Bulgaria sees rising life expectancy but lags EU health standards
Bulgaria’s average life expectancy has climbed to 75.6 years as COVID-19 impacts diminish, though this remains well below the European Union average of 81.4 years, according to a government report adopted by the Council of Ministers. The nation continues to face significant health challenges, with chronic non-communicable diseases driving disability and mortality rates that exceed EU norms.
The mortality rate has declined to 15.6 per 1,000 residents, yet Bulgaria still records the highest death rate among EU members, where the average stands at 10.8 per 1,000. Circulatory system diseases account for 60.7 percent of fatalities, while cancers represent 17 percent. Infant mortality has dropped to 4.5 per 1,000 births, approaching the EU benchmark of 3.3 per 1,000.
The report documents 193,793 people certified with permanently reduced work capacity, with more than half aged over 60. Birth rates are declining despite exceeding EU averages at 8.3 percent compared to 8.2 percent across member states. Women average 27.6 years at first childbirth, ranging from 22.1 years in Sliven district to 30.9 years in Sofia district.
