DEMOGRAPHIC SHIFT OF RURAL AND NON-RURAL AREAS IN BULGARIA

Abstract

This analysis was made through a comparative study of important indicators describing the demographics in rural and non-rural areas. Rural areas in Bulgaria are defined and delineated for the purpose of Rural Development Program implementation. According to the national definition, rural areas are defined at the municipal level (LAU 2) and include the territory of 231 municipalities in which the largest settlement has a population of up to 30,000 people. The definition and outline of the rural areas is based only on a criteria and it is number of population. In accordance with this definition, rural areas occupy 81% of the territory and 39% of the population of Bulgaria. The wide range of rural areas with such a common definition shows there is significant differentiation between the areas defined as rural, which makes it difficult to draw general conclusions and to identify specificities ensuing of more concrete and particular characteristics.