Population of Hungary has been declining steadily since 2001. According to figures of 2012, the total population of Hungary is 9,957,731. Bringing the population decrease to a halt is a primary government objective. The age pyramid depicts an aging population, with 16.9% in the 65+ age group.

In terms of ethnic composition, the vast majority of the population are Hungarian, but the peoples from neighbouring countries and those that settled in Hungary during previous centuries have strong minority representation. Close to 20% of Hungarians live in Budapest and its suburbs. This concentration is mostly due to the capital’s primary role in the country’s higher education, public administration and economy, as well as the traffic infrastructure. In addition to the high concentration in Budapest, the number of people living in large and mid-size towns is also significant, and migration from small towns is typical.