Sofia, Bulgaria – Nearly two-thirds of Bulgarians (64%) have described 2024 as a happy year, reflecting a steady sense of personal contentment compared to the previous year.
On the national front, opinions were more divided, with 24% of respondents viewing 2024 as a good year for Bulgaria, a slight drop of 4% from last year, according to a recent survey. Despite lingering concerns, the findings highlight a cautiously optimistic outlook for the future.
Personal Happiness at a High Since 2019
When it comes to personal experiences, 60% of Bulgarians rated 2024 as a good year for themselves, marking the highest level of personal satisfaction since 2019.
By contrast, 26% of respondents felt the year was personally unfavorable. Younger individuals aged 18-29 reported the highest levels of optimism, with the majority reflecting positively on their year.
In comparison, older Bulgarians, particularly those over 70, were less likely to share this enthusiasm, underscoring a generational divide in perceptions of well-being.
Lingering National Pessimism with Glimmers of Hope
On a broader scale, the mood surrounding Bulgaria’s national situation remained predominantly pessimistic, with 58% of respondents expressing a negative outlook.
However, this represents a significant improvement compared to the years overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine, during which national pessimism exceeded 80%.
The 4% drop in those describing the year as good for Bulgaria may signal lingering challenges facing the country, but it also reflects a resilient and improving sentiment among the population.
Analysts suggest that economic stability and reduced geopolitical tensions could have contributed to this modest shift.
Looking to 2025 with Cautious Optimism
As 2025 approaches, Bulgarians remain moderately optimistic about what lies ahead. A promising 38% of respondents anticipate a better year for the country, while 26% predict deterioration.
On a personal level, nearly half (47%) believe their lives will improve in the coming year, and only 15% expect challenges ahead.
Optimism is particularly pronounced among Bulgaria’s youth, with nearly 70% of individuals under 30 expecting a brighter future.
In stark contrast, only about 30% of those over 70 share this positive outlook, reflecting differences in age-based perspectives on the nation’s trajectory.
A Generational Divide in Optimism
Generational differences were a recurring theme in the survey, with younger Bulgarians consistently showing more optimism about both the present and the future.
Experts attribute this trend to the younger generation’s adaptability, greater economic opportunities, and increased exposure to global perspectives. In contrast, older individuals may be more influenced by historical challenges and uncertainties in their retirement years.
A Year of Contrasts
While 2024 was marked by mixed sentiments, Bulgarians’ reflections reveal a complex interplay between personal satisfaction and national concerns.
The survey findings highlight an improving sense of well-being among individuals, even as broader national challenges persist.
Looking ahead, optimism for 2025 remains a driving force, particularly among the younger generation, offering a glimmer of hope for Bulgaria as it navigates the road to progress.