The National Statistical Institute informs users of statistical information that the Issue 1 for 2022, of ‘Statistics’ Magazine is published on the NSI’s website. The publication is in Bulgarian with summaries in Bulgarian, English and Russian and includes the sections:
• Development of statistical theory and practice
• Statistical surveys and analysis
• The Bulgarian statistics in three centuries
• Information, reviews, consultations
- In memoriam of Prof. Dr. Vasil Tsanov - scientist, lecturer and friend - author Dr. Bogdan Bogdanov, Deputy Chairman of the National Statistical Institute - Sofia
A short text with memories of Prof. Dr. Vasil Tsanov, who died on February 24, 2022 at the age of 71. Sad news that came unexpectedly. The death of a friend is always painful and with the feeling of irretrievable loss.
The section Development of statistical theory and practice includes the article:
- Household Budget Survey in Bulgaria: analysis, problems, conclusions and development prospects - author Dr. Bogdan Bogdanov, Deputy Chairman of the National Statistical Institute - Sofia
The author of the article presents a brief historical background on the origin and implementation of the Household Budget Survey. The periods of its existence over the years are outlined. The main results of the survey are analyzed, with an emphasis on the years before and after accession to the European Union (2000 - 2020).
The article presents and comments on data from international comparisons (EU countries) of the structure of expenditures from the Household Budget Survey in the reference years 2005, 2010 and 2015. A comment was made on the survey data in the context of gross domestic product data for the period 2000 - 2020.
The presentation of the article also presents certain points related to the problems of the Household Budget Survey. First of all, these are problems with the replacements made in the period 2000 - 2020. The dynamics and nature of the replacements are analyzed.
The following lines of the article also present problematic points related to the new methodology for the official poverty line and income inequality of households. For the purposes of reflection and analysis, the articles of Prof. Dr. Vasil Tsanov and Prof. Dr. Stoyan Tsvetkov that cover the topics were used.
At the end of the article, proposals for changes in the methods of carrying out the Household Budget Survey at the near future are presented.
The section Statistical Surveys and Analysis includes the following articles:
- Discussion about the birth rate and the policy of the state towards it - author Prof. Marta Sugareva, ‘Paisii Hilendarski’ University of Plovdiv
This article is an attempt to comment on the birth rate policy in our country, conducted in the recent years and decades. Some incorrect statements in the National Strategy for Demographic Development of the Population in the Republic of Bulgaria (2012 - 2030) are indicated. Current trends and problems in the field of family and birth rate are outlined, which are still beyond the scope of research, and this directly affects the effectiveness of the public policy. The conclusion is that there is an urgent need for reforms in the field of demographic research, a sharp increase in the quality of this research, to create a better basis for informing the public and increase the quality and effectiveness of family and birth rate policy.
- Study of the dynamics of expenditures for the education sector in Bulgaria for the period 2000 - 2020 - author Tsvetelina Dimitrova, Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’
The survey of education expenditures aims to assess how education is financed in Bulgaria, what is the amount of funds allocated to the sector and from what sources, as well as whether different ways of funding lead to improved quality and access to education in country, or vice versa. It is also interesting to note whether, at some levels of education, private funding does not replace public funding, whether there is no overfunding of certain activities, and whether public spending on the sector is comparable to the EU average.
JEL classification: A2; H52; I22; I23; I25; I26
- Conducting and key results (preliminary) of the Census of agricultural holdings in the Republic of Bulgaria in 2020 - author Diana Atanassova, Ministry of Agriculture
The publication is dedicated to the census of agricultural holdings in the Republic of Bulgaria, conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture from September 1 to December 18, 2020. A brief overview of the preparation of the census was made - preparation of a list of agricultural holdings, statistical questionnaire, instructions, and documents for the participants in the census, as well as the pilot census, conducted exactly one year before the actual census. The training of the participants in the census, the media campaign, the creation of an electronic questionnaire are briefly discussed. The census was observed - the online entry of data in the information system for agrostatistics, defining the location of agricultural holdings, data collection and control. The main preliminary results of the census concerning the structure of agricultural holdings, data on crop and livestock production, labour force, type and economic size of agricultural holdings are presented. At the end of the publication conclusions from the census of agricultural holdings are pointed out.
The section The Bulgarian Statistics in three centuries includes the article:
- Kiril Gatev, Professor, Doctor of Economics - person, scientist, teacher, manager - author Nedka Gateva, International Business School
In Memoriam: Kiril Gatev (1926 - 2017)
This is a story about the life of a man dedicated to statistics. This is a story about a country boy who took the difficult path of learning to reach the high peak of scientific knowledge and leave a mark for generations. If there was a ‘Hall of Fame’ of Bulgarian scientists from the 20th century, he would have a well-deserved place in it, as well as many others whose lives and work leave a mark - his teachers, colleagues and students. Their work must be continued with the same dignity and scientific honour.
The section Information, reviews, consultations presents the information:
- At the dawn of demographic statistics in the principality of Bulgaria, 1880 - 1881 - author Sonia Zlatanova, National statistical institute - Sofia
On September 6, 1880, the Fifth Department of the Ministry of Finance submitted a report to its Minister demanding the introduction of statistics on population movements in Bulgaria, the clergy were tasked with preserving the ‘metric’ books.
In the autumn of the same year, these ordinances were reviewed by the National Assembly and received the status of the Law on the Survey of Births, Marriages and Deaths of December 10, 1880. According to this law, the registers are the following: register of births, register of marriages and register of deaths. The keeping of these registers is entrusted to the spiritual representatives of each parish. Supervision over the proper keeping of the registers is entrusted to the district chief, each superior and state official, especially to the school and financial inspectors. The Ministry of Finance may also send special inspectors from the statistical office for supervision.
The digital collection ‘Demographic Statistics’ for the period 1881 - 2021 is available online in the digital library of the National Statistical Institute. The collection consists of over 60 000 digital pages.
