Bulgaria Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Bulgaria's physicians was 4.41 in 2025, ranked 21st globally. This represents a 1.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Bulgaria's physicians stood at 4.41 in 2025, a rise of +0.08 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.41 by 2025. Bulgaria ranked 21st globally.
Bulgaria’s physician density has risen steadily from 1.41 physicians per 1,000 people in 1960 to 4.41 in 2025, placing the country 21st globally and matching its all‑time peak. This four‑fold increase over 54 years reflects expanded medical education capacity and public‑health investment, yet the figure remains modest compared with peers such as Mongolia’s 4.52 and Lithuania’s 4.35 physicians per 1,000. The upward trajectory accelerated after the 1990s transition, when reforms opened the health sector and encouraged the training of new doctors, narrowing the gap with higher‑ranking nations like Australia at 4.34. While the current level surpasses the historic trough, demographic ageing and emigration of health professionals could temper future growth. Continued funding for medical schools and incentives to retain clinicians are likely to sustain the positive trend, but policy shifts will be needed to prevent a slowdown as the labour market tightens.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 4.41 | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.41 | +0.08 | #21 |
| 2022 | 4.33 | +0.03 | #19 |
| 2021 | 4.30 | +0.02 | #19 |
| 2020 | 4.28 | +0.04 | #19 |
| 2019 | 4.24 | +0.02 | #18 |
| 2018 | 4.22 | +0.03 | #16 |
| 2017 | 4.18 | +0.08 | #15 |
| 2016 | 4.11 | +0.07 | #14 |
| 2015 | 4.04 | +0.06 | #13 |
| 2014 | 3.98 | +0.03 | #16 |
| 2013 | 3.95 | +0.09 | #15 |
| 2012 | 3.87 | +0.03 | #17 |
| 2011 | 3.84 | +0.09 | #14 |
| 2010 | 3.75 | +0.01 | #16 |
| 2009 | 3.73 | +0.09 | #14 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bulgaria matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulgaria's physicians was 4.41 in 2025. Ranked 21st globally. This represents a 1.9% increase from the previous year.
Bulgaria's physicians peaked at 4.41 in 2025.
The lowest physicians in Bulgaria was 1.41 in 1960.
Bulgaria ranks 21st globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bulgaria's physicians is projected to reach 4.41 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of Bulgaria in 2025 was 4.41. This ranks 21st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bulgaria_physicians,
title = {Bulgaria Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bulgaria/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}