What countries border Hungary?

Published: July 25 2023

Hungary, a landlocked country located in Central Europe, shares its borders with seven countries. These countries are Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia.

With a border length of approximately 366 kilometers, Austria lies to the west of Hungary. This boundary is largely defined by the Leitha River. Austria and Hungary have a long-shared history, most significantly being part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire before its dissolution in 1918.

Slovakia, located to the north of Hungary, shares a border spanning about 627 kilometers. The Danube River runs along a significant portion of this boundary. The relationship between the two countries is marked by shared history and frequent cultural exchanges.

On the northeast, Hungary is bordered by Ukraine with a relatively short boundary, approximately 103 kilometers long. This border area is primarily rural, with few major transportation routes.

The longest border Hungary shares is with Romania, stretching about 443 kilometers to the east. The relationship between Hungary and Romania has been influenced by the history of Transylvania, a region that is now part of Romania but has been historically tied to Hungary.

South of Hungary lies Serbia, with a shared border of about 151 kilometers long. The border chiefly follows the course of the Danube and Tisza Rivers. Hungary and Serbia have had close relations for centuries, with many ethnic Hungarians living in Serbia, particularly in the Vojvodina region.

Situated to the southwest, Croatia shares a 348-kilometer border with Hungary. The Drava River largely defines this border. Croatia and Hungary have close political, economic, and cultural ties.

Finally, with the shortest border among all, Slovenia shares approximately 102 kilometers of boundary with Hungary to the west. This border region is primarily hilly and forested, reflecting the larger topography of Slovenia.

Hungary's geographic location has shaped its history and relations with its neighbors. Even today, these borders play an important role in Hungary's foreign relations and policy decisions.