Measuring Poverty in Bulgaria

The present poverty analysis is based on statistical data from the multipurpose survey of households in Bulgaria conducted jointly by the National Statistical Institute, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and the World Bank in 2003. Statistical Data is interpreted in detail as are the main characteristics of the aggregates “Net Income” and “Consumption”, used in estimating poverty levels. The former is studied with the help of three approaches (absolute, relative and subjective), widely used in global practice, and their respective methodology. At the same time, a critical analysis of the advantages and drawbacks of each approach is given in order to assist the choice of a poverty line in accordance with the conditions in this country. The results obtained are compared with those of previous surveys and similar ones conducted in other European countries.