Bulgaria's Population Shows Slow Stabilization

At the end of 2009, 5 401 214 people resided in Bulgarian cities and towns (71,4%); 2 162 496 lived in villages (28,6%), data shows. Photo by EPA/BGNES

A total of 7 563 710 people lived in Bulgaria at the end of 2009, according to data of the National Statistical Institute released Wednesday.

The statistical data indicates that Bulgaria’s permanent population declined by 42 841 people, or 0,6%, year-on-year, because of the migration and population growth trends.

The number of men has declined by 21 969, and of women – by 20 872. 51,6% of the Bulgarian population are women; there are 1 067 women per 1 000 men.

At the end of 2009, 5 401 214 people resided in Bulgarian cities and towns (71,4%); 2 162 496 lived in villages (28,6%).

The National Statistical Institute states that the development of Bulgaria’s demographic situation is among the major challenges for the country in the last 20 years.

It concludes from the available data that there is a trend of slowing down of the decrease in the number of the Bulgarian population, a gradual increase of the birth rate, a reduction of the emigration, and an increase of the average life expectancy.

The aging of the population, the high mortality rate, and the still significant number of emigrants, however, remain major problems for the demographic balance of the country.

A total of 4 773 900 people in Bulgaria fell into the labor force category (63,1%), or 32 000 fewer than the number registered at the end of 2008.

The population in the non-active age category is 1 690 700; or 10 000 smaller than it was at the end of 2008. A total of 1 099 000 Bulgarians are under 16 years of age – 911 fewer than they were a year earlier.

In 2009, there were a total of 80 956 live-born babies, and 616 still-born (0,8%). Compared to 2008, in 2009 there were 3 244 more live-born children and 45 still-born in Bulgaria.

A total of 108 068 deaths were registered in Bulgaria in 2009, 2 455 fewer year-on-year. The death rate has decreased by 0,3% down to 14,2 per 1 000. Bulgaria’s life expectancy at birth is 73,4 years; 69,9 for the men and 77,1 for the women.

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