Statistical data

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the first quarter of 2019 the number of newly built residential buildings was 635 and the newly built dwellings in them were 2 453. Compared to the first quarter of 2018 the buildings were by 65 more (or by 11.4%) and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 918 or by 59.8%. 

In March 2019, 1 964 accommodation establishments - hotels, motels, camping sites, mountain chalets and other establishments for short-term accommodation with more than 10 bed-places were functioned in the country. The total number of the rooms in them was 57.4 thousand and the bed-places were 116.3 thousand. In comparison with March 2018, the total number of accommodation establishments (functioned during the period) increased by 1.1%, and the bed-places in them - by 1.2%.

The total number of the nights spent in all accommodation establishments registered in March 2019 was 873.8 thousand, or by 4.9% more in comparison with the same month of the previous year.

The total revenues from nights spent in March 2019 reached 48.7 million BGN or by 8.3% more compared to March 2018.

In April 2019, the total consumer confidence indicator decreases by 0.7 percentage points in comparison with January, which is due entirely to the decreased confidence among the urban population.

In the first quarter of 2019, the municipal authorities issued building permits for construction of 1 247 residential buildings with 7 832 dwellings, of 28 administrative buildings/offices and 1 149 other buildings. The construction of 871 residential buildings with 4 481 dwellings, of 17 administrative buildings/offices and 644 other buildings was started.

In February 2019 compared to January 2019 a decrease is reported for the production of solid fuels - by 24.6%, unleaded motor gasoline - by 10.1%, transport diesel - by 15.4%, natural gas - by 33.3% and electricity - by 9.1%. No change for the production of liquefied petroleum gases.

In February 2019 compared to January 2019 a decrease is reported for the deliveries of solid fuels - by 23.8%, liquefied petroleum gases - by 2.6%, unleaded motor gasoline - by 12.2%, transport diesel - by 2.6%, natural gas - by 20.2% and electricity - by 16.8%.

In March 2019, the number of the trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 478.3 thousand or by 3.5% above the registered in March 2018. The trips with other purposes (as a guest, education and visit the cultural and sport events) in March 2019 composed the greatest share of the total number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad - 44.2%, followed by those with professional purpose - 30.4%, and with holiday and recreation purpose - 25.4%.

In March 2019, the number of arrivals of visitors from abroad to Bulgaria was 555.6 thousand or by 6.0% more in comparison with March 2018. In March 2019, the predominant share of the visits with other purposes was 41.1%, followed by trips with holiday and recreation purpose - 38.8%, and with professional purpose - 20.1%.

Total Producer Price Index in March 2019 increased with 0.7% compared to the previous month; compared to the same month of 2018 the prices rose by 4.6%. Producer Price Index on Domestic Market in March 2019 remained unchanged compared to the previous month; compared to the same month of 2018 the domestic prices grew by 4.1%.

In April 2019, the total business climate indicator increases by 1.9 percentage points compared to March. An improvement of the business conjuncture is registered in industry, construction and service sector, while in retail trade the indicator preserves approximately its level from the previous month.

In 2018, the average monthly poverty line for the country is 351.11 BGN average per person. The number of persons who are below this line is 1 550.8 thousand representing 22.0% of the population.

The main results from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) annual comprehensive surveys characterizing the activity of educational institutions are as follows:

• In the 2018/2019 academic year in kindergartens are enrolled 218.8 thousand children or with 1.0% less in comparison with the previous year.
• In 2018, high school graduates from general and vocational schools are respectively 26.5 and 23.0 thousand students.
• Enrolled in the varying degrees of higher education in 2018/2019 academic year are 229.5 thousand persons.
• As of 31.12.2018 for acquiring educational and scientific degree ‘Doctor’ in the country are trained 6 467, of which 504 foreign citizens.