In 2024, Hungary has a population of about 9.6 million people. Around 2005, the population was over 10 million. The population density is about 103 people per square kilometer, with the population slowly decreasing somewhat due to low birth rates and emigration.

Largest Cities in Hungary

Budapest (capital)

Population: ~1.7 million
Area: 525 km²
Overview: Budapest is the largest city in Hungary and the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. It is known for its impressive architecture, thermal springs, and the wide Danube River, which divides Budapest into the districts of Buda and Pest.

Debrecen
Population: ~200,000
Area: 461 km²
Overview: Located in eastern Hungary, Debrecen is the country’s second largest city. It is an important cultural and academic center and is home to one of Hungary’s oldest universities. The city is also known for its festivals and historical significance.

Szeged
Population: ~160,000
Area: 280 km²
Overview: Szeged is located in southern Hungary near the Serbian border. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including the Szeged Open-Air Festival and famous paprika production.

Miskolc
Population: ~150,000
Area: 236 km²
Overview: Located in the northeast of the country, Miskolc is an industrial center with a rich historical and cultural heritage. The city is also close to natural attractions such as the Bükk and Lillafüred mountains.

Pecs
Population: ~140,000
Area: 162 km²
Overview: Located in southern Hungary, Pécs is known for its multicultural history with Roman, Ottoman and Hungarian influences. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its early Christian necropolis.

Győr
Population: ~130,000
Area: 174 km²
Overview: Located in western Hungary, Győr is a major industrial and economic center near the Austrian and Slovakian borders. The city is known for its baroque architecture and the annual Győr Ballet Festival.

So there is only one really big city in Hungary, namely Budapest. All other cities are at least 8 times smaller.

Hungary is divided into regions, with the majority of the population concentrated in the urban areas, such as around Budapest. The rural areas are less densely populated, especially the Hungarian Plain (Alföld). The western and northern parts of the country tend to be more developed and prosperous compared to the eastern regions.

Boat tours on the Danube in Budapest are very popular among tourists. There are many different options. Some tourists take a simple 1-hour tour, others an exclusive dinner tour with a 4-course menu. Many of these tours on the Danube can be booked on the great German website Getyourguide. Link to book at Getyourguide

Regions of Hungary

Hungary has a total area of ​​93,030 km² and is divided into seven regions for statistical and administrative purposes.

Central Hungary (Budapest region)
Larger cities: Budapest
Features: Densely populated, highly urbanized and the most economically developed region.

Central Transdanubia
Larger cities: Székesfehérvár, Veszprém
Features: Industrial and economic center with important historical sites and proximity to Lake Balaton.

Western Transdanubia
Major cities: Győr, Sopron, Zalaegerszeg
Features: A region known for its strong economic ties with Austria and Germany and its beautiful landscapes.

Southern Transdanubia
Major cities: Pecs, Kaposvár
Features: A region with many cultural and historical sites and a focus on viticulture and agriculture.

Northern Hungary
Major cities: Miskolc, Eger
Features: Known for its mountains (Bükk and Mátra) and wine regions such as Tokaj, with a mix of industry and tourism.

Northern Great Plain
Major cities: Debrecen, Nyíregyháza
Features: Mainly agricultural region, with some economic development around Debrecen.

Southern Great Plain
Larger cities: Szeged, Kecskemét

All of these regions have around 1 to 1.5 million inhabitants, only the Central Hungary region with Budapest has significantly more (around 3 million inhabitants).

In summary, Hungary’s population is concentrated in the urban centers, especially in Budapest, while the rural areas are characterized by low population density and a rather poor, agricultural economy. Each region has its own identity, shaped by historical, cultural and geographical factors.