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South-Central Region Profile

   Area and geography: an area of 27 516 sq. m., almost a quarter of the whole territory of the country – 24,79. The South-Central Region is situated in the southern part of the Republic of Bulgaria. In its northern part it borders on the North Central Region. The central part of Stara Planina (a mountain) presents a natural northern border of the region. In the east it borders on the South-East region. In the west it borders on the South-West Region. In the south the region borders on the Republic of Greece and the Republic of Turkey. Its territory encompasses 6 regions – Pazardjik, Plovdiv, Smolyan, Haskovo, Stara Zagora, and Kyrdjali, including 69 municipalities in total. The administrative centre of the South Central region is the city of Plovdiv.

   Climate: The climate is moderate continental with mild and warm winter. The average annual snowcover is 12 days. Spring comes early. Summer is temperately hot with an average month temperature of 22 C. Autumn is warm and longlasting.

   History: The historical background of the region is mainly connected with the Thracian cultural heritage. Other influences also played a major role in developing the regional culture through the centuries. In the 11th-12th C the Romans built important fortresses. Basilicas and floor mosaics have been uncovered. In the 11th C the region became a major religious and administrative centre. About 1355 the South-Central region turned into a major commercial centre, whose cooperation was crucial for the development of the neighboring regions. During the Turkish yoke, the region became a symbol of martyrdom and self-sacrifice in the name of freedom.

   Population: The actual population estimated for 2006 is approximately 1,978,717 inhabitants (24.96% of the total number in the country). South Central Region covers to a greater extent the average figures of the demographic situation in the Republic of Bulgaria. The population is unequally distributed on its territory, and the lowest concentration is in the mountainous areas and peripheral regions and municipalities on the boundary with the Republic of Greece. The age structure of the population is of regressive type. The active and reproductive population of the region is progressively decreasing.

   Employment rate: In 2004 the employment rate in the region is around 44,7%. The tendency towards the increase in the employment rate has been preserved so far.

   Unemployment rate: In 2000 the unemployment rate is 18%. The level of the average annual unemployment in the South Central Region in the year 2003 has changed. It has become 14.91%. The recent unemployment rate is 8.4%, according to the last estimations from 2004. The highest level of unemployment is mostly apparent in Smolyan region. The lowest level of unemployment is in Plovdiv region.

   Distribution of employment: In 2000, the agricultural sector employs about 5% of the regional workforce, manufacturing- 46% of the labor force in the region, and the services sector- 49%. The employed in the private sector in 2000 represent 52.7% of the total number of employed persons in the region. Human resources and education are the main factors determining competitiveness and employment status in the given region. Education is also the key instrument to fight poverty and social isolation through providing the opportunity for equal access to pre-school preparation and elementary education for all people, independently of their ethnical belongingness, living place, health status or age. The region hosts the University of Plovdiv (Paisiy Hilendarski), the Agricultural University of Plovdiv, the Medical University, and the Plovdiv branch of the Technical University of Sofia. There are several other higher education and research institutes, including the Institute of Canning Industry, the Institute of Fresh Water Fishery, and the Regional Institute of Veterinary and Medicine.

   Industry: Food, beverages and tobacco are the most prominent industrial sectors, followed by the manufacturing of metals, machinery and equipment.

   GDP: With a share of 20.64%, the South Central region ranked second in 2001 among other Bulgarian regions by its contribution to the GDP of the national economy. In 2002 and 2003 the region's place in the country's economy remains the same. In 2002 and 2003 the GDP grew (by current prices) respectively to 6,507 and 6,957 million BGL, being a little bit over 20% of the annual GDP for the country. The region's GDP level per capita reached 3,096 BGL in 2001. It was higher by 389 BGL than in 2000. In the following two years the trend of increase in this indicator remains. It reached 3316 BGL in 2002 and 3,576 BGL in 2003.

   Development of the regional economy: The key sectors important for the economic development of the South-Central region are, respectively, agriculture, agro-chemistry, food and drinks, electronics and electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, tourism; timber, wood processing and furniture production, textiles, perfumery and cosmetics, and leather and shoes.

   Infrastructure and urban development: Typical for the whole country specifics of the town network are also apparent in the South Central Region. There is relevantly even distribution of small town and villages and uneven distribution of big cities. The territories of underdeveloped town network are often with low economic indices. There is negative population growth mainly in villages and small towns, sometimes even in bigger towns. The general status of the road network (density, structure) could be determined as comparatively good, though having significant problems. The region is crossed by such important trans-European transport corridors as the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th, including the highway from Western Europe to Turkey. It has also good transport links with the capital Sofia and the administrative centres of the other Bulgarian regions.

   Environment: Though not managed efficiently, the water resources are sufficient to satisfy the population needs. The quality of surface waters in the region is good for the exception of the areas polluted by untreated household and industrial waters around the major towns. The air quality standards can be further maintained. The soil and sound pollution are considerable, but not irremediable. The South-Central region cannot be considered among the richest regions in biological diversity. However, its potential in that direction might be enhanced.

   Protected territories and landmarks: The region is famous for its balneological resorts and hydrothermal waters. Towns of interest with their significant historical background are Sopot, Batak, Koprivshtitsa, and Chirpan.

The South Central region takes the place next to the last in the structure of direct investments distribution among Bulgarian regions, as of 2001. 5% or 132,462.7 thousand USD foreign investments were attracted in total. In 2001 the foreign direct investments in the South Central region increased by 35.2%, as compared to 2000, and amounted to 97,967 thousand USD. Their distribution among the administrative districts in the region is extremely irregular. The investments were concentrated mainly in Plovdiv district (36.6%) and in Stara Zagora district (30%).

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