2017 Edition

Background

Hungary became a Christian kingdom in A.D. 1000 and for many centuries served as a bulwark against Ottoman Turkish expansion in Europe. The kingdom eventually became part of the polyglot Austro-Hungarian Empire, which collapsed during World War I. The country fell under communist rule following World War II. In 1956, a revolt and an announced withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact were met with a massive military intervention by Moscow. Under the leadership of Janos KADAR in 1968, Hungary began liberalizing its economy, introducing so-called "Goulash Communism." Hungary held its first multiparty elections in 1990 and initiated a free market economy. It joined NATO in 1999 and the EU five years later.

Area

93,028 sq km 89,608 sq km 3,420 sq km

land

89,608 sq km

total

93,028 sq km

water

3,420 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than Virginia; about the same size as Indiana

Climate

temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers

Coastline

0 km (landlocked)

Elevation

143 m lowest point: Tisza River 78 m highest point: Kekes 1,014 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Tisza River 78 m

highest point

Kekes 1,014 m

mean elevation

143 m

Environment - current issues

the upgrading of Hungary's standards in waste management, energy efficiency, and air, soil, and water pollution to meet EU requirements will require large investments

Environment - international agreements

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling none of the selected agreements

party to

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Geographic coordinates

47 00 N, 20 00 E

Geography - note

landlocked; strategic location astride main land routes between Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between Ukraine and Mediterranean basin; the north-south flowing Duna (Danube) and Tisza Rivers divide the country into three large regions

Irrigated land

1,721 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

2,106 km Austria 321 km, Croatia 348 km, Romania 424 km, Serbia 164 km, Slovakia 627 km, Slovenia 94 km, Ukraine 128 km

border countries (7)

Austria 321 km, Croatia 348 km, Romania 424 km, Serbia 164 km, Slovakia 627 km, Slovenia 94 km, Ukraine 128 km

total

2,106 km

Land use

58.9% arable land 48.5%; permanent crops 2%; permanent pasture 8.4% 22.5% 18.6% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

58.9%

forest

22.5%

other

18.6% (2011 est.)

Location

Central Europe, northwest of Romania

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

Natural resources

bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soils, arable land

Population - distribution

a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations

Terrain

mostly flat to rolling plains; hills and low mountains on the Slovakian border

Age structure

14.71% (male 746,043/female 702,792) 10.96% (male 557,655/female 522,324) 41.88% (male 2,075,101/female 2,050,478) 13.4% (male 608,734/female 711,602) 19.05% (male 708,214/female 1,167,902) (2017 est.)

0-14 years

14.71% (male 746,043/female 702,792)

15-24 years

10.96% (male 557,655/female 522,324)

25-54 years

41.88% (male 2,075,101/female 2,050,478)

55-64 years

13.4% (male 608,734/female 711,602)

65 years and over

19.05% (male 708,214/female 1,167,902) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

9 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Death rate

12.8 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Dependency ratios

46.9 21.2 25.7 3.9 (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

25.7

potential support ratio

3.9 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

46.9

youth dependency ratio

21.2

Drinking water source

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2015 est.)

rural

0% of population

total

0% of population (2015 est.)

urban

0% of population

Education expenditures

4.2% of GDP (2013)

Ethnic groups

Hungarian 85.6%, Romani 3.2%, German 1.9%, other 2.6%, unspecified 14.1% (2011 est.) percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic group; Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 5–10% of Hungary's population

note

percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic group; Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 5–10% of Hungary's population

Health expenditures

7.4% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Hospital bed density

7.2 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

4.9 deaths/1,000 live births 5.2 deaths/1,000 live births 4.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

female

4.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

male

5.2 deaths/1,000 live births

total

4.9 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Hungarian (official) 99.6%, English 16%, German 11.2%, Russian 1.6%, Romanian 1.3%, French 1.2%, other 4.2% shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; Hungarian is the mother tongue of 98.9% of Hungarian speakers (2011 est.)

note

shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; Hungarian is the mother tongue of 98.9% of Hungarian speakers (2011 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

76.1 years 72.4 years 80 years (2017 est.)

female

80 years (2017 est.)

male

72.4 years

total population

76.1 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 99.1% 99.1% 99% (2015 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

99% (2015 est.)

male

99.1%

total population

99.1%

Major infectious diseases

intermediate tickborne encephalitis (2016)

degree of risk

intermediate

vectorborne diseases

tickborne encephalitis (2016)

Major urban areas - population

BUDAPEST (capital) 1.714 million (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

17 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

42.3 years 40.4 years 44.3 years (2017 est.)

female

44.3 years (2017 est.)

male

40.4 years

total

42.3 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

28.3 years (2014 est.)

Nationality

Hungarian(s) Hungarian

adjective

Hungarian

noun

Hungarian(s)

Net migration rate

1.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

26.4% (2016)

Physicians density

3.32 physicians/1,000 population (2014)

Population

9,850,845 (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations

Population growth rate

-0.25% (2017 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 37.2%, Calvinist 11.6%, Lutheran 2.2%, Greek Catholic 1.8%, other 1.9%, none 18.2%, unspecified 27.2% (2011 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 97.8% of population rural: 98.6% of population total: 98% of population urban: 2.2% of population rural: 1.4% of population total: 2% of population (2015 est.)

rural

1.4% of population

total

2% of population (2015 est.)

urban

2.2% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

15 years 15 years 16 years (2015)

female

16 years (2015)

male

15 years

total

15 years

Sex ratio

1.06 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 1.07 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 0.85 male(s)/female 0.6 male(s)/female 0.91 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.07 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.01 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.85 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.6 male(s)/female

at birth

1.06 male(s)/female

total population

0.91 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.45 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

17.3% 18.3% 16% (2015 est.)

female

16% (2015 est.)

male

18.3%

total

17.3%

Urbanization

72.1% of total population (2017) 0.36% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.36% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population

72.1% of total population (2017)

Administrative divisions

19 counties (megyek, singular - megye), 23 cities with county rights (megyei jogu varosok, singular - megyei jogu varos), and 1 capital city (fovaros) Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Csongrad, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Komarom-Esztergom, Nograd, Pest, Somogy, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Zala Bekescsaba, Debrecen, Dunaujvaros, Eger, Erd, Gyor, Hodmezovasarhely, Kaposvar, Kecskemet, Miskolc, Nagykanizsa, Nyiregyhaza, Pecs, Salgotarjan, Sopron, Szeged, Szekesfehervar, Szekszard, Szolnok, Szombathely, Tatabanya, Veszprem, Zalaegerszeg Budapest

capital city

Budapest

cities with county rights

Bekescsaba, Debrecen, Dunaujvaros, Eger, Erd, Gyor, Hodmezovasarhely, Kaposvar, Kecskemet, Miskolc, Nagykanizsa, Nyiregyhaza, Pecs, Salgotarjan, Sopron, Szeged, Szekesfehervar, Szekszard, Szolnok, Szombathely, Tatabanya, Veszprem, Zalaegerszeg

counties

Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Csongrad, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Komarom-Esztergom, Nograd, Pest, Somogy, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Zala

Capital

Budapest 47 30 N, 19 05 E UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

47 30 N, 19 05 E

name

Budapest

time difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

no at least one parent must be a citizen of Hungary yes 8 years

citizenship by birth

no

citizenship by descent only

at least one parent must be a citizen of Hungary

dual citizenship recognized

yes

residency requirement for naturalization

8 years

Constitution

previous 1949 (heavily amended in 1989 following the collapse of communism); latest approved 18 April 2011, signed 25 April 2011, effective 1 January 2012 proposed by the president of the republic, by the government, by parliamentary committee, or by Parliament members; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament members and approval by the president; amended several times, last in 2013 (2016)

amendments

proposed by the president of the republic, by the government, by parliamentary committee, or by Parliament members; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament members and approval by the president; amended several times, last in 2013 (2016)

history

previous 1949 (heavily amended in 1989 following the collapse of communism); latest approved 18 April 2011, signed 25 April 2011, effective 1 January 2012

Country name

none Hungary none Magyarorszag the Byzantine Greeks refered to the tribes that arrived on the steppes of Eastern Europe in the 9th century as the "Oungroi," a name that was later Latinized to "Ungri" and which became "Hungari"; the name originally meant an "[alliance of] ten tribes"; the Hungarian name "Magyarorszag" means "Country of the Magyars"; the term may derive from the most prominent of the Hungarian tribes, the Megyer

conventional long form

none

conventional short form

Hungary

etymology

the Byzantine Greeks refered to the tribes that arrived on the steppes of Eastern Europe in the 9th century as the "Oungroi," a name that was later Latinized to "Ungri" and which became "Hungari"; the name originally meant an "[alliance of] ten tribes"; the Hungarian name "Magyarorszag" means "Country of the Magyars"; the term may derive from the most prominent of the Hungarian tribes, the Megyer

local long form

none

local short form

Magyarorszag

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires David KOSTELANCIK (since 20 January 2017) Szabadsag ter 12, H-1054 Budapest pouch: American Embassy Budapest, 5270 Budapest Place, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5270 [36] (1) 475-4400 [36] (1) 475-4248

chief of mission

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires David KOSTELANCIK (since 20 January 2017)

embassy

Szabadsag ter 12, H-1054 Budapest

FAX

[36] (1) 475-4248

mailing address

pouch: American Embassy Budapest, 5270 Budapest Place, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5270

telephone

[36] (1) 475-4400

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Laszlo SZABO (since 8 September 2017) 3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 362-6730 [1] (202) 966-8135 Los Angeles, New York Boston

chancery

3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Laszlo SZABO (since 8 September 2017)

consulate(s)

Boston

consulate(s) general

Los Angeles, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 966-8135

telephone

[1] (202) 362-6730

Executive branch

Janos ADER (since 10 May 2012) Prime Minister Viktor ORBAN (since 29 May 2010) Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister and appointed by the president president indirectly elected by the National Assembly with two-thirds majority vote in first round or simple majority vote in second round for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 13 March 2017 (next to be held by spring 2022); prime minister elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president Janos ADER (Fidesz) reelected president; National Assembly vote - 131 to 39; Viktor ORBAN (Fidesz) reelected prime minister; National Assembly vote - 130 to 57

cabinet

Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister and appointed by the president

chief of state

Janos ADER (since 10 May 2012)

election results

Janos ADER (Fidesz) reelected president; National Assembly vote - 131 to 39; Viktor ORBAN (Fidesz) reelected prime minister; National Assembly vote - 130 to 57

elections/appointments

president indirectly elected by the National Assembly with two-thirds majority vote in first round or simple majority vote in second round for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 13 March 2017 (next to be held by spring 2022); prime minister elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president

head of government

Prime Minister Viktor ORBAN (since 29 May 2010)

Flag description

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and green; the flag dates to the national movement of the 18th and 19th centuries, and fuses the medieval colors of the Hungarian coat of arms with the revolutionary tricolor form of the French flag; folklore attributes virtues to the colors: red for strength, white for faithfulness, and green for hope; alternatively, the red is seen as being for the blood spilled in defense of the land, white for freedom, and green for the pasturelands that make up so much of the country

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and green; the flag dates to the national movement of the 18th and 19th centuries, and fuses the medieval colors of the Hungarian coat of arms with the revolutionary tricolor form of the French flag; folkl

red for strength, white for faithfulness, and green for hope; alternatively, the red is seen as being for the blood spilled in defense of the land, white for freedom, and green for the pasturelands that make up so much of the country

Government type

parliamentary republic

Independence

16 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier dates: 25 December 1000 (crowning of King STEPHEN I, traditional founding date); 30 March 1867 (Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy established)

16 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier dates

25 December 1000 (crowning of King STEPHEN I, traditional founding date); 30 March 1867 (Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy established)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

Australia Group, BIS, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Judicial branch

Curia or Supreme Judicial Court (consists of the president, vice president, 5 department heads, and approximately 76 judges and is organized into civil, criminal, economic, and administrative-labor departments; Constitutional Court (consists of 15 judges including the court president) Curia president elected from among its members for 9 years by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president of the republic; other Curia judges appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, a separate 15-member administrative body; judge tenure based on interim evaluations until normal retirement age; Constitutional Court judges elected by two-thirds vote of the National Assembly; members serve single renewable 12-year terms with mandatory retirement at age 70 5 regional courts of appeal; 19 regional or county courts (including Budapest Metropolitan Court); 20 administrative and labor courts; 111 district or local courts

highest court(s)

Curia or Supreme Judicial Court (consists of the president, vice president, 5 department heads, and approximately 76 judges and is organized into civil, criminal, economic, and administrative-labor departments; Constitutional Court (consists of 15 judges including the court president)

judge selection and term of office

Curia president elected from among its members for 9 years by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president of the republic; other Curia judges appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, a separate 15-member administrative body; judge tenure based on interim evaluations until normal retirement age; Constitutional Court judges elected by two-thirds vote of the National Assembly; members serve single renewable 12-year terms with mandatory retirement at age 70

subordinate courts

5 regional courts of appeal; 19 regional or county courts (including Budapest Metropolitan Court); 20 administrative and labor courts; 111 district or local courts

Legal system

civil legal system influenced by the German model

Legislative branch

unicameral National Assembly or Orszaggyules (199 seats; 106 members directly elected in single-member constituencies by simple majority vote and 93 members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by party list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) last held on 6 April 2014 (next to be held by April 2018) percent of vote by party - Fidesz-KDNP 66.8%, Unity 19.1%, Jobbik 11.6%, LMP 2.5%; seats by party - Fidesz-KDNP 133, Unity 38, Jobbik 23, LMP 5

description

unicameral National Assembly or Orszaggyules (199 seats; 106 members directly elected in single-member constituencies by simple majority vote and 93 members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by party list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms)

election results

percent of vote by party - Fidesz-KDNP 66.8%, Unity 19.1%, Jobbik 11.6%, LMP 2.5%; seats by party - Fidesz-KDNP 133, Unity 38, Jobbik 23, LMP 5

elections

last held on 6 April 2014 (next to be held by April 2018)

National anthem

"Himnusz" (Hymn) Ferenc KOLCSEY/Ferenc ERKEL adopted 1844

lyrics/music

Ferenc KOLCSEY/Ferenc ERKEL

name

"Himnusz" (Hymn)

note

adopted 1844

National holiday

Saint Stephen's Day, 20 August (1083); note - commemorates his cannonization and the transfer of his remains to Buda (now Budapest) in 1083

National symbol(s)

Holy Crown of Hungary (Crown of Saint Stephen); national colors: red, white, green

Holy Crown of Hungary (Crown of Saint Stephen); national colors

red, white, green

Political parties and leaders

Christian Democratic People's Party or KDNP [Zsolt SEMJEN] Democratic Coalition or DK [Ferenc GYURCSANY] Dialogue for Hungary or PM [Javor BENEDEK, Timea SZABO] Fidesz-Hungarian Civic Alliance or Fidesz [Viktor ORBAN] Hungarian Liberal Party or MLP [Gabor FODOR] Hungarian Socialist Party or MSZP [Gyula MOLNAR] Movement for a Better Hungary or Jobbik [Gabor VONA] Politics Can Be Different or LMP [Bernadett SZEL, Akos HADHAZI] Together 2014 or Egyutt or E14 [Peter JUHASZ, Viktor SZIGETVARI] Unity (electoral coalition of MSZP, E14, DK, PM, MLP)

Political pressure groups and leaders

Civil Osszefogas Forum ("Civil Unity Forum," nominally independent organization that serves as the steering committee for the pro-government mass organization Bekemenet (Peace March), supporting ORBAN government's policies) Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (Tarsasag a Szabadsagjogokert) or TASZ (freedom of expression, information privacy) Hungarian Helsinki Committee (asylum seekers' rights, human rights in law enforcement and the judicial system) MigSzol (Migrant Solidarity Group of Hungary) (independent advocacy group on migration crisis) MostMi ("Now Us") [Bori TAKACS](Facebook group that was a major participant at anti-government demonstrations in late 2014-early 2015; pro-Europe, anti-establishment movement that blames Fidesz for the state of the country but also blames all established political parties for perceived political and economic failures since the fall of communism) Okotars (empowerment of civil society in Hungary) Energy Club (Energia Klub) Greenpeace Hungary (Greenpeace Magyarorszag)

other

Energy Club (Energia Klub)

Suffrage

18 years of age, 16 if married and marriage registered in Hungary; universal

Agriculture - products

wheat, corn, sunflower seed, potatoes, sugar beets; pigs, cattle, poultry, dairy products

Budget

$56.73 billion $59.03 billion (2016 est.)

expenditures

$59.03 billion (2016 est.)

revenues

$56.73 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-1.8% of GDP Hungary has been under the EU Excessive Deficit Procedure since it joined the EU in 2004; in March 2012 the EU elevated its Excessive Deficit Procedure against Hungary and proposed freezing 30% of the country's Cohesion Funds because 2011 deficit reductions were not achieved in a sustainable manner; in June 2012, the EU lifted the freeze, recognizing that steps had been taken to reduce the deficit; the Hungarian deficit increased above 3% both in 2013 and in 2014 due to sluggish growth and the government's fiscal tightening (2016 est.)

note

Hungary has been under the EU Excessive Deficit Procedure since it joined the EU in 2004; in March 2012 the EU elevated its Excessive Deficit Procedure against Hungary and proposed freezing 30% of the country's Cohesion Funds because 2011 deficit reductions were not achieved in a sustainable manner; in June 2012, the EU lifted the freeze, recognizing that steps had been taken to reduce the deficit; the Hungarian deficit increased above 3% both in 2013 and in 2014 due to sluggish growth and the government's fiscal tightening (2016 est.)

Central bank discount rate

0.9% (31 December 2016) 1.35% (31 December 2015)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

2.09% (31 December 2016 est.) 2.9% (31 December 2015 est.)

Current account balance

$6.797 billion (2016 est.) $3.986 billion (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$131.3 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $127.4 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

28.2 (2015 est.) 28.6 (2014)

Economy - overview

Hungary has transitioned from a centrally planned to a market-driven economy with a per capita income nearly two-thirds that of the EU-28 average; however, in recent years the government has become more involved in managing the economy. Budapest has implemented unorthodox economic policies to boost household consumption and has relied on EU-funded development projects to generate growth. The economy is largely driven by exports, making it vulnerable to external market shocks. Following the fall of communism in 1990, Hungary experienced a drop-off in exports and financial assistance from the former Soviet Union. Hungary embarked on a series of economic reforms, including privatization of state-owned enterprises and reduction of social spending programs, to shift from a centrally planned to a market-driven economy, and to reorient its economy towards trade with the West. These efforts helped to spur growth, attract investment, and reduce Hungary’s debt burden and fiscal deficits. However, living conditions for the average Hungarian initially deteriorated as inflation increased and unemployment reached double digits. Conditions slowly improved over the 1990s as the reforms came to fruition and export growth accelerated. Economic policies instituted during that decade helped position Hungary to join the European Union in 2004; Hungary has yet to join the euro-zone, however. Hungary suffered a historic economic contraction as a result of the global economic slowdown in 2008-09 as export demand and domestic consumption dropped, prompting it to take an IMF-EU financial assistance package. Since 2010, the government has backpedalled on reforms and taken a more nationalist and populist approach towards economic management. The government has favored national industries, and specifically government-linked businesses, through legislation, regulation, and public procurements. In 2010 and 2012, the government increased taxes on foreign-dominated sectors, such as banking and retail, because the move helped to raise revenues and decrease the budget deficit, thereby allowing Hungary to maintain access to EU development funds. The policy deterred private investment, however. In 2011 and 2014, Hungary nationalized private pension funds. The move squeezed financial service providers out of the system, but it also helped Hungary curb its public debt and lower its budget deficit to below 3% of GDP, as subsequent pension contributions have been channeled into the state-managed pension fund. Hungary’s public debt (at 73.9% of GDP) is still high compared to EU peers in Central Europe. Despite these reversals, real GDP growth has remained robust in the past several years because EU cyclical funding increased, EU demand for Hungarian exports rose, and domestic household consumption rebounded. To further boost household consumption ahead of an anticipated 2018 election, the government has announced plans to increase the minimum wage and public sector salaries, to decrease taxes on foodstuffs and services, to decrease personal income tax from 16% to 15%, as well as to introduce a uniform 9% business tax for both small and medium enterprises and large companies. Real GDP growth slowed in 2016 due to a cyclical fallback in EU funds, but is expected to increase to above 3% in 2017 and 2018. Systemic economic challenges include long-term and youth unemployment, labor shortages, widespread poverty in rural areas, vulnerabilities to changes in demand for exports, and a heavy reliance on Russian energy imports.

Exchange rates

forints (HUF) per US dollar - 287.7 (2016 est.) 279.33 (2015 est.) 279.33 (2014 est.) 232.6 (2013 est.) 225.1 (2012 est.)

Exports

$91.6 billion (2016 est.) $88.32 billion (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

machinery and equipment 53.4%, other manufactures 31.2%, food products 8.4%, raw materials 3.4%, fuels and electricity 3.9% (2012 est.)

Exports - partners

Germany 28.2%, Romania 5.2%, Slovakia 5%, Austria 4.9%, France 4.8%, Italy 4.8%, Czech Republic 4.2%, Poland 4.2% (2016)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

50.4% 20.2% 17.9% 1.1% 92.6% -82.3% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services

92.6%

government consumption

20.2%

household consumption

50.4%

imports of goods and services

-82.3% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital

17.9%

investment in inventories

1.1%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

4.5% 30.4% 65.1% (2016 est.)

agriculture

4.5%

industry

30.4%

services

65.1% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$27,500 (2016 est.) $26,900 (2015 est.) $26,000 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

2% (2016 est.) 3.1% (2015 est.) 4% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$124.4 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$270.1 billion (2016 est.) $261.6 billion (2015 est.) $250.9 billion (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

Gross national saving

24.5% of GDP (2016 est.) 25.1% of GDP (2015 est.) 24.9% of GDP (2014 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

3.3% 22.4% (2015)

highest 10%

22.4% (2015)

lowest 10%

3.3%

Imports

$85.78 billion (2016 est.) $83.43 billion (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery and equipment 45.4%, other manufactures 34.3%, fuels and electricity 12.6%, food products 5.3%, raw materials 2.5% (2012)

Imports - partners

Germany 26.3%, Austria 6.4%, China 6.3%, Poland 5.5%, Slovakia 5.3%, Netherlands 4.9%, Czech Republic 4.9%, France 4.8%, Italy 4.8% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

-1.8% (2016 est.)

Industries

mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods, textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), motor vehicles

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

0.4% (2016 est.) -0.1% (2015 est.)

Labor force

4.586 million (2016 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

4.9% 30.3% 64.5% (2015)

agriculture

4.9%

industry

30.3%

services

64.5% (2015)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$21.59 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $17.69 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $14.51 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Population below poverty line

14.9% (2015 est.)

Public debt

74.1% of GDP (2016 est.) 74.8% of GDP (2015 est.) general government gross debt is defined in the Maastricht Treaty as consolidated general government gross debt at nominal value, outstanding at the end of the year in the following categories of government liabilities: currency and deposits, securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives, and government, state government, local government, and social security funds.

note

general government gross debt is defined in the Maastricht Treaty as consolidated general government gross debt at nominal value, outstanding at the end of the year in the following categories of government liabilities: currency and deposits, securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives, and government, state government, local government, and social security funds.

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$25.82 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $33.12 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$69.25 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $64.74 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$222.6 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $159.8 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$298.2 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $232.3 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$70.11 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $69.85 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$55.64 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $46.14 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

45.1% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

5.1% (2016 est.) 6.8% (2015 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

44.2 million Mt (2015 est.)

Crude oil - exports

1,042 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - imports

120,400 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - production

13,830 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

25.1 million bbl (1 January 2017 es)

Electricity - consumption

38.66 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - exports

5.24 billion kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

64.5% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0.7% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

22.3% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

14.1% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - imports

17.95 billion kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

8.468 million kW (2015 est.)

Electricity - production

28.67 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity access

100% (2016)

electrification - total population

100% (2016)

Natural gas - consumption

17.14 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - exports

545 million cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - imports

6.79 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - production

1.772 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

7.702 billion cu m (1 January 2017 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

157,200 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

50,510 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

67,860 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

156,100 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Broadcast media

mixed system of state-supported public service broadcast media and private broadcasters; the 5 publicly owned TV channels and the 2 main privately owned TV stations are the major national broadcasters; a large number of special interest channels; highly developed market for satellite and cable TV services with about two-thirds of viewers utilizing their services; 4 state-supported public-service radio networks; a large number of local stations including commercial, public service, nonprofit, and community radio stations; digital transition completed at the end of 2013; government-linked businesses have greatly consolidated ownership in broadcast and print media (2016)

Internet country code

.hu

Internet users

7,826,695 79.3% (July 2016 est.)

percent of population

79.3% (July 2016 est.)

total

7,826,695

Telephone system

modern telephone system is digital and highly automated; trunk services are carried by fiber-optic cable and digital microwave radio relay competition among mobile-cellular service providers has led to a sharp increase in the use of mobile-cellular phones since 2000 and a decrease in the number of fixed-line connections country code - 36; Hungary has fiber-optic cable connections with all neighboring countries; the international switch is in Budapest; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean regions), 1 Inmarsat, 1 very small aperture terminal (VSAT) system of ground terminals (2015)

domestic

competition among mobile-cellular service providers has led to a sharp increase in the use of mobile-cellular phones since 2000 and a decrease in the number of fixed-line connections

general assessment

modern telephone system is digital and highly automated; trunk services are carried by fiber-optic cable and digital microwave radio relay

international

country code - 36; Hungary has fiber-optic cable connections with all neighboring countries; the international switch is in Budapest; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean regions), 1 Inmarsat, 1 very small aperture terminal (VSAT) system of ground terminals (2015)

Telephones - fixed lines

3,119,735 32 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

32 (July 2016 est.)

total subscriptions

3,119,735

Telephones - mobile cellular

11,779,908 119 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

119 (July 2016 est.)

total

11,779,908

Airports

41 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2017)

1,524 to 2,437 m

6

2,438 to 3,047 m

6

914 to 1,523 m

5

over 3,047 m

2

total

20

under 914 m

1 (2017)

Airports - with unpaved runways

11 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

2

914 to 1,523 m

8

total

21

under 914 m

11 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

HA (2016)

Heliports

3 (2013)

National air transport system

20,042,185 0 mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

0 mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

20,042,185

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

75

number of registered air carriers

5

Pipelines

gas (high-pressure transmission system) 5,873 km; gas (low-pressure distribution network) 83,619 km (2015); oil 850 km; refined products 1,200 km (2016)

Ports and terminals

Baja, Csepel (Budapest), Dunaujvaros, Gyor-Gonyu, Mohacs (Danube)

river port(s)

Baja, Csepel (Budapest), Dunaujvaros, Gyor-Gonyu, Mohacs (Danube)

Railways

8,049 km 36 km 1.524-m gauge 7,794 km 1.435-m gauge (2,889 km electrified) 219 km 0.760-m gauge (2014)

broad gauge

36 km 1.524-m gauge

narrow gauge

219 km 0.760-m gauge (2014)

standard gauge

7,794 km 1.435-m gauge (2,889 km electrified)

total

8,049 km

Roadways

203,601 km 77,087 km (includes 1,582 km of expressways) 126,514 km (2014)

paved

77,087 km (includes 1,582 km of expressways)

total

203,601 km

unpaved

126,514 km (2014)

Waterways

1,622 km (most on Danube River) (2011)

Military branches

Hungarian Defense Forces: Land Forces, Hungarian Air Force (Magyar Legiero, ML) (2011)

Hungarian Defense Forces

Land Forces, Hungarian Air Force (Magyar Legiero, ML) (2011)

Military expenditures

1.01% of GDP (2016) 0.93% of GDP (2015) 0.87% of GDP (2014) 0.95% of GDP (2013) 1.04% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; 6-month service obligation (2012)

Disputes - international

bilateral government, legal, technical and economic working group negotiations continue in 2006 with Slovakia over Hungary's failure to complete its portion of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros hydroelectric dam project along the Danube; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Hungary has implemented the strict Schengen border rules

Illicit drugs

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and cannabis and for South American cocaine destined for Western Europe; limited producer of precursor chemicals, particularly for amphetamine and methamphetamine; efforts to counter money laundering, related to organized crime and drug trafficking are improving but remain vulnerable; significant consumer of ecstasy

Refugees and internally displaced persons

5,950 applicants for forms of legal stay other than asylum (Ukraine) (2015) 135 (2016) 432,282 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015 - November 2017); Hungary is predominantly a transit country and hosts fewer than 600 migrants and asylum seekers as of September 2017

note

432,282 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015 - November 2017); Hungary is predominantly a transit country and hosts fewer than 600 migrants and asylum seekers as of September 2017

refugees (countries of origin)

5,950 applicants for forms of legal stay other than asylum (Ukraine) (2015)

stateless persons

135 (2016)