site.bta2023 Was Better for Bulgarians Compared to Previous Three Years, Trend Survey Shows

This year was better for Bulgarians compared to the previous three years, according to a survey by sociological agency Trend, published here on Wednesday. Nearly two-thirds said they felt happy in 2023. Around 40% expect 2024 to be a better year for Bulgaria, the results show.

The data are from a survey by Trend commissioned by the newspaper 24 Chasa, dedicated to the attitudes of Bulgarians towards the passing 2023 and expectations for the next year. 

An upward trend in Bulgarians' assessment of their personal happiness was maintained in 2023, restoring the level to that before the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to December 2022, the proportion of people who describe themselves as happy in the past year rose by 7% to 64%.

This was the first time since December 2020 that there is a positive change in the country's assessment of the past year. Although the share of pessimists was once again in a majority (57%), it was down by more than 20% compared to the previous three years, Trend said. At the same time, since 2020, an average of 12% define the year as good, while 2023 is defined as such by 28%.

Nearly 6 out of 10 Bulgarians (59%) rated the year as a good one on a personal level. This is the highest since 2019. For less than a third (30%) the past year was bad. The assessment of both the country and in personal terms was highest among the youngest (18-29 years), who are traditionally more optimistic, while negativity increases with age, Trend noted.

Expectations for the coming year 2024 are rather positive. Nearly 40% were of the opinion that Bulgaria is looking at a better year, while 29% foresaw a worse year. Here again, personal expectations were more optimistic, with 49% counting on 2024 being a better year for them personally and 17% skeptical. Again, the age of respondents had an impact on these attitudes - nearly seven in ten of those under 30 expect a better year, while among those over 70 only three in ten say this.

In comparative terms, Bulgarians give the highest rating in the past year to their personal life - 53% said the assessment is good. By comparison, 32% rated 2023 as rather good for their professional life and 22% as rather good for their financial opportunities.

Nearly half (48%) of Bulgarians felt that the true Christmas spirit has changed in recent years. This opinion was expressed more often than average by people over 40, as well as residents of small towns and villages, Trend pointed out.