Bulgaria Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Bulgaria's unemployment rate was 3.54% in 2025, ranked 58th globally. This represents a 16.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1989–2025.
Overview
Bulgaria's unemployment rate stood at 3.54% in 2025, a decline of +0.70pp from 2024. The IMF projects 3.50% by 2025. Bulgaria ranked 58th globally.
Bulgaria's unemployment rate has exhibited a significant fluctuation over the past 37 years, with a notable peak of 19.92% in 2001 and a trough of 0.03% in 1989. The country's current unemployment rate stands at 3.54%, ranking it 58th globally. This relatively low rate is closer to that of the Kyrgyz Republic, which shares a similar unemployment rate of 3.53%. In comparison to other countries with similar economies, Bulgaria's unemployment rate has improved substantially since its peak, which was largely influenced by the country's transition to a market-based economy in the 1990s. The unemployment rate has steadily declined, indicating a positive trend. However, if Bulgaria's economy were to experience a significant decline in growth or a major disruption in the labor market, such as a large-scale industry restructuring, it could potentially impact the unemployment rate and alter the current trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 3.20% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 3.20% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 3.20% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 3.30% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 3.40% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 3.50% | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.54% | −0.70pp | #58 |
| 2024 | 4.20% | −0.19pp | #74 |
| 2023 | 4.32% | +0.11pp | #82 |
| 2022 | 4.15% | −1.10pp | #71 |
| 2021 | 5.17% | −0.04pp | #77 |
| 2020 | 5.04% | +0.76pp | #70 |
| 2019 | 4.15% | −1.13pp | #67 |
| 2018 | 5.21% | −1.02pp | #94 |
| 2017 | 6.16% | −1.50pp | #105 |
| 2016 | 7.58% | −1.66pp | #114 |
| 2015 | 9.14% | −2.38pp | #131 |
| 2014 | 11.42% | −1.61pp | #144 |
| 2013 | 12.94% | +0.56pp | #154 |
| 2012 | 12.27% | +0.92pp | #150 |
| 2011 | 11.26% | +1.05pp | #144 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bulgaria matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulgaria's unemployment rate was 3.54% in 2025. Ranked 58th globally. This represents a 16.5% decrease from the previous year.
Bulgaria's unemployment rate peaked at 19.92% in 2001.
The lowest unemployment rate in Bulgaria was 0.03% in 1989.
Bulgaria ranks 58th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bulgaria's unemployment rate is projected to reach 3.50% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of Bulgaria in 2025 was 3.54%. This ranks 58th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bulgaria_unemployment-rate,
title = {Bulgaria Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bulgaria/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}