Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

6.4m people now live in the country, statistics show

NSI: Bulgaria's population continues to shrink

Nearly a quarter of all Bulgarians are over 65

Bulgaria's population was 6,437,360 at the end of 2024, down by 8,121 people (0.13%) from the previous year, according to the National Statistical Institute. All 28 regions recorded negative natural growth.


As of December 31, 2024, there were 1,544,245 people over the age of 65, or 24% of the country's population. There were 901,843 children under the age of 15, or 14%.


The ageing of the population over the years has led to an increase in the average age to 45.3 years. The average age in towns is 44.5 years and in villages 47.6 years. There are 3,765,000 people of working age, or 58.5% of the population. There are 1,970,000 men and 1,795,000 women.


Half of the population (51.7%) lives in the South West and South Central regions. The least populated region is the north-west, with 655,000 people, or 10.2% of the population.




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

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov supports the peace plan for Ukraine

“Borders cannot be changed by force, and Ukraine’s long-term security must be guaranteed”, Bulgaria’s Premier Rossen Zhelyazkov said during a videoconference meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing”, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK..

published on 11/26/25 8:57 AM

Bulgaria and China discuss cooperation in the automotive sector

Business forum on the topic "Bulgaria - China: cooperation in the automotive sector" is being held on November 26 in Sofia. Its organizers are the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of the People's Republic of..

published on 11/26/25 7:30 AM

Draft budget 2026 sparks protests

The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association has called for participation in a protest on November 26 against the budget for 2026, which is about to be adopted at second reading. "We call not only our members, but also all..

published on 11/26/25 6:50 AM