Blagoevgrad

The gross domestic product per capita is slowing down and remains below the national average. Wages and pensions are growing relatively quickly and, although they remain relatively low, poverty in the district is declining. Employment continues to rise. There has also been significant growth in foreign investment in the region, and the absorption of European funds remains high. In terms of infrastructure, Blagoevgrad is both the district with the highest share of roads in good condition (64% compared to 36% for the country as a whole) and the district with the lowest connection of the sewerage system to treatment plants (35% compared to 67% for the country as a whole). The average levels of local taxes on real estate and property transfers are relatively low, but those on vehicles and trade are high. Municipal revenues are insufficient.

Natural population growth is relatively high, although negative, while mechanical growth is increasing significantly. The district performs relatively well in educational indicators, with the exception of the alignment of vocational education with the profile of the economy. Healthcare suffers from a shortage of medical doctors, and law enforcement suffers from a shortage of police officers. Blagoevgrad has a relatively low proportion of degraded land, but the proportion of waste sent for treatment and recycling is high. Theatre attendance is relatively low, while overnight stays in the region are above average.

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