With nearly 357 million inhabitants (including Bulgaria), the Eurozone is home to 4% of the world’s population and about 79.4% of the European Union's population.
The Eurozone has around 25.5 million active enterprises (including industry, construction, and services), providing jobs for over 126.5 million people. About 99% of all enterprises are micro and small (fewer than 50 employees), medium-sized enterprises number around 198,000 (0.8%), and large enterprises (over 250 employees) are around 42,000 (0.2%).
With a GDP of €15.3 trillion, the Eurozone accounts for 16% of global GDP (€95.6 trillion).
KEY ECONOMIC INDICATORS (for 2024 г.)
|
EU |
Eurozone-20 countries |
Bulgaria |
|
|
Population (millions) |
449,3 |
350,2 |
6,4 |
|
GDP per capita at current prices (€ per year) |
39 710 |
43 090 |
16 110 |
|
GDP per capita by purchasing power (€ per year) |
39 707 |
41 334 |
26 265 |
|
Employment 20-64 г. (%) |
75,8 |
75,3 |
76,8 |
|
Unemployment 20-64 г. (% of labor force) |
5,7 |
6,2 |
4,1 |
|
Inflation (%) (HICP average annual rate) |
2,6 |
2,4 |
2,6 |
IMPORT AND EXPORT OF GOODS AND SERVICES (% of GDP)
In 2024, Bulgaria recorded exports of goods and services of around 55.8% of GDP and imports of around 53.5%, which is close to EU and Eurozone averages. This shows that Bulgaria is an open economy. Unlike the U.S., where exports and imports represent relatively low shares, indicating a predominantly domestic-oriented economy, Bulgaria and other European countries are significantly more export-oriented. Major trading partners of the Eurozone include other EU member states, the U.S., China, and the U.K.
ECONOMIC STRUCTURE OF THE EUROZONE
Services make up the largest share of Eurozone GDP (≈70%), including healthcare, education, trade, tourism, and more.
Industry accounts for around 24% of GDP, including automobile manufacturing, machinery, chemicals, metallurgy, and electronics. The sector is highly developed, especially in countries like Germany, France, and Italy.
Agriculture has the smallest share (≈2%) but remains essential for certain countries like France and Spain.
The financial sector accounts for about 5% of Eurozone GDP and relies on well-developed financial and capital markets and banking institutions. The European Central Bank (ECB) plays a key role in monetary policy management.
