Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria's demographic crisis hits GDP

Negative growth accounts for 45% of Bulgaria's average annual GDP decline, BAS reports

Photo: BTA

Population decline has had a strong adverse impact on GDP growth since 2009, with an average negative effect of around 0.9 percentage points per year. This corresponds to about 45 per cent of the average annual GDP growth rate from 2010 to 2021, according to research by the Institute for Population and Human Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, as reported by BTA. According to the authors of the study, the negative effect is mainly due to emigration and the ageing of the population. 

The scientists warn that without changes in economic conditions and policies, there is a risk that this negative effect will continue and even worsen after 2035 due to the acceleration of population ageing.

Population decline is driven both by global trends, such as fertility decline and ageing, and by country-specific factors. The fertility rate remains below the replacement level, despite its slow recovery since the beginning of the new millennium. Bulgaria has one of the highest mortality rates in the European Union and the lowest life expectancy at 74.2 years, compared with an EU average of 80.6 years

Moreover, the population is declining due to negative natural growth and net migration, especially in the period 2012-2019. Measures are needed with a long-term effect, such as stimulating fertility and improving the health status of the population, as well as those with a short-term effect, related to the management of migration processes. Policies aimed at improving employment and increasing labour market participation are also needed, the authors note.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Iliana Iotova

Vice President Iliana Iotova: Whether the parliament will survive is up to the political parties

Two very important procedures depend on the election of president of parliament. Talking to reporters, Vice President Iliana Iotova said that if a president of the National Assembly is elected, then a national budget can be submitted and the president..

published on 11/29/24 11:26 AM

Sheep infected with smallpox in Zhelyo Voivoda village to be euthanized

In Zhelyo Voivoda village, a flock of sheep infected with smallpox will be euthanized after laboratory tests confirmed that the animals are indeed infected. BNR’s correspondent in Sliven reports, citing the local administration, that the animals..

published on 11/29/24 10:47 AM

Low emission zone put in place in Sofia as of 1 December

As of 1 December until the end of February, driving an old car in the centre of Sofia will be subject to a EUR 25-100 fine. The fines for legal entities will be 10 times higher – from EUR 500 to EUR 1,000. The low emission zone was put in place..

published on 11/29/24 10:25 AM