DEMOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE OF BULGARIAN CITIES – URBAN REALITIES AND PARADOXES
Author: Desislava Botseva (University of National and World Economy)
Keywords: Demographic dynamics, urbanization, sustainable development, population, strategic planning.
The study analyzes the demographic dynamics of Bulgarian cities for the 2010 – 2023 period, focusing on quantitative changes in the population. Two key questions define the research interest. First, it examines the demographic trends within the specific boundaries of Bulgarian cities and explores the pace and direction of population changes. Second, it addresses whether our cities are prepared to utilize the potential of the concentrated population and face the challenges posed by dynamic urbanization. The primary goal is to determine whether Bulgarian cities follow global urbanization trends or exhibit specific demographic characteristics shaped by the national demographic situation. The data indicate a sustained population decline in most cities, while the major urban centers (Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna) show relative stability. A quantitative analysis is applied, including descriptive and comparative methods, based on data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) and Eurostat. The study emphasizes the need for strategic planning to ensure the sustainable development of cities in Bulgaria.
