Poverty and Social Exclusion
Why so many Bulgarians remain at risk of poverty
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The Poverty Risk
The share of people at risk of poverty in Bulgaria remains among the highest in the EU. Despite economic growth, over 40% of the population faces risk of poverty or social exclusion.
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Gender Gap
Women are more affected by poverty than men. The gap is partly due to lower pensions and less labour market participation among older women.
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Age Matters
The risk of poverty is not evenly distributed across ages. People over 65 are the most vulnerable — low pensions keep them persistently below the poverty line. Children under 18 also face higher risk than the working-age population.
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Working but Still Poor
Having a job does not guarantee an escape from poverty. Bulgaria's in-work poverty rate is among the highest in the EU — around 8–10% of employed people live below the poverty line. Low wages in several sectors are the main driver.
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The Regional Divide
Poverty in Bulgaria has a clear geography. The Northwest and Southeast regions have the highest poverty rates, while the Southwest (including Sofia) fares significantly better. The gap between regions is larger than between Bulgaria and many EU countries.
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