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Bulgaria

Bulgaria

Bulgaria's spectacular mountains, swathe of golden beaches and vibrant cities have begun attracting hordes of eager-eyed tourists over the past few years - a dramatic change to how the country was a mere 10 years ago.

In fact, Bulgaria has been through mammoth changes in the last few years, with many of the cities and resorts undergoing construction booms galore, tempting buyers from Western Europe with relatively cheap property and stunning landscapes.

Bulgaria's beautiful beach and ski resorts are expanding quickly as a result and have lured visitors away from more expensive European destinations with low-priced lift passes and accommodation options. The main cities have shrugged off their weary Communist-era image and have become vibrant and attractive, with well-kept boulevards, varied shopping and lively nightlife. 

In contrast, many towns and villages have preserved the authentic Bulgarian spirit and hospitality and the country is especially proud of its rich folklore traditions.

Location

Bulgaria map

Situated in Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria occupies the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula.

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey

Currency

Bulgarian curency

Lev (BGN; symbol лв) = 100 stotinki. Notes are in denominations of лв100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of лв1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 stotinki.

Note: (a) The Lev is tied to the Euro at a fixed rate; €1 = лв1.955. (b) Notes dated 1997 and earlier are now out of circulation.


Currency Exchange

Visitors are advised to exchange money at banks, at large hotels and at independent currency exchange offices, where the rates are clearly displayed. Travellers should not be tempted by a ‘better rate' offered at unofficial sources on the street. It is illegal for commission to be charged when changing money at official offices. No store, bank or bureau de change will accept mutilated, torn or excessively dirty foreign currency.


Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in large cities, in larger hotels and car hire offices, and in some restaurants and shops, mainly in Sofia. However, Bulgaria is still a country that operates mainly on cash. ATMs are widespread, although it is best to check with the relevant bank/card provider prior to travel. Not all Bulgarian bank machines accept every overseas credit or debit card; it may take more than one attempt to withdraw cash.

Basic Information

Government type: parliamentary democracy

Capital: Sofia

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Administrative divisions: 28 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Dobrich, Gabrovo, Khaskovo, Kurdzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofiya, Sofiya-Grad (Sofia City), Stara Zagora, Turgovishte, Varna, Veliko Turnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Yambol

Executive Branch:
Chief of state: President
Head of government: Prime Minister
Cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly

Legal System: civil and criminal law based on Roman law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Population: 7,148.785 (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 98

Ethnic Origin: Bulgarian 83.9%, Turk 9.4%, Roma 4.7%, other 2%

Area total: 110,879 sq km
land: 108,489 sq km
water: 2,390 sq km

Natural Resources:bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land

Top three cities

Sofia: population 1,123,404


Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is located to the north of the Vitosha Mountains. It is the largest city in the country and the fifteenth largest European city.

Located in the western region of Bulgaria, several rivers, including the Vladayska and the Iskar, cross the city. At an elevation of 550 m, the temperatures range from -6°C in the winter to 26°C in the summer, making the months of May to September, the best time to visit.

The city developed due to its central Balkan region. It has been invaded by every major empire including the Macedonians, Romans, Ottomans and Soviets. Modern Sofia is a blend of culture, history and a rapidly growing market economy with skyrocketing real estate prices and a booming outsourcing market.

Plovdiv: population 349,255


Plovdiv, in southern Bulgaria, is the country’s second-largest city. The city is split into two uneven parts by the Maritza River.

The two sides are connected by six bridges. The city sits in between seven hills and has temperatures ranging from -3°C in the winter to 30°C in the summer. Temperatures during May to September range from 26°C to 30°C making the summer the ideal time to visit.

Modern Plovdiv is a commercial city with a thriving economy and a population of 350,000 that is growing rapidly every year.

Varna: population  327,426


Varna's origins back to almost five millennia, but it wasn't until seafaring Greeks founded a colony here in 585 BC that the town became a port. The modern city is both a shipyard and port for incoming freighters and the navy, and a riviera town visited by tourists of every nationality. It's a cosmopolitan place and a nice one to scroll through: Baroque, turn-of-the-century and contemporary architecture pleasantly blended with shady promenades and a handsome seaside garden.

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The information on this site was gathered through our journalists and various source(s) of information including the national tourism organization,
the ministry of finance, the ministry of foreign affairs, CIA World Factbook, and US State Department.