Budapest is the capital city of Hungary, located in Central Europe. It lies along the banks of the Danube River, which splits the city into two parts: Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank. Geographically, Budapest is situated approximately at 47.5° N latitude and 19° E longitude. It is the political, economic, and cultural center of Hungary and one of the major cities in Central and Eastern Europe. The city was formed in 1873 by the unification of three towns: Buda, Pest, and Óbuda. Budapest is also recognized for its rich history, architectural heritage, and its role as a significant hub in the region.