Bulgaria population declines to 6.42 million amid aging trends

Bulgaria is experiencing a significant demographic decline, with the total population falling to 6,423,207 as of late 2025. According to data from the National Statistical Institute, the country lost 14,153 residents over the course of the year, representing a 0.22% decrease. This decline is driven by a natural decrease of 49,238 people, as the number of deaths (99,479) significantly outpaced the number of live births (50,241), the latter of which saw a 6% drop compared to the previous year.

The population is also aging rapidly, with the average age reaching 45.4 years. Individuals aged 65 and older now account for 24.3% of the population, while those under 15 make up only 13.9%. This imbalance is reflected in the workforce, where for every 100 people exiting working age, only 75 are entering it.

Demographic shifts show extreme regional disparity. While the country faces an overall decline, the Sofia region acts as a counter-trend, concentrating population, economic activity, and jobs. This internal migration creates a sharp contrast between the growing capital and the rest of the country, where 192 settlements have become entirely uninhabited and over 1,200 villages have fewer than 50 residents.