Official Name: Republic of Bulgaria
Capital: Sofia
Bulgaria is located in Southeastern Europe, and it’s bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east.
Area: Approximately 110,994 square kilometers (approximately 42,855 square miles).
Population: Approximately 7 million people (as of 2023 estimate).
Language: The official language is Bulgarian.
Bulgaria features notable diversity, with the landscape ranging from the Alpine snow-capped peaks in Rila, Pirin and the Balkan Mountains to the mild and sunny Black Sea coast; from the typically continental Danubian Plain in the north to the strong Mediterranean climatic influence in the valleys of Macedonia and in the lowlands in the southernmost parts of Thrace.
Bulgaria has an industrialised, open free-market economy, with a large, moderately advanced private sector and a number of strategic state-owned enterprises. The country’s economy relies on key sectors such as energy, mining, metallurgy, machinery, and chemicals.
Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic, with the President serving as the head of state and the Prime Minister serving as the head of government.
Education in Bulgaria is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Science. Schooling is compulsory for children from seven to sixteen years of age.
Bulgarian culture blends the formal culture that helped forge a national consciousness towards the end of Ottoman rule with traditional folk culture. Notable features include the traditional Bulgarian dances, music, costumes, and crafts, as well as the uniquely Bulgarian tradition of fire dancing.
Bulgaria is one of the oldest states in Europe, and it’s the only country in Europe that hasn’t changed its name since it was first established. This happened in 681 AD.
This is a general overview of Bulgaria. There’s much more to learn about this country, from its vibrant culture to its complex history.
