Bulgaria: economy

What is Bulgaria's GDP growth rate?

Bulgaria's GDP was 2.8% higher in the second quarter of 2026 than a year earlier, according to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). Seasonally adjusted, it grew 0.7% on the previous quarter.

Year-on-year growth compares a quarter with the same quarter of the previous year. Quarter-on-quarter growth uses seasonally adjusted figures, which remove regular patterns within the year. Preliminary data are revised as fuller information arrives; the NSI first publishes a flash estimate and then these preliminary figures.

Official sources: NSI: GDP, Q2 2026, preliminary data

How big is Bulgaria's economy?

Bulgaria's GDP was €30,292.5 million at current prices in the second quarter of 2026, according to the National Statistical Institute (NSI). That is €4,729.3 per person. At the average exchange rate for the quarter, it equals US$35,198.2 million, or US$5,495.2 per person.

These are quarterly figures, so a full year is roughly four times larger. GDP per person divides output by the population and does not show how income is shared. Since Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, the NSI publishes national accounts in euros.

Official sources: NSI: GDP, Q2 2026, preliminary data

What is the inflation rate in Bulgaria?

Consumer prices in Bulgaria were 5.7% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to the National Statistical Institute (NSI). Prices fell 0.2% during the month and rose 4.2% since December 2025. On the EU harmonised measure (HICP), annual inflation was 5.6%.

The consumer price index (CPI) is the national measure; the HICP follows EU rules and is used to compare euro area countries. In September the largest monthly rise was in transport (3.7%) and the largest fall in recreation, sport and culture (-10.2%). Average annual inflation for October 2025 to September 2026 was 5.1%.

Official sources: NSI: inflation and consumer price indices, September 2026

What is the interest rate in Bulgaria?

The deposit facility rate of the European Central Bank is 2.50%, applying from 16 September 2026. The main refinancing rate is 2.65% and the marginal lending rate 2.90%. These rates apply in Bulgaria, which joined the euro area on 1 January 2026.

The deposit facility rate is the rate banks earn on overnight deposits with the Eurosystem, and it is the main signal of euro area monetary policy. The ECB raised it from 2.25% in September 2026, after an earlier rise in June. The Bulgarian National Bank takes part in these decisions as a member of the Eurosystem.

Official sources: ECB: key ECB interest rates

How fast is Bulgaria's economy growing?

According to the World Bank, real GDP growth in Bulgaria was 3.1% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from -3.3% (2009) to 7.8% (2021). Europe & Central Asia median: 2.1%; Bulgaria is 16th highest of 49. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 94th highest.

What is GDP per capita in Bulgaria?

In 2025, GDP per person in Bulgaria was $20,328, according to the World Bank. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was $28,420, and Bulgaria placed 31st highest of 49. World rank, highest first: 50th of 180.

What is Bulgaria's GDP per person adjusted for prices?

In 2025, GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Bulgaria was $44,451 in international dollars, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: $50,946 in international dollars; Bulgaria is 33rd highest of 49. World rank, highest first: 48th of 179.

How much does Bulgaria export?

According to the World Bank, exports of goods and services in Bulgaria was 50.7% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 70.0% of GDP; its low point was 2009, at 42.2% of GDP. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 47.7% of GDP, and Bulgaria placed 20th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 34th of 133.

What is Bulgaria's current account balance?

The IMF puts the current account balance in Bulgaria at -5.8% of GDP in 2025 (a deficit). The peak was 3.2% of GDP in 2017 and the low -25.7% of GDP in 2007. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was -0.3% of GDP, and Bulgaria placed 41st highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 109th of 132.

How much foreign investment does Bulgaria receive?

3.7% of GDP: that is net inflows of foreign direct investment in Bulgaria for 2025, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2005 was 2007, at 31.2% of GDP; its low point was 2014, at 1.9% of GDP. Europe & Central Asia median: 1.9% of GDP; Bulgaria is 9th highest of 49. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 50th highest.

How high are loan rates in Bulgaria?

According to the IMF, the average bank lending rate in Bulgaria was 4.2% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 3.7% (2022) to 11.3% (2009). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 8.0%, and Bulgaria placed 15th highest of 17. Of 73 countries with 2025 data, 69th highest.