Bulgaria's population will shrink to below 7 million by the end of 2012, according to an expert from the country's Center for Demographic Policy.

Bulgaria's birth rate has decreased significantly over the past few years, with between 50 000 and 60 000 children being born each year, expert Trendafil Mitev has told local media.

Migration processes have also contributed to the country's decreasing population, as 35 000 to 40 000 economically active people leave it each year.

The Center for Demographic Policy is believed to be closely linked with far-right party VMRO.

Bulgaria's population has declined from a peak of 9,009,018 in 1989 to no more than 7.3 million, according to the country's 2011 census. The decline is seen as a result of very low fertility and substantial emigration. Last year, the UN projected a Bulgarian population of a mere 5.4 million in 2050.

Bulgaria has the most negative natural growth rate of all countries in the world, according to a report published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in 2011.