Bulgaria Real Interest Rate
Real interest rate FR.INR.RINR
Bulgaria's real interest rate was -5.41% in 2025, ranked 88th globally. This represents a 123.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1992–2025.
Overview
Bulgaria's real interest rate stood at -5.41% in 2025, a decline of +2.99pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -5.41% by 2025. Bulgaria ranked 88th globally.
Bulgaria’s real interest rate has swung dramatically over the 34‑year series, moving from a high of 9.07 % in 1992 to an extraordinary peak of 139.96 % in 1996 before plunging to a trough of –69.11 % in 1997, reflecting the turbulence of the post‑communist transition and the severe monetary shock of the late 1990s. By 2025 the rate stands at –5.41 %, placing the country 88th globally and positioning it close to peers such as Montenegro (–4.81 %) and Fiji (–5.62 %). The persistent negative real rate signals that nominal policy rates remain below inflation, a stance that supports borrowing but can erode savers’ returns and potentially fuel asset‑price distortions. Continued disinflationary pressure or a tightening of monetary policy could shift the trajectory upward, while a resurgence of inflation would likely keep real rates in negative territory.
Data & projection
| Year | Real Interest Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | -6.50% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -5.95% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -5.41% | - | - |
| 2025 | -5.41% | −2.99pp | #88 |
| 2024 | -2.42% | +0.88pp | #5 |
| 2023 | -3.30% | +7.21pp | #12 |
| 2022 | -10.50% | −7.84pp | #12 |
| 2021 | -2.66% | −2.65pp | #28 |
| 2020 | -0.01% | +0.68pp | #10 |
| 2019 | -0.70% | −1.40pp | #6 |
| 2018 | 0.70% | +0.10pp | #19 |
| 2017 | 0.60% | −2.37pp | #24 |
| 2016 | 2.97% | −1.40pp | #29 |
| 2015 | 4.37% | −2.46pp | #52 |
| 2014 | 6.83% | −2.13pp | #72 |
| 2013 | 8.97% | +0.46pp | #99 |
| 2012 | 8.51% | +4.25pp | #99 |
| 2011 | 4.26% | −6.05pp | #70 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bulgaria matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw real interest rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulgaria's real interest rate was -5.41% in 2025. Ranked 88th globally. This represents a 123.8% decrease from the previous year.
Bulgaria's real interest rate peaked at 139.96% in 1996.
The lowest real interest rate in Bulgaria was -69.11% in 1997.
Bulgaria ranks 88th globally in real interest rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is FR.INR.RINR. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bulgaria's real interest rate is projected to reach -5.41% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The real interest rate of Bulgaria in 2025 was -5.41%. This ranks 88th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bulgaria_real-interest-rate,
title = {Bulgaria Real Interest Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bulgaria/real-interest-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}