Country Profile: Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a southeastern European nation with a rich history, unique cultural heritage, and diverse geography characterized by mountainous regions and lowland areas. It has a population of approximately 6.78 million, predominantly Bulgarian, but also includes Turkish and Roma communities. The economy is classified as upper-middle-income and is heavily integrated into the European Union framework, with a focus on services, industry, and agriculture. Bulgaria's government operates as a parliamentary republic, with ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing democracy and economic stability.
Geography
Bulgaria is located in Southeastern Europe, bordered by the Black Sea, Romania, Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The country's geography features a combination of mountains, plains, and agricultural land, making it strategically significant for trade routes between Europe and Asia.
- Total Area: 110,879 sq km
- Land Boundaries: 1,806 km
- Coastline: 354 km
- Highest Point: Musala at 2,925 m
- Climate: Temperate, with cold winters and hot summers.
People and Society
The estimated population of Bulgaria is 6,782,659 (2024), with a fairly even distribution between urban and rural areas. The official language is Bulgarian, and the prevalent religions are Christianity and Islam. Bulgaria is experiencing a demographic challenge, with a declining population due to low birth rates and emigration.
- Population Growth Rate: -0.66% (2024)
- Life Expectancy: 76.1 years (2024)
- Urban Population: 76.7% of total population (2023)
- Median Age: 45.1 years (2024)
- Birth Rate: 7.9 births/1,000 population (2024)
Economy
Bulgaria's economy is classified as upper-middle-income and is characterized by a reliance on services (62.6%), followed by industry (22.5%) and agriculture (2.1%). The economy is pegged to the euro, with structural funds from the EU aiding recovery and development.
- Real GDP (PPP): $219.645 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP per capita: $34,100 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment Rate: 4.2% (2024)
- Inflation Rate: 2.4% (2024)
- Exports: $62.661 billion (2024 est.)
Government
Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic with a complex political structure. The National Assembly is unicameral, consisting of 240 members. The President serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. Bulgaria's legal system is based on civil law, and the country actively participates in international organizations.
- Capital: Sofia
- Independence: 3 March 1878 (as an autonomous principality)
- Current President: Rumen Radev (since January 2017)
- Most Recent Election: 14/21 November 2021
Military and Security
Bulgaria maintains a comprehensive military infrastructure and is a member of NATO. The country's military is primarily composed of land forces, air force, and navy, supplemented by civil security forces. Recent efforts focus on modernization and NATO interoperability.
- Active Military Personnel: 27,000 (2024)
- Military Expenditures: 2.2% of GDP (2024)
- Conscription: Ended in 2007
- Operational Nuclear Reactors: 2 (2025)
Energy
Bulgaria has a diverse energy sector that includes nuclear, fossil fuels, and renewable sources. The country has achieved full electrification, and its energy consumption is growing, largely driven by industrial needs.
- Electricity Access: 100% of the population (2022)
- Installed Generating Capacity: 12.939 million kW (2023)
- Consumption: 34.221 billion kWh (2023)
- Nuclear Energy Production: 40.3% of total electricity (2023)
Environment
Bulgaria faces various environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and waste management issues. However, it is committed to international environmental agreements aimed at tackling these problems.
- Forests: Cover 36.1% of land (2022)
- Waste Recycling Rate: 19% of municipal solid waste (2015)
- Total Water Withdrawal: 4.6 billion cubic meters (2020)
Transportation
The transportation network in Bulgaria includes a mix of air, road, rail, and maritime facilities, supporting both domestic and international travel.
- Airports: 107 (2025)
- Railways: 4,029 km (2020)
- Merchant Marine: 78 vessels (2023)
Communications
Bulgaria's communication infrastructure has seen significant advancements, with high mobile and internet penetration rates. The country offers various broadcast media options and maintains a robust digital landscape.
- Internet Users: 80% of the population (2023)
- Mobile Subscriptions: 8.01 million (2023)
- Fixed-Line Subscriptions: 619,000 (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,782,659 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 110,879 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $219.645 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 7.9 births/1,000 population | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 76.1 years | 2024 estimate |
| Military Expenditures | 2.2% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 100% | Total population (2022) |
| Total Energy Consumption Per Capita | 102.171 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Urban Population | 76.7% of total population | 2023 estimate |
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