Sofia, Bulgaria
Capital city · Population 1.2M
Sofia is the capital and the largest city in Bulgaria with a population of approximately 1,152,556 people as of 2026. This makes it the 460th largest city in the world, accounting for 17.90% of Bulgaria's total population of 6.4M. Sofia is classified as a major city and operates in the Europe/Sofia timezone. The average annual temperature is 12.7°C with 502 mm of rainfall per year. The city sits at an elevation of 555 meters above sea level.
Population
1,152,556
Global Rank
#460
Country Rank
#1
% of Bulgaria
17.90%
Avg Temperature
12.7°C
Annual Rainfall
502 mm
Elevation
555 m
Timezone
Europe/Sofia
Sofia on the Map
Climate in Sofia
Sofia's warmest month is Jul and the coldest is Jan. The wettest month is Dec with 89 mm of rainfall.
Average Monthly Temperature
Monthly Rainfall
Bulgaria at a Glance
Country Population
6,437,360
Capital
Sofia
Region
Southeast Europe
Major Cities
6
GDP per Capita
$17,596
Life Expectancy
75.7 years
Urban Population
74.0%
Growth Rate
-0.01%
Other Major Cities in Bulgaria
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities to Sofia with over 100,000 people
| City | Population | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Plovdiv | 329,489 | 132 km |
| Niš | 250,000 | 135 km |
| Skopje | 474,889 | 174 km |
| Pristina | 550,000 | 176 km |
| Craiova | 234,140 | 184 km |
| Stara Zagora | 121,582 | 192 km |
| Mitrovicë | 107,045 | 202 km |
| Prizren | 171,464 | 219 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Sofia?
The population of Sofia, Bulgaria is approximately 1,152,556 people, making it the 460th largest city in the world and the 1st largest in Bulgaria.
Is Sofia the capital of Bulgaria?
Yes, Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria.
What is the climate like in Sofia?
Sofia has an average annual temperature of 12.7°C and receives 502 mm of rainfall per year. The warmest month is Jul and the coldest is Jan.
What timezone is Sofia in?
Sofia is in the Europe/Sofia timezone.