General Info

Bulgaria
Bulgaria, republic in South-Eastern Europe, situated in the Balkan Peninsula, and is bounded on the north by Romania, on the east by the Black Sea, on the south by Turkey and Greece, and on the west by Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia.

Population
The last census (in 2001) showed that 7 973 673 people live in Bulgaria. The average life expectancy for women is 74, and for men - 67.

Geography
The Republic of Bulgaria covers a territory of 110 993 square kilometres. The average altitude of the country is 470 metres above sea level. The Stara Planina Mountain occupies central position and serves as a natural dividing line from the west to the east.

Cultural Attractions
Bulgaria has a rich history. Many visitors find time to journey to many of the cultural sites dotted throughout Bulgaria. The country is very rich in ancient monuments and artifacts from different epochs in its 1300 year old history and beyond.

Thracians, Romans, Slavs, Greeks and Turks have left their mark and heritage to be appreciated by locals and tourists alike. Some of the most important archaeological sites in Europe are located within Bulgaria’s borders with new discoveries still being made. Combined with the rich religious heritage of the region, there is no shortage of sites to visit. The country has 9 UNESCO World Culture Heritage sites.

Unlike many other parts of the world, Bulgaria has retained a great number of traditional folk and religious celebrations. Almost every week in Bulgaria there is a celebration taking place in one of its many regions. From the orthodox Easter to the Valley of the Roses celebrations, visitors should find the time to explore at least some of these events.

Religion
The greater part of Bulgarian population is Eastern Orthodox. Since 865 AD when Knyaz Boris-Mikhail converted the Bulgarians to Christianity Bulgarian is considered an Orthodox country.