Statistical data

In the thitd quarter of 2020, the municipal authorities issued building permits for construction of 1 696 residential buildings with 7 414 dwellings, of 28 administrative buildings/offices and 1 121 other buildings. The construction of 1 282 residential buildings with 5 899 dwellings, of 25 administrative buildings/offices and 624 other buildings was started.

According to the preliminary data in 2019 the total amount of expenditure on research and development activity (R&D) was 1 002.1 million BGN, and the personnel engaged in conducting research and experimental development amounted to 26 399 (in full-time equivalent).

In August 2020 compared to July 2020 an increase is reported for the production of solid fuels - by 21.2% and natural gas - by 25.0%. A decrease is reported for the production of unleaded motor gasoline - by 15.0%, transport diesel - by 11.5%, and electricity - by 1.1%. No change for the production of liquefied petroleum gases.

In August 2020 compared to July 2020 an increase is reported for the deliveries of solid fuels - by 19.9%, liquefied petroleum gases - by 5.3%, unleaded motor gasoline - by 28.2%, and transport diesel - by 12.6%. A decrease is reported for the deliveries of natural gas - by 8.8%, and electricity - by 1.4%.

Total Producer Price Index in September 2020 increased by 0.6% compared to the previous month, while compared to the same month of 2019 the prices fell by 3.1%. Producer Price Index on Domestic Market in September 2020 increased by 0.4% compared to the previous month; compared to the same month of 2019 the domestic prices went down by 1.8%.

In October 2020, the total business climate indicator increases by 0.5 percentage points in comparison with the previous month. An improvement of the business conjuncture is registered in construction, retail trade and service sector, while in industry the indicator is decreased.

In September 2020, during the continuing epidemic situation in the country, the number of the trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 555.6 thousand, or by 15.0% under the registered in September 2019.

In September 2020, the number of arrivals of visitors from abroad to Bulgaria was 563.7 thousand or by 56.2% less in comparison with September 2019.

In October 2020, the National Statistical Institute conducted the monthly inquiry survey of the managers of accommodation establishments to gather accurate and timely information on the state and development of their businesses during the ensuing epidemic situation in the country.

Main results from the short business survey amongst the non-financial enterprises, aiming at presenting to the society and policy makers information on the economic effects from the declared state of emergency and the ensuing epidemic situation in the country due to COVID-19.

In 2019, the government deficit of the EU increased in relative terms compared to 2018, while the government debt decreased. In the EU, the government deficit to GDP ratio rose from 0.4% in 2018 to 0.5% in 2019. In the EU the government debt to GDP ratio declined from 79.5% at the end of 2018 to 77.6% at the end of 2019.

According to final data of the National Statistical Institute the General Government Institutional Sector reported in 2019 a surplus of 2 304 million BGN or 1.9% of GDP.

The Government Debt of Bulgaria for 2019 is 24 212 million BGN or 20.2% of GDP.