National Statistical Institute

In the latest data released by the National Statistical Institute (NSI), significant changes in Bulgaria's settlements have been noted over the past year. These changes encompass various aspects affecting districts and municipalities across the country. Among these changes is the variation in local taxes levied by municipal councils, reflecting regional economic dynamics.

The National Statistical Institute (NSI) reported deflation for the second consecutive month. In May, retail prices decreased by 0.2 percent following a 0.3 percent drop in April, according to NSI data.

The last instance of two consecutive months of deflation was in 2020, with monthly decreases recorded in March, April, May, and June.

In Bulgaria, while women excel in middle management roles, only 16 percent occupy senior management positions, as reported by the National Statistical Institute. This stark gender disparity underscores a broader European directive requiring at least 30 percent of management roles to be held by women, a mandate Bulgaria aims to implement by year-end.

In the first quarter of 2024, Bulgaria's GDP grew by 1.8% compared to the same period in 2023, slightly surpassing the initial forecast of 1.7%, according to data from the National Statistical Institute. The GDP produced amounted to BGN 43.279 billion, or BGN 6722 per person.

The agricultural land market in Bulgaria is on the verge of overheating, according to the latest data from the National Statistical Institute. Over the past decade, field prices in certain areas have skyrocketed more than sixfold, reaching levels where natural resources must be extracted to recoup the investment.

In April 2024, the number of trips made by Bulgarian citizens to other countries increased by 4.9% compared to the same period in 2023, according to recent data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). Conversely, visits to Bulgaria by foreigners rose by 1.1% during the same timeframe.

In the first quarter, according to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI), 1,068 million Bulgarians embarked on tourism journeys, marking a 5.7% increase compared to the previous year. Among these travelers, 74.9% chose domestic destinations, 19.5% traveled exclusively abroad, and 5.6% indulged in both domestic and international trips.

According to a recent study conducted by the National Statistical Institute (NSI) on cultural activities, Bulgarians are increasingly frequenting museums. The study, which examined the operations of museums, theaters, libraries, cinemas, radio and television program production, and film production, revealed a notable rise in museum visits.

The National Statistical Institute (NSI) data reveals that the anticipated average life expectancy for Bulgaria's populace, projected for the period spanning 2021 to 2023, stands at 73.5 years. This marks a notable uptick of 1.6 years compared to the preceding timeframe of 2020 to 2022. However, it remains slightly below the pre-pandemic levels, surpassing 74 years.

Bulgaria's prospects for joining the euro in 2025 have been bolstered by a cooling annual inflation rate, which dropped to the eurozone average of 2.4% in April, marking its first dip below 3% since the summer of 2021, according to statements from the country's finance ministry to Euractiv Bulgaria.