Bulgaria vs Germany development indicators, 2024

Indicator	Bulgaria, Value	Germany, Value	Bulgaria, Rank	Germany, Rank	Bulgaria as % of Germany
Current account balance (% of GDP)	-1.79	5.73	71	18
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)	55.8	42.1	33	53	133 %
Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP)	3.12	1.02	40	73	305 %
GDP per capita (current US$)	17,412	55,800	62	17	31.2 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$)	41,086	72,300	56	18	56.8 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)	53.5	38.2	49	75	140 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %)	2.45	2.26	97	103	108 %
Net migration	524	36,954	74	29	1.42 %
Population, total	6,444,366	83,510,950	110	19	7.72 %

Demography and Health

Bulgaria and Germany are both facing demographic challenges, notably reflected in their birth and death rates. As of 2023, Bulgaria has a slightly higher crude birth rate of 8.9 compared to Germany's 8.3, positioning it at rank 45 against Germany’s 54. However, Bulgaria's crude death rate is significantly higher at 15.7 compared to Germany's 12.3, with Bulgaria ranked 9 and Germany ranked 27. Additionally, life expectancy at birth is lower in Bulgaria at 75.7 years versus Germany's 80.5 years, suggesting poorer health outcomes. Furthermore, Bulgaria suffers from a higher under-5 mortality rate at 6.1 per 1,000 live births compared to Germany’s 3.7, indicating disparities in infant health and healthcare access. Despite these challenges, both countries report a prevalence of undernourishment at 2.5%, showing similarities in food security. Net migration trends show that Bulgaria has a net migration of 524 compared to Germany’s 36,954, reflecting different migration dynamics and attractivity as destinations.

Economy

The economic landscape of Bulgaria and Germany illustrates significant disparities in wealth and economic development. In 2024, Bulgaria's GDP per capita stands at $17,412, markedly lower than Germany's $55,800, which ranks 22nd globally against Bulgaria's 103rd position. When adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), Bulgaria's GDP per capita is $41,086, again less than Germany’s $72,300. This disparity indicates that Bulgaria still has a considerable way to go in enhancing the living standards of its population. In terms of inflation, Bulgaria's annual rate is 2.4% while Germany's is slightly lower at 2.3%. The unemployment rate is also higher in Bulgaria at 4.3%, compared to Germany's 3.1%. Furthermore, Bulgaria's low R&D expenditure at 0.8% of GDP highlights its struggle for innovation, whereas Germany invests significantly more at 3.1%.

Trade and Investment

Bulgaria exhibits a high dependency on trade, with exports of goods and services comprising 55.8% of its GDP, which is substantially higher than Germany's 42.1%. This reflects a potential vulnerability in Bulgaria’s economy, relying heavily on external markets. Bulgaria ranks 68 in exports while Germany ranks 88, indicating a lack of diversification in export commodities. Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow as a percentage of GDP is higher in Bulgaria at 3.1%, compared to Germany's 1%, suggesting that Bulgaria may attract more investment relative to its economy size. However, the current account balance shows Bulgaria with a deficit of -1.8% versus Germany’s surplus of 5.7%, highlighting fundamental differences in economic stability and financial health.

Governance and Institutions

In terms of governance, Bulgaria faces significant challenges, reflected in its low rankings across several indicators. Control of corruption scores -0.1 for Bulgaria and 1.7 for Germany, ranking 79 and 19 respectively, indicating a greater prevalence of corruption in Bulgaria. Government effectiveness is also lower in Bulgaria at 0, compared to Germany’s 1.2. Similarly, regulatory quality (0.4 vs. 1.5) and rule of law (-0 vs. 1.6) indicate weaker institutional frameworks in Bulgaria. Political stability, however, is a point of contention for both, with Bulgaria scoring 0.3 and Germany 0.6, highlighting an environment with some volatility in both countries.

Infrastructure and Technology

Infrastructure quality, especially concerning trade and transport, is more developed in Germany, which holds a logistics performance index of 4.3 against Bulgaria’s 3.1. This suggests better trade logistics and transportation facilities in Germany, facilitating smoother commercial activities. High-technology exports also reveal a stark difference: Bulgaria’s exports amounted to $3.2 billion while Germany’s were $255.7 billion, showcasing Germany’s superior position as a hub for technological advancement and innovation. Moreover, the number of patent applications further emphasizes this gap, with Bulgaria registering 165 while Germany led with an astounding 39,822, illustrating Bulgaria's challenges in technology and innovation.

Environment and Sustainability

Both countries exhibit similar levels of greenhouse gas emissions per capita, with Bulgaria at 8.3 and Germany at 8.1 tons CO2e. However, Bulgaria’s renewable energy consumption is higher, standing at 20.4% as opposed to Germany’s 17.6%. The level of water stress is notable too, with Bulgaria at 37.5% in fresh water withdrawal compared to Germany’s 35.4%, indicating Bulgaria’s challenge in managing its water resources. Overall, while Bulgaria shows potential in renewable energy, both countries must continue working on sustainable practices, particularly in energy efficiency and environmental conservation, to meet future sustainability goals.