Petkov: When GERB Is Not In Power The Birth Rate Goes Up!
Tensions flared among former coalition partners as they debated the impact of their governance on Bulgaria's demographic crisis
The population of northern Bulgaria is decreasing seven times faster compared to the population in the southern parts of the country, according to Petar Ivanov, Professor in Social Psychology.
Ivanov and a group of demographics experts discussed Sunday the problem of regional inequality in Bulgaria.
The experts, as cited by Darik radio, argued that Bulgaria had to tackle the issue of high concentration of investments and resources in certain regions at the expense of others, adding that it was among the preconditions for the fast rate of depopulation in the country.
Ivanov, as cited by Darik radio, presented worrying statistics indicating that Bulgaria topped the global ranking by rate of population extinction.
He said that the demographic catastrophe was also being exacerbated by the high death rate and the level of regional inequality
"The population of northern Bulgaria, which does not include Sofia, is decreasing seven times faster than the population of southern Bulgaria, the southwestern region, where Sofia belongs. According to statistics, Bulgaria's population declines at a rate of 164 people a day, or 60 000 people a year," he stated.
The experts listed several ways to overcome the problem, among which the equal distribution of EU funds.
According to Bulgaria's National Demographic Strategy, as cited by private TV station bTV, the country will have a population of slightly more than 5 million in 2060, with 60% of them aged 65+.
Bulgaria's latest census in 2011 showed that the country had a population of slightly over 7 280 000.
Bulgaria's population declines at a rate of around 0.5% a year, meaning that a decrease by 2 million is to be expected in 50 years.
The demographic collapse is the result of not so much the high immigration rate but the combination of a high death rate and a low birth rate.
Bulgaria has one of the highest median age levels in Europe, 42 years and 8 months, with 19% of the population being senior citizens aged 65+.
Bulgaria's four biggest cities are home to 1/3 of its population and the number living in rural areas has plummeted to an unprecedented low of 2 million.
In 2012, a total of 24 settlements were erased from Bulgaria's map, and 172 were on the verge of extinction because they had been completely depopulated.
In 2012, the number of women at fertile ages fell by 26 000 compared to 2011 and by 280 000 compared to 2001.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning regarding the spread of bird flu (H5N1) to various species, including humans, expressing deep concern over its impact and potential consequences
Today marks the commemoration of the holy martyr Victor, celebrated by Christians worldwide
Seventh-grader Kaloyan Geshev from Sofia's 125 SU "Boyan Penev" school has once again showcased his remarkable talent in speed calculation, clinching the title of three-time champion in mental math
Overnight, the precipitation zone will gradually shift eastward, with significant amounts expected in parts of Central and Eastern Bulgaria, accompanied by thunderstorms
Architects Martin Hristov and Galina Baleva, who have crafted the design, revealed that a novel central bus station in Varna is scheduled to be inaugurated in late May
Romanian media outlets have reported that storm "Renata" has made landfall in Romania, bringing with it strong winds and heavy precipitation. Following two weeks of record high temperatures, the mercury has plummeted by 15-20 degrees Celsius, as reported
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022