Books in Hungary - statistics & facts
The revenue of the physical books market has been on the decline in Hungary in recent years, and this trend is projected to continue. In 2023, the market revenue of printed books totaled 98 million U.S. dollars, and this figure is expected to decrease to 77 million U.S. dollars by 2029. On the other hand, e-books are still growing in popularity and are expected to generate increasing revenues. However, electronic books generated only three million U.S. dollars in revenues, and the expected increase is also minimal.
When it comes to book purchases, the majority of Hungarians stated that they bought physical copies on a yearly basis, while audiobooks and e-books were far less popular. Among people who bought books in 2023, purchasing five to 10 copies was the most common, while 17 percent of the respondents stated they purchased at least 11 books over the year.
Even though reading might not figure among the leading free time activities in Hungary, it is not likely that it will completely lose its significance in the near future. It is estimated that in 2027, there will be 1.4 million physical book readers, and approximately 0.7 million e-book readers in Hungary.
The number of bookstores halved
The retail sales value of books, news, and stationery products peaked in 2023 at nearly 225 billion forints, marking a 13 percent increase compared to the previous year. However, the number of bookstores has been on the decline in the country. Since 2010, more than half of the book shops have closed in Hungary, their number totaling approximately 800 in 2023.When it comes to book purchases, the majority of Hungarians stated that they bought physical copies on a yearly basis, while audiobooks and e-books were far less popular. Among people who bought books in 2023, purchasing five to 10 copies was the most common, while 17 percent of the respondents stated they purchased at least 11 books over the year.
What kind of books do Hungarians like to read?
In 2023, physical books were still the most common format in Hungary with 14 percent of adults reading them regularly, and another 28 percent doing so occasionally. When asked about their favorite genres, most Hungarians preferred entertaining literature, fiction, crime, and romance novels. A considerably lower share of readers preferred books on more serious topics or literature on self-development. Considering e-book genres, in 2022, romance novels accounted for nearly 20 percent of the books sold, with world literature and crime following behind.Even though reading might not figure among the leading free time activities in Hungary, it is not likely that it will completely lose its significance in the near future. It is estimated that in 2027, there will be 1.4 million physical book readers, and approximately 0.7 million e-book readers in Hungary.
