The graph illustrates the Bulgarians’ intention to leave Bulgaria and their levels of education in 2002, 2006, and 2008.
The figures for secondary education represent the highest intention of moving abroad but with a minor decrease over the years. Their percentage started at 65% in 2002 and decreased slightly to 61% and 59% between 2006 and 2008.
Meanwhile, those who had primary and lower education saw an increase in their rate of emigration. In 2002, 18% of the population wanted to leave Bulgaria and by 2008 the percentage was 32%. Between these years, there was a slight rise of 1% in 2006.
In contrast, the higher education levels showed little desire to go and live in another country. In this category, 17% intended to leave in 2002, but from 2006 to 2008, the intention dropped to 9%.
Overall, the more educated the population are, the less likely they want to leave the country. It may have relation to jobs perspective and other financial problems. More research is necessary to establish the origin of this trend.
