National Statistical Institute

Regional Statistics and Geographic Information Department

2, P. Volov Str.; 1038 Sofia, Bulgaria

The data collection provides comparable measurements on various aspects of urban life quality in cities and their FUAs.

There are specific coding systems for spatial units, variables, and indicators. Refer to the City Statistics Manual for details. 

The data covers various aspects of quality of life, including demography, housing, health, economic activity, labour market, education, environment, tourism, and cultural infrastructure.

 Most of the variables follow the definitions in the City statistics manual and international standards. Any differing definitions used in data collection are detailed in the Metadata Report (Annex І).

Statistical units can be individuals, households, enterprises, or other units depending on the variables being considered. For a complete description of variables, refer to the City Statistics Manual.

For most variables, the target population are the usual residents living within a geographical area. A detailed description of the statistical populations used is available in the City statistics manual.

Within the scope of the project, there are 17 Functional Urban Areas and 18 cities identified in Bulgaria.

The length of the time series varies depending on the variable. The last data collection covers the years of 2021 and 2022. 

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The unit of measurement varies from variable to variable. They are listed in the manual of City statistics manual.

The latest data that is currently available is for the reference periods of 2021 and 2022.

All data supply of urban statistics is based on a voluntary agreement, as there is no EU legislation yet on this topic. The legal framework for the geospatial definitions is the TERCET Regulation.

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Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics (recital 24 and Article 20(4)) of 11 March 2009 (OJ L 87, p. 164), stipulates the need to establish common principles and guidelines ensuring the confidentiality of data used for the production of European statistics and the access to those confidential data with due account for technical developments and the requirements of users in a democratic society.

Additionally, all data are treated for confidentiality in accordance with the Bulgarian Law on Statistics.

In compliance with the Bulgarian Law on Statistics (Articles 25 and 26).

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The database is updated depending on the availability of new and revised data.

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Publications are published on the National Statistical Institute website. https://www.nsi.bg/en/content/14022/urban-audit

The National Statistical Institute website hosts a specific section with data that is available for public access. https://www.nsi.bg/en/content/14022/urban-audit

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The definitions of the City statistics manual have been followed for most variables. Additional information on the deviating methodology used in the data collection is provided in the Metadata Report (Annex I).

The quality assurance procedures detailed in the City statistics manual have been applied. Additional quality information is provided in the Metadata Report (Annex I).

Sources of data are checked for compatibility with the definitions set out in the City statistics manual. Small differences are flagged with a 'd' for deviating definitions and are further explained in the Metadata Report (Annex I). When estimates were used (indicated by an ‘e’) an explanation for the method used is given in the Metadata Report (Annex I) and the Estimation methodology (Annex II).

Data are taken from official data sources that are checked and validated as part of their release.

The accuracy of the estimates is assessed based on scientific standards and quality is satisfying. Detailed information on the methods used can be found in Annex II.

User needs and stakeholder requirements are collected at several forums.

User needs and stakeholder requirements are collected at several forums. Comments and contributions are welcome to be sent to the contact.

Data availability differs from domain to domain. For some variables, data are available for cities only or are not applicable for FUAs.

The overall accuracy of variables derived from NSI's surveys and those collected by Municipal authorities is considered to be high. The quality and reliability of the data produced using Small Area Estimations are considered to be satisfying.

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Depends on the domain and individual indicator and can vary between 12 and 24 months.

The City and Subnational Statistics project's data has been submitted to Eurostat according to schedule. Some variables are available at a later stage and are sent as soon as they have been validated by the project team.

The legal framework (Tercet Regulation) ensures geographical comparability (definition of spatial units).

Due to the sometimes deviating definitions of variables and different data sources used the comparability of data could be limited to some extent.

From the 2011 data collection, the comparability over time has improved due to the use of the new city definition. Breaks in the time series are flagged accordingly (flag 'B') if applicable.

Data collected at sub-national level is coherent with the data collected at national level.

Internal coherence (e.g. between spatial levels, between indicators like total, male, female, population) is ensured through the application of multivariable and univariable validation controls.

The data collection is based mainly on administrative data already produced so the main burden is on the Statistical Institute.

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The city statistics domains are compiled using data from the National Statistical Institute and municipal administrations.

Data is collected annually.

The process goes through the following stages:

• Screening of data availability
• Assessment of the methodology
• Compilation of variables
• Data validation and quality management

Different data checks are done using the data validation and editing tool provided by EUROSTAT.

For detailed information on the estimation methodology used, please see Annex ІІ.

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