May sound unbelievable for many, especially for locals.
Many foreigners ask this question: Is Bulgaria a good place to live?
But the answer will depend on what are you looking for if you looking for a western European salary and roads, Bulgaria isn’t your place.
On the other side, if you are looking for a safe place to live and with stunning nature, the answer is yes, and this answer a reality supported by facts,
Bulgaria ranks in place 47 out of 149 countries, and that is info from the Prosperity index, not bad for a country with a some of the worst PR especially from inside the own country, where for some strange reason people think that they are in one of the worst states in the world.
The best results from this year for Bulgaria are in 3 areas;
National environment,
could sound like a paradox, but be sure that not all countries take so seriously the environmental efforts when thinking projects like a new lifting in the mountains of Bansko or protected areas in the Pirin region.
Also, we can mention the efforts in the water treatment facilities, and we can measure a steady growth in these areas.
As well as media initiatives like: “Lets clean Bulgaria together ” that help create conscious of the people about the importance of living in a clean environment.
This is one of my favorites, ranking even better than countries like Argentina, China and even the United States in this area, usually nothing will happen if you leave the car open or forget to put the alarm at night, many things are taken for granted in Bulgaria, but are a big luxury in many other places on the world, were people live constantly scare about being robbed, stop at the red traffic lights, even afraid to use mobile phones on the street.
The Ministry of Interior (MOI) reported a 9.8% decrease in all registered crimes in 2018 compared to 2017, resolving 46% of cases compared to 43.7% in 2017. According to the MOI, the majority of incidents involving tourists are economic, including ATM skimming, credit card fraud, theft, robbery, and motor vehicle theft.
Education
Bulgaria ranks in the 38th place in the world in the Education category ranks countries on access to education, quality of education and human capital.
Education in Bulgaria is mainly supported by the state through the Ministry of Education and Science. School education is compulsory for children from seven to sixteen years of age.
The results from the prosperity index also show areas were Bulgaria has to improve, and these are:
Business Environment 86th
The Business Environment measures a country’s entrepreneurial environment, it’s business infrastructure, barriers to innovation, and labor market flexibility.
Social Capital 85th
Social Capital measures the strength of personal relationships, social network support, social norms, and civic participation in a country.
Conclusion
Facts say something completely different from the normal Bulgarian common sense, the situation in Bulgaria steadily (maybe too slow for many, and in this, you could agree) improves since the index was created in 2007.
Many of my friends always complain and ask when Bulgaria will be like Germany? everything in order and the rules are followed for most of the people, well Bulgaria had never been Germany, and will never be, it’s like “the grass of the neighbor is always greener”
This makes Bulgaria perfect? Of course not, but it’s important to be conscious that Bulgaria is a great place to live!
We have to stop comparing with other countries, especially against the richest ones, and develop our own potentialities and how to keep the talent in the country and value the beautiful places in our country; the Balkan mountains, the nature, the wildlife, as well as cities with history like Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Varna and many others.
Then now is time to be more positive about Bulgaria, to stop repeating that it’s the poorest country in the European Union.
Bulgaria is a country with a great history, wonderful nature, and huge potential because of their human capital, Bulgaria is safe for retired people and to raise a family.
And is everybody duty foreigners and locals to make this place a better place for all of us and future generations!
