Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2026 All Rights Reserved

Serious rise in mortality in Bulgaria

Magdalena Kostova
Photo: BGNES

The coronavirus epidemic is one of the reasons for the rise of mortality in Bulgaria. 124,000 Bulgarians died in the past year while the average annual level in the previous 10 years was about 108,000-110,000 people, Magdalena Kostova of the National Statistical Institute has told Nova TV.

According to her, the numbers were similar to those in 1918, when Bulgaria lost 151,000 people because of World War I. Mortality during the peaks of the epidemic was extremely high. At the same time, the birth rate remains low.

For the first time in years, the population of Sofia decreased and this is due to internal migration in March and April last year, when many people changed their address because of the checkpoints. The fastest depopulating cities are in the northwestern regions of Bulgaria.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov supports the peace plan for Ukraine

“Borders cannot be changed by force, and Ukraine’s long-term security must be guaranteed”, Bulgaria’s Premier Rossen Zhelyazkov said during a videoconference meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing”, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK..

published on 11/26/25 8:57 AM

Bulgaria and China discuss cooperation in the automotive sector

Business forum on the topic "Bulgaria - China: cooperation in the automotive sector" is being held on November 26 in Sofia. Its organizers are the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of the People's Republic of..

published on 11/26/25 7:30 AM

Draft budget 2026 sparks protests

The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association has called for participation in a protest on November 26 against the budget for 2026, which is about to be adopted at second reading. "We call not only our members, but also all..

published on 11/26/25 6:50 AM