Life expectancy in Bulgaria has increased slightly, according to data released by the National Statistical Institute on May 29. For the 2023?2025 period, life expectancy at birth is calculated at 75.9 years, marking an increase of 0.3 years compared to the 2022?2024 period.

The NSI notes that differences in mortality rates across gender and place of residence continue to create clear gaps in life expectancy across population groups.

For men, life expectancy at birth stands at 72.2 years, while for women it is significantly higher at 79.6 years, a gap of 7.4 years in favor of females.

Compared to 2015, both categories have recorded improvements. Male life expectancy has increased by 1.1 years over the decade, while female life expectancy has risen by 1.6 years.

Urban populations continue to live longer than rural ones. Life expectancy in cities is 76.7 years, which is 2.9 years higher than in rural areas, where it stands at 73.8 years. The institute also reports that both urban and rural populations saw a 0.3-year increase compared to the previous year.

The trend extends to older age groups as well. Life expectancy at the age of 65 is now 17 years on average. For men at that age it is 14.7 years, while for women it reaches 18.8 years. This indicator has also increased by 0.3 years compared to 2024.

Overall, the data points to gradual improvements in longevity across all major demographic groups, although significant disparities between men and women, as well as urban and rural populations, remain persistent features of Bulgaria's demographic profile.