Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Bulgaria
Republic of Bulgaria
CapitalSofia
Population6,433,302
GDP$130.8bn
Area110,994 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
The Bulgars, a Central Asian Turkic tribe, merged with the local Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first Bulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the end of the 14th century, the Ottoman Turks overran the country. Northern Bulgaria attained autonomy in 1878, and all of Bulgaria became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1908. Having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, Bulgaria fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first multiparty election since World War II and began the contentious process of moving toward political democracy and a market economy while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption, and crime. The country joined NATO in 2004, the EU in 2007, and the Schengen Area for air and sea travel in 2024.
Reference: 2024, 2007, 2004, 1990Geography
Location
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey
Map references
Europe
Area
total: 110,879 sq km
land: 108,489 sq km
water: 2,390 sq km
land: 108,489 sq km
water: 2,390 sq km
Area - comparative
almost identical in size to Virginia; slightly larger than Tennessee
Land boundaries
total: 1,806 km
border countries: Greece 472 km; Macedonia 162 km; Romania 605 km; Serbia 344 km; Turkey 223 km
border countries: Greece 472 km; Macedonia 162 km; Romania 605 km; Serbia 344 km; Turkey 223 km
Coastline
354 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate
temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers
Terrain
mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast
Elevation
highest point: Musala 2,925 m
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 472 m
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 472 m
Natural resources
bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land
Land use
agricultural land: 46.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 32.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 12.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 36.2% (2023 est.)
other: 17.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 32.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 12.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 36.2% (2023 est.)
other: 17.7% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
929 sq km (2016)
Reference: 2016Major rivers (by length in km)
Dunav (Danube) (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)
Population distribution
a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger populations
Natural hazards
earthquakes; landslides
Geography - note
strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Bulgarian(s)
adjective: Bulgarian
adjective: Bulgarian
Ethnic groups
Bulgarian 78.5%, Turkish 7.8%, Roma 4.1%, other 1.2%, unspecified 9.4% (2021 est.)
note: note: Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 9–11% of Bulgaria's population
Reference: 2021note: note: Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 9–11% of Bulgaria's population
Languages
Languages: Bulgarian (official) 77.3%, Turkish 7.9%, Romani 3.5%, other 1%, unspecified 10.4% (2021 est.)
major-language sample(s): Светoвен Алманах, незаменимият източник за основна информация. (Bulgarian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Reference: 2021major-language sample(s): Светoвен Алманах, незаменимият източник за основна информация. (Bulgarian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Christian 64.7%, Muslim 9.8%, other 0.1%, none 4.7%, unspecified 20.7% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Age structure
0-14 years: 13.8% (male 479,586/female 453,423)
15-64 years: 65.2% (male 2,250,962/female 2,171,279)
65 years and over: 21% (2024 est.) (male 572,943/female 854,466)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 65.2% (male 2,250,962/female 2,171,279)
65 years and over: 21% (2024 est.) (male 572,943/female 854,466)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 53.4 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 21.1 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.3 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 21.1 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.3 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 45.1 years (2024 est.)
male: 43.3 years
female: 47 years
Reference: 2024male: 43.3 years
female: 47 years
Population growth rate
-0.66% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
7.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
14.2 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger populations
Major urban areas - population
1.288 million SOFIA (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
26.4 years (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Maternal mortality ratio
6 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.73 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 97.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 2.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 97.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 2.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.6% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
4.33 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
7.8 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
25% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 11.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 4.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.96 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 4.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.96 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 33.1% (2025 est.)
male: 36.2% (2025 est.)
female: 30.3% (2025 est.)
male: 36.2% (2025 est.)
female: 30.3% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
1.6% (2014)
Reference: 2014Currently married women (ages 15-49)
57.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 114,728 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 862 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 862 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Rumen Radev | — | 2026-05-08 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Iliana Iotova | — | 2026-01-23 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Bulgaria
conventional short form: Bulgaria
local long form: Republika Bulgaria
local short form: Bulgaria
former: Kingdom of Bulgaria, People's Republic of Bulgaria
etymology: named after the Bulgar tribes who settled the lower Balkan region in the 7th century A.D.; the tribal name may come from the Turkic word bulga, or "mixed," referring to the blend of Turkic and Slavic ethnicities in the tribes
conventional short form: Bulgaria
local long form: Republika Bulgaria
local short form: Bulgaria
former: Kingdom of Bulgaria, People's Republic of Bulgaria
etymology: named after the Bulgar tribes who settled the lower Balkan region in the 7th century A.D.; the tribal name may come from the Turkic word bulga, or "mixed," referring to the blend of Turkic and Slavic ethnicities in the tribes
Capital
name: Sofia
geographic coordinates: 42 41 N, 23 19 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: named after the Church of Saint Sofia in the city, parts of which may date to the 4th century
geographic coordinates: 42 41 N, 23 19 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: named after the Church of Saint Sofia in the city, parts of which may date to the 4th century
Administrative divisions
28 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Dobrich, Gabrovo, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Sofia-Grad (Sofia City), Stara Zagora, Targovishte, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Yambol
Legal system
civil law
Constitution
history: several previous; latest drafted between late 1990 and early 1991, adopted 13 July 1991
amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly or by the president of the republic; passage requires three-fourths majority vote of National Assembly members in three ballots; signed by the National Assembly chairperson; note - under special circumstances, a "Grand National Assembly" is elected with the authority to write a new constitution and amend certain articles of the constitution, including those affecting basic civil rights and national sovereignty; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote in each of several readings
Reference: 1991, 1990amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly or by the president of the republic; passage requires three-fourths majority vote of National Assembly members in three ballots; signed by the National Assembly chairperson; note - under special circumstances, a "Grand National Assembly" is elected with the authority to write a new constitution and amend certain articles of the constitution, including those affecting basic civil rights and national sovereignty; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote in each of several readings
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Bulgaria
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Bulgaria
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Rumen RADEV (since 22 January 2017)
head of government: Prime Minister Rosen ZHELYAZKOV (since 16 January 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, elected by the National Assembly
election/appointment process: president and vice president elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister) elected by the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers nominated by the prime minister, elected by the National Assembly
most recent election date: 14 and 21 November 2021
election results: 2021: Rumen RADEV reelected president in second round; percent of vote in the first round - Rumen RADEV (independent) 49.4%, Anastas GERDZHIKOV (independent) 22.8%, Mustafa KARADAYI (DPS) 11.6%, Kostadin KOSTADINOV (Revival) 3.9%, Lozan PANOV (independent) 3.7%, other 8.6%; percent of vote in the second round - Rumen RADEV 66.7%, Anastas GERDZHIKOV 31.8%, neither 1.5%
2016: Rumen RADEV elected president in second round; percent of vote - Rumen RADEV (independent, supported by Bulgarian Socialist Party) 59.4%, Tsetska TSACHEVA (GERB) 36.2%, neither 4.5%
expected date of next election: fall 2026
Reference: 2026, 2025, 2021, 2017head of government: Prime Minister Rosen ZHELYAZKOV (since 16 January 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, elected by the National Assembly
election/appointment process: president and vice president elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister) elected by the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers nominated by the prime minister, elected by the National Assembly
most recent election date: 14 and 21 November 2021
election results: 2021: Rumen RADEV reelected president in second round; percent of vote in the first round - Rumen RADEV (independent) 49.4%, Anastas GERDZHIKOV (independent) 22.8%, Mustafa KARADAYI (DPS) 11.6%, Kostadin KOSTADINOV (Revival) 3.9%, Lozan PANOV (independent) 3.7%, other 8.6%; percent of vote in the second round - Rumen RADEV 66.7%, Anastas GERDZHIKOV 31.8%, neither 1.5%
2016: Rumen RADEV elected president in second round; percent of vote - Rumen RADEV (independent, supported by Bulgarian Socialist Party) 59.4%, Tsetska TSACHEVA (GERB) 36.2%, neither 4.5%
expected date of next election: fall 2026
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Assembly (Narodno sabranie)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 240 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 10/27/2024
parties elected and seats per party: Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria Party (GERB) - Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) (66); We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (36); Revival (Vuzrazhdane) (33); Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) - New Beginning (29); Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) - United Left (19); Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (APS) (19); There is Such a People (PP-ITN) (17); Other (21)
percentage of women in chamber: 25%
expected date of next election: October 2028
Reference: 2028, 2024legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 240 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 10/27/2024
parties elected and seats per party: Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria Party (GERB) - Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) (66); We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (36); Revival (Vuzrazhdane) (33); Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) - New Beginning (29); Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) - United Left (19); Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (APS) (19); There is Such a People (PP-ITN) (17); Other (21)
percentage of women in chamber: 25%
expected date of next election: October 2028
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Cassation consists of a chairman and approximately 72 judges organized into penal, civil, and commercial colleges; Supreme Administrative Court is organized into 2 colleges with various panels of 5 judges each; Constitutional Court consists of 12 justices) and resides outside the judiciary
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Cassation and Supreme Administrative judges elected by the Supreme Judicial Council or SJC (consists of 25 members with extensive legal experience) and appointed by the president; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 65; Constitutional Court justices elected by the National Assembly and appointed by the president and the SJC; justices appointed for 9-year terms with renewal of 4 justices every 3 years
subordinate courts: appeals courts; regional and district courts; administrative courts; courts martial
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Cassation and Supreme Administrative judges elected by the Supreme Judicial Council or SJC (consists of 25 members with extensive legal experience) and appointed by the president; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 65; Constitutional Court justices elected by the National Assembly and appointed by the president and the SJC; justices appointed for 9-year terms with renewal of 4 justices every 3 years
subordinate courts: appeals courts; regional and district courts; administrative courts; courts martial
Political parties
BSP for Bulgaria (electoral alliance of BSP, PKT, Ecoglasnost)
Bulgarian Rise or BV
Bulgarian Socialist Party or BSP
Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria or GERB (alliance with SDS)
Democratic Bulgaria or DB (electoral alliance of Yes! Bulgaria, DSB, and The Greens)
Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria or DSB
Ecoglasnost
Green Movement or The Greens
Movement for Rights and Freedoms or DPS
Political Club Thrace or PKT
Revival
Stand Up.BG or IS.BG
There is Such a People or ITN
Union of Democratic Forces or SDS (alliance with GERB)
Yes! Bulgaria
We Continue the Change or PP
We Continue the Change and Democratic Bulgaria or PP-DB (electoral alliance of PP, DB, Yes! Bulgaria)
Bulgarian Rise or BV
Bulgarian Socialist Party or BSP
Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria or GERB (alliance with SDS)
Democratic Bulgaria or DB (electoral alliance of Yes! Bulgaria, DSB, and The Greens)
Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria or DSB
Ecoglasnost
Green Movement or The Greens
Movement for Rights and Freedoms or DPS
Political Club Thrace or PKT
Revival
Stand Up.BG or IS.BG
There is Such a People or ITN
Union of Democratic Forces or SDS (alliance with GERB)
Yes! Bulgaria
We Continue the Change or PP
We Continue the Change and Democratic Bulgaria or PP-DB (electoral alliance of PP, DB, Yes! Bulgaria)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Stefka YOVCHEVA (since 7 May 2025)
chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387 5770
FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973
email address and website: office@bulgaria-embassy.org
https://www.bulgaria-embassy.org/en/homepage/
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York
chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387 5770
FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973
email address and website: office@bulgaria-embassy.org
https://www.bulgaria-embassy.org/en/homepage/
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires H. Martin McDOWELL (since May 2025)
embassy: 16, Kozyak Street, Sofia 1408
mailing address: 5740 Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740
telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100
FAX: [359] (2) 937-5209
email address and website: acs_sofia@state.gov
https://bg.usembassy.gov/
embassy: 16, Kozyak Street, Sofia 1408
mailing address: 5740 Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740
telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100
FAX: [359] (2) 937-5209
email address and website: acs_sofia@state.gov
https://bg.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EU, FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Independence
3 March 1878 (as an autonomous principality within the Ottoman Empire); 22 September 1908 (complete independence from the Ottoman Empire)
Reference: 1908National holiday
Liberation Day, 3 March (1878)
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red
meaning: white stands for peace, love, and freedom; green for the country's agricultural wealth; red for the independence struggle and military courage
history: originally adopted in 1879 as a modified version of the Russian tricolor flag, using green instead of blue; the communist coat of arms was added to the flag in various forms between 1948 and 1990, when it was removed after the communist government collapsed
Reference: 1990, 1948meaning: white stands for peace, love, and freedom; green for the country's agricultural wealth; red for the independence struggle and military courage
history: originally adopted in 1879 as a modified version of the Russian tricolor flag, using green instead of blue; the communist coat of arms was added to the flag in various forms between 1948 and 1990, when it was removed after the communist government collapsed
National symbol(s)
lion
National color(s)
white, green, red
National coat of arms
Bulgaria’s coat of arms in the national colors of white, green, and red was adopted in 1997; the three lions are a national symbol for strength, courage, and leadership that was used during the country’s liberation movement in the 1870s and the kingdom period in the early 20th century; above the shield is the crown of Bulgaria (originally the crown of the medieval Bulgarian tsars) with a gold cross on top; a white scroll over the oak branches bears the Bulgarian national motto, “United we stand strong”
Reference: 1997National anthem(s)
title: “Mila Rodino” (Dear Homeland)
lyrics/music: Tsvetan RADOSLAVOV
history: adopted 1964; composed in 1885 by a student en route to fight in the Serbo-Bulgarian War
Reference: 1964lyrics/music: Tsvetan RADOSLAVOV
history: adopted 1964; composed in 1885 by a student en route to fight in the Serbo-Bulgarian War
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 10 (7 cultural, 3 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Boyana Church (c); Madara Rider (c); Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (c); Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo (c); Rila Monastery (c); Ancient City of Nessebar (c); Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari (c); Srebarna Nature Reserve (n); Pirin National Park (n); Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians (n)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Boyana Church (c); Madara Rider (c); Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (c); Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo (c); Rila Monastery (c); Ancient City of Nessebar (c); Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari (c); Srebarna Nature Reserve (n); Pirin National Park (n); Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians (n)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assembly of Bulgaria | — | 240 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
upper-middle-income EU economy; currency pegged to the euro, with eurozone accession pending; declining energy prices helping lower inflation rate; EU structural funds contributing to investment recovery; skilled labor shortage driven by emigration and aging population
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $219.645 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $213.64 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $209.683 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $213.64 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $209.683 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $34,100 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $33,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $32,400 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $33,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $32,400 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 2.1% (2024 est.)
industry: 22.5% (2024 est.)
services: 62.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 22.5% (2024 est.)
services: 62.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 57.6% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 19.7% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 17.9% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 2.5% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 55.8% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -53.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 19.7% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 17.9% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 2.5% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 55.8% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -53.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
wheat, maize, sunflower seeds, barley, milk, rapeseed, grapes, potatoes, triticale, tomatoes (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
electricity, gas, water; food, beverages, tobacco; machinery and equipment, automotive parts, base metals, chemical products, coke, refined petroleum, nuclear fuel; outsourcing centers
Industrial production growth rate
1.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
3.124 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 12.1% (2024 est.)
male: 12.4% (2024 est.)
female: 11.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 12.4% (2024 est.)
female: 11.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
20.6% (2022 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2022note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 38.2 (2022 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2022note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 20.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 4.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 4.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.1% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 30.1% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2022highest 10%: 30.1% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 2.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 2.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 2.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $35.615 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $37.546 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $37.546 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 30.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
20.5% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$2.014 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$894.86 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.43 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$894.86 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.43 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $62.661 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $63.415 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $63.246 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $63.415 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $63.246 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 14%, Romania 11%, Italy 8%, Greece 6%, Turkey 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, garments, refined copper, wheat, natural gas (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $60.029 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $59.158 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $62.261 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $59.158 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $62.261 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Germany 12%, Turkey 8%, Romania 8%, Russia 7%, Italy 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, copper ore, cars, packaged medicine, electricity (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $43.698 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $46.334 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $40.989 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $46.334 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $40.989 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2022: $14.277 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2022note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: leva (BGN) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 1.808 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 1.809 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 1.86 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 1.654 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 1.716 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 1.808 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 1.809 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 1.86 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 1.654 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 1.716 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$2.014 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$894.86 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.43 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$894.86 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.43 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $62.661 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $63.415 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $63.246 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $63.415 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $63.246 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 14%, Romania 11%, Italy 8%, Greece 6%, Turkey 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, garments, refined copper, wheat, natural gas (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $60.029 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $59.158 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $62.261 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $59.158 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $62.261 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Germany 12%, Turkey 8%, Romania 8%, Russia 7%, Italy 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, copper ore, cars, packaged medicine, electricity (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 12.939 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 34.221 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 7.748 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 4.415 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.972 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 34.221 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 7.748 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 4.415 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.972 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 35.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear: 40.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 8.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 7.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 4.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023nuclear: 40.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 8.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 7.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 4.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors: 2 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 2.01GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 40.3% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 4 (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2023Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 2.01GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 40.3% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 4 (2025)
Coal
production: 20.97 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 20.557 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 1.091 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 753,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2.174 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 20.557 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 1.091 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 753,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2.174 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 4,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 101,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 15 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 101,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 15 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 10.444 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 2.607 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 2.75 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
imports: 2.544 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 5.663 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021, 2020consumption: 2.607 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 2.75 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
imports: 2.544 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 5.663 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 102.171 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 619,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 9 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 9 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
6 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.6% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
4.33 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
7.8 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
25% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 33.1% (2025 est.)
male: 36.2% (2025 est.)
female: 30.3% (2025 est.)
male: 36.2% (2025 est.)
female: 30.3% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Cassation consists of a chairman and approximately 72 judges organized into penal, civil, and commercial colleges; Supreme Administrative Court is organized into 2 colleges with various panels of 5 judges each; Constitutional Court consists of 12 justices) and resides outside the judiciary
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Cassation and Supreme Administrative judges elected by the Supreme Judicial Council or SJC (consists of 25 members with extensive legal experience) and appointed by the president; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 65; Constitutional Court justices elected by the National Assembly and appointed by the president and the SJC; justices appointed for 9-year terms with renewal of 4 justices every 3 years
subordinate courts: appeals courts; regional and district courts; administrative courts; courts martial
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Cassation and Supreme Administrative judges elected by the Supreme Judicial Council or SJC (consists of 25 members with extensive legal experience) and appointed by the president; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 65; Constitutional Court justices elected by the National Assembly and appointed by the president and the SJC; justices appointed for 9-year terms with renewal of 4 justices every 3 years
subordinate courts: appeals courts; regional and district courts; administrative courts; courts martial
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Bulgarian Armed Forces (aka Bulgarian Army): Land Forces, Air Force, Navy
Ministry of Interior: General Directorate National Police (GDNP), General Directorate Border Police (GDBP), Special Unit for Combating Terrorism (SOBT) (2025)
note: note 1: the Bulgarian military also has a Joint Special Operations Command, a Logistic Support Command, and a Communications and Information Support and Cyber Defence Command
note 2: the GDNP includes the Gendarmerie, a special police force with military status deployed to secure important facilities, buildings and infrastructure, respond to riots, and counter militant threats
Ministry of Interior: General Directorate National Police (GDNP), General Directorate Border Police (GDBP), Special Unit for Combating Terrorism (SOBT) (2025)
note: note 1: the Bulgarian military also has a Joint Special Operations Command, a Logistic Support Command, and a Communications and Information Support and Cyber Defence Command
note 2: the GDNP includes the Gendarmerie, a special police force with military status deployed to secure important facilities, buildings and infrastructure, respond to riots, and counter militant threats
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2025: 2.1% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024: 2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022Military Expenditures 2024: 2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 27,000 active-duty Armed Forces (17,000 Army; 3,000 Navy; 7,000 Air Force) (2024)
note: note: in 2021, Bulgaria released a 10-year defense plan which called for an active military strength of 43,000
Reference: 2024, 2021note: note: in 2021, Bulgaria released a 10-year defense plan which called for an active military strength of 43,000
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory consists largely of Soviet-era equipment, although in recent years Bulgaria has procured some more modern Western weapons systems in an effort to modernize and achieve NATO interoperability (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-40 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription ended in 2007; service obligation 6-9 months (2023)
note: note 1: in 2021, women comprised about 17% of the Bulgarian military's full-time personnel
note 2: in 2020, Bulgaria announced a program to allow every citizen up to the age of 40 to join the armed forces for 6 months of military service in the voluntary reserve
Reference: 2023, 2021, 2020, 2007note: note 1: in 2021, women comprised about 17% of the Bulgarian military's full-time personnel
note 2: in 2020, Bulgaria announced a program to allow every citizen up to the age of 40 to join the armed forces for 6 months of military service in the voluntary reserve
Military deployments
160 Kosovo (NATO/KFOR) (2025)
Military - note
the Bulgarian military is responsible for guaranteeing Bulgaria’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, providing support to international peace and security missions, and contributing to national security in peacetime, including such missions as responding to disasters or assisting with border security; the military trains regularly including in multinational exercises with regional partners and with NATO since Bulgaria joined the organization in 2004; it also participates in overseas peacekeeping and other security missions under the EU, NATO, and the UN; in 2022, Bulgaria established and began leading a NATO multinational battlegroup as part of an effort to boost NATO defenses in Eastern Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; in 2021, Bulgaria approved a 10-year defense development program, which included calls for equipment upgrades and procurements, boosts in manpower, organizational reforms, and greater focus on such areas as cyber defense, communications, logistics support, and research and development
the Bulgarian military has participated in several significant conflicts since its establishment in 1878, including the Serbo-Bulgarian War (1885), the First Balkan War (1912-13), the Second Balkan War (1913), World War I (1915-1918), and World War II (1941-45); during the Cold War it was one of the Warsaw Pact’s largest militaries with over 150,000 personnel and more than 200 Soviet-made combat aircraft (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2022, 2021, 2004the Bulgarian military has participated in several significant conflicts since its establishment in 1878, including the Serbo-Bulgarian War (1885), the First Balkan War (1912-13), the Second Balkan War (1913), World War I (1915-1918), and World War II (1941-45); during the Cold War it was one of the Warsaw Pact’s largest militaries with over 150,000 personnel and more than 200 Soviet-made combat aircraft (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Stefka YOVCHEVA (since 7 May 2025)
chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387 5770
FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973
email address and website: office@bulgaria-embassy.org
https://www.bulgaria-embassy.org/en/homepage/
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York
chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387 5770
FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973
email address and website: office@bulgaria-embassy.org
https://www.bulgaria-embassy.org/en/homepage/
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires H. Martin McDOWELL (since May 2025)
embassy: 16, Kozyak Street, Sofia 1408
mailing address: 5740 Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740
telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100
FAX: [359] (2) 937-5209
email address and website: acs_sofia@state.gov
https://bg.usembassy.gov/
embassy: 16, Kozyak Street, Sofia 1408
mailing address: 5740 Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740
telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100
FAX: [359] (2) 937-5209
email address and website: acs_sofia@state.gov
https://bg.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EU, FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1973-06-25 |
| European Union (EU) | member | 2007-01-01 |
| NATO (NATO) | member | 2004-03-29 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1955-12-14 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1996-12-01 |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EU, FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 114,728 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 862 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 862 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/Qods Force
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
LZ
Airports
107 (2025)
Heliports
8 (2025)
Railways
total: 4,029 km (2020) 2,871 km electrified
Reference: 2020Merchant marine
total: 78 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 13, oil tanker 8, other 55
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 13, oil tanker 8, other 55
Ports
total ports: 2 (2024)
large: 1
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 2
key ports: Burgas, Varna
Reference: 2024large: 1
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 2
key ports: Burgas, Varna
Environment
Environmental issues
air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted from raw sewage, heavy metals, detergents; deforestation; forest damage from air pollution and acid rain; soil contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and industrial wastes
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers
Land use
agricultural land: 46.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 32.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 12.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 36.2% (2023 est.)
other: 17.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 32.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 12.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 36.2% (2023 est.)
other: 17.7% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 76.7% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: -0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: -0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 33.465 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 14.486 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 13.958 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 5.021 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 14.486 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 13.958 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 5.021 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
18.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.859 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 29.8% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 29.8% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 838 million cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 3.879 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 726.434 million cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 3.879 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 726.434 million cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
21.3 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 619,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 9 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 9 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
4 national terrestrial TV stations with 1 state-owned and 3 privately owned; a vast array of TV stations are available from cable and satellite TV providers; state-owned national radio broadcasts over 3 networks; large number of private radio stations, especially in urban areas
Internet country code
.bg
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 6,894,139 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 6,803,468 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 6,710,798 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 6,616,726 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 6,550,696 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 6,507,301 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 6,465,097 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 6,446,596 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 6,441,421 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 6,433,302 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $53,932,152,154 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $59,170,671,046 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $66,100,606,677 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $68,511,235,459 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $70,490,478,088 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $84,378,926,047 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $90,510,784,778 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $102,204,457,335 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $113,349,149,167 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $130,777,235,530 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 184,363 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 299,100 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 597,707 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 661,065 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 707,846 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 808,373 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 926,056 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 1,030,383 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 1,178,732 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 1,252,234 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -9,482 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -6,109 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -3,873 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -2,156 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 30,167 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 11,756 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 26,498 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 5,173 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 524 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -2,961 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,433,302 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 6,667,660 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 6,423,207 | 2025 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 299,100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 4.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 1,252,234 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -2,961 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 533 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 290 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.754 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 0.288 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.050 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.125 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.105 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.027 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | -0.250 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1968; equal age of consent since 2002; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 1991 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Forbids discrimination based on gender identity. No Transgender people are not allowed to change gender since 2017. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $130,777,235,530 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $20,328 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 3.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 4.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 3.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 75.8 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.7 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 74.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 82.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 50.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 51.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 102.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 98.3% | 2011 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 94.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 4.5% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 5,361 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 20.4% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 7.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 4.6 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 36.2% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 118.1 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 37.0 per 100 | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 50,751 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 42.7105° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 23.3238° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 42.7500° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 25.5000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | parliamentary republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- Source: Eurostat (dataset/datacode: demo_pjan) Accessed September 19, 2026. Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:13