Bulgaria Population Growth
Annual population growth rate SP.POP.GROW
Bulgaria's population growth was 0.13% in 2025, ranked 170th globally. This represents a 261.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Bulgaria's population growth stood at 0.13% in 2025, a rise of +0.21pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.13% by 2025. Bulgaria ranked 170th globally.
Bulgaria’s population growth has slowed dramatically since the post‑war boom, falling from an all‑time peak of 0.96 % in 1961 to a persistent decline that reached a trough of –2.17 % in 2002, before edging back to a modest 0.13 % in 2025, ranking 170th globally. The 65‑year series shows that the steepest contraction occurred in the early 2000s, driven by low fertility, high emigration and an ageing demographic structure, while recent modest gains reflect a combination of modest return migration and slight improvements in birth rates. Bulgaria’s 2025 growth rate aligns closely with peers such as Azerbaijan (0.13 %) and Italy (0.14 %), underscoring a regional pattern of near‑zero natural increase tempered by migration flows. Continued policy efforts to boost labour‑force participation, support families and attract skilled migrants will be crucial if Bulgaria is to shift from marginal growth toward a sustainable positive trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Growth | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 0.57% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 0.35% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.13% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.13% | +0.21pp | #170 |
| 2024 | -0.08% | +0.21pp | #33 |
| 2023 | -0.29% | +0.36pp | #23 |
| 2022 | -0.65% | +0.01pp | #19 |
| 2021 | -0.66% | +0.34pp | #27 |
| 2020 | -1.00% | +0.41pp | #13 |
| 2019 | -1.41% | −0.04pp | #8 |
| 2018 | -1.37% | −0.05pp | #9 |
| 2017 | -1.32% | −0.03pp | #11 |
| 2016 | -1.30% | −0.03pp | #9 |
| 2015 | -1.27% | −0.06pp | #9 |
| 2014 | -1.21% | +0.80pp | #7 |
| 2013 | -2.02% | −1.44pp | #4 |
| 2012 | -0.58% | +0.06pp | #13 |
| 2011 | -0.64% | +0.02pp | #15 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bulgaria matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw population growth improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulgaria's population growth was 0.13% in 2025. Ranked 170th globally. This represents a 261.9% increase from the previous year.
Bulgaria's population growth peaked at 0.96% in 1961.
The lowest population growth in Bulgaria was -2.17% in 2002.
Bulgaria ranks 170th globally in population growth as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.GROW. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bulgaria's population growth is projected to reach 0.13% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population growth of Bulgaria in 2025 was 0.13%. This ranks 170th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bulgaria_population-growth,
title = {Bulgaria Population Growth},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bulgaria/population-growth/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}