Rank #30 by World Population
🇧🇬Bulgaria
Bulgaria has a population of 6,446,596, ranking #30 in the world. The capital is Sofia. Located in Europe & Central Asia.
World Bank: High income
6,446,596
Population
#30
World Rank
75.8
Life Expectancy
$15,853
GDP Per Capita
Bulgaria, #30 by world population
Bulgaria Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Bulgaria had a population of 7,867,374 in 1960 and 6,441,421 in 2024, a -18.1% growth over 64 years. The peak was 8,981,446 in 1988. Average annual growth rate: -0.31%.
6,441,421
Population (2024)
7,867,374
Population (1960)
8,981,446
Peak (1988)
-0.31%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 7,867,374 |
| 1961 | 7,943,118 |
| 1962 | 8,012,946 |
| 1963 | 8,078,145 |
| 1964 | 8,144,340 |
| 1965 | 8,204,168 |
| 1966 | 8,258,057 |
| 1967 | 8,310,226 |
| 1968 | 8,369,603 |
| 1969 | 8,434,172 |
| 1970 | 8,489,574 |
| 1971 | 8,536,395 |
| 1972 | 8,576,200 |
| 1973 | 8,620,967 |
| 1974 | 8,678,745 |
| 1975 | 8,720,742 |
| 1976 | 8,758,599 |
| 1977 | 8,804,183 |
| 1978 | 8,814,032 |
| 1979 | 8,825,940 |
| 1980 | 8,861,535 |
| 1981 | 8,891,117 |
| 1982 | 8,917,457 |
| 1983 | 8,939,738 |
| 1984 | 8,960,679 |
| 1985 | 8,960,547 |
| 1986 | 8,958,171 |
| 1987 | 8,971,359 |
| 1988 | 8,981,446 |
| 1989 | 8,876,972 |
| 1990 | 8,718,289 |
| 1991 | 8,632,367 |
| 1992 | 8,540,164 |
| 1993 | 8,472,313 |
| 1994 | 8,443,591 |
| 1995 | 8,406,067 |
| 1996 | 8,362,826 |
| 1997 | 8,312,068 |
| 1998 | 8,256,786 |
| 1999 | 8,210,624 |
| 2000 | 8,170,172 |
| 2001 | 8,009,142 |
| 2002 | 7,837,161 |
| 2003 | 7,775,327 |
| 2004 | 7,716,860 |
| 2005 | 7,658,972 |
| 2006 | 7,601,022 |
| 2007 | 7,545,338 |
| 2008 | 7,492,561 |
| 2009 | 7,444,443 |
| 2010 | 7,395,599 |
| 2011 | 7,348,328 |
| 2012 | 7,305,888 |
| 2013 | 7,160,005 |
| 2014 | 7,073,572 |
| 2015 | 6,984,225 |
| 2016 | 6,894,139 |
| 2017 | 6,803,468 |
| 2018 | 6,710,798 |
| 2019 | 6,616,726 |
| 2020 | 6,550,696 |
| 2021 | 6,507,301 |
| 2022 | 6,465,097 |
| 2023 | 6,446,596 |
| 2024 | 6,441,421 |
Demographics
| Population | 6,446,596 |
| Population Growth Rate | -0.29% |
| Urban Population | 73.7% |
| Fertility Rate | 1.81 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 75.8 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 4.8 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | - |
Economy & Trade
$15,853
GDP Per Capita
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
High income
Income Level
39.5
Gini Index (inequality)
119.9%
Trade (% of GDP)
4,973,000
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
7.9%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
4.33
Physicians per 1,000
4.8
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
100.0%
Electricity Access
79.1%
Internet Users
115
Mobile Subs per 100
59.4
People per km2
5,173
Net Migration
Environment
36.2%
Forest Area
Bulgaria Climate
Bulgaria has an average annual temperature of 10.1°C (50°F) and receives about 617 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.1°C
Avg Temp
617
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 31° | 33 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 36 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 43 mm |
| April | 10° / 51° | 56 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 77 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 78 mm |
| July | 20° / 69° | 64 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 51 mm |
| September | 16° / 61° | 43 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 44 mm |
| November | 5° / 40° | 51 mm |
| December | 1° / 33° | 41 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Bulgaria
The most comfortable months to visit Bulgaria are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in Europe & Central Asia
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Bulgaria in global context
Bulgaria is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulgaria has a population of 6,446,596, ranking #30 in the world. The annual population growth rate is -0.29%.
Life expectancy in Bulgaria is 75.8 years. The infant mortality rate is 4.8 per 1,000 live births.
Bulgaria's GDP per capita is $15,853. It is classified as a high income country by the World Bank.
73.7% of Bulgaria's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 59.4 people per square kilometer.
Literacy data for Bulgaria is available from the World Bank.
The most comfortable months to visit Bulgaria are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Bulgaria has an average annual temperature of 10.1°C and about 617 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically July and the coldest is January.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
Bulgaria is a country in Europe & Central Asia with a population of 6,446,596. Its population is shrinking, by roughly -0.3% a year.
Economically, Bulgaria is high-income — GDP per capita is roughly $15,853. Life expectancy is 75.8 years, with a fertility rate of 1.8 births per woman, and 73.7% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.