Bulgaria Population 2026
As of 2025, Bulgaria's population stands at 6,441,421, ranking 110th globally. The country has experienced a slight annual decline of -0.08% in the past year, reflecting ongoing demographic challenges. Over the last decade, the population has shrunk at an average rate of -0.93% per year.
Population Trend (Bulgaria)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Bulgaria's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
Bulgaria, a high-income country in the Europe & Central Asia region, is undergoing a sustained population decline. The latest 2025 figure of 6,441,421 represents a modest year-on-year decrease of -0.08%, a slowdown compared to the steeper 10-year average annual decline of -0.93%. This trend places Bulgaria among the shrinking populations in Eastern Europe, driven by factors such as low birth rates and emigration.
The country's demographic trajectory is shaped by its economic and social context within the region. As a high-income nation, Bulgaria faces challenges typical of developed countries, including aging populations and low fertility rates. However, the population loss rate in Bulgaria is notably higher than many Western European peers, highlighting persistent emigration, particularly among younger adults seeking opportunities abroad.
Regionally, Bulgaria's experience mirrors that of several Eastern European nations, where post-communist transitions and EU integration have facilitated labor mobility. The 10-year average growth rate of -0.93% indicates a consistent contraction, reducing the country's demographic weight both within Europe & Central Asia and globally.
Looking ahead, Bulgaria's population is expected to continue its gradual decline, with the 2025 data serving as a baseline for monitoring long-term trends. Policy efforts to reverse or slow this decline remain a focus, though the current figures underscore the structural nature of the demographic shift.
Key Facts
- Latest population (2025): 6,441,421
- One-year growth rate: -0.08%
- 10-year average annual growth rate: -0.93%
- Global population rank: #110
- Country income group: High income
- Region: Europe & Central Asia