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

Poverty levels in Bulgaria are rising

Study reveals one fifth of Bulgarians live in poverty

Photo: Archive

More than a fifth of Bulgarians are poor, according to an analysis by the Institute for Market Economics. People living in deficit are increasing to 21.7% based on data on unemployment, low education, higher number of children in the household, older age, ethnicity.
Last year, 3 million people or 46% of the population were unable to meet unexpected financial expenses such as urgent repairs to their home or car, sudden illness, replacing a washing machine or refrigerator. 

Over 41% of people could not afford a week-long vacation away from home, over 39% - to replace old furniture, and 19% - to maintain a normal temperature in their home. 

In addition, every fifth person over 16 years of age has experienced difficulties in buying clothes and shoes and did not have even a small amount of money for personal needs.

Material deprivation among children is decreasing, but at the same time remains relatively high. Every tenth child does not have new clothes, two pairs of shoes, one daily meal that includes meat, or the opportunity to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and name days.



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

Rosen Zhelyazkov

Prime Minister Zhelyazkov: Referendum on the euro unacceptable

In a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that President Rumen Radev's proposal for a national referendum on the euro was causing confusion in the European institutions.   President..

published on 5/10/25 9:54 AM

Sofia Tech Park is hosting national Rubik's Cube speed-solving tournament

A Rubik's Cube speed-solving competition will be held at the interactive science and technology center of Sofia Tech Park - TechnoMagicLand on May 10 and 11. The event is part of the official calendar of the World Cube Association (WCA) and is..

published on 5/10/25 6:10 AM

President Rumen Radev proposes national referendum on the adoption of the euro

In an address to the Bulgarian citizens, the Bulgarian head of state Rumen Radev has announced that he is submitting a proposal to the National Assembly to hold a national referendum.  The question in it is "Do you agree that Bulgaria should..

published on 5/9/25 9:17 PM