In the first quarter of 2021, the municipal authorities issued building permits for construction of 1 546 residential buildings with 8 775 dwellings, of 28 administrative buildings/offices and 1 117 other buildings. The construction of 998 residential buildings with 5 297 dwellings, of 7 administrative buildings/offices and 576 other buildings was started.
As of 31 December 2020, the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria is administratively divided into 28 administrative districts and 265 municipalities, in which there are 3 160 individual mayoralties. Тhere are 5 257 settlements in the Republic of Bulgaria, of which 257 towns, and 5 000 villages, while the settlement formations were 165 (including 8 of national and 157 of local importance).
Тhe smallest administrative district by area is Sofia (stolitsa), which at the same time is the biggest by population with 1 308 412 inhabitants and the only district with a population above 1 000 000. The smallest administrative district by population is Vidin with 81 212 inhabitants.
In February 2021 compared to January 2021 an increase is reported for the production of solid fuels - by 7.4%, unleaded motor gasoline - by 8.3% and transport diesel - by 2.4%. A decrease is reported for the production of liquefied petroleum gases - by 16.7%, natural gas - by 25.0% and electricity - by 9.6%.
In February 2021 compared to January 2021 an increase is reported for the deliveries of solid fuels - by 5.1%, liquefied petroleum gases - by 10.3%, unleaded motor gasoline - by 5.7% and transport diesel - by 13.3%. A decrease is reported for the deliveries of natural gas - by 8.9% and electricity - by 11.4%.
Total Producer Price Index in March 2021 increased by 1.4% compared to the previous month and with 6.8% compared to the same month of 2020. Producer Price Index on Domestic Market in March 2021 increased by 0.9% compared to the previous month; compared to the same month of 2020 the domestic prices rose by 3.4%.
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.
In April 2021, the total business climate indicator remains approximately to its level from the previous month. A reduction of the indicator is observed in industry and construction, in retail trade preserves its level from March, and in service sector, an increase is registered.
In March 2021, in the conditions of the continuing epidemic situation, the number of the trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 251.5 thousand, or by 9.0% above the registered in March 2020 when the state of emergency first was introduced in the country in connection with the global spread of the COVID-19.
In March 2021, the number of arrivals of visitors from abroad to Bulgaria was 287.9 thousand or by 8.0% less in comparison with March 2020.
In April 2021, the National Statistical Institute conducted the monthly inquiry survey of the managers of accommodation establishments to gather accurate and timely information on the state and development of their businesses during the ensuing epidemic situation in the country.
Main results from the short business survey amongst the non-financial enterprises, aiming at presenting information on the economic effects from the declared state of emergency and the ensuing epidemic situation in the country due to COVID-19.
The main results from the National Statistical Institute annual comprehensive surveys characterizing the activity of educational institutions are as follows: