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 474th largest city in the world, accounting for 17.89% of Bulgaria's total population of 6.4M. Sofia is classified as a major city and operates in the Europe/Sofia timezone.
Population
1,152,556
Global Rank
#474
Country Rank
#1
% of Bulgaria
17.89%
Sofia on the Map
Bulgaria at a Glance
Country Population
6,441,421
Capital
Sofia
Region
Southeast Europe
Major Cities
6
GDP per Capita
$17,596
Life Expectancy
75.8 years
Urban Population
74.0%
Growth Rate
-0.00%
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 474th 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 timezone is Sofia in?
Sofia is in the Europe/Sofia timezone.