The coronavirus pandemic has deepened economic disparities between Sofia and other Bulgarian regions. It has also resulted in higher unemployment in 2020.

According to the annual report of the Institute for Market Economics on the development of the Bulgarian regions, Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas continue to attract 70% of the total investments. Sofia district, Gabrovo and Stara Zagora also manage to attract investments, yet at a smaller scale. Demographic processes remain the main impediment to growth. The population continues to decline. Except for Sofia and Kardzhali districts, in other Bulgarian regions the number of adults over 65 form one-third of the active population. Population growth has been marked in all municipalities in Kardzhali district.