Bulgaria - information
Country details
Bulgaria, founded in 681 AD, is the homeland of ancient civilizations, and remnants of their cultures, and the ruins of their cities, palaces and monasteries are found throughout the country.
After centuries of Turkish control, military conflicts and fighting on the losing side in both World Wars, decades of Communist Party rule, and assorted political squabblings, Bulgaria is finally adjusting to its switch to democracy in the early 1990s.
Tourism is a real growth industry here, and Europeans frequent the beautiful city of Sofia, the numerous historic sites, as well as the resorts and spas on the Black Sea coast.
The Bulgaria maps and information pages are currently being revised, and will be posted soon.
Quick Facts and Figures
Official Name: Republic of Bulgaria
Population: 7,917,855
Capital City: Sofia (1.1 million)
Languages: Bulgarian
Latitude/Longitude: 43° 00'N, 25° 00'E
Official Currency: Lev
Religions: Bulgarian Orthodox, Muslim, other
Land Area: 110,550 sq km (42,683 sq miles)
Landforms: The Balkan Mountains cut across the central part of the country, while the Rhodope Mountains run through southern Bulgaria, along its border with Greece.
The highest point in the country, located in the Rila Mountains, is Musala Mt., at 9,594 ft. (2,925 m).
North of the Balkan Mountains the fertile lowlands of the Danubian Plain slope gradually down to the Danube River. The south-eastern lowlands (Maritsa Basin), drained by a series of small rivers, slope to the Black Sea.
Major rivers include the Danube River, as it forms the northern border with Romania, and the Maritsa and Iskur.
Land Divisions: 28 provinces, including: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Dobrich, Gabrovo, Khaskovo, Kurdzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofiya, Sofiya-Grad, Stara Zagora, Turgovishte, Varna, Veliko Turnovo, Vidin, Vratsa and Yambol
Climate
Summers along the Black Sea coastal areas are warm, often hot. Inland, summers are more moderate. Winters are cold with heavy snowfall in the mountains.