Which country/region are the most similar to Hungary?

[Varda]

Geographically, Northern Serbia.

Culturally, no idea, Hungary is pretty distinct. Maybe Slovakia is the closest.

Indeed.

[Blondie]

If Serbia, I think only Voivodina (since was part of the historical Hungary), but overall no. The most parts of Serbia are too Balkanic.

Also, why Austria and Slovenia are the least similar neighbourhoods of us?

Austria and Slovenia were never part of Hungary, the austrian political system was always very different, Austria is the only western neighbour, do you think hungarians are westernes? You will see huge differences if you cross the austrian-hungarian border. How do settlements look like, how the peloples behave etc. Austria is definitely the most different from Hungary.
Slovaks and hungarians lived together for 1000 years, they are similar in many way. I think i dont need to explain it.
Serbs are similar to hungarians in modern sense, not historically. Both country are black sheeps of Europe, they have similar policy, both country has siginificant ethnic minority outside of Serbia and Hungary, both are very militarist/patriotic nation, both country had its own "trianon", the hungarian happened in 1920, the serbian happened in 90' years when millions of serb became outside of Serbia.

[Blondie]

None is very similar due to the peculiar mix Hungarians have. Eastern Hungarians have significant overlap with Romanians, southern with SW Slavs (Catholic and Orthodox), northern with Slovaks. Overall they also have a German influence (from "Swabians") and an extra Uralo-Aryo-Turanid element from Old Hungarians that doesn't exist among their neighbours. Latter makes Hungarians distinct:

- uralic element is similar to the one found among Estonians
- turanid element is similar to some Southern Ukrainians (a robust "steppe" turanid not common in Romanians)
- aryan element is similar to ancient Scythians (the proto-"Nordic" element visible in some Russians, Chechens)

I think hungarians look very similar, there is not much difference between eastern or western hungarians. But in Budapest the locals had much more german and jewish ancestry. I would say budapesters are very similar to Prag or Wien in looking.

[Atlantic Reptilian]

- aryan element is similar to ancient Scythians (the proto-"Nordic" element visible in some Russians, Chechens)

But isn't proto-nordid proto-Slavic? The scythians were ancient eastern Iranian.

[aherne]

But isn't proto-nordid proto-Slavic? The scythians were ancient eastern Iranian.

Scythians were a lot more Aryan than Slavs. Slavs bear a strong influence from people that lived in the forests of Central-Eastern Europe (contributors of Baltid and Pontid, both elements spread by Slavs too). You could have passed as one, if person in picture is you... Among Scythians there was no pontid, only a very robust CM-Corded blend

[Atlantic Reptilian]

Scythians were a lot more Aryan than Slavs. Slavs bear a strong influence from people that lived in the forests of Central-Eastern Europe (contributors of Baltid and Pontid, both elements spread by Slavs too). You could have passed as one, if person in picture is you... Among Scythians there was no pontid, only a very robust CM-Corded blend

I don't know if I believe that. It cannot be that easily generalized. Even the haplogroups of different ancient cultures varied.

[Todesritter]

I would also lean more towards Serbia in cultural character; Hungarians are very patriotic compared to their neighbours and something of a black sheep, having a history of more independence/a more forward and decisive role in larger landmasses and the geopolitical systems they were part of in the past, and before that a history of Ottoman conquest. Although Hungary is more central European, out of the V4 it has the most "balkan" character, most of its northern and western neighbours are more reserved. Hungary feels less carefully trimmed, more vivacious culturally (I'm not going to do the mean thing and comment on the state of its roads here). But it's an unique monolith within Europe, so it's hard to compare.

[Jana]

Landscapes: Vojvodina (northern Serbia)
People and culture: Slovakia
Politically: Serbia
Genetically: Slovenia

Mentality: unique, but there are things they share with Germans (not necessarily with Austrians though, like being pretty culturally refined yet sexualy liberal, emancipated women), Serbs (very proud of own culture and history, Imperial, quite confident and macho for central Euro standards) and to lesser extent Croats (love of romanticised past, cult of knighthood and honor)

[Jana]

Economically it's interesting question, overall probably closest to Croatia and Romania but I'm not sure, input from Hungarian members would be interesting.

[Jana]

both had its own "trianon", the hungarian happened in 1920, the serbian happened in 90' years when millions of serb became outside of Serbia.

It's not comparable though. Except Kosovo, Serbia didn't lose anything as territories that were inhabited by Serbs were not historically part of Serbia.
Hungary on the other hand lost it's territories but held large amount of lands where other ethnic groups were majority.

I do see some similarities between Magyars and Serbs though. They are pretty interesting. Despite Hungary is central European and Serbia Balkanic.

Hungarians are kind of cenral European version of Serbs in a way. They are notably warmer, friendlier and more temperamental than other central Euros and I find Magyar men surprisingly confident and macho (Serbs have similar reputation).

Both countries have a certain bad boy image and kitschy grandeur and imperialistic mindset, as well as being quzite agressively nationalistic.

Both eat very well. Both are way more nationalistic than traditional or religious. Both are bit sexually "loose". Both capitals have amazing nightlife. Both have that Gypsy flair in musical influences.

There is a difference though, with Hungarians having other, gloomy and fatalistic side and Serbs being lot more extravert and practial, but overall, quite an interesting and under the radar connection.