FAQ · Living & People 42

The average life expectancy in Bulgaria is 74.8 years, which is lower than the EU average of 80.99. High death rates are driven by an ageing population, poverty risks, and a weak healthcare system. Over 80% of deaths are caused by cardiovascular conditions and cancer, with nearly a fifth being avoidable. Healthcare access is limited because out-of-pocket expenses account for almost half of all spending. Additionally, the system faces challenges like doctor emigration, understaffed hospitals, and supply shortages.

The infant mortality rate was 5.6 per 1,000. This figure represents a decrease from the rate of 18.9 recorded in 1980. These statistics are provided within the context of the Sofia Capital Municipality data. The rate shows a significant change over the decades. This information helps illustrate demographic shifts in the region.

Hospital conditions in Bulgaria vary significantly, ranging from clean facilities with modern technology to older, darker, and colder buildings. While some hospitals are new, others are very old and use outdated technology. However, doctors and nurses are generally considered to be skilled and competent. European Union citizens are covered by the National Healthcare System if they carry a European Health Insurance Card. Additionally, private clinics offer excellent quality dental procedures at a fraction of the cost found in Western Europe.

Bulgaria transitioned from a state-monopoly system funded by the state budget to a reformed model involving mandatory insurance. Since 2000, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has covered a growing portion of primary health care costs. This system is funded by mandatory contributions from both employees and employers based on their salaries. While the system has become more decentralized, private health insurance currently serves only a supplementary role. Most primary care is now provided by private physicians rather than the old communist-era public clinics.

Yes, a medical certificate is necessary to obtain a valid driver's licence in Bulgaria. This certificate can be issued by a general practitioner or a medical committee. It is one of the requirements alongside finishing driving school and passing both theoretical and practical tests. Applicants must also provide a certificate for completing a first aid course. These requirements ensure that drivers are properly prepared for the road.

COVID-19 vaccines remain the most reliable means of protection against infection, severe disease, and lethal outcomes. Bulgaria has experienced rather low vaccination coverage within its population. In 2021, the country did not rule out purchasing vaccines from companies like Sputnik or Sinopharm BIBP if there were delivery delays. Such purchases were considered as long as EU regulations were observed. This approach was discussed by members of the National Operational Headquarters for the fight against the coronavirus.

The pandemic caused significant political friction between President Radev and Prime Minister Borisov. Radev partially vetoed a law that aimed to criminalize the spread of fake news with fines. The amended legislation included a requirement for telecom providers to store user data for six months to track quarantined citizens. Borisov accused the president of populism and sabotaging the state of emergency. Meanwhile, Radev criticized the government for using World Health Organization information for political gain.

Digital nomads often report loneliness as their biggest struggle, which is frequently followed by burnout. Feelings of loneliness can arise because nomadism often requires freedom from personal attachments like marriage. To maintain mental health, it is important for remote workers to develop face-to-face quality relationships. Another challenge is the absence of a clear delineation between work and leisure time. This blurring of lines can occur when travel and finding accommodations start to feel like work tasks.

During regional discussions, several important social issues were addressed by various delegates. The women involved in these meetings discussed topics such as disability, pensions, and women's education. They also focused on matters concerning alimony, divorce, and the civil service. Additionally, the worsening economic conditions throughout the region were a point of concern. While progress was being made on these various fronts, the overall advancement was described as slow.

Mobile vaccination units were established to reach elderly people living in care homes in Sofia and throughout the country. These units are designed to assist those with impaired mobility or people residing in isolated and far-flung locations. By March 2022, mobile units had vaccinated a total of 25,604 people, with Burgas Province leading in this effort. This system ensures that those who cannot easily travel to a vaccination site can receive their doses in their places of residence. Such measures help provide medical access to vulnerable populations across various regions.

Committee members faced severe health issues due to being held without rest or sleep for 30 to 34 hours. They were kept in a cold environment without proper air, food, or water. Many people suffered from malnutrition and exhaustion, leading to constant cycles of fainting and waking. Several ambulances were required to assist members who fainted in the hall and in queues. These poor conditions resulted in at least one death of a committee member in Varna.

The geographic position of the Sofia Valley limits the flow of air masses, which increases the chances of pollution by nitrogen oxide and particulate matter. Smog persists over the city because the surrounding mountains and temperature inversions prevent air circulation. Significant sources of these pollutants include motor vehicle traffic and solid fuel used for heating. Consequently, air pollution levels in Sofia are among the highest in Europe. Particulate matter concentrations in the area are consistently above the norm.

The safety of tap water in Bulgaria varies greatly depending on the specific region. In the mountain regions, the water is of very good quality and is safe to drink. However, it is best to avoid drinking tap water in North Bulgaria and in the regions near the seaside. There are also more than six hundred mineral water springs around the country that are safe to drink. Many villages even have one or more of these natural mineral water springs available.

The slaughtering location should be a clean concrete surface equipped with a sewer canal to allow for easy cleaning. It is recommended to use a trough with a zinced surface because it is easy to clean and disinfect. Wooden troughs are considered unsuitable because they absorb water and microorganisms. These sanitation requirements are designed to track relevant European Union regulations. Proper tools should be kept in a clean toolbox near the butcher's belt throughout the process.

In June 2021, the Beta and Delta variants were detected by the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases. The Delta variant became dominant by mid-July 2021, accounting for over 50% of genomic sequencing samples. Later in the year, the Omicron variant was found in six virus samples as of December 22, 2021. Experts noted that the Delta variant's contagiousness and low vaccination rates contributed to significant waves of infection. The presence of Omicron required further confirmation through genomic sequencing technology.

Malaria was eradicated in Bulgaria through a specific project that included the draining of swamps in the Tundzha, Arda, and Maritsa Basins. This project also involved regulations that affected the cultivation of rice in the region. While the initiative succeeded in eradicating the disease, it also exacerbated droughts in those areas. These measures were part of a larger historical shift in the region's land use and agricultural practices.

There is rabies in Bulgaria, so you should remain cautious. Stray dogs are common all over the country and can be responsible for accidents. While most of these animals are friendly and often more scared of people than people are of them, you should still keep on guard. If any animal bites you, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. This precaution is necessary due to the presence of the disease.

In early July, extreme heat in Bulgaria contributed to the outbreak of forest fires. These fires were particularly prevalent in the southern regions near the borders with Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia. The government responded to this crisis by deploying military personnel to assist fire-fighters. Support was also requested from other EU nations, specifically France and the Czech Republic. By the end of July, the cabinet claimed that most of the fires in the south had been contained.

The risk of altitude sickness in Bulgaria is generally low because the average altitude of the country is 470 m. More than two-thirds of the land consists of plains, plateaus, or hilly land at an altitude less than 600 m. Low mountains and medium-high mountains make up 20% of the territory. Only 3% of the country is composed of high mountains at an altitude over 1,500 m. Therefore, most of the country remains at relatively low elevations.

Not all areas in Bulgaria have access to basic public services like waste collection. This is particularly true in Roma districts that are turning into ghettos. Many of these neighborhoods consist of slums built without planning permission on municipal land. Because authorities have not addressed these specific situations, residents in these districts lack access to sanitation and waste collection. Consequently, these areas do not receive the same public services as other parts of the country.

In Bulgaria, the pricing of energy depends on the type of consumer. Energy prices for households are state-controlled. In contrast, commercial electricity prices are determined by the market. The national energy policy is guided by the National Assembly and the Government of Bulgaria. This sector is regulated by the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission.

Bulgaria imports its natural gas from Russia. This resource is used in combined heating plants located in most Bulgarian cities. During the summer months, these plants use the gas to produce electricity. In the winter, the gas is utilized to provide heat for the population. This system is essential for the energy needs of various urban areas across the country.

Free WiFi access is often available in various public places throughout the country. You can frequently find these connections in locations such as libraries and gas stations. Additionally, many hotels and pubs will also provide free WiFi to their guests or patrons. While internet cafes are mostly a thing of the past, some regional public libraries in larger cities still provide computers with internet access. This makes staying connected relatively easy for visitors and residents alike.

The Bulgarian telecommunication market is privatized and shared among three main actors. A1 Bulgaria and Telenor dominate the mobile market, while Vivacom maintains dominance over the landlines. The telephony system features an extensive network that was inherited from the Soviet era. While quality has improved, there has been a drop in fixed-line connections in recent years. This decline has been offset by a sharp increase in mobile-cellular telephone use provided by multiple service providers.

In the late 1990s, a major hospital-induced HIV epidemic occurred at the Benghazi Children’s Hospital in Libya. This crisis involved over 400 infected children, with many cases linked to blood transfusions. Bulgarian nurses, recruited by the state-owned company Expomed, were working at the facility during this period. Following the outbreak, the Bulgarian embassy announced that 23 Bulgarian medical workers had been detained. Eventually, six individuals were formally arrested in connection with the infections of children in Benghazi.

Bulgaria was one of the countries in Europe most strongly affected by the 1918 influenza pandemic. During that time, the virus caused the loss of approximately 2% of the population. To prepare for future risks, a National Pandemic Preparedness Plan was approved in January 2006. This specific plan focuses on the possibility of a future flu pandemic outbreak. These measures aim to address the historical impact of the virus on the country.

You can find pharmacies across Bulgaria through the Euroapotheca chain. This Lithuanian pharmacy retail company operates a large network of 916 pharmacies within the country. They are a major provider of pharmacy services throughout Bulgaria and several other nations. Their extensive presence makes it easy to locate a pharmacy for your needs. The company is headquartered in Vilnius and is owned by Vilniaus prekyba.

Bulgaria has seen several successful projects enabled by EU funds. These projects have included the renovation of more than 398,000 m2 of parks, playgrounds, pedestrian areas, and bicycle lanes. Such improvements are part of a broader effort to enhance infrastructure across the country. These developments were made possible through the impact of European funds. This investment has contributed to the overall competitiveness and growth of the nation.

Veterinarians have long recommended specific hygiene standards for the people, tools, and spaces used during the butchering process. All individuals involved in the slaughter must be healthy and wear appropriate clothing such as a hat, apron, and boots. It is also necessary for participants to maintain clean hands throughout the event. Tools like knives, axes, and saws must be sharpened, cleaned, and disinfected before they are used. These tools should be kept in a clean place, preferably in a toolbox around the butcher's belt. Finally, the location for the killing must be a clean concrete surface equipped with a sewer canal.

Bulgarians are incredibly friendly and very interested in talking to foreigners. Engaging in dialogue with people is much advised and worthwhile. It is a pleasant gesture to say dobar den when walking past a person or a quiet stall. However, Bulgarians do not really do chit chat. Trying to make conversation with someone at a shop till will probably result in odd looks or being ignored.

Several well-known Turkish newspapers operated in Bulgaria during this period. Gayret was founded in Plovdiv in 1895 and featured columns by the thinker Übeydullah Efendi. Muvazene was a weekly newspaper first published in Plovdiv in 1897 before temporarily moving to Varna. This publication included the writer Ali Fefhmi Bey, who promoted the unionisation of Turkish teachers. Another notable title was Rumeli – Balkan, which was founded in 1904 by Etem Ruhi Balkan. This newspaper eventually changed its name to Balkan after its first three editions.

Television in Bulgaria is operated by both state-owned and for-profit corporations. While the state dominates through the Bulgarian National Television, many private television stations also exist. Non-printed media sources like television are overseen by the Council for Electronic Media, which is an independent body that issues broadcasting licenses. The media system is currently under transformation as the country undergoes a transition. Although media is generally deemed unbiased, some outlets face risks from political influence or economic pressure.

Football is by far the most popular sport for Bulgarians. Famous players include Hristo Stoichkov and Dimitar Berbatov. The country also has a history of excellence in wrestling with figures like Dan Kolov and Nikola Petroff. Athletics is another prominent area, featuring high jumper Stefka Kostadinova and sprinter Ivet Lalova. Additionally, Bulgaria has seen success in sumo wrestling and chess.

Football is by far the most popular sport for the Bulgarian people. One of the best players in the second half of the 20th century was Hristo Stoichkov, who played for the national team and FC Barcelona. He was the joint top scorer at the 1994 World Cup and received many awards. Dimitar Berbatov is still the most popular Bulgarian football player of the 21st century. He has played for the national team and clubs such as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Bulgaria will participate in the 2026 Men's European Volleyball Championship. This tournament is scheduled to take place from 9 to 26 September. The event will be hosted across several countries, including Bulgaria, Finland, Italy, and Romania. This is a significant international competition for the national volleyball team.

Bulgaria's national stadium is named the Vasil Levski National Stadium. This name honors the historical figure Vasil Levski, who is commemorated throughout the country. Several other institutions also bear his name, such as the Levski Sofia sports club. The Vasil Levski National Sports Academy is another example of an institution named in his honour. These names reflect his significant importance to Bulgarian history and culture.

The Astronomical Observatory of Sofia University is located in Borisova Gradina. This historic site is situated near the Maria Luisa swimming pool. The observatory itself was established in 1897 and serves an educational purpose. It supports the Department of Astronomy within the Faculty of Physics. Visitors to the area can find the pool in close proximity to this landmark.

In historical Bulgaria, heavy cavalry soldiers were supplied with metal armour and helmets. This equipment was part of a well-armed military structure based on the Avar model. While the cavalry used metal protection, the infantry consisted mainly of Slavs who were generally lightly armed. These footmen typically used wooden or leather shields instead of metal armour. The military maintained strict discipline regarding the maintenance of all equipment.

The age requirements for motorcycle licenses in Bulgaria depend on the specific category. You must be 16 years old to obtain categories AM for mopeds and A1 for light motorcycles. For the A2 medium motorcycle category, the minimum age is 18 years. To ride heavy motorcycles under category A, you generally need to be 24 years old. However, this requirement is lowered to 20 years if you have held an A2 license for at least two years.

In Bulgaria, personal space preferences tend to be smaller than in many other countries. A study from 2017 found that preferences for space with respect to strangers in Bulgaria are often less than 90 cm. This is notably different from the larger distances preferred in the United States. Regarding greeting rituals, they are generally similar to those in Europe and the United States. These rituals typically consist of minimal body contact, which is often confined to a simple handshake.

In modern society, especially in crowded urban communities, it can be difficult to maintain personal space. You may find yourself in close proximity to others on a crowded train, elevator, or street. While such physical closeness can be psychologically disturbing or uncomfortable, it is accepted as a fact of modern life. In these impersonal and crowded situations, eye contact tends to be avoided. Maintaining this distance helps manage the discomfort of being in a crowded place.

The 2021 census put Bulgaria's total fertility rate at 1.58. That rate was up significantly from the late 1990s but remained below replacement and too low to halt population decline, especially alongside emigration. In 2016 the country recorded 64,984 live births, for a crude birth rate of 9.1‰. The 2021 average number of children ever born to women aged 12 or older was 1.47. Only women who identified as Roma reached simple reproduction, with an average of 2.25. Provinces with large Roma populations, such as Sliven, Montana and Yambol, tend to have higher fertility and higher death rates, while Turkish fertility is similar to that of the Bulgarian majority.