Bulgarian Population Decline

Bulgaria has seen its population decline heavily since the fall of communism in 1989. This change in population is not due to the fall of communism of course, but more in line with the integration of the country into Europe and the freedom for the people to move elsewhere.

In 1989 the reported population was just over 9 million, by 2001 however the population had dropped to around 8.4 million. In the 2011 census, the figure shows another significant drop to around 7.3 million.

The change in population causing it decline is the movement of younger people looking to find their fortunes and a different way of life overseas. At first Italy and Germany were the places to travel too, but now younger Bulgarians have found their home across Europe and also in America.

The Bulgarian economy and low salary when compared to other nations in Europe means the lure of higher wages that allow for a brighter future has seen movement happen. Bulgarians are very proud of their country and their culture, however many have become settled in their new countries of residence and therefore decided to stay in the new host nations.

Did you know that the population of Bulgaria today is actually lower than the reported population in 1950? This is true and Bulgaria is the only country in the world where the population is lower now than it was back then!