UNICEF and NSI present “Children in Bulgaria: Key Data and Trends for 2024”

Sofia, 30 May 2025 – On the eve of International Children’s Day, UNICEF and the National Statistical Institute (NSI) are presenting, for the third consecutive year, the digital publication “Children in Bulgaria in 2024”, which summarizes key data on the lives, health, education, and wellbeing of children in the country.

“On Children’s Day, we celebrate the joy, potential, and rights of every child, we also recognize that lasting change begins with data and evidence. Our partnership with the National Statistical Institute is critical — because behind every data point is a child, and only through strong data and monitoring can we ensure no child is left behind,” said Christina de Bruin, UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria.

According to NSI data, as of 31 December 2024, there were 1,103,110 children living in Bulgaria. The publication covers a wide range of topics – from birth and mortality rates and healthcare, to access to education, social inclusion, living conditions, and cultural participation. It also presents data on children registered with the local child pedagogical units and on household income and expenditures in families with children.

Among the positive trends is the continued decline in child mortality – from 7.6‰ in 2014 to 4.5‰ in 2024. Immunization coverage has also increased since 2022, with over 90% of children receiving mandatory vaccinations.

Nevertheless, the challenges to child wellbeing in Bulgaria remain serious. Over the past five years, there has been almost no change in the number of children registered with the child pedagogical units – from 8,899 in 2020 to 8,430 in 2024.

Bulgaria’s situation is also reflected in UNICEF’s recently released global Report Card 19: Child Wellbeing in an Unpredictable World, which analyzes child wellbeing across high-income countries. The report ranks Bulgaria 28th out of 36 countries based on six key indicators. It shows for Bulgaria a decline in life satisfaction among children, an increase in overweight rates, and a drop in academic performance compared to the previous Report Card 16 from 2018.

Particularly concerning is the lack of quality communication between parents and adolescents. Only 64% of children in Bulgaria report that they talk to their parents at least once a week – one of the lowest shares among the countries included in the study. In comparison, the rate in Ireland is 91% and in Portugal 90%. The data points to a clear link between regular parental communication and children’s overall life satisfaction.

“Child wellbeing is not only measured by economic indicators but also by whether children feel loved, heard, and supported. The reports clearly show progress in some areas, but also that we face serious challenges. A systemic effort – both from institutions and families – is needed to ensure every child in Bulgaria grows up in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment,” emphasized Christina de Bruin, UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria.

The full Report Card 19: Child Wellbeing in an Unpredictable World (2025) by Innocenti – UNICEF’s Global Office of Research and Foresight – is available on the UNICEF Bulgaria website here.

A summary of Report Card 19 can be found here.

The NSI digital publication “Children in Bulgaria in 2024” can be downloaded from this link.