Hungary: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Hungary 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Hungary: 56
  • Happiness Score Hungary:6.017

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Hungary. HU.

    Hungary is known for its rich cultural heritage and historic architecture, including the famous thermal baths.

  • has a parliamentary republic political structure.
  • a member of the European Union and has a growing, diverse economy with a focus on technology and innovation.
  • Hungary – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History

    The territory of modern-day Hungary has been inhabited since ancient times, with the first known settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. The region was home to various ancient civilizations, including the Celts, Romans, and Huns. In the 9th century AD, the Magyar tribes, a nomadic people of Finno-Ugric descent, migrated to the Carpathian Basin and established the foundations of the Hungarian state.

    Kingdoms and Empires

    The Kingdom of Hungary was established in the year 1000 AD, with Stephen I becoming the first King of Hungary. The Árpád dynasty ruled over the kingdom until 1301, followed by the Angevin and Jagiellon dynasties. Hungary became a powerful force in Central Europe, with its Golden Age occurring under the reign of Matthias Corvinus in the 15th century. The Ottoman Empire gradually conquered parts of Hungary in the 16th century, leading to the division of the kingdom into three parts.

    Habsburg Rule and Austrian Empire

    In the 16th century, the Habsburgs gained control over Hungary, and the country became part of the Habsburg Monarchy and later the Austrian Empire. This period witnessed significant cultural and economic development, as well as the rise of Hungarian nationalism.

    Independence and Modern Era

    Following the revolutions of 1848, Hungary gained greater autonomy within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War I, the empire collapsed, and Hungary became an independent nation-state in 1918. The interwar period was marked by political instability and economic turmoil. World War II brought devastation to Hungary, which was followed by the establishment of a communist regime under Soviet influence.

    In 1989, Hungary transitioned to a democratic system and market economy, marking the end of communist rule. The country joined the European Union in 2004 and has since experienced significant economic growth and political stability.

    Current Political Situation

    Hungary is a unitary parliamentary constitutional republic. The current Prime Minister is Viktor Orbán, who has been in power since 2010. Recent years have seen concerns raised over democratic backsliding and the erosion of checks and balances.

    International Relations

    Hungary is a member of the European Union, NATO, and other international organizations. While maintaining close economic ties with Western Europe, Hungary has also sought to strengthen its relations with Russia and other Eastern European nations.

    Human Development and Economy

    Hungary has a high-income economy driven by industries such as automotive manufacturing, electronics, and tourism. The country ranks highly on the Human Development Index, with a well-educated population and a relatively high standard of living.

    Cultural Highlights

    Hungary has a rich cultural heritage, with contributions in fields such as music, literature, and architecture. The country is known for its unique Magyar language, vibrant folk traditions, and renowned thermal baths. Budapest, the capital, is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Parliament Building and Buda Castle.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Hungary faces challenges related to demographic decline, brain drain, and the need for further economic diversification. However, the country’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and rich cultural heritage present opportunities for continued growth and development.

Main facts

Location

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Austria to the west, Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, and Slovenia to the southwest.

Map References

Hungary is located in the central region of Europe.

Area – Comparative

With a total area of 93,028 square kilometers (35,919 square miles), Hungary is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Indiana.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Hungary shares land borders with the following countries:

Coastline

Hungary is a landlocked country and does not have a coastline.

Maritime Claims

As a landlocked country, Hungary has no maritime claims.

Climate

Hungary has a temperate continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The climate is influenced by the country’s inland location and the presence of the Carpathian Mountains.

Terrain

Hungary is predominantly a flat or gently rolling country, with hills and low mountains in the north and northwest. The Great Hungarian Plain, or Alföld, covers most of the eastern part of the country.

Elevation Extremes

The lowest point in Hungary is the Tisza River at 78 meters (256 feet) above sea level, while the highest point is Kékes at 1,014 meters (3,327 feet) above sea level, located in the Mátra Mountains.

Natural Resources

Hungary’s main natural resources include bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soils, and arable land.

Major Bodies of Water

The Danube River, which is shared with several other countries, is the principal waterway in Hungary. Other major rivers include the Tisza, Drava, and Rába. Lake Balaton, a freshwater lake in western Hungary, is the largest lake in Central Europe.

Natural Hazards

Hungary is prone to occasional floods and droughts.

Geography – Notes

Hungary is a predominantly agricultural country, with fertile plains and a temperate climate suitable for crop cultivation. The country’s location at the heart of the Carpathian Basin has historically made it a strategic and cultural crossroads in Central Europe.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 22.90%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 45,537. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 58.40%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  47.16249419.503304.
  • Capital: The capital of Hungary is  Budapest
  • Major Cities:
    • Budapest – 1,752,286
    • Debrecen – 203,648
    • Miskolc – 155,048
    • Szeged – 158,158
    • Pécs – 145,347
  • Population: 9,769,949
  • Area(Km2): 93028
  • Population Density( P/Km²):107. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:36
  • Official Language(s):Hungary – Hungarian (99%)
  • Currency: HUF

Main Economic Indicators

Hungary has a high-income open economy that is driven by exports and foreign investment. Its key economic challenges include labor shortages, economic inequality, and the need for energy diversification. Notable policies focus on improving competitiveness, reducing public debt, and attracting foreign direct investment.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2022: 14.5% (est.)
2021: 5.1%
Source: International Monetary Fund

Credit Ratings

Fitch Ratings: BBB (Stable)
Moody’s: Baa2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BBB (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 3.4%
Industry: 25.9%
Services: 70.7%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural: wheat, corn, sunflower seeds, pork, dairy products
Industrial: motor vehicles, machinery, electrical equipment, metallurgy, food processing

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 4.74 million (2022)
Comparative Ranking: 83rd globally

Current Account Balance

2022: -$6.51 billion (est.)
2021: -$2.86 billion
Comparative Ranking: 146th globally

Exports and Imports

Exports: $135.7 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: Germany, Italy, Austria, Romania, Slovakia
Major Commodities: machinery, electrical equipment, vehicles, pharmaceuticals

Imports: $150.6 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: Germany, China, Netherlands, Italy, Austria
Major Commodities: machinery, vehicles, fuels, foodstuffs, electrical equipment

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $33.9 billion (December 2022)
Gold Reserves: 3.1 million ounces (February 2023)

  • GDP (Current US$):$160,967,157,504. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 23.00%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 37.90%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.18. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $2.62. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 3.40%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Hungarian(s)
Adjective: Hungarian

2. Ethnic Groups

Major ethnic groups:
– Hungarian (85.6%)
– Roma (3.2%)
– German (1.9%)
– Other (9.3%)

3. Religions

Religious affiliations:
– Roman Catholic (37.2%)
– Calvinist (11.6%)
– Lutheran (2.8%)
– Other (1.9%)
– None (18.2%)
– Unspecified (27.2%)

4. Age Structure

Age distribution:
– 0-14 years: 13.87%
– 15-64 years: 67.66%
– 65 years and over: 18.47%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 48.4
Youth dependency ratio: 20.5
Elderly dependency ratio: 27.9

6. Median Age

Median age: 42.1 years
Males: 40.1 years
Females: 44.1 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 26.4% of the population is obese
Alcohol consumption: 11.4 liters of pure alcohol consumed per capita annually
Tobacco use: 26.8% of adults are daily smokers

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 75.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99.1%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:9.6. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:16. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.54. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 76.8%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 6,999,582. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):29.00%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

1. Military and Security Forces

Hungary’s military is comprised of the Hungarian Defence Forces, which includes the following branches:

  • Hungarian Ground Forces: The Army, consisting of infantry, armor, artillery, air defense, and special operations units.
  • Hungarian Air Force: Responsible for air defense, transport, and reconnaissance operations.
  • Hungarian Logistics Support Command: Provides logistical and support services to the military.

The National Police is responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement.

2. Military Expenditures

Hungary’s military expenditures as a percentage of GDP:

  • 2017: 1.04%
  • 2018: 1.15%
  • 2019: 1.21%
  • 2020: 1.66%
  • 2021: 1.64%

Hungary ranks 54th globally in military spending.

3. Personnel Strengths

The total active-duty military personnel is approximately 27,000, with the following breakdown:

  • Hungarian Ground Forces: 16,500
  • Hungarian Air Force: 5,500
  • Other Services: 5,000

The National Police has around 40,000 personnel.

4. Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Hungary’s military equipment includes:

  • Main Battle Tanks: T-72M1, Leopard 2A4
  • Armored Personnel Carriers: BTR-80, FUG-70
  • Artillery: D-20 Howitzers, 2S1 Gvozdika
  • Fighter Aircraft: JAS-39 Gripen, Mi-24 Attack Helicopters

Notable future acquisitions include the purchase of Zrínyi 2026 armored vehicles and modernization of the Gripen fighter fleet.

5. Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Hungary is voluntary for both men and women between the ages of 18 and 40. There is no mandatory military conscription.

6. Military Deployments

Hungary currently has around 1,000 troops deployed overseas as part of various international missions, including:

7. Strategic Military Notes

Hungary’s defense strategy focuses on fulfilling its commitments to NATO and contributing to regional and global security efforts. As a member of NATO, Hungary is committed to collective defense and participates in various peacekeeping and stabilization operations.

Hungary also maintains close military partnerships with other NATO allies, particularly the United States, and participates in joint training exercises and defense initiatives.

  • Armed Forces Size: 27800. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 3.41
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 56.50%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

Leave a Comment