Country Profile: Bulgaria

Bulgaria is located in Southeastern Europe, with a diverse geography that includes mountains and lowlands. As of 2024, the country has a population of approximately 6.78 million, characterized by a rich cultural heritage and a parliamentary republic governance structure. Bulgaria's economy is classified as upper-middle-income and is supported by a skilled labor force, though it faces challenges due to emigration and an aging population. The country is a member of both the European Union and NATO, reflecting its strategic positioning and geopolitical significance.

Geography

Bulgaria lies at the crossroads of Europe, bordered by the Black Sea to the east and sharing land borders with Romania, Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The country covers a total area of 110,879 sq km, featuring a temperate climate with cold winters and hot summers. Its terrain consists mainly of mountainous regions, with the highest point being Musala at 2,925 meters.

Total area: 110,879 sq km (2024)
Land boundaries: 1,806 km with neighboring countries
Coastline: 354 km along the Black Sea
Population density: Fairly evenly distributed, with urban areas being more populous
Natural resources: Includes bauxite, copper, coal, and arable land
Major rivers: Danube, which spans 2,888 km in total length

People and Society

As of 2024, Bulgaria has a population of about 6.78 million, with over 76% living in urban regions. The nation is predominantly Bulgarian (78.5%), with significant Turkish and Romani minorities. The official language is Bulgarian, and the country enjoys a cultural blend shaped by its historical influences.

Total population: 6,782,659 (2024)
Urbanization rate: 76.7% of the population resides in urban areas
Median age: 45.1 years (2024)
Life expectancy: 76.1 years (2024)
Major religions: 64.7% Christian, 9.8% Muslim
Birth rate: 7.9 births/1,000 population (2024)

Economy

Bulgaria's economy is classified as upper-middle-income, with a nominal GDP of approximately $112.2 billion for 2024. The economy is experiencing moderate growth, supported by EU structural funds and investment recovery. However, it faces challenges such as a skilled labor shortage and an aging population.

GDP (official exchange rate): $112.212 billion (2024)
Real GDP per capita: $34,100 (2024)
Unemployment rate: 4.2% (2024)
Inflation rate: 2.4% (2024)
Major industries: Food, beverages, machinery, and electricity
Export partners: Germany 14%, Romania 11% (2023)

Government

Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic, with Sofia as its capital. The government is structured into executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and it has a multiparty system. The President, elected for a five-year term, serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.

Government type: Parliamentary republic
Capital city: Sofia
Latest constitutional amendment: Adopted on 13 July 1991
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly with 240 seats

Military and Security

The Bulgarian Armed Forces consist of land, air, and naval forces, supported by a robust internal security framework. Military expenditures are gradually increasing, with a focus on modernization and NATO interoperability. Bulgaria participates in various international peacekeeping missions.

Active-duty personnel: Approximately 27,000 (2024)
Military expenditures: 2.1% of GDP (2025 est.)
Key deployments: 160 personnel in Kosovo as part of NATO/KFOR (2025)
Service obligation: Voluntary military service for ages 18-40

Energy

Bulgaria's energy sector is diverse, utilizing fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewable sources. The country has achieved complete electrification, with a significant portion of its energy derived from nuclear power. Energy consumption has been effectively managed to support economic growth.

Total electricity consumption: 34.221 billion kWh (2023)
Nuclear energy share: 40.3% of total electricity production (2023)
Installed generating capacity: 12.939 million kW (2023)
Electricity imports: 4.415 billion kWh (2023)
Coal production: 20.97 million metric tons (2023)

Environment

Bulgaria faces several environmental challenges, including air pollution and water contamination from industrial activities. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

Forest cover: 36.2% of the land area (2023)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 33.465 million metric tonnes (2023)
Waste recycling rate: 29.8% of municipal solid waste (2022)
Total renewable water resources: 21.3 billion cubic meters (2022)

Transportation

Bulgaria has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including railways and air travel. The country is home to numerous airports and has an extensive network of roads facilitating both domestic and international travel.

Total railways: 4,029 km, with 2,871 km electrified (2020)
Airports: 107 by 2025
Merchant marine vessels: 78 (2023)
Major ports: Burgas and Varna

Communications

Bulgaria has a growing telecommunications sector, with high mobile penetration and a substantial number of internet users. The infrastructure supports a variety of broadcasting services, contributing to media diversity.

Fixed-line telephone subscriptions: 619,000 (2023)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 8.01 million (2023)
Internet users: 80% of the population (2023)
Broadband subscriptions: 2.45 million (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	6,782,659	(2024 est.)
Area	110,879 sq km
GDP	$112.212 billion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate	7.9 births/1,000 people	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	76.1 years	(2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	2.1% of GDP	(2025 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	102.171 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Internet Users	80%	of population (2023 est.)
Urban Population	76.7%	of total population (2023)