Demographic and social statistics

The number of employees under labour contract in 2023 increased by 24.1 thousand, or by 1.1%, as compared to 2022 and reached 2.30 million according to the final data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI).

The average annual gross wages and salaries of the employees under labour contract in 2023 amounted to 24 485 BGN and increased by 15.3% compared to 2022.

According to the results from the Labour Force Survey, in the third quarter of 2024:

- The unemployment rate was 3.6%, by 0.4 percentage points lower compared to the third quarter of 2023;

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 increased by 0.2 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2023 and stood at 71.7%;

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 74.4%, by 0.2 percentage points lower compared to the third quarter of 2023.

The data are from the Labour Force Survey - a sample statistical surv...

According to data from the Household Budget Survey, during the third quarter of 2024 the quarterly total income average per household member was 3 351 BGN and it increased by 16.6% compared to the same quarter of 2023.

The quarterly total expenditure average per household member during the third quarter of 2024 was 3 153 BGN and increased by 16.2% compared to the same quarter of 2023.

In the third quarter of 2024, there were changes in the consumption of basic food products on average per person compared to the...

The number of employees under labour contract at the end of September 2024 decreased by 22.8 thousand, or 1.0%, as compared to the end of June 2024 and reached 2.33 million according to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The highest decrease was observed in the economic activities: ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 11.5%, ‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing’ - by 3.2%, and ‘Arts, entertainment and recreation’ - by 2.8%. The highest increase of the number of employees - by 1.2% was recorded in the economic activity ‘Human health and social work ac...

According to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute, in the third quarter of 2024, the number of newly built residential buildings was 1 177, and the newly built dwellings in them were 4 398.

In the third quarter of 2024, 73.2% of the newly built residential buildings had steel-concrete construction, 22.8% had solid structure, 3.1% had ‘other’ and 0.9% had a panel construction. The highest is the relative share of newly built houses (78.6%), followed by blocks of flats (14.4%).

The highest is the number of residential buildings built in Plovdi...

In 2022, Bulgaria spent 30 391.7 million BGN for social protection benefits. In order to finance social protection in the country, 16 159.0 million BGN were allocated from the state budget, while the receipts of social protection contributions amounted to 17 121.0 million BGN.

In 2022, the social protection benefits by functions are:

‘Sickness/Healthcare’ - 8 304.8 million BGN;
‘Disability’ - 2 828.5 million BGN;
‘Old age’ - 13 635.1 million BGN;
‘Survivors’ - 1 664.8 million BGN;
‘Family/Chil...

In the second quarter of 2024, compared to the second quarter of 2023, the total hourly labour cost rose by 15.4% (preliminary data). The total hourly labour cost increased by 11.2% in industry, by 13.6% in services and by 19.5% in construction.

The highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in the economic sectors ‘Public administration and compulsory social security’ - by 27.0%, ‘Education’ - by 26.4% and ‘Real estate activities’ - by 24.9%.

According to the results of the Labour Force Survey, in the second quarter of 2024:

- The unemployment rate was 4.3%, by 0.3 percentage points lower compared to the second quarter of 2023;

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 increased by 0.7 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2023 and stood at 71.0%;

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 74.1%, by 0.4 percentage points higher compared to the second quarter of 2023.

The data are from the Labour Force Survey - a sample statistical survey. It is car...

According to data from the Household Budget Survey, during the second quarter of 2024 the quarterly total income average per household member was 3 216 BGN and it increased by 20.5% compared to the same quarter of 2023.

The quarterly total expenditure average per household member during the second quarter of 2024 was 2 826 BGN and increased by 18.8% compared to the same quarter of 2023.

In the second quarter of 2024, there were changes in the consumption of basic food products on average per person compared to ...

The number of employees under labour contract at the end of June 2024 increased by 1.2% as compared to the end of March 2024 and reached 2.35 million according to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The highest increase was observed in the economic activities: ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 24.0%, ‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing’ - by 4.5%, and ‘Administrative and support service activities’ - by 1.8%. The highest decrease of the number of employees - by 1.7% was recorded in the economic activity ‘Manufacturing’.

In the second qua...

According to preliminary data^[1] from the National Statistical Institute, in the second quarter of 2024, the number of newly built residential buildings was 1 039, and the newly built dwellings in them were 5 090.

In the second quarter of 2024, 77.1% of the newly built residential buildings had steel-concrete construction, 18.2% had solid structure, 4.0% had ‘other’ and 0.7% had a panel construction. The highest is the relative share of newly built houses (75.5%), followed by blocks of flats (16.0%).

The highe...

The National Statistical Institute has published revised data on the number of the population for the period between the two 2011 and 2021 censuses. Considering the difference in the number of the population from the current demographic statistics and the results of the Population and Housing Census in 2021, it is necessary to elaborate the revised estimation of the population.

The survey results relate to a population of 2 317 407 employees under labour contracts. In October 2022 the average gross hourly earnings are 10.14 BGN. The gross hourly earnings of full-time employees are 10.44 BGN and the gross hourly earnings of part-time employees are 27% lower (7.63 BGN). The gross hourly earnings of females are 9.49 BGN and represent 88% of the earnings of males who earn 10.82 BGN per hour.

In 2023 with effective and conditional sentences were concluded 25 169 crimes and convicted persons were 23 037.

Among the crimes with penalty inflicted, with the highest number and share were generally dangerous crimes - 12 543 (49.8%) for which 11 022 persons were convicted (47.8% of the total number of convicted persons). The second place in the structure were the crimes against the property - 4 748 (18.9%) with 5 069 convicted persons (22.0%).

In the distribution of crimes with an inflicted penalty by the numb...

In Bulgaria during 2023, 10 361 books and pamphlets were published, which is with 1 467 less than the previous year. The highest number was fiction for adults - 2 995 titles, followed by scientific literature - 2 136. The titles of translated publications were 2 688. More than half of them were translated from English (57.7%), followed by the editions from French - 8.4%, German - 5.9% and Russian - 5.9%. The highest number of books and pamphlets being published was in Sofia (stolitsa) district - 6 887, followed by Plovdiv (756) and Varna (625) districts.

In 202...

In the first quarter of 2024, compared to the first quarter of 2023, the total hourly labour cost rose by 15.8% (preliminary data). The total hourly labour cost increased by 13.9% in industry, by 16.3% in services and by 19.3% in construction.

The highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Other service activities’ - by 20.8%, ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 20.6%, and ‘Construction’ - by 19.3%.

The number of health establishments for hospital aid at the end of 2023 was 341 with 55 724 beds. The number of hospital beds was 864.5 per 100 000 persons of the total population.

The number of out-patient health establishments was 2 237 with 1 307 beds for short term treatment. The number of other health establishments was 149 with 1 742 beds in them.

On a basic contract in the health establishments in the country were practicing:

• 29 911 physicians;
• 7 607 dentists, as 6 583 of them worked in practices that...

In 2023 in Bulgaria were operating the following cultural institutions:

• 186 museums with museum collection of 7 848 thousand units;
• 83 theatres, which organized 16 125 performances, visited by 2 249 thousand viewers;
• 49 libraries with library collection over 200 thousand library units;
• 81 cinemas with 225 cinema screens.

Life expectancy at birth of the Bulgarian population, calculated for the period 2021 - 2023, is 73.5 years.

Life expectancy at birth for the male population is 69.9 years, while for females it is 7.4 years higher - 77.3 years.

According to the results of the Labour Force Survey, in the first quarter of 2024:

- The unemployment rate was 5.0%, by 0.6 percentage points higher compared to the first quarter of 2023;

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 decreased by 0.2 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2023 and stood at 70.2%;

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 74.0%, by 0.3 percentage points higher compared to the first quarter of 2023.

The data are from the Labour Force Survey - a sample statistical surv...

According to data from the Household Budget Survey, the quarterly total income average per household member during the first quarter of 2024 was 2 840 BGN and increased by 18.6% compared to the same quarter of 2023.

The quarterly total expenditure average per household member during the first quarter of 2024 was 2 524 BGN and increased by 17.4% compared to the same quarter of 2023.

In the first quarter of 2024, there were changes in the consumption of basic food products on average per person compared to the same quarter of 2023. The biggest increase was in the...

The number of employees under labour contract at the end of March 2024 increased by 1.4% as compared to the end of December 2023 and reached 2.32 million according to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The highest increase was observed in the economic activities: ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 6.1%, ‘Information and communication’ - by 5.3%, and ‘Professional, scientific and technical activities’ - by 3.2%. The highest decrease of the number of employees - by 0.6% was recorded in the economic activities ‘Mining and quarryi...

According to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute in the first quarter of 2024, the number of newly built residential buildings was 1 026, and the newly built dwellings in them were 3 475.

In the first quarter of 2024, 78.5% of the newly built residential buildings had steel-concrete construction, 16.0% had solid structure, 4.3% had ‘other’ and 1.2% had a panel construction. The highest is the relative share of houses (79.1%), followed by blocks of flats (12.9%).

The highest is the number of residential buildings built in the district of Plovdiv ...

As of December 31, 2023, the population of Bulgaria is 6 445 481 persons. Compared to 2022, the country’s population decreased by 2 229 persons or by 0.03%.

There are 57 478 children born in 2023, of which 57 197 (99.5%) - live born. The number of live births increased by 601 children, or 1.1% compared to the previous year.

The number of deaths in 2023 is 101 006 and compared to the previous year, decreased by 17 808, or by 15.0%.

The number of minors and juveniles registered in the Child pedagogical rooms for anti-social acts and crimes committed in 2023 was 8 520. In comparison with 2022, their number decreased by 106, or by 1.2%.

The number of minors and juveniles new entrants in the Child pedagogical rooms in 2023 was 2 772, and 2 362 persons were removed from the Child pedagogical rooms.

In 2023, the average monthly poverty line for the country was 637.92 BGN per person. The number of persons who were below this line was 1 325.9 thousand, representing 20.6% of the population.

The general indicators of poverty assessment include subjective indicators related to material deprivation. They show the subjective assessment and personal attitude of the persons and households related to the possibility to meet individual needs. By 2020, nine questions related to the consumption of specific goods and services were used to assess the material deprivation of households. From...

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

• In 2023/2024 school year in pre-primary education (kindergartens and preparatory groups at schools) were enrolled 216.9 thousand children.
• In 2023, the number of basic education graduates was 63.4 thousand students and the number of upper-secondary education graduates from general and vocational programmes was respectively 24.2 and 15.4 thousand students.
• In 2023/2024 academic year, there w...

The number of detached crèches and groups in kindergartens functioning in the country as of 31.12.2023 was 835, with 33 373 places in them.

The number of children accommodated in crèches at the end of the year was 30 586. 15 810 of them were boys, and 14 776 - girls.

The total number of places in crèches per 100 children aged up to 3 years as of 31.12.2023 was 19.5, and the coverage of children brought up in crèches - 17.9 per 100 children aged up to 3 years.

According to data from the Household Budget Survey, the annual total income average per capita is 10 846 BGN in 2023, an increase of 20.4% compared to 2022.

Bulgarian households spent an average of 10 044 BGN per capita in 2023, or 19.7% more compared to 2022.

In 2023, there were changes in the consumption of basic food products on average per person compared to 2022. The biggest decrease was in the consumption of bread and paste products and yoghurt. The consumption of meat products, of fruit, of non-alcoholic beverages, and of alcoholic beverages increased.

T...

In the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to the fourth quarter of 2022, the total hourly labour cost rose by 11.7% (preliminary data). The total hourly labour cost increased by 10.6% in industry, by 10.4% in services and by 19.5% in construction.

The highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Public administration and defence; compulsory social security’ - by 19.8%, ‘Construction’ - by 19.5%, and ‘Education’ - by 17.0%.

According to the results of the Labour Force Survey, in 2023:

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 73.9%, increasing by 0.2 percentage points in comparison with 2022.

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 70.7%.

- The unemployment rate was 4.3%, or 0.2 percentage points higher in comparison with 2022.

The Labour Force Survey is a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a sample of non-institutional households. Quarterly, about 19.6 thousand households, randomly selected, are observed through a f...

According to data from the Household Budget Survey, the quarterly total income average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2023 is 2 866 BGN and increases by 18.1% compared to the same quarter of 2022.

The quarterly total expenditure average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2023 is 2 668 BGN and increases by 18.1% compared to the same quarter of 2022.

The consumption of most basic food products on average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2023 changes compared to t...

In the fourth quarter of 2023:

- The unemployment rate was 4.2%, by 0.5 percentage points higher compared to the fourth quarter of 2022;

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 decreased by 1.2 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2022 and stood at 70.5%;

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 73.7%, by 0.8 percentage points lower compared to the fourth quarter of 2022.

The data was from the Labour Force Survey - a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a sample of non-institut...

The number of employees under labour contract at the end of December 2023 decreased by 0.5% as compared to the end of September 2023 and reached 2.29 million according to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The highest decrease was observed in economic activities: ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 6.6%, ‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing’- by 5.9%, and ‘Transportation and storage’ - by 1.3%. The highest increase of the number of employees was recorded in economic activities ‘Arts, entertainment and recreation’ - by 1.6%, and ‘Human...

According to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute in the fourth quarter of 2023, the number of newly built residential buildings was 1 529, and the newly built dwellings in them were 6 350. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2022, the buildings were by 57 less (or by 3.6%), and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 1 101, or by 21.0%.

76.8% of the newly built residential buildings had steel-concrete construction, 19.5% had solid structure, 3.3% had ‘other’ and 0.4% had a panel. The highest is the relative share of houses (78.3%), followed by blocks...

In the third quarter of 2023, compared to the third quarter of 2022, the total hourly labour cost rose by 15.1% (preliminary data). The total hourly labour cost increased by 16.6% in industry, 13.9% in services and 17.0% in construction.

The highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Education’ - by 21.9%, ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 18.8%, and ‘Transportation and storage’ - by 17.4%.

According to data from the additional questionnaire under the Household Budget Survey in the third quarter of 2023, the income of 31.7% of households increased compared to the previous 12 months. The share of individuals who have difficulty covering their daily expenses is 70.1%, which is almost the same compared to the previous quarter.

The survey is conducted under the project ‘Income and Living Conditions (ILC) - Statistical infrastructure under IESS - SILC 2024, 6-year module ‘Access to services’ - Pilot collection of annual data for 2023’ under Grant Agreement with the Europe...

In the third quarter of 2023:

- The unemployment rate was 4.0%, by 0.4 percentage points higher in comparison with the third quarter of 2022;

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 decreased by 0.6 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2022 and stood at 71.5%;

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 74.6%, by 0.2 percentage points lower compared to the third quarter of 2022.

The data was from the Labour Force Survey - a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a sample of non-institutional house...

According to data from the Household Budget Survey, the quarterly total income average per household member during the third quarter of 2023 is 2 874 BGN and increases by 22.5% compared to the same quarter of 2022.

The quarterly total expenditure average per household member during the third quarter of 2023 is 2 714 BGN and increases by 21.2% compared to the same quarter of 2022.

The consumption of most basic food products on average per household member during the third quarter of 2023 decreased compared to the sam...

The number of employees under labour contract at the end of September 2023 decreased by 1.5% compared to the end of June 2023 and reached 2.30 million according to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The highest decrease was observed in economic activities: ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 15.8%, ‘Administrative and support service activities’ - by 2.7%, and ‘Manufacturing’ - by 1.4%. The highest increase of the number of employees by 1.1% was recorded in economic activity ‘Human health and social work activities’.

In the third quarter...

According to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute in the third quarter of 2023, the number of newly built residential buildings was 1 239, and the newly built dwellings in them were 5 085. Compared to the third quarter of 2022, the buildings were by 97 less (or by 7.3%), and the newly built dwellings in them decreased by 856, or 14.4%.

73.5% of the newly built residential buildings had steel-concrete construction, 23.3% had solid structure, 2.9% had ‘other’ and 0.3% had a panel. The highest is the relative share of houses (76.0%), followed by blocks o...

In the second quarter of 2023, compared to the second quarter of 2022, the total hourly labour cost rose by 13.8% (preliminary data). The total hourly labour cost increased by 19.3% in industry, 13.7% in services and 16.1% in construction.

The highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 24.0%, ‘Manufacturing’ - by 20.1%, and ‘Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply’ - by 18.3%.

In 2021, Bulgaria spent 25 415.8 million BGN for social protection benefits. Тo financing social protection in the country, 13 896.9 million BGN were allocated from the state budget, while the receipts of social protection contributions amounted to 15 117.8 million BGN.

In 2021, the social protection benefits by function are:

• ‘Sickness/Healthcare’ - 7 420.7 million BGN;
• ‘Disability’ - 2 186.5 million BGN;
• ‘Old age’ - 11 289.1 million BGN;
• ‘Survivors’ - 1 253.1 million BGN;
...

Adult Education Survey is conducted every 5 years in all EU member states through a common methodology and a harmonized questionnaire in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) № 2019/1700 of 10 October 2019.

According to the survey, 637.9 thousand persons (18.9%) aged 25 - 64 participated in at least one non-formal training in the last 12 months. Compared with the previous survey wave, there was a decrease of 3.6 percentage points. While almost every third person (31.1%) with a tertiary education has participated in at least one non-formal training, this share is 4.7% for thos...

According to data from the additional questionnaire under the Household Budget Survey in the second quarter of 2023, the income of 78.0% of households remained unchanged compared to the previous 12 months. 70.6% of respondents have difficulties in covering daily expenses, but they decreased by 6.2 percentage points compared to the previous quarter. Nearly 1/4 of people limit their energy consumption.

The survey is conducted under the project ‘Income and Living Conditions (ILC) - Statistical infrastructure under IESS - SILC 2024, 6-year module ‘Access to services’ - ...

In the second quarter of 2023:

- The unemployment rate was 4.6%, or 0.1 percentage point higher in comparison with the second quarter of 2022;

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 increased by 0.3 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2022 and reached 70.3%;

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 73.7%, increasing by 0.3 percentage points in comparison with the second quarter of 2022.

The data was from the Labour Force Survey - a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a sampl...

According to data from the Household Budget Survey in the second quarter of 2023, the quarterly total income average per household member during the second quarter of 2023 is 2 668 BGN and increases by 20.9% compared to the same quarter of 2022.

The quarterly total expenditure average per household member during the second quarter of 2023 is 2 379 BGN and increases by 21.3% compared to the same quarter of 2022.

The consumption of most basic food products on average per household member during the second quarter of 2023 d...

The number of employees under labour contract at the end of June 2023 increased by 25.2 thousand, or 1.1%, as compared to the end of March 2023 and reached 2.33 million according to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI).  The highest increase was observed in economic activities: ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 29.1%, ‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing’- by 3.8% and ‘Real estate activities’ - by 1.8%. The highest decrease of the number of employees by 1.6% was recorded in economic activity ‘Education’.

In the second quarter of 2023, ...

According to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute in the second quarter of 2023, the number of newly built residential buildings was 1 180, and the newly built dwellings in them were 5 198. Compared to the second quarter of 2022, the buildings were by 17 less (or by 1.4%), and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 1 121 more, or 27.5%.

75.3% of the newly built residential buildings had steel-concrete construction, 20.9% had solid structure, 3.6% had ‘other’ and 0.2% had a panel. The highest is the relative share of houses (78.7%), followed by blocks of...

In 2022 with effective and conditional sentences were concluded 26 088 crimes and convicted persons were 24 047. The number of convicted males was 21 973, or 91.4%, and females - 2 074 (8.6%). Among both men and women, the highest share of persons convicted was in the 30 - 39 age group - 27.6% for men and 30.5% for women.

Among the crimes with penalty inflicted, with the highest number and share were generally dangerous crimes - 13 428 (51.5%) for which 11 902 persons were convicted (49.5% of the total number of convicted perso...

In Bulgaria during 2022 were published 11 828 books and pamphlets, which is with 129 more than the previous year. With the highest number were the scientific issues 3 369 titles, followed by the fiction for adults – 1 891. The translated titles were 2 596, of which  than half were translated from English (56.8%), followed by the editions translated from Russian – 6.4%, German – 5.7% and French – 5.5%. The highest number of books and pamphlets were published in Sofia (stolitsa)  – 7 734, followed by Plovdiv (837) and Varna (670) districts.

In 2022...

In the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022 the total hourly labour cost rose by 15.1% (preliminary data). The total hourly labour cost increased by 18.2% in industry, 15.7% in services and 14.1% in construction.

The highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Transportation and storage’ - by 23.6%, ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 23.5%, and ‘Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities’ - by 19.6%.

As of September 7, 2021 there are 2 866 657 households in Bulgaria - private and institutional. Nearly three-quarters (74.9 %) of all households live in cities. The average size of a household decreased from 5.6 persons in 1900 to 2.2 persons in 2021. As of September 7, 2021, 949 institutional households were counted in Bulgaria, in which 25 866 people live, or 0.4% of the country's population. Their average size is 27.3 persons. 

At the end of 2022, the number of health establishments for hospital aid was 341 with 54 707 beds. The number of beds in these establishments has increased by 216, or by 0.4% compared to the previous year.

The number of hospital beds was 848.5 per 100 000 persons of the total population as the highest values of that indicator were registered in districts Pleven (1 184.5 per 100 000 persons of the population), Smolyan (1 135.5) and Plovdiv (1 069.5).

The number of out-patient health establishments was 2 ...

In the first quarter of 2023, the National Statistical Institute continued conducting an additional survey to the Household Budget Survey, which aims to carry out quarterly monitoring of changes in the living conditions of households. For the study, 5 682 persons aged 16 years and over from 3 053 households were surveyed.

The results of the additional survey can be viewed in the press releases under the heading ‘Income, expenditure and consumption of households’.

In 2022 in Bulgaria were operating the following cultural institutions:

•  186 museums with museum collection of 7 804 thousand units;
•  72 theatres, which organized 13 193 performances, visited by 1 712 thousand viewers;
•  49 libraries with library collection over 200 thousand library units;
•  85 cinemas with 227 cinema screens;
•  3 319 community cultural centers (chitalishte).

Life expectancy at birth of the Bulgarian population, calculated for the period 2020 - 2022, is 71.9 years.

Life expectancy at birth for the male population is 68.3 years, while for females it is 7.5 years higher - 75.8 years.

In the first quarter of 2023:

- The unemployment rate was 4.4%, or 0.4 percentage points lower in comparison with the first quarter of 2022;

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 increased by 1.6 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2022 and reached 70.4%;

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 73.7%, increasing by 1.4 percentage points in comparison with the first quarter of 2022.

The data was from the Labour Force Survey - a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a sample o...

The total income average per household member during the first quarter of 2023 is 2 394 BGN and increases by 19.3% compared to the same quarter of 2022.

The total expenditure average per household member during the first quarter of 2023 is 2 149 BGN and increases by 18.0% compared to the same quarter of 2022.

The consumption of most basic food products average per household member during the first quarter of 2023 decreased compared to the same quarter of 2022. The biggest decrease is in the consumption of bread...

The number of employees under labour contract at the end of March 2023 increased by 47.5 thousand, or 2.1%, as compared to the end of December 2022 and reached 2.31 million according to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The highest increase was observed in economic activities: ‘Human health and social work activities’ - by 7.1%, ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 4.7%, and ‘Construction’ - by 4.3%. Decrease of the number of employees by 0.2% was recorded in economic activity ‘Public administration and defence; compulsory social se...

According to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute in the first quarter of 2023, the number of newly built residential buildings was 1 289, and the newly built dwellings in them were 4 427. Compared to the first quarter of 2022, the buildings were by 18 more (or by 1.4%), and the newly built dwellings in them decreased by 153, or by 3.3%.

The number of minors and juveniles registered in the Child pedagogic rooms for anti-social acts and crimes committed in 2022 was 8 626. In comparison with 2021, their number decreased by 181, or by 2.1%.

The number of minors and juveniles new entrants in the Child pedagogic rooms in 2022 was 2 677, and 2 513 persons were removed from the Child pedagogic rooms.

According to the Demography statistics, the population of the country as of the end of 2022 is 6 447 710 persons. Compared to the previous year, it has decreased by 34 774 persons, or by 0.5%.

There are 56 596 live born children in 2022. The number of live births decreases by 2 082 compared to the previous year.

The number of deaths in 2022 is 118 814, and the crude mortality rate - 18.4‰. Compared to the previous year, the number of deaths decreases by 30 181.

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

• In 2022/2023 school year in pre-primary education (kindergartens and preparatory groups at schools) were enrolled 216.5 thousand children.
• In 2022, the number of basic education graduates was 61.1 thousand students and the number of upper-secondary education graduates from general and vocational programmes were respectively 23.2 and 13.2 thousand students.
• In 2022/2023 academic year, there ...

In 2022, the average monthly poverty line for the country is 525.92 BGN per person. The number of persons who are below this line is 1 571.9 thousand representing 22.9% of the population. From 2021, a new indicator of severe material and social deprivation is included in the poverty indicators which shows the lack of necessary and desirable items for living a worthy life. It is calculated as the share of persons in the population who cannot afford 7 out of 13 items - 6 at the individual level and 7 at the household level. This indicator is part of the combined indicator ‘Population at risk ...

In 2021, 2.4% of persons aged 15 - 74 have already decided to change their current place of residence in the country, and 2.9% intend to move, but do not have a final decision yet. Migrants with weak expressed willingness are 8.5%. 86.2% of persons in the respective age group are not willing to migrate.

The share of potential migrants within the country is highest among the young 15 - 19 years (7.1%) and 20 - 29 years (6.1%).

In 2021, 11.9% of persons aged 15 - 74 are very or somewhat likely to move to live abroad. Compared to 2011, the ...

The number of detached crèches and groups in kindergartens functioning in the country as of 31.12.2022 was 835, with 33 193 places in them.

The number of children accommodated in crèches at the end of the year was 30 544. 15 857 of them were boys, and 14 687 - girls.

The total number of places in crèches per 100 children aged up to 3 years as of 31.12.2022 was 19.5, and the coverage of children brought up in crèches - 17.9 per 100 children aged up to 3 years.

The annual total income average per capita is 9 008 BGN in 2022, an increase of 16.9% compared to 2021.

Bulgarian households spent an average of 8 389 BGN per capita in 2022, or 19.1% more compared to 2021.

The consumption of most basic food products average per household member in 2022 decreased compared to 2021. The biggest decrease is in the consumption of bread and paste products - by 2.6 kg, of fruit - by 2.8 kg, and vegetables - by 0.8 kg.

The purchasing power of households decreases for most kinds of food in 2022. The biggest dec...

By 16.1% rose the total hourly labour cost for the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to the fourth quarter of 2021 (preliminary data). The total hourly labour cost increased by 21.3% in industry, 17.8% in services and 11.0% in construction.

The breakdown by economic activities showed that the highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply’ - by 33.3%, ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 32.9%, and ‘Arts, entertainment and recreation’ - by 25.2%.

According to the results of the survey, in 2022:

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 73.6%, increasing by 1.6 percentage points in comparison with 2021.

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 increased by 2.3 percentage points in comparison with 2021 and reached 70.4%.

- The unemployment rate was 4.3%, or 1.0 percentage point lower in comparison with 2021.

The Labour Force Survey is a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a sample of non-institutional households...

In the fourth quarter of 2022, the National Statistical Institute continued conducting an additional survey to the Household Budget Survey in order to carry out quarterly monitoring of changes in the living conditions of households as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, by the project  ‘Income and Living Conditions (ILC) - Statistical infrastructure under IESS - SILC 2022, ‘Collection of annual data for 2021 and 2022’ module’ under Grant Agreement with the European Commission № 101052273 - 2021-BG-ILC-SILC. For the study, 5 703 persons aged 16 and over from 3 056 households were su...

According to the results of the survey, in the fourth quarter of 2022:

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 74.4%, increasing by 2.6 percentage points in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2021.

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 increased by 3.0 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2021 and reached 71.5%.

- The unemployment rate was 3.9%, or 0.6 percentage points lower in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2021.

The Labour Force Survey is a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over...

The total income average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2022 is 2 426 BGN and increases by 19.1% compared to the same quarter of 2021.

The total expenditure average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2022 is 2 259 BGN and increases by 19.9% compared to the same quarter of 2021.

The consumption of most basic food products average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2022 decreased compared to the same quarter of 2021. The biggest decrease is in the consumption of bread and pa...

The number of employees under labour contract at the end of December 2022 decreased by 0.7%, as compared to the end of September 2022 and reached 2.26 million according to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute. The highest decrease was observed in economic activities: ‘Administrative and support service activities’ - by 5.9%, ‘Accommodation and food service activities’- by 5.8%  and ‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing’ - by 4.5%. The highest increase in the number of employees was recorded in economic activities: ‘Education’ - by 1.2% and ‘Arts, entertainment and re...

According to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute in the fourth quarter of 2022, the number of newly built residential buildings was 1 613, and the newly built dwellings in them were 5 708. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2021, the buildings were by 392 more (or by 32.1%), and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 285, or by 5.3%.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, 78.9% of the newly built residential buildings had steel-concrete construction, 17.4% had solid structure, 3.4% had ‘other’ and 0.3% had a panel. The highest is the relative share of...

In 2021 also, the two-child family model is the reproductive ideal of women aged 15 - 49 and men aged 15 - 59 in our country (63.3%). In second place in the distribution is the opinion that the family should have three children (17.1%), followed by the family with one child (7.9%). In 2021, 9.4% of persons of reproductive age cannot estimate how many children a family should have in Bulgaria. The multi-child model of a family with four or more children is a priority for 2.0% of people.

To some extent, people's attitudes echo their ideal of family. Leading is the desire for two chi...

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines that ‘persons with disabilities include persons with permanent physical, mental, intellectual and sensory impairments which, in interaction with their environment, could hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others’. This definition requires the availability of statistical data not only on the number and different socio-demographic characteristics of people with disabilities in accordance with national legislation, but also a wider set of data. Therefore, during the cen...

The number of deaths in the fourth quarter of 2022 (40th - 52nd week) is 26 078 and the crude mortality rate - 15.3‰. Mortality among males (16.4‰) is higher than among females (14.3‰). Compared to the same period of the previous year, the number of deaths has decreased by 20 305, or 43.8%.

The birth rate is one of the main factors influencing the number and structures of the population. Since the beginning of the 1950s, a permanent trend of decreasing birth rates has been observed in the country. The reasons for this are many and different during the different periods of the demographic development of Bulgaria. The change in the family model, the changing socio-economic environment, the general reduction of the population, in particular of the fertile contingents, the postponement of marriage and the birth of the first child and, last but not least, the emigration from the co...

The phenomenon of daily labour migration closely relates to the economic condition of settlements, their location and infrastructure, as well as the presence and characteristics of the labour force in them. The importance of this process for society is great, since participation in daily trips, unlike permanent resettlement, does not lead to depopulation of settlements or to disruption of the age structure of the population.

Employed

As of September 7, 2021, 121 235 individuals, or 5.1% of those who answered the question, indicated that they mostly work ...

Population migration is a major factor that affects the number and structures of the population both for the country as a whole and for individual regions and territories.

As of September 7, 2021, 395 690 persons declared that they had changed the place of their habitual residence within the country during the period 2011 - 2021. Migrant women are 213 558, or 54.0%, and men - 182 132, or 46.0% of the migrated persons.

As of September 7, 2021, 354 138 persons declared that they resided outside the country for more than one year during the period 1980 - 2021 and returned o...

As of September 7, 2021, the Bulgarian ethnic group comprised 5 118 494, or 84.6% of the persons who answered the question about ethnicity. Compared to 2011, the share of this group decreased by 0.2 percentage points. 508 378, or 8.4% of the respondents, identified themselves as belonging to the Turkish ethnic group. Their relative share decreased by 0.4 percentage points compared to 2011. 266 720, or 4.4% of the respondents, identified themselves as the third-largest Roma ethnic group. The relative share of the population from this et...

By 16.2% rose the total hourly labour cost for the third quarter of 2022 compared to the third quarter of 2021 (preliminary data of the NSI). The total hourly labour cost increased by 18.1% in industry, 16.4% in services and 16.0% in construction.

The breakdown by economic activities showed that the highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Accommodation and food service activities’ - by 23.4%, ‘Mining and quarrying’ - by 19.4% and ‘Public administration and defence; compulsory social security’ - by 19.2%.

During the period October 11, 2021 - October 31, 2021, the National Statistical Institute conducted two post-enumeration sample surveys to check the accuracy of the registered data and the completeness of the coverage of the units of observation.

The results of the post-enumeration surveys confirm the conclusions already made about the not enumerated persons between 573.9 and 631.0 thousand. Not enumerated males predominate (9.9%) over the not enumerated females (8.7%).

The results are good, as regards the accuracy of the registered data, for the information gathered abo...

In the third quarter of 2022, the National Statistical Institute continued conducting an additional survey to the Household Budget Survey in order to carry out quarterly monitoring of changes in the living conditions of households as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, by the project  ‘Income and Living Conditions (ILC) - Statistical infrastructure under IESS - SILC 2022, module Collection of annual data for 2021 and 2022’ under Grant Agreement with the European Commission № 101052273 - 2021-BG-ILC-SILC. For the study, 5 719 persons aged 16 ...

In response to the growing need for statistical data on the prevalence of violence against women, the National Statistical Institute has joined a project initiated by the European Commission to conduct a survey and provide such information. The aim is to provide reliable, comparable, representative data on the prevalence, frequency, intensity and severity of violence against women at а national level and in the EU Member States, using a common and harmonised methodology.

Data from the survey show that among women aged 18 - 74:

• 11.9% have experienced at least one ...

According to the results of the survey, in the third quarter of 2022:

- The activity rate of the population aged 15 - 64 was 74.7%, increasing by 1.8 percentage points in comparison with the third quarter of 2021.

- The employment rate of the population aged 15 - 64 increased by 2.4 percentage points in comparison with the same quarter of 2021 and reached 71.9%.

- The unemployment rate was 3.7%, or 0.9 percentage points lower in comparison with the third quarter of 2021.

The Labour Force Survey is a sample statistical survey. It is carried out over a ...

The total income average per household member during the third quarter of 2022 is 2 346 BGN and increases by 21.1% compared to the same quarter of 2021.

The total expenditure average per household member during the third quarter of 2022 is 2 239 BGN and increases by 23.8% compared to the same quarter of 2021.

The consumption of most basic food products average per household member during the third quarter of 2022 decreased compared to the same quarter of 2021. The biggest decrease is in the consumption of bread...

As of September 7, 2021, there were 2 953 937 economically active persons aged 15 and over, or 45.3% of the country's population. 2 661 292 of them were employed, while 292 645 were unemployed. Compared to 2011, the number of economically active persons decreased by 376 thousand, or by 11.3%.

The educational structure of the population aged 7 and over is improving, with 1 560.0 thousand tertiary graduates by September 7, 2021, or one in four (25.5%) being a tertiary graduate. The number of persons with primary education and no education is 666.7 thousand, with their...

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute, at the end of September 2022, the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.4% as compared to the end of June 2022 and reached 2.28 million.

In the third quarter of 2022, in comparison with the second quarter of 2022, the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 0.8% and reached 1 743 BGN.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the third quarter of 2022, the number of newly built residential buildings was 1 316, and the newly built dwellings in them were 5 812. Compared to the third quarter of 2021, the buildings were by 458 more (or by 53.4%), and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 2 008, or by 52.8%.

In the third quarter of 2022, 78.7% of the newly built residential buildings had steel-concrete construction, 18.7% had solid structure, 2.1% had ‘other’ and 0.5% had a panel. The highest is the relative share...

In October 2022 the activities of the project ‘European system of integrated social protection statistics (ESSPROS) - Unemployment benefits recipients’ of the National Statistical Institute under a grant agreement with the European Commission 101055564 - 2021-BG-ESSPROS were successfully completed. The main objective of the project was to build capacity for the preparation of statistical data on the recipients of unemployment benefits in Bulgaria within the framework of the European System for Integrated Social Protection Statistics (ESSPROS) according to a methodology proposed by Euro...

The number of deaths in the third quarter of 2022 (27th - 39th week) is 24 711 and the crude mortality rate is 14.5‰. Mortality among males (15.6‰) is higher than among females (13.5‰). Compared to the same period of the previous year, the number of deaths has decreased by 6 092, or 19.8%.

The population of the country as of September 7, 2021, is 6 519 789. Women are 3 383 527 (51.9%), and men are 3 136 262 (48.1%), or there are 927 men per 1 000 women. 4 782 064 people live in the towns, or 73.3%, and 1 737 725 people live in the villages, or 26.7% of the population of the country.

By 14.4% rose the total hourly labour cost for the second quarter of 2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021 (preliminary data of the NSI). The total hourly labour cost increased by 15.0% in industry, 16.8% in services and 11.5% in construction.

The breakdown by economic activities showed that the highest annual growth in total labour costs was recorded in ‘Administrative and support service activities’ - by 22.5%, ‘Arts, entertainment and recreation’, ‘Other service activities’ - by 19.4% each, and ‘Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles’ by 18.2...

In 2020, Bulgaria spent 21 924.4 million BGN for social protection benefits. Тo financing social protection in the country, 11 142.3 million BGN were allocated from the state budget while the receipts of social protection contributions amounted to 13 578.4 million BGN.

In 2020 the social protection benefits by function are:

• “Sickness/Healthcare” - 6 587.9 million BGN;
• “Disability” - 1 864.6 million BGN;
• “Old age” - 9 289.0 million BGN;
• “Survivors” - 1 087.3 million BGN;
• “Family/Children” - 1 974...

In the second quarter of 2022, the National Statistical Institute continued conducting an additional survey to the Household Budget Survey in order to carry out quarterly monitoring of changes in the living conditions of households as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, under ‘Income and Living Conditions (ILC) - Statistical infrastructure under IESS - SILC 2022 module - 2021 and 2022 Infra-annual data collection’ project, which implementation is in accordance with Grant Agreement with the European Commission No. 101052273 - 2021-BG-ILC-SILC. For the study, 5 740 persons aged 16 and over fro...

In the second quarter of 2022 the unemployment rate was 4.7%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 75.0%.

The total income average per household member during the second quarter of 2022 is 2 207 BGN and increases by 16.5% compared to the same quarter of 2021.

The total expenditure average per household member during the second quarter of 2022 is 1 962 BGN and increases by 17.8% compared to the same quarter of 2021.

The consumption of most basic food products average per household member decreases during the second quarter of 2022 compared to the same quarter of 2021.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of June 2022, the number of employees under labour contract increased by 1.5% as compared to the end of March 2022 and reached 2.31 million.

In the second quarter of 2022, in comparison with the first quarter of 2022, the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 7.8% and reached 1 730 BGN.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the second quarter of 2022, the number of newly built residential buildings was 1 128, and the newly built dwellings in them were 3 826. Compared to the second quarter of 2021, the buildings were by 261 more (or by 30.1%), and the newly built dwellings in them decreased by 342, or by 8.2%.

The number of deaths in the second quarter of 2022 (14th - 26th week) is 24 910 and the crude mortality rate is 14.6‰. Mortality among males (15.8‰) is higher than among females (13.6‰). Compared to the same period of the previous year, the number of deaths has decreased by 9 702, or 28.0%.

The trials of 25 988 committed crimes were ended with penalties (effective and conditional) in 2021. Convicted persons with inflicted penalties in 2021 were 24 121.

In the first quarter of 2022, the National Statistical Institute for the second time conducted an additional survey to the Household Budget Survey in order to carry out quarterly monitoring of changes in the living conditions of households as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, under ‘Income and Living Conditions (ILC) - Statistical infrastructure under IESS - SILC 2022 module - 2021 and 2022 Infra-annual data collection’ project, the implementation of which is in accordance with Grant Agreement with the European Commission No. 101052273 - 2021-BG-ILC-SILC. For the study, 5 687 persons ...

In Bulgaria during 2021 were issued:

• 11 700 books and pamphlets with circulation of 4 990 thousands
• 201 newspapers with circulation of 119 588 thousands
• 494  magazines and bulletins with circulation of 7 086 thousands
• 120 periodical collections with circulation of 19 thousands.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the first quarter of 2022 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 12.7% compared to the first quarter of 2021.

The number of health establishments for hospital aid as of 31.12.2021 was 341 with 54 491 beds. 319 of them were hospitals with 52 246 beds.

The number of out-patient health establishments was 2 133 with 1 285 beds and other health establishments were 151 with 1 939 beds in them.

At the end of 2021 29 604 physicians were in practice under the basic labour contracts in health establishments. Dentists were 7 499, as 6 585 worked in practices that had signed а contract with National Health Insurance Fund. Medical specialists in ‘Healt...

In 2021 in Bulgaria, were operating the following cultural institutions:

•  184 museums with a museum collection of 7 624 thousand units;
•  71 theatres, which organized 9 970 performances, visited by 885 thousand viewers;
•  47 libraries with a library collection of over 200 thousand library units;
•  76 cinemas with 221 cinema screens.

Life expectancy at birth of the Bulgarian population, calculated for the period 2019 - 2021, is 73.6 years.

Life expectancy at birth for the male population is 70.1 years, while for females it is 7.3 years higher - 77.4 years.

In the first quarter of 2022 the unemployment rate was 4.9%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 73.7%.

The total income average per household member during the first quarter of 2022 is 2 006 BGN and increases by 9.6% compared to the same quarter of 2021.

The total expenditure average per household member during the first quarter of 2022 is 1 821 BGN and increases by 13.3% in comparison to the same quarter of 2021.

The consumption of main food products average per household member during the first quarter of 2022 changes compared to the same quarter of 2021.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of March 2022 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 0.4% as compared to the end of December 2021 and reached 2.27 million.

In the first quarter of 2022 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2021 the average monthly wages and salaries decreased by 1.2% getting 1 593 BGN.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the first quarter of 2022, the number of newly built residential buildings was 1 206, and the newly built dwellings in them were 4 299. Compared to the first quarter of 2021, the buildings were by 254 more (or by 26.7%), and the newly built dwellings in them decreased by 174, or by 3.9%.

The number of detached crèches and groups in kindergartens functioning in the country as of 31.12.2021 was 833, with 32 856 places in them.

The number of children accommodated in crèches at the end of the year was 29 724. 15 347 of them were boys, and 14 377 - girls.

The total number of places in crèches per 100 children aged up to 3 years as of 31.12.2021 was 18.2, and the coverage of children brought up in crèches - 16.5 per 100 children aged up to 3 years.

In 2021, the average monthly poverty line for the country is 504.33 BGN per person. The number of persons who are below this line is 1 532.4 thousand representing 22.1 % of the population. From 2021, a new indicator of severe material and social deprivation is included in the poverty indicators which shows the lack of necessary and desirable items for living a worthy life. It is calculated as the share of persons in the population who cannot afford 7 out of 13 items – 6 at the individual level and 7 at the household level. This indicator is part of the combined indicator "Population at risk...

According to Demography statistics data population of the country as of the end of the 2021 the population is 6 838 937 persons. Compared to the previous year it has decreased by 77 611 persons or by 1.1%.

There are 58 678 live born children in 2021. The number of live births decreases by 408 compared to the previous year.

The number of deaths in 2021 is 148 995 and the crude mortality rate - 21.7‰. Compared to the previous year the number of deaths increases by 24 260.

The number of minors and juveniles registered in the Child pedagogic rooms for anti-social acts and crimes commitment in 2021 was 8 807. In comparison with 2020, their number decreased by 92 or by 1.0%.

The number of minors and juveniles new entrants in the Child pedagogic rooms in 2021 was 2 776 and 2 599 persons were removed from the Child pedagogic rooms.

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

• In 2021/2022 school year in pre-primary education (kindergartens and preparatory groups at schools) were enrolled 214.8 thousand children.
• In 2021, the number of basic education graduates was 58.3 thousand students and graduates from general and vocational schools were respectively 25.2 and 17.8 thousand students.
• In 2021/2022 academic year, there were 220.4 thousand students enrolled at th...

Since September 2021 the National statistical institute has started work under the ‘Income and Living Conditions (ILC) - Statistical infrastructure under IESS - SILC 2022 module - 2021 and 2022 Infra-annual data collection’ project, the implementation of which is in accordance with Grant Agreement with the European Commission N 101052273 - 2021-BG-ILC-SILC. The project activities include a pilot data collection using additional questionnaire on social inclusion, living conditions and well-being under the Household budget survey. The additional survey was initiated by Eurostat and it is cond...

The annual total income average per capita is 7 705 BGN in 2021, an increase of 10.0% compared to 2020.

Bulgarian households spent an average of 7 042 BGN per capita in 2021, or 13.2% more compared to 2020.

Statistical data show changes in the household consumption structure in Bulgaria in 2021 compared to 2020.

The number of deaths in the first quarter of 2022 (1st - 13th week) is 38 434 and the crude mortality rate - 22.6‰. Mortality among males (24.5‰) is higher than among females (20.8‰). Compared to the same period of the previous year, the number of deaths has increased by 1 590, or 4.3%.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the fourth quarter of 2021 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 12.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2020.

In 2021 the unemployment rate was 5.3%.

The employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 years was 73.2%.

In the fourth quarter of 2021 the unemployment rate was 4.5%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 73.6%.

The total income average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2021 is 2 037 BGN and increases by 12.8% compared to the same quarter of 2020.

The total expenditure average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2021 is 1 885 BGN and increases by 12.1% in comparison to the same quarter of 2020.

The consumption of main food products average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2021 changes compared to the same quarter of 2020.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of December 2021 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 0.7% as compared to the end of September 2021 and reached 2.27 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2021 in comparison with the third quarter of 2021 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 6.1% getting 1 612 BGN.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the fourth quarter of 2021, the number of newly built residential buildings was 1 329 and the newly built dwellings in them were 6 430. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2020 the buildings were by 401 more (or by 43.2%), and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 2 121 or by 49.2%.

The number of deaths in the fourth quarter of 2021 (40th - 52nd week) is 45 812 and the crude mortality rate - 26.7‰. Mortality among males (28.2‰) is higher than among females (25.4‰). Compared to the same period of the previous year, the number of deaths has increased by 1 841 or 4.2%. Compared to the third quarter of 2021 mortality increased by 15 099 or by 49.2%.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the third quarter of 2021 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 13.8% compared to the third quarter of 2020.

The total income average per household member during the third quarter of 2021 is 1 938 BGN and increases by 10.5% compared to the same quarter of 2020.

The total expenditure average per household member during the third quarter of 2021 is 1 808 BGN and increases by 15.2% in comparison to the same quarter of 2020.

The consumption of main food products average per household member during the third quarter of 2021 changes compared to the same quarter of 2020.

In the third quarter of 2021 the unemployment rate was 4.6%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 74.5%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of September 2021 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.0% as compared to the end of June 2021 and reached 2.28 million.

In the third quarter of 2021 in comparison with the second quarter of 2021 the average gross monthly wages and salaries decreased by 0.3% - getting to 1 520 BGN.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the third quarter of 2021, the number of newly built residential buildings was 838 and the newly built dwellings in them were 3 390. Compared to the third quarter of 2020 the buildings were by 61 less (or by 6.8%), and the newly built dwellings in them decreased by 533 or by 13.6%.

The number of deaths in the third quarter of 2021 (27th - 39th week) is 30 071 and the crude mortality rate - 17.5‰. Compared to the same period in the previous year, the number of deaths has increased by 4 463 or 17.4%. According to second quarter of 2021 mortality decreased by 4 276 or by 12.4%. Mortality among males (18.7‰) is higher than among females (16.5‰).

Preliminary data of the NSI for the second quarter of 2021 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 6.7% compared to the second quarter of 2020.

The trials of 23 640 committed crimes were ended with penalties (effective and conditional) in 2020. Persons convicted with penalties inflicted in 2020 were 21 889.

In 2019, Bulgaria spent 19 918.5 million BGN for social protection. Тo finance social protection in the country, 8 129.0 million BGN were allocated from the state budget while the receipts of social protection contributions amounted to 13 258.3 million BGN.

The total income average per household member during the second quarter of 2021 is 1 894 BGN and increases by 11.6% compared to the same quarter of 2020.

The total expenditure average per household member during the second quarter of 2021 is 1 666 BGN and increases by 20.3% in comparison to the same quarter of 2020.

The consumption of main food products average per household member does change during the second quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of 2020.

In the second quarter of 2021 the unemployment rate was 5.6%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 72.7%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of June 2021, the number of employees under labour contract increased by 1.9% as compared to the end of March 2021 and reached 2.31 million.

In the second quarter of 2021, in comparison with the first quarter of 2021 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 4.3% getting 1 525 BGN.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the second quarter of 2021 the number of newly built residential buildings was 838 and the newly built dwellings in them were 4 058. Compared to the second quarter of 2020 the buildings were by 81 more (or by 10.7%) and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 678 or by 20.1%. 

The number of deaths in the second quarter of 2021 (14th - 26th week) is 33 945 and the crude mortality rate - 19.8‰. Compared to the same period in the previous year, the number of deaths has increased by 8 754 or 33.8%. According to first quarter of 2021 mortality decreased by 2 601 or by 7.1%. Mortality among males (21.4‰) is higher than among females (18.3‰).

According to the National Statistical Programme for 2021 and Release Calendar presenting the results of the statistical surveys, final data from the survey ‘Crimes, accused and persons convicted’ should be published on 16 July 2021.

Sources of information for punished criminality are:

• The Unified Information System for Counteraction to Criminality (UISCC) that provides around 90 - 94% of the ...

The National Statistical Institute informs statistical data users that final European Health Interview - wave 3 data are available

The European Health Interview Survey is a part of the European Health Survey System, which aims at measuring on a harmonized basis and with a high degree of comparability among EU Member States, the health status, life style (health determinants) and health care services use of the EU citizens.

In 2019, the Bulgarian NSI participated in the EHIS wave 3 in accordance with the Commission Regulation (EU) No...

In Bulgaria during 2020 were issued:

• 10 769 books and pamphlets with circulation of 5 893 thousands
• 209 newspapers with circulation of 123 287 thousands
• 519  magazines and bulletins with circulation of 8 416 thousands
• 101 periodical collections with circulation of 17 thousands.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the first quarter of 2021 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 4.9% compared to the first quarter of 2020.

The number of health establishments for hospital aid as of 31.12.2020 was 342 with 54 216 beds. 320 of them were hospitals with 51 991 beds.

The number of out-patient health establishments was 2 098 with 1 296 beds and other health establishments were 149 with 1 935 beds in them.

At the end of 2020 29 717 physicians were in practice under the basic labour contracts in health establishments. Dentists were 7 312, as 6 454 worked in practices that had signed а contract with National Health Insurance Fund. Medical specialists on ‘Health cares’ who worked on a basic labour co...

In 2020 in Bulgaria were operating the following cultural institutions:

• 182 museums with museum collection of 7 550 thousand units;

• 71 theatres, which organized 7 021 performances, visited by 769 thousand viewers;

• 47 libraries with library collection over 200 thousand library units;

• 70 cinemas with 215 cinema screens.

The total income average per household member during the first quarter of 2021 is 1 830 BGN and increases by 6.9% compared to the same quarter of 2020.

The total expenditure average per household member during the first quarter of 2021 is 1 607 BGN and increases by 8.2% in comparison to the same quarter of 2020.

The consumption of main food products average per household member during the first quarter of 2021 changes insignificantly compared to the same quarter of 2020.

In the first quarter of 2021 the unemployment rate was 6.3%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 71.7%.

The number of detached crèches and groups in kindergartens functioning in the country as of 31.12.2020 was 838 with 32 575 places in them.

The number of children accommodated in crèches at the end of the year was 29 238. 15 169 of them were boys, and 14 069 - girls.

The total number of places in crèches per 100 children aged up to 3 years as of 31.12.2020 was 17.7 and the coverage of children brought up in crèches - 15.9 per 100 children aged up to 3 years.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of March 2021 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 1.5% as compared to the end of December 2020 and reached 2.26 million.

In the first quarter of 2021 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2020 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 1.7% getting 1 462 BGN.

The number of deaths in the first quarter of 2021 (1st – 13th week) is 36 152 and the crude mortality rate - 21.1‰. Compared to the same period in the previous year, the number of deaths has increased by 7 491 or 26.1%. Mortality among males (22.9‰) is higher than among females (19.3‰).

Life expectancy at birth of the Bulgarian population calculated for the period 2018 - 2020 is 74.6 years.

Life expectancy at birth for male population is 71.1 years, while for female it is 7.1 years higher - 78.2 years.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the first quarter of 2021 the number of newly built residential buildings was 925 and the newly built dwellings in them were 4 011. Compared to the first quarter of 2020 the buildings were by 133 more (or by 16.8%) and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 208 or by 5.5%.

In 2020, the average monthly poverty line for the country is 451.00 BGN per person. The number of persons who are below this line is 1 659.9 thousand representing 23.8 % of the population.

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

• In 2020/2021 school year in pre-primary education (kindergartens and preparatory groups at schools) were enrolled 215.7 thousand children.
• In 2020, the number of basic education graduates was 59.9 thousand students and graduates from general and vocational schools were respectively 25.5 and 19.6 thousand students.
• In 2020/2021 academic year, there were 219.8 thousand students enrolled in the diff...

The number of minors and juveniles registered in the Child pedagogic rooms for anti-social acts and crimes commitment in 2020 was 8 899. In comparison with 2019, their number decreased by 268 or by 2.9%.

The annual total income average per capita is 7 002 BGN in 2020 and increases by 6.2% compared to 2019.

The Bulgarian households are spent 6 220 BGN average per capita in 2020 or almost unchanged compared to 2019.

Statistical data show changes in the household consumption structure in Bulgaria in 2020 compared to 2019.

As of 31 December 2020 the population of Bulgaria is 6 916 548 persons. Compared to 2019, the population decreases by 34 934 persons.

There are 59 086 live born children in 2020. The number of live births decreases by 2 452 compared to the previous year.

The number of deaths in 2020 is 124 735 and the crude mortality rate - 18.0‰. Compared to the previous year the number of deaths icreases by 16 652.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the fourth quarter of 2020 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 10.0% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019.

In 2020 the unemployment rate achieved 5.1%, by 0.9 percentage points higher in comparison with 2019.

The employment rate for the age group 20 - 64 years was 73.4%, by 1.6 percentage points lower compared to 2019.

The total income average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2020 is 1 805 BGN and increases by 2.0% compared to the same quarter of 2019.

The total expenditure average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2020 is 1 681 BGN and increases by 0.7% in comparison to the same quarter of 2019.

The consumption of main food products average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2020 changes insignificantly compared to the same quarter of 2019.<...

In the fourth quarter of 2020 the unemployment rate was 5.2%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 73.8%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of December 2020 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 0.9% as compared to the end of September 2020 and reached 2.23 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2020 in comparison with the third quarter of 2020 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 4.7% getting 1 437 BGN.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the fourth quarter of 2020 the number of newly built residential buildings was 969 and the newly built dwellings in them were 4 401. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 the buildings were by 32 more (or by 3.4%) and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 220 or by 5.3%.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the third quarter of 2020 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 3.5% compared to the third quarter of 2019. 

The European Health Interview Survey is a part of the European Health Survey System, which aims at measuring on a harmonized basis and with a high degree of comparability among EU Member States, the health status, life style (health determinants) and health care services use of the EU citizens.

The NSI presents preliminary data from the survey conducted at the end of 2019:

NSI presents preliminary results based on the conducted at the end of 2019 EHIS:

• The biggest was the share of persons aged 15 and over who self-assessed their health as ‘good’ (40.7%)...

The total income average per household member during the third quarter of 2020 is 1 754 BGN and increases by 2.2% compared to the same quarter of 2019.

The total expenditure average per household member during the third quarter of 2020 is 1 570 BGN and decreases by 0.8% in comparison to the same quarter of 2019.

The consumption of main food products average per household member during the third quarter of 2020 changes compared to the same quarter of 2019.

In the third quarter of 2020 the unemployment rate was 4.8%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 74.6%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of September 2020 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 0.4% as compared to the end of June 2020 and reached 2.25 million.

In the third quarter of 2020 in comparison with the second quarter of 2020 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 2.7% getting 1 373 BGN.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the third quarter of 2020 the number of newly built residential buildings was 879 and the newly built dwellings in them were 3 912. Compared to the third quarter of 2019 the buildings were by 91 more (or by 11.5%) and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 928 or by 31.1%.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the second quarter of 2020 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 9.9% compared to the second quarter of 2019.

The total income average per household member during the second quarter of 2020 is 1 698 BGN and increases by 9.7% compared to the same quarter of 2019.

The total expenditure average per household member during the second quarter of 2020 is 1 384 BGN and decreases by 1.3% in comparison to the same quarter of 2019.

The consumption of main food products average per household member does change during the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same quarter of 2019.

The NSI management and...

In the second quarter of 2020 the unemployment rate was 5.9%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 72.2%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of June 2020 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.0% as compared to the end of March 2020 and reached 2.24 million.

In the second quarter of 2020 in comparison with the first quarter of 2020 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 1.5% getting 1 337 BGN.

In 2018, Bulgaria spent 18 517.1 million BGN for social protection. Тo finance social protection in the country, 7 994.1 million BGN were allocated from the state budget while the receipts of social protection contributions amounted to 11 552.1 million BGN.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the second quarter of 2020 the number of newly built residential buildings was 766 and the newly built dwellings in them were 3 660. Compared to the second quarter of 2019 the buildings were by 104 more (or by 15.7%) and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 1 317 or by 56.2%.

The trials of 24 962 committed crimes were ended with penalties (effective and conditional) in 2019. Persons convicted with penalties inflicted in 2019 were 23 389.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the first quarter of 2020 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 10.2% compared to the first quarter of 2019.

The number of health establishments for hospital aid as of 31.12.2019 was 341 with 53 997 beds. 319 of them were hospitals with 51 776 beds.

The number of out-patient health establishments was 2 079 with 1 223 beds and other health establishments were 144 with 1 914 beds in them.

At the end of 2019 29 612 physicians were in practice under the basic labour contracts in health establishments. Dentists were 7 376, as 6 493 worked in practices that had signed contract with National Health Insurance Fund. Medical specialists on ‘Health cares’ who worked on a basic labour cont...

• 160 museums with museum collection of 7 529 thousand units;
• 74 theatres, which organized 15 955 performances, visited by 2 516 thousand viewers;
• 52 music formations;
• 47 libraries with library collection over 200 thousand library units;
• 74 cinemas with 237 cinema screens.

The number of detached crèches and groups in kindergartens functioning in the country as of 31.12.2019 was 835 with 33 764 places in them.

The number of children accommodated in crèches at the end of the year was 32 185. 16 677 of them were boys, and 15 508 - girls.

The total number of places in crèches per 100 children aged up to 3 years as of 31.12.2019 was 17.9 and the coverage of children brought up in crèches - 17.1 per 100 children aged up to 3 years.

In the first quarter of 2020 the unemployment rate was 4.6%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 73.0%.

The total income average per household member during the first quarter of 2020 is 1 712 BGN and increases by 12.7% compared to the same quarter of 2019.

The total expenditure average per household member during the first quarter of 2020 is 1 486 BGN and increases by 5.9% in comparison to the same quarter of 2019.

The consumption of main food products average per household member does not change considerable during the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same quarter of 2019.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of March 2020 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.1% as compared to the end of December 2019 and reached 2.26 million.

In the first quarter of 2020 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2019 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 0.3% getting 1 317 BGN.

Life expectancy at birth of the Bulgarian population calculated for the period 2017 - 2019 is 74.9 years.

Life expectancy at birth for male population is 71.5 years, while for female it is 7.0 years higher - 78.5 years.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the first quarter of 2020 the number of newly built residential buildings was 751 and the newly built dwellings in them were 3 473. Compared to the first quarter of 2019 the buildings were by 86 more (or by 12.9%) and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 876 or by 33.7%.

In 2019, the average monthly poverty line for the country is 413.04 BGN average per person. The number of persons who are below this line is 1 586.2 thousand representing 22.6 % of the population.

• In the 2019/2020 academic year in kindergartens are enrolled 217.9 thousand children or with 0.4% less in comparison with the previous year.
• In 2019, high school graduates from general and vocational schools are respectively 25.8 and 21.6 thousand students.
• In 2019/2020 academic year, 220.2 thousand persons were enrolled in the different tertiary education levels.
• As of 31.1...

The number of minors and juveniles registered in the Child pedagogic rooms for anti-social acts and crimes commitment in 2019 was 9 167. In comparison with 2018, their number increased by 69 or by 0.8%.

The annual total income average per capita is 6 592 BGN in 2019 and increases by 9.6% compared to 2018.

The Bulgarian households are spend 6 214 BGN average per capita in 2019 or by 7.7% more compared to 2018.

Statistical data show changes in the household consumption structure in Bulgaria in 2019 compared to 2018.

As of 31 December 2019 the population of Bulgaria is 6 951 482 persons, representing 1.4% of the EU population. Compared to 2018, the population decreases by 48 557 persons.

There are 61 538 live born children in 2019. The number of live births decreases by 659 compared to the previous year.

The number of deaths in 2019 is 108 083 and the crude mortality rate - 15.5‰. Compared to the previous year the number of deaths decreases by 443.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the fourth quarter of 2019 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 11.9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.

In 2019 the unemployment rate was 4.2% by 1.0 percentage point lower in comparison with 2018.

The employment rate for the age group 20 - 64 years achieved 75.0%, by 2.6 percentage points higher compared to 2018.

The total income average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2019 is 1 770 BGN and increases by 13.7% compared to the same quarter of 2018.

The total expenditure average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2019 is 1 670 BGN and increases by 10.7% in comparison to the same quarter of 2018.

The consumption of main food products average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2019 is without considerable change compared to the same quarter of 2018.

In the fourth quarter of 2019 the unemployment rate was 4.1%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 74.9%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of December 2019 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.0% as compared to the end of September 2019 and reached 2.29 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2019 in comparison with the third quarter of 2019 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 5.1% getting 1 313 BGN.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the fourth quarter of 2019 the number of newly built residential buildings was 1 057 and the newly built dwellings in them were 4 474. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2018 the buildings were by 335 more (or by 46.4%) and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 2 101 or by 88.5%.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the third quarter of 2019 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 10.0% compared to the third quarter of 2018.

The total income average per household member during the third quarter of 2019 is 1 716 BGN and increases by 11.3% compared to the same quarter of 2018.

The total expenditure average per household member during the third quarter of 2019 is 1 583 BGN and increases by 4.3% in comparison to the same quarter of 2018.

The consumption of main food products average per household member change during the third quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter of 2018.

In the third quarter of 2019 the unemployment rate was 3.7%, and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 76.3%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of September 2019 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.7% as compared to the end of June 2019 and reached 2.31 million.

In the third quarter of 2019 in comparison with the second quarter of 2019 the average monthly wages and salaries decreased by 0.9% getting 1 249 BGN.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the third quarter of 2019 the number of newly built residential buildings was 740 and the newly built dwellings in them were 2 892. Compared to the third quarter of 2018 the buildings were by 280 more (or by 60.9%) and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 948 or by 48.8%.

In 2017, Bulgaria spent 17 195.7 million BGN for social protection. Тo finance social protection in the country, 7 880.3 million BGN were allocated from the state budget while the receipts of social protection contributions amounted to 10 531.4 million BGN.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the second quarter of 2019 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 11.0% compared to the second quarter of 2018. 

The total income average per household member during the second quarter of 2019 is 1 547 BGN and increases by 4.9% compared to the same quarter of 2018.

The total expenditure average per household member during the second quarter of 2019 is 1 402 BGN and increases by 5.3% in comparison to the same quarter of 2018.

The consumption of main food products average per household member during the second quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter of 2018 does change.

In the second quarter of 2019 the unemployment rate was 4.2% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 75.7%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of June 2019 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 1.5% as compared to the end of March 2019 and reached 2.35 million.

In the second quarter of 2019 in comparison with the first quarter of 2019 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 4.3% getting 1 260 BGN.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the second quarter of 2019 the number of newly built residential buildings was 632 and the newly built dwellings in them were 2 250. Compared to the second quarter of 2018 the buildings were by 60 more (or by 10.5%) and the newly built dwellings in them decreased by 34 or by 1.5%. 

The trials of 25 165 committed crimes were ended with penalties (effective and conditional) in 2018. Persons convicted with penalties inflicted in 2018 were 23 973.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the first quarter of 2019 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 12.9% compared to the first quarter of 2018.

The number of health establishments for hospital aid as of 31.12.2018 was 346 with 53 173 beds. 322 of them were hospitals with 50 927 beds.

The number of out-patient health establishments was 2 066 with 1 253 beds and other health establishments were 145 with 2 086 beds in them.

At the end of 2018 29 667 physicians were in practice under the basic labour contracts in health establishments. Dentists were 7 240, as 6 347 worked in practices that had signed contract with National Health Insurance Fund. Medical specialists on ‘Health cares’ who worked on a basic labour contract in ...

The total income average per household member during the first quarter of 2019 is 1 519 BGN and increases by 8.0% compared to the same quarter of 2018.

The total expenditure average per household member during the first quarter of 2019 is 1 403 BGN and increases by 11.0% in comparison to the same quarter of 2018.

The consumption of main food products average per household member does not change considerable during the first quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter of 2018.

In the first quarter of 2019 the unemployment rate was 5.0%, by 0.7 percentage points lower in comparison with the first quarter or 2018.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of March 2019 the number of employees under labour contract increased by 1.1% as compared to the end of December 2018 and reached 2.32 million.

In the first quarter of 2019 in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2018 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 3.2% getting 1 208 BGN.

Life expectancy at birth of the Bulgarian population calculated for the period 2016 - 2018 is 74.8 years.

Life expectancy at birth for male population is 71.4 years, while for female it is 7.0 years higher - 78.4 years.

The number of detached crèches and groups in kindergartens functioning in the country as of 31.12.2018 was 840 with 33 226 places in them.

The number of children accommodated in crèches at the end of the year was 31 939. 16 449 of them were boys, and 15 490 - girls.

The total number of places in crèches per 100 children aged up to 3 years as of 31.12.2018 was 17.3 and the coverage of children brought up in crèches - 16.6 per 100 children aged up to 3 years.

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 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 ed...

The number of minors and juveniles registered in the Child pedagogic rooms for anti-social acts and crimes commitment in 2018 was 9 098. In comparison with 2017 their number decreased by 48 or by 0.5%.

The annual total income average per capita is 6 013 BGN in 2018 and increases by 7.6% compared to 2017.

The Bulgarian households are spent 5 772 BGN average per capita in 2018 or by 10.6% more compared to 2017.

Statistical data show changes in the household consumption structure in Bulgaria.

As of 31 December 2018 the population of Bulgaria is 7 000 039 persons, representing 1.4% of the EU population. Compared to 2017, the population decreases by 49 995 persons.

There are 62 197 live born children in 2018. The number of live births decreases by 1 758 compared to the previous year.

The number of deaths in 2018 is 108 526 and the crude mortality rate - 15.4‰. Compared to the previous year the number of deaths decreases by 1 265.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the fourth quarter of 2018 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 5.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.

In 2018 the unemployment rate was 5.2% by 1.0 percentage point lower in comparison with 2017.

The employment rate for the age group 20 - 64 years achieved 72.4%, by 1.1 percentage points higher compared to 2017.

The total income average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2018 is 1 557 BGN and increases by 7.5% compared to the same quarter of 2017.

The total expenditure average per household member during the fourth quarter of 2018 is 1 509 BGN and increases by 10.3% in comparison to the same quarter of 2017.

The consumption of main food products average per household member is without considerable change during the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the same quarter of 2017.

In the fourth quarter of 2018 the unemployment rate was 4.7% and the employment rate of population aged 20 - 64 was 72.5%.

According to the preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute at the end of December 2018 the number of employees under labour contract decreased by 1.1% as compared to the end of September 2018 and reached 2.29 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2018 in comparison with the third quarter of 2018 the average monthly wages and salaries increased by 4.8% getting 1 171 BGN.

According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute in the fourth quarter of 2018 the number of newly built residential buildings was 721 and the newly built dwellings in them were 2 345. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 the buildings were by 67 more (or by 10.2%) and the newly built dwellings in them increased by 304 or by 14.9%. 

What names did we give our children in 2018?

Which are the most popular surnames and the most common male and female names in Bulgaria?

Does Alexander retain in 2018 the top position in the names of newborn boys?

These are just some of the questions we answer with the new infographic ‘Names in Bulgaria 2018’.

Preliminary data of the NSI for the third quarter of 2018 indicate that the total hourly labour cost rose by 8.9% compared to the third quarter of 2017.

The total income average per household member during the third quarter of 2018 is 1 541 BGN and increases by 7.7% compared to the same quarter of 2017.

The total expenditure average per household member during the third quarter of 2018 is 1 518 BGN and increases by 9.8% in comparison with the same quarter of 2017.