Bulgaria/Society

Society in Bulgaria

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
6.4M(2023)
Population Growth
-3%(2023)
Fertility Rate
1.81(2023)
Death Rate
15.7 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
+524(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
75.7 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
6.1 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
6 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure
7.7%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
98.4%(2021)
Primary Enrollment
86.4%(2017)
Secondary Enrollment
96.7%(2022)
Tertiary Enrollment
84.1(2022)
Education Expenditure
4.7%(2021)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
80.4%(2023)
Access to Electricity
100%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
99.1%(2022)
Urban Population
4.9M(2023)
Rural Population
1.5M(2023)

Current Social Overview of Bulgaria

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • Bulgaria has an estimated population of 6.4M
    2023
    . The country is confronting significant population decline, with a negative growth rate of -3.0%
    2023
    , posing long-term challenges for workforce sustainability and social security systems. A below-replacement fertility rate of 1.8 births per woman
    2023
    suggests gradual population aging and potential future workforce shortages. Net immigration is relatively minor, impacting the population by approximately 524 individuals annually (or 0.1 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    .
  • Regarding public health, the country maintains a reasonable health standard with a life expectancy of 75.7 years
    2023
    , though there is scope for further improvements to achieve higher global benchmarks. Concurrently, healthcare system effectiveness is further validated by favorable maternal and child health outcomes, reflected in a child mortality rate (under 5 years) of 6.1 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and a maternal mortality rate of 6 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    . These outcomes are supported by a moderate commitment to health system development, with 7.7% of GDP directed to healthcare expenditure
    2022
    .
  • The country boasts exceptional educational attainment with a near-universal adult literacy rate of 98%
    2021
    , establishing a robust foundation for a knowledge-based economy. Complementing this, educational access shows solid progress through 86% primary enrollment
    2017
    and 97% secondary participation rates
    2022
    . This educational framework is supported by moderate public support, with 4.7% of GDP allocated to public educational expenditure
    2021
    , reflecting a balanced approach to funding.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 77% urban population
    2023
    , supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, infrastructure development shows strong progress with 100% electricity access
    2023
    and 80% internet penetration
    2023
    , supporting ongoing modernization efforts and enhancing quality of life.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

Managing demographic trends is crucial for long-term economic planning and workforce stability.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

A highly educated populace positions the nation for success in the global knowledge economy. Keeping talent is a vital strength.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

A highly urbanized, digitally connected society creates a strong foundation for service-based industries and global market access.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.