Settlement structure

The municipality of Shabla consists of 16 settlements – 1 town (the administrative center town of Shabla) and 15 villages: Bozhanovo, Vaklinovo, Gorichane, Gorun, Granichar, Durankulak, Ezerets, Zahari Stoyanovo, Krapets, Prolez, Smin, Staevtsi, Tvarditsa, Tyulenovo and Chernomortsi. The town and villages are mainly of the small and medium category. It is from urban perspective that Durankulak and Krapets are defined as medium villages with 200 to 500 inhabitants; Vaklinovo, Granichar and Ezerets are small villages with a population of 100 - 200 inhabitants; there are about 10 very small villages, whose inhabitants are below 100. The villages of Staevtsi, Bozhanovo and Tvarditsa are likely to remain completely deserted in the coming years.

Reference to municipal documents shows that the municipality is seventh by area, population and number of settlements among the eight municipalities in Dobrich district. The villages are partially urbanized, with built sewage and electrification. In recent years there has been observed a high trend of depopulation, mainly as a result of the lack of opportunities for employment and career of young people.

The town of Shabla is a municipal and functional center in a predominantly agricultural municipality. The town is not located directly on the beach – it is located 5 km from Shabla Cape, but is inevitably associated with the oldest and highest lighthouse on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast – Shabla Lighthouse.