The statistics office records the numbers of Hungarians moving abroad based on reports, which means that the actual numbers are higher, Világgazdaság noted.

The majority of Hungarians leaving the country are from the younger generation, as 45% are under the age of 30, while almost three-quarters are below the age of 40. Világgazdaság noted that the age of people leaving the country is “well below” the average age in Hungary.

Last year, Hungarians living and working abroad for more than one year sent home approximately EUR 3 billion, an annual figure which has tripled since 2011.

Világgazdaság noted that due to both emigration and the death rate continuing to surpass live births, Hungary’s population is on a natural decrease.

According to the most recent figures from the KSH, Hungary’s natural decrease rose sharply in January, due to slightly fewer births and the mortality rate rising sharply.