Bulgaria vs Spain development indicators, 2024

Demography and Health

Bulgaria has a birth rate of 8.9 per 1,000 people, which is higher than Spain's 6.7, ranking Bulgaria at 45 compared to Spain's 79. However, Bulgaria's death rate is significantly higher at 15.7 per 1,000 people compared to Spain's 9, placing it at 9th rank versus Spain's 66. Life expectancy at birth in Bulgaria is 75.7 years, notably lower than Spain's 83.9 years, reflecting a discrepancy in health outcomes between the two nations. In terms of child mortality, Bulgaria has a mortality rate of 6.1 under-5 deaths per 1,000 live births compared to Spain's 3.1, ranking Bulgaria at 6 against Spain's 56. The prevalence of undernourishment is equal in both countries at 2.5%, and the poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines shows a marginally higher rate in Bulgaria at 20.6% compared to Spain's 20.2%. The suicide mortality rate in Bulgaria is 9.5 per 100,000 population, slightly higher than Spain's 8.7.

Economy

Bulgaria's GDP per capita stands at $17,412 while Spain's is significantly higher at $35,297, ranking Bulgaria at 103 and Spain at 51. When comparing GDP per capita based on purchasing power parity (PPP), Bulgaria's figure is $41,086, which is again lower than Spain's $56,926, with Bulgaria ranking 95 and Spain 45. The unemployment rate in Bulgaria is relatively moderate at 4.3%, significantly lower than Spain's 12.2%, placing Bulgaria at 59 while Spain ranks 5. Bulgaria has a high export of goods and services at 55.8% of GDP compared to Spain's 37.3%, ranking 68 versus Spain's 98. The consumer price inflation rate in Bulgaria is 2.4%, slightly better than Spain’s 2.8%, with ranks of 82 and 75 respectively. Foreign direct investment net inflows indicate Bulgaria has a stronger position with 3.1% of GDP compared to Spain’s 1.9%, ranking Bulgaria at 56 and Spain at 77.

Trade and Investment

Bulgaria has robust export figures with goods and services making up 55.8% of its GDP, significantly outpacing Spain's 37.3%. This strong trade performance may illustrate Bulgaria’s competitive edge in international markets. In terms of imports, Bulgaria's imports of goods and services represent 53.5% of GDP, again surpassing Spain's 33%. Bulgaria ranks 68 in trade as a proportion of GDP, while Spain ranks 103. The level of foreign direct investment net inflows, at 3.1% of GDP for Bulgaria, further underscores its favorable investment climate compared to Spain's 1.9%. Bulgaria ranks 56 globally in this area, which may indicate a more inviting atmosphere for foreign investors.

Governance and Institutions

Bulgaria faces challenges in governance, reflected in its control of corruption score at -0.1, while Spain is substantially better at 0.6, ranking Bulgaria at 79 against Spain's 50. Similarly, in government effectiveness, Bulgaria scores 0, whereas Spain achieves a score of 0.8, placing Bulgaria at 76 and Spain at 51. The rule of law is another area where Bulgaria struggles, scoring -0, compared to Spain’s 0.8, placing Bulgaria at 79 while Spain ranks at 51. Regulatory quality further exemplifies this disparity, with Bulgaria scoring 0.4 and Spain at 0.7, ranking Bulgaria at 75 and Spain 60. On a slightly positive note, both countries have the same political stability score of 0.3, though Bulgaria ranks at 74 and Spain at 78.

Infrastructure and Technology

Bulgaria holds a logistics performance index score of 3.1 for the quality of trade and transport-related infrastructure, which is lower than Spain's 3.8, placing Bulgaria at 22 and Spain at 8. The internet penetration in Bulgaria is 80.4%, significantly lower than Spain's impressive 95.4%, with Bulgaria ranked at 83 as opposed to Spain's 14, indicating a digital divide that can affect economic growth and innovation. Patent applications reveal a considerable gap, with Bulgaria generating only 165 compared to Spain's 1,308 applications, showcasing Spain's greater emphasis on research and technological development.

Environment and Sustainability

Regarding environmental sustainability, Bulgaria reports a higher level of water stress with 37.5% of freshwater withdrawal relative to available resources, although it ranks better (4) than Spain's 43.3% (3). Total greenhouse gas emissions per capita show Bulgaria emitting 8.3 tons of CO2 equivalents, which is higher than Spain's 5.9 tons, ranked 33 and 67, respectively. Bulgaria's renewable energy consumption stands at 20.4% of total final energy consumption, slightly better than Spain's 19%, with ranks of 14 and 15, indicating a similar commitment to renewable energy sources.