Bulgaria Struggles With Depopulation

The population is rapidly declining in Bulgaria, especially in the younger age brackets, leaving many older residents to struggle as the social security system is on the verge of no longer sustaining itself.

1 minute read

October 12, 2006, 5:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


The quality of life in Bulgaria is pushing many to emigrate, creating the most extreme case of depopulation worldwide. The few who've stayed behind have been convinced that having children is not economical. The younger population is rapidly fleeing the struggling country and many of the old have no means to leave.

"According to a projection by the Population Reference Bureau, a nongovernmental organization in Washington, Bulgaria's population will decline by 34 percent from 2005 to 2050, from 7.7 million to 5 million."

"The bureau projected that the only country likely to lose more of its people in that span was Swaziland, where 38 percent of the population has HIV."

"Bulgaria's demographic dilemma is evident in the 144 villages that now have populations of 0. An additional 337 villages have 10 or fewer residents."

"

Tuesday, October 10, 2006 in International Herald Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Close-up of traffic congestion from behind cars on a freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop

When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

March 17, 2025 - Todd Litman

Close-up on 45 mph speed limit sign with part of Golden Gate Bridge visible in background, San Francisco, California.

San Francisco Turns On California’s First Speed Cameras

The city is the first in the state to use automated traffic enforcement to reduce speeding and traffic deaths.

4 hours ago - KQED

Downtown Los Angeles skyline viewed from the northwest on a sunny day with scattered clouds.

Shaping LA’s Future: Public Voting Opens for LA2050 Grants

The LA2050 Grants Challenge invites Angelenos to vote on the top issues facing Los Angeles, helping direct $3 million in funding to organizations working to build a more connected and resilient region.

5 hours ago - MyNewsLA.com

White CTA bus and elevated train against sunset sky in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago Transit Agencies on Brink of Major Crisis

Without additional funding, regional transit agencies will be forced to cut services by 40 percent.

6 hours ago - Mass Transit