Bulgaria
Republic of Bulgaria
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.68%
Bulgaria is a Southeast Europe country of around 6.44 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 110,879 km², translating to a density of 58 people per km². Its capital is Sofia, and Bulgarian is the official language, while the Bulgarian lev serves as the national currency.
Population
6,437,360
Area
110,879 km²
Density
58/km²
World Rank
#111
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. Deaths (15.7 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (8.9 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 22% aged 65 or above and 14.5% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Sofia
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Southeast Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Bulgarian
- Currencies
- Bulgarian lev (лв)
- Calling Code
- +359
- Top-Level Domain
- .bg
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 6,437,360
- Land Area
- 110,879 km²
- Population Density
- 58 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.68%
- Annual Growth
- -43,774 people
- Daily Growth
- -120 people
- World Population Share
- 0.08%
- Coordinates
- 43.00°, 25.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $17.6k, Bulgaria sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 3.5%, below the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 39.5 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
75.7 years
GDP per Capita
$17,596
Birth Rate
8.9 per 1,000
Death Rate
15.7 per 1,000
Urban Population
74.0%
Fertility Rate
1.81 births/woman
Infant Mortality
5.0 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.5%
Literacy Rate
98.3%
Internet Users
82.4%
Under 15
14.5%
Over 65
22.0%
Health Spending
7.9% GDP
Gini Index
39.5
Age Distribution
0-14 years
931K
15-64 years
4.1M
65+ years
1.4M
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 74% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. The capital, Sofia, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 2961.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
4.8M
74.0%
1.7M
26.0%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 75.7 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 5.0 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 98.3% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has 6 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Bulgaria's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. With 22% of the population already over 65, the aging challenge is likely to deepen in the decades ahead. As a United Nations member state, Bulgaria participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 6,437,360 |
| 2030 | 6,272,860 |
| 2035 | 6,090,535 |
| 2040 | 5,929,837 |
| 2045 | 5,787,060 |
| 2050 | 5,659,204 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Bulgaria.
Largest Cities in Bulgaria
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Bulgaria by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bulgaria?
The population of Bulgaria is approximately 6.4 million as of 2026, making it #111 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Bulgaria?
The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia.
What languages are spoken in Bulgaria?
The main languages spoken in Bulgaria are Bulgarian.
How big is Bulgaria?
Bulgaria covers an area of 110,879 km² with a population density of 58 people per km².
Is Bulgaria growing or shrinking?
Bulgaria's population is declining at a rate of -0.68% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Bulgaria?
The average life expectancy in Bulgaria is 75.7 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Bulgaria?
The GDP per capita of Bulgaria is $17,596.