Demographic models and dynamics of the living conditions in the isolated border areas in Bulgaria (case study of Belogradchik municipality)
The post-socialist period in the East European countries poses many challenges to remote and isolated rural areas. Emigration, aging, and depopulation are among the main factors that have led to complex structural changes in these territories. North-Western Bulgaria is an example of the post-socialist demographic models that have been forming after the political changes in 1989. Despite the worldwide famous Belogradchik rocks, the municipality is on the way to turning into a demographic dessert due to those negative demographic trends. In addition, the border area location of the municipality makes it even more difficult to halt the process of depopulation. The lack of any policies could lead to possible future social disasters. The objective of this study is to describe the current demographic characteristics and analyze the dynamics of the living conditions in Belogradchik municipality. This research is based on a case study of settlements in Belogradchik municipality using census demographic data and field research methods. The results show very negative demographic indicators compared to other similar areas in Bulgaria. Improving socio-economic development in these areas is a very complex challenge. The paper proposes an implementation of local and regional measures that could mitigate the negative demographic processes in the near future.
Mots clés : depopulation|demographic desert|border areas
A102635KT