DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e159882

Authors: Samira Alakbarova

Abstract: Strengthening the interrelations between spatial risk analysis and sustainable territorial development has emerged in recent years as one of the key directions in geographical and socio-economic research. This study employs a complex approach to ensure the integration of spatial risk factors into sustainable territorial development processes. The Shaki-Zagatala economic region of the Republic of Azerbaijan was selected as the pilot area within the framework of the research. In the contemporary context of increasing natural and technogenic risks, global climate change, and the growing complexity of socio-economic and territorial development processes, the importance of spatial risk analysis and management defines the relevance of this research. This study investigates the spatio-temporal dynamics of natural-technological processes occurring between 1950 and 2024 in the six administrative districts (Shaki, Zagatala, Gabala, Balaken, Oghuz, and Gakh) of the Shaki-Zagatala economic region. Statistical analyses are conducted to explore the relationship between population density and the intensity of natural-technological disasters. By applying a combination of advanced spatial-statistical methods, such as the Moran’s I, Getis-Ord Gi* and Analytic Hierarchy Process, the study aims to evaluate the correlation between population density and disaster frequency, identifying high-risk areas and their temporal patterns. In the presented article, as a result of the complex studies conducted to achieve the set objectives, a map of the spatial distribution of natural disaster risks in the Shaki-Zagatala economic region has been developed. The results obtained allow for the identification of the area’s risk profile and the establishment of key priorities for long-term growth. A strategic planning model has been developed based on the identified opportunities and challenges in the field of sustainable territorial development.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e157082

Authors: Oleksiy Gnatiuk, Anna Klymenko

Abstract: This study explores the drivers (explanatory factors) and spatial patterns of suburban development in Vinnytsia, a second-tier Ukrainian city, within the broader context of post-socialist urban transformation. The objective of the paper is to identify the drivers of suburban development of Vinnytsia as a second-tier Ukrainian city at the level of individual settlements and to uncover the general spatial patterns of its suburban area. Drawing on spatial features of suburbanisation including population change, housing modernisation, real estate market activity, and construction permits, the research reveals a distinct centre–periphery structure of the suburban area, asymmetrically distributed along the southwest-northeast axis. The suburban area comprises three quasi-concentric zones, each exhibiting varying levels and forms of suburban development. The first zone, directly adjacent to the city, is dominated by classical western-type suburbanisation, involving the influx of affluent residents and the emergence of low-rise and multi-storey housing. The second zone, stretching 15–20 km from the city centre, is characterised by housing modernisation rather than new construction, with commercial activity concentrated near major highways. The third zone, up to 30 km away, shows only partial transformation, mainly through the renovation of existing homes, which may be equally referred to both suburban and peri-urban development. Logistic regression confirms proximity to the central city as the most influential factor across all indicators, while landscape features and access to highways also contribute significantly. The research identifies asymmetries rooted in both natural landscape preferences and the spatial configuration of the city itself. Notably, administrative reforms have failed to align governance boundaries with functional suburban integration. The study concludes that suburbanisation in Vinnytsia reflects hybrid dynamics of post-socialist development, merging unregulated urban expansion with spontaneous and policy-driven modernisation. The findings offer insights for spatial planning in second-tier cities, advocating for more integrated approaches to suburban and peri-urban governance.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e115315

Authors: Rossen Koroutchev

Abstract: The current study delves into the contemporary challenges within the Zakarpattia region of Western Ukraine. It accomplishes this by examining the circumstances of the local populace and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) hailing from Eastern Ukraine who arrived following the onset of the armed conflict in February 2022. Official statistics were employed to scrutinize the social and economic characteristics of the IDPs, as well as their influence on local development in Zakarpattia. These findings were then compared to the on-site research conducted by the author in the region during August 2023. The primary conclusions drawn from this research affirm the amelioration of the local economic status and job prospects in Zakarpattia as well as the adaptation of the IDPs to the new life in the region.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e115062

Authors: Mariela Nekova, Galin Petrov, Rumen Yankov

Abstract: Settlement formations are a specific and relative new category of territorial units in Bulgaria. They were introduced by law in 1995. According to the Act of Administrative and Territorial Structure of the Republic of Bulgaria, settlement formations are built-up areas outside the construction boundaries of settlements. Unlike settlements, settlement formations have no permanent population. They serve specific functions—residential, industrial, transport, etc. They are differentiated into settlement formations of national importance and those of local importance. So far, no special scientific studies have been conducted on the settlement formations in the country. This study focuses on the settlement formations of local importance with recreational functions. Settlement formations with potential for tourist supply are identified. An analysis of tourist resources and accommodation facilities as factors for their formation and functional development is conducted. On this basis, a classification of settlement formations of local importance is proposed, in which they are differentiated into six types. Examples of settlement formations with different recreational profiles are provided. The study presents the current state of settlement formations of local importance in Bulgaria, because they are a dynamic category of settlement structures. The results of the study are illustrated by relevant maps.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e72840

Authors: Toni Traykov, Kaloyan Tsvetkov

Abstract: The paper studies the past and contemporary marriage rates in Bulgaria. The analysis starts with the marriage patterns after the Liberation, when high marriage rates were observed, especially after the war periods. During socialism, the family was perceived as the main functioning cell of society and the marriage rates continued to be relatively high. In the 1990s and the beginning of the new century, a change in the marital behavior was observed – a significant postponement of entry into marriage and motherhood led to a family model that had not been common in the past. The authors also conclude that there are different stages in the marriage patterns in Bulgaria – both historically and spatially. The different factors affecting these processes are also studied and discussed in the paper.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e67249

Authors: Rossen Koroutchev, Ladislav Novotný

Abstract: The paper studies the contemporary migration of Bulgarians to countries of the Visegrad Group (V4) – the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland. After making a short historical overview of this phenomenon since the 19th century and the contemporary migration of Bulgarians in the years following 1989, the paper analyses the evolution of Bulgarian migration to the V4 countries in the recent years. The authors conclude that there are important migration flows of Bulgarian citizens towards these countries, due to job perspectives, similar social economic systems and the Bulgarian diaspora already living there.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.16

Authors: Georgi Burdarov, Teodora Dimitrova

Abstract: The Western Balkans are one of the most vulnerable parts of the European continent. This clearly defined territory of the EU has its own geopolitical explanation for its condition. The abandonment of the Western Balkans to neighboring countries is easy to explain. As some countries took steps to build democratic governance and a functioning market economy, the countries of the Western Balkans fought. At present, countries in the process of transposing EU law into their national law or the so-called "Candidate countries" are albania, serbia, montenegro and northern macedonia. Potential candidate countries are Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. The current situation of the countries in the region, in particular the status of Kosovo, the reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the national question of Albania and its idea of a "Greater Albania" are, subject to in-depth analysis. In general, the Western Balkans have a complex ethnic composition, which is a prerequisite for future conflicts

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.25

Authors: Kaloyan Tsvetkov, Svetla Georgieva

Abstract: The article deals with the research and professional activity of Prof. Gesho Geshev in the field of demography, regional planning, transnational cooperation, territorial and urban planning, urban geography and urban ecology. The author has more than 100 scientific publications, most of which have been published abroad. In addition, Gesho Geshev participates and manages dozens of projects in which he applies his theoretical knowledge in practice. As the head of two scientific institutes at Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (Institute of Demography and Geographical Institute), he applies his management skills as well. There, he has been able to form a large team of experts in different fields with whom he works on topical geographical issues. Prof. Geshev combines his research work with teaching activity at South-West University “Neofit Rilski” and University of Veliko Tarnovo “St. Cyril and St. Methodius”. He has been a chairman of the National Geography Committee of the International Geographical Union. Its name remains well known among scholars from Poland, Hungary, Russia, Greece, the Netherlands, Angola and many more, and the applicability of its works is relevant to contemporary geography.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.8

Authors: Teodora Dimitrova

Abstract: Bulgarians and Albanians cohabitations together more then 13 centuries. From a historical point of view this is a period, that covers the domination of two empires – Byzantine and Ottoman. The subject of the Bulgarian ethnic minority has existed for years. This issue also arises with the creation and recognition of an independent Albanian state in 1912. But only in 2017, the Albanian parliament in Tirana approves of the Minority Protection Act, in which the Bulgarian-ethnic population officially obtains their minority status.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.9

Authors: Ekaterina Maslarska

Abstract: Last few years the topic of immigrant’s crisis in Europe is one of the top priorities for European union. The scope and the matter of this problem is very important, as it relates to finance, politics and the future of the old continent. The importance of the problem is mainly related to its scale. Previously the European parliament stated that the current migration crisis is the worst since World War II. In 2015 and 2016 alone, more than 2.5 million people applied for asylum in the EU, while more than 2,030 people are thought to have lost their lives in the Mediterranean in the first six months of 2017 alone. The aim of the publication is to make a quick overview of the current state of immigrant’s integration policies in the European Union. The publication includes the newest data regarding the integration of immigrants in EU. Part of it are Eurostat data base from the last few years and the latest survey of Eurobarometer 469 (April 2018). Also, there are presented the latest analysis on the topic, regarding the integration of immigrants. The purpose of this publication is to show the importance of the problem and the policies of the EU which are attempting to solve the issues. The importance of the integration of immigrants will grow in future for sure. Opinions of the EU citizens are shown in the publication and they illustrate that there are still some significant variations in perception of immigrant integration. This would be a big opportunity and a challenge for the EU. The role of the policies of the Union is to improve the approaches of the countries and to help them to create a smooth process of the integration.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.7

Authors: Toni Traykov, Kaloyan Tsvetkov

Abstract: The concept of reproductive behaviour of the population is closely linked to the process or reproduction. In a demographic sense, this is the realization of reproductive attitudes in terms of number of children desired by married couples or co-habiting partners. Several synonyms to the term “reproductive behaviour” are used in demographic, geodemographic and sociological research, such as generative, procreative and proliferative behaviour. These serve to express the processes and practical actions involved in the birth and raising of children. In a wider sense, child rearing includes also upbringing and education and even the passing on of certain attitudes toward future reproductive behaviour. Viewed in its narrower essence, reproductive behaviour has two manifestations. The first finds expression in actions ensuring the reproductive process and the second – in actions restricting and impeding this process. These actions are defined with the terms ‘birth regulation’, ‘family control’ or ‘family planning’. Changes in the social and economic situation in Bulgaria after 1989 led to changes in the reproductive behaviour of the population. The transition from centrally planned economy to market economy and the accompanying economic crisis created conditions for a rapid drop in the economic activity of the population and an increase in unemployment. The sharp decrease in actual income had a very direct impact on the reproductive behaviour of the population during this period. As a result, birth rates rapidly deteriorated, reaching an all-time low of 7.7 ‰ in 1997. The negative changes in the living standard of the population altered the reproductive attitudes of single-child families. Material difficulties experienced during raising of the first child resulted in temporary or permanent refrainment from the birth of a second child. The relative stabilization of the economic situation, which commenced in the beginning of this century resulted in the moderate improvement of some of the indicators related to reproductive behaviour. The birth rate registered at that time (9.8 ‰ in 2007) owes mainly to an increase in the fertility of the childbearing population, measured through the total fertility coefficient. In 2001 the average number of live births per woman was 1.24 and in 2007 – 1.42. Although this small increase in fertility was maintained in the course of the following decade (1.56 children in 2007), Bulgaria remains among the countries with lowest birth rate in the EU. The main issues of the current demographic situation are the increase in the median age of women at first birth, the large share of children born out of wedlock with no registered data on the father and early age at first childbirth. These negative specifics of the reproductive behaviour of the population are further exacerbated by the significant differences in birth rates between towns and villages and different regions and districts within the country.

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