There were 75 915 children born in Bulgaria in 2007, 1371 babies more than the previous year. The data has been drawn from a report on the progress of the Bulgarian National Demographic Strategy 2006-2020, Dnevnik daily reported.

The average birth rate for 2007 was 9.8 per mill, or approximately 10 babies per 1000 people a year, the highest ratio for the last 15 years. However, the mortality rate still remains higher with a ratio of 14.8 per mill, and the country's demography index continues to be negative, the report stated.

Bulgaria's population decreased by 39 000 people last year. Institutions have joined efforts to combat the diminishing birth rate by taking measures to provide adequate healthcare and health education. A recent tendency towards less abortions and more adopted children has been registered, the report said.

Analysis of some emerging tendencies has prompted authorities to draw up a short-term plan. This includes an educational programme for girls aged 10-18 years, providing information about the consequences of early pregnancy and abortion and more prophylactic exams in the early stage of pregnancy. A comprehensive record of the number of pregnant women will also be kept to easily monitor developing pathologies and the introduction of a programme battling female infertility.

The national strategy also envisages financial aid to stimulate future parents and adopting certain measures to dissuade young people from emigrating, Dnevnik reported.