Bulgaria Cities by Population 2024

The Balkan nation of Bulgaria faces the Black Sea to the east, and the famous River Danube runs along its northern border. It is also a mountainous country – its capital city of Sofia, which dates back to the fifth century, sits at the foot of Vitosha mountain, a popular destination for skiing and hiking. With a population of 1.3 million in the city (which increases to 1.7 million for the surrounding area), Sofia is also Bulgaria's largest city as well as its center of culture, education and commerce.

The city of Ploviv, the capital of Plovdiv Province, is the second-largest city in Bulgaria, with around 675,000 residents in its greater metropolitan area. Ploviv is also regarded as an important economic, educational and cultural part of the country and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Another key Bulgarian city is Varna, located on the Black Sea coat. With a population of approximately 420,000 in its urban area, Varna is a strategically important city as it serves as the headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and is considered to be the country's maritime capital. Its location also makes Varna a popular destination for tourists, and the service industry accounts for a significant proportion of the city's economy.