source of income for the country The government maintains a 9 % corporate tax rate, the lowest in the EU, alongside incentives for innovation and green energy. Foreign direct investment is growing steadily, especially from China, South Korea, and Japan, with these Asian countries accounting for 80% of the investment value last year (2024). There is a shortage of engineers, healthcare professionals, and logistics specialists in the labor market, but there is also a significant shortage of workers in manufacturing, hospitality, and agriculture; immigration policy is being developed accordingly.
4. Travel and Tourism
Tourism is a cornerstone of the Hungarian economy. Budapest consistently ranks among Europe’s top city-break destinations, famous for its thermal baths, architecture, and Danube panoramas. Beyond the capital, Lake Balaton, Tokaj wine region, and Hortobágy National Park reveal Hungary’s natural diversity. Public transport is efficient, and Budapest Airport connects more than 130 cities. The country is considered safe for travellers and known for its hospitality — from boutique hotels to countryside guesthouses.
5. Life in Hungary
Daily life blends European standards with affordability. Public healthcare and education systems are nationwide, with private options expanding. Budapest offers cosmopolitan living, while rural areas retain a slower rhythm. The cost of living remains lower than in Western Europe; public transport is inexpensive and reliable. Sports are integral — football, swimming, handball and water polo are national favourites. A growing expat community thrives in Budapest, Debrecen, Pécs and Győr.
6. Culture and Arts
Hungarian culture spans from folk heritage to modern arts. Composers Liszt and Bartók, Nobel laureates in science, and architectural masterpieces like Parliament House or Heroes’ Square show its creative legacy. Hungary is a Christian country with deep historical roots in Christianity, especially since the reign of King Saint Stephen, who established Christianity as the official state religion around the year 1000. His efforts to spread the Christian faith, build churches, and create church institutions helped integrate Hungary into the European Christian community and shaped its political, cultural, and social development. Hungary remains culturally influenced by this Christian heritage today. Budapest’s cultural calendar includes opera, film, design, and street-art festivals. Gastronomy is evolving: Michelin-starred restaurants reinterpret classics like gulyás, lángos, pálinka, and Tokaji wine.
Continue reading at https://dailynewshungary.com/hungary-facts/ | DailyNewsHungary
All information has been compiled and verified by the editorial staff of Daily News Hungary, which has been providing relevant news since 2013 and is currently Hungary’s leading English-language news portal. We have tried to compile the topics objectively, and although we have our personal opinions on some of the more complex issues, we have focused on providing balanced and factual answers.
1. General Hungary Facts
Hungary lies in Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Its capital, Budapest, is divided by the Danube River — Buda’s hills on one side, Pest’s vibrant plains on the other.
The nation covers 93 000 km², has about 9.5 million inhabitants, and uses the Hungarian forint (HUF). Hungary is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is UTC+1 during standard time, and Hungary observes daylight saving time (DST).
Yes, along with August 20 (Saint Stephen’s Day) and October 23 (1956 Revolution Memorial Day), March 15 is one of the three main national holidays.
Hungary has been a member of the EU (European Union) since 2004 and of the Schengen Area since 2007. It joined NATO in 1999. While geographically small, Hungary’s cultural and scientific impact far exceeds its size — from inventions to Nobel laureates. Hungary is located in the middle of Central Europe, which means that it is a transit country, but also that throughout history, anyone who wanted to conquer from east to west or west to east always had to cross Hungary.
2. Politics and Government
Hungary is a parliamentary democracy with a unicameral National Assembly (199 members) headed by the Speaker of the House. The head of the government, which has a parliamentary majority, is the prime minister. The parliamentary majority elects the president of the republic and performs mainly ceremonial duties, while also serving as commander-in-chief of the Hungarian Armed Forces.
Debates on the rule of law, corruption, and media freedom often place Hungary at the center of European attention. The Orbán government often stands alone with its views among EU countries, so it frequently uses its veto power against the will of other countries.
Foreign policy follows the so-called “Eastern opening” line, deepening relations with China, the Turkic states, Russia, and the Gulf states, while remaining active within the framework of the EU, NATO, and the Visegrad Group. President Donald Trump’s second term has created a new situation, and Hungary’s foreign policy is clearly changing under the influence of the American position. Hungary’s diplomatic narrative is largely defined by its dual orientation towards East and West – independent, yet integrated.
3. Economy and business
Among key Hungary facts, its open, export-driven economy stands out. Automotive production — Suzuki, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi — anchors industrial output. Other strong sectors include pharmaceuticals, IT, energy, and agriculture. Tourism is also a major source of income for the country The government maintains a 9 % corporate tax rate, the lowest in the EU, alongside incentives for innovation and green energy. Foreign direct investment is growing steadily, especially from China, South Korea, and Japan, with these Asian countries accounting for 80% of the investment value last year (2024). There is a shortage of engineers, healthcare professionals, and logistics specialists in the labor market, but there is also a significant shortage of workers in manufacturing, hospitality, and agriculture; immigration policy is being developed accordingly.
4. Travel and Tourism
Tourism is a cornerstone of the Hungarian economy. Budapest consistently ranks among Europe’s top city-break destinations, famous for its thermal baths, architecture, and Danube panoramas. Beyond the capital, Lake Balaton, Tokaj wine region, and Hortobágy National Park reveal Hungary’s natural diversity. Public transport is efficient, and Budapest Airport connects more than 130 cities. The country is considered safe for travellers and known for its hospitality — from boutique hotels to countryside guesthouses.
5. Life in Hungary
Daily life blends European standards with affordability. Public healthcare and education systems are nationwide, with private options expanding. Budapest offers cosmopolitan living, while rural areas retain a slower rhythm. The cost of living remains lower than in Western Europe; public transport is inexpensive and reliable. Sports are integral — football, swimming, handball and water polo are national favourites. A growing expat community thrives in Budapest, Debrecen, Pécs and Győr.
6. Culture and Arts
Hungarian culture spans from folk heritage to modern arts. Composers Liszt and Bartók, Nobel laureates in science, and architectural masterpieces like Parliament House or Heroes’ Square show its creative legacy. Hungary is a Christian country with deep historical roots in Christianity, especially since the reign of King Saint Stephen, who established Christianity as the official state religion around the year 1000. His efforts to spread the Christian faith, build churches, and create church institutions helped integrate Hungary into the European Christian community and shaped its political, cultural, and social development. Hungary remains culturally influenced by this Christian heritage today. Budapest’s cultural calendar includes opera, film, design, and street-art festivals. Gastronomy is evolving: Michelin-starred restaurants reinterpret classics like gulyás, lángos, pálinka, and Tokaji wine.
Continue reading at https://dailynewshungary.com/hungary-facts/ | DailyNewsHungary