People in Sofia, Bulgaria. Editorial credit: poludziber / Shutterstock.com

Bulgaria

Multiple parties compete in Bulgaria’s democratic system, and there have been several transfers of power between rival parties in recent decades. The country continues to struggle with issues including political corruption, organized crime, media freedom, and discrimination against ethnic minorities.

Bernardo Arevalo supporters cheer after their presidential victory in Guatemala.

Freedom in the World — Bulgaria Country Report

Bulgaria is rated Free in Freedom in the World 2024, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.

Polish voters gather for the ''March of a Million Hearts,” a pro-democratic rally in Warsaw that gathered up to 1 million participants on October 1, 2023. (Piotr Lapinski/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Nations in Transit — Bulgaria Country Report

Bulgaria is categorized as a Semi-Consolidated Democracy in Nations in Transit 2024, Freedom House's annual study on the state of democracy in the region stretching from Central Europe to Central Asia.