Bulgaria
Republic of Bulgaria
Europe Sofia
Population
6.74M
Area
110,879 km²
GDP
$112.21B
GDP Per Capita
$34,100
Pop. Density
61/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
лвBulgarian lev(BGN)
Calling Code
+359
Timezone
UTC+02:00
Languages
Bulgarian
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Bulgarian
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.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑229.7% since 2006$34B (2006)$113B (2024)
Population
↓15.3% since 20067.6M (2006)6.4M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 75.7 years2006: 72.6 years2023: 75.7 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography19
Location
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey
Geographic coordinates
43 00 N, 25 00 E
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.)
Irrigated land
929 sq km (2016)
Major 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
People & Society34
Population
total: 6,737,997 (2025 est.)
male: 3,281,215
female: 3,456,782
male: 3,281,215
female: 3,456,782
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.)
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.
major-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.)
Age 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)
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)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 53.3 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 20.7 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.7 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 20.7 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.7 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 45.5 years (2025 est.)
male: 43.3 years
female: 47 years
male: 43.3 years
female: 47 years
Population growth rate
-0.66% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
7.88 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
14.18 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger populations
Urbanization
urban population: 76.7% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: -0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: -0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.288 million SOFIA (capital) (2023)
Sex 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.)
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.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
26.4 years (2020 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
6 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 7.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 8.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.6 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 8.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 76.1 years (2024 est.)
male: 72.9 years
female: 79.4 years
male: 72.9 years
female: 79.4 years
Total fertility rate
1.52 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.74 (2025 est.)
Drinking 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.)
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.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
4.33 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
7.8 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Sanitation 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.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
25% (2016)
Alcohol 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.)
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.)
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)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
56.6% (2023 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 4.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 12% national budget (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 12% national budget (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
Government24
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
Government type
parliamentary republic
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
National 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
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
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”
National 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
lyrics/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)
Economy32
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.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $213.64 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $209.683 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 2.8% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 1.9% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 4% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 1.9% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 4% (2022 est.)
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.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $33,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $32,400 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$112.212 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 2.4% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 9.4% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 15.3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 9.4% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 15.3% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 2.1% (2024 est.)
industry: 22.5% (2024 est.)
services: 62.6% (2024 est.)
industry: 22.5% (2024 est.)
services: 62.6% (2024 est.)
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.)
Agricultural products
wheat, maize, sunflower seeds, barley, milk, rapeseed, grapes, potatoes, triticale, tomatoes (2023)
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.)
Labor force
3.124 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 4.2% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 4.4% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 4.3% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 4.4% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 4.3% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 12.1% (2024 est.)
male: 12.4% (2024 est.)
female: 11.8% (2024 est.)
male: 12.4% (2024 est.)
female: 11.8% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
20.6% (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 38.2 (2022 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 20.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 4.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on 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.)
highest 10%: 30.1% (2022 est.)
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.)
Remittances 2023: 2.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $35.615 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $37.546 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $37.546 billion (2023 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 30.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
20.5% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
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.)
Current account balance 2023: -$894.86 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.43 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $62.661 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $63.415 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $63.246 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $63.415 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $63.246 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
Germany 14%, Romania 11%, Italy 8%, Greece 6%, Turkey 5% (2023)
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, garments, refined copper, wheat, natural gas (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $60.029 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $59.158 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $62.261 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $59.158 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $62.261 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
Germany 12%, Turkey 8%, Romania 8%, Russia 7%, Italy 6% (2023)
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, copper ore, cars, packaged medicine, electricity (2023)
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.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $46.334 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $40.989 billion (2022 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2022: $14.277 billion (2022 est.)
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.)
Energy8
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 100%
electrification - rural areas: 99.6%
electrification - urban areas: 100%
electrification - rural areas: 99.6%
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.)
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.)
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.)
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)
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)
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.)
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.)
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.)
refined 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.)
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.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 102.171 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 552,000 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 7.98 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 118 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 118 (2024 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
Internet users
percent of population: 80% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 2.45 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 36 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 36 (2023 est.)
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
LZ
Airports
107 (2025)
Heliports
8 (2025)
Railways
total: 4,029 km (2020) 2,871 km electrified
Merchant marine
total: 78 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 13, oil tanker 8, other 55
by 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
Military & Security7
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)
Ministry of Interior: General Directorate National Police (GDNP), General Directorate Border Police (GDBP), Special Unit for Combating Terrorism (SOBT) (2025)
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.)
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.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 28,000 active duty Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory consists largely of Soviet-era armaments, although in recent years Bulgaria has procured some more modern Western weapons systems in an effort to modernize and achieve NATO interoperability (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary service for men and women (2025)
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)
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)
Transnational Issues1
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 114,728 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 862 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 862 (2024 est.)