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Bulgaria is one of Europe's few remaining exotic locations, owing to its beautiful beaches, charming cathedrals, and winter sports.
Bulgaria is a nation located in the southeastern European region. Officially, it is known as the Republic of Bulgaria. It is surrounded by Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. Bulgaria is Europe’s sixteenth biggest country, with 110,994 square kilometers of territory (42,855 square miles).
During the Neolithic period, organized ancient civilizations began to form in what is now Bulgaria. Throughout its ancient history, Thracians, Greeks, and Romans were all there. The emergence of an unified Bulgarian state can be traced all the way back to the establishment of the First Bulgarian Empire in 681 AD, which ruled over a large portion of the Balkans and functioned as a cultural hub for Slavs during the Middle Ages. Following the demise of the Second Bulgarian Empire in 1396, the Ottomans governed its borders for almost five centuries.
The Third Bulgarian State was founded in 1877–78 as a consequence of the Russo-Turkish War. Bulgaria had several disputes with its neighbors in the years that followed, pushing it to join Germany throughout both world wars. It became a one-party socialist state in 1946 as a member of the Soviet-led Eastern Bloc. In December 1989, the ruling Communist Party authorized multi-party elections, clearing the path for Bulgaria’s transition to democracy and a market economy.
Bulgaria’s 7.4 million-strong population is mostly urbanized and concentrated in the 28 regional administrative centers. Sofia, the capital and largest city, is the epicenter of economic and cultural activities. The economy’s strongest industries include heavy manufacturing, power engineering, and agriculture, all of which are reliant on local natural resources.
The nation’s current political system dates all the way back to 1991, when a democratic constitution was adopted. Bulgaria is a unitary parliamentary republic that is highly centralized politically, administratively, and economically. It is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the Council of Europe; a founder of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); and a three-time Security Council member of the United Nations.
Due to Bulgaria’s proximity to the Turkish Straits, the primary land routes connecting Europe to the Middle East and Asia pass via the country. Due to its geographic position, the country’s area has attracted a variety of peoples who have left their imprint on the region. Throughout the land, remnants of many civilizations and epochs may still be found. From the great Thracian kings’ tombs through the ancient Greeks’ theatres and the Roman Empire’s stadiums, to the medieval castles of the First and Second Bulgarian Empire’s rulers and the mosques of Ottoman authority.
Present-day Bulgaria is one of Europe’s few remaining exotic locations, owing to its beautiful beaches, charming cathedrals, and winter sports options in the mountains, as well as a unique architectural ensemble of contemporary, classic, and ethical forms in each of its cities and towns, to mention a few. Although it is not as well-known as other European nations, it is a lovely area with a diverse selection of activities. Despite its small size (about the size of Cuba, Portugal, or the state of Virginia), Bulgaria has a diverse range of landscapes, each with its own distinct charm. Due to the country’s natural richness, there are several tourist prospects.
Beaches In Bulgaria
Each summer, long, sandy beaches and pleasant weather attract tourists to Bulgaria’s Black Sea resorts.
Even the two largest cities on the coast, Varna and Burgas, have lovely beaches within walking distance of their urban cores. And, although Sunny Beach, Sozopol, and other popular destinations have been extensively developed, there are still several hidden coves to the north and south of the big centres.
Explore Best Places in Bulgaria
Visitors will discover a wealth of fascinating information on the country’s history, culture, ethnography, religion, architecture, and arts.
Despite occupying less than 2% of Europe’s land area, Bulgaria has recorded around 40,000 historical monuments (7 of which are included on the UNESCO list of global cultural heritage sites), 36 cultural reserves, 160 monasteries, and approximately 330 museums and galleries.
Bulgaria - Info
$203 billion
GDP
Lev (BGN)
Currency
+359
Calling code
6,863,422
Population
110,993 km2
Area
Bulgarian
Official language
1st Bulgarian Empire 681–1018
Establishment history
UTC+2 (EET)
Time zone
Bulgaria Travel Guide
Demographics of Bulgaria
Bulgaria has a population of 7,364,570 people, according to the 2011 census. 72.5 percent of the population lives in urban areas, with nearly one-sixth of the total population concentrated in Sofia. Bulgarians are the largest ethnic group in the country, accounting for 84.8% of the population. Turkish and Roma minorities account for 8.8 and 4.9 percent of the population, respectively; about 40 smaller minorities account for 0.7%, and 0.8% do not self-identify as an ethnic group.
Bulgarian is spoken by all ethnic groups, either as a first or second language. Bulgarian is the sole official language and the mother tongue of 85.2% of the people. Bulgarian, being the first written Slavic language, has some grammatical distinctions from the other Slavic languages, including the lack of noun clauses and infinitives, as well as a trailing definite article.
According to 2003 official figures, literacy rates are 98.6 percent, with no major gender disparity. Education has historically been of a high quality, however still falls short of European norms, and has rapidly worsened over the last decade. Bulgarian pupils were among the world’s finest readers in 2001, outperforming their Canadian and German counterparts; by 2006, their reading, mathematics, and science levels had decreased. Government investment on education is much less than the average throughout the European Union. The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Science contributes to the funding of public schools, colleges, and institutions, establishes textbook specifications, and regulates publishing. In public elementary and secondary schools, the state offers free education. The educational system is divided into twelve grade levels, with grades one through eight considered primary and grades nine through twelve considered secondary. High schools might be technical, vocational, general, or specialized, while higher education is comprised of a four-year bachelor’s degree and a one-year master’s degree.
Bulgaria’s Constitution establishes a secular state with guaranteed religious freedom, but refers to Orthodoxy as a “traditional” faith. In 927 AD, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church was given autocephaly, and it now comprises 12 dioceses and nearly 2,000 priests. Bulgarians profess Eastern Orthodoxy in more than three-quarters. Sunni Muslims are the second biggest religious group, accounting for 10% of the religious composition, despite the fact that the majority of them do not pray and find the usage of Islamic veils in schools intolerable. 11.8 percent do not self-identify as religious, and 21.8 percent do not express their beliefs.
Bulgaria has a universal health care system that is funded entirely by taxes and contributions. The National Health Insurance Fund pays a continuously rising percentage of basic health care expenditures (NHIF). Health expenditures are expected to account for 4.1 percent of GDP in 2013. While the number of physicians is higher than the EU average (181 per 100,000 people), the distribution of doctors by speciality is unequal, there is a serious lack of nurses and other medical personnel, and the majority of medical facilities are substandard. In certain locations, personnel shortages are so acute that patients go to other nations for care. Bulgaria is ranked 113th in the world in terms of average life expectancy, which is 73.6 years for men and 73.6 years for women. Similar to other industrialized nations, the leading causes of mortality are cardiovascular disorders, neoplasms, and respiratory diseases.
Bulgaria is undergoing a demographic transition. The nation has had negative population growth since the early 1990s, when the economic collapse caused a sustained wave of emigration. Until 2005, between 937,000 to 1,200,000 people – largely young adults – left from the nation. In 2013, the total fertility rate (TFR) was predicted to be 1.43 children born per woman, which was less than half of the replacement rate of 2.1. One-third of all households are headed by a single individual, and 75.5 percent of families do not include children under the age of 16. As a consequence, population growth and fertility rates are among the lowest worldwide, while death rates are among the highest. Unmarried women give birth to the bulk of children (of all births in 2012, 57.4 percent were out of wedlock).
Bulgaria Travel Guide
Geography of Bulgaria
Bulgaria is situated in Southeast Europe, in the Balkan Peninsula’s northeastern region. Its boundaries are 44°13′ to 41°14′ north latitude and 22°22′ to 28°37′ east longitude. It is a European nation bordered by the Balkans, the Black Sea, and the Danube. Due to its physical position, it lies at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Bulgaria is closer to the Equator than it is to the pole. It is located in the southernmost portion of the temperate climatic zone, which is influenced by subtropics. Its position on the boundary of two climatic zones has an effect on the climate, soils, flora, and animal species. Each of them is marked by a high degree of variety. Additionally, the country’s geographic location influences the relatively broad angle of sunlight that falls on it, resulting in a largely sunny climate. Bulgaria’s official time zone is Eastern European Time, two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Additionally, the Black and Aegean Seas have an effect on the country’s climate. The Mediterranean has a significant impact on the climate in the country’s south, while the Black Sea has a significant influence on the climate across a region stretching around 40 kilometers inland, sustaining a rich flora and fauna. The Danube River is critical to the country’s water supplies and wildlife variety. Bulgaria’s advantageous geographic position provides ideal circumstances for tourist growth.
Bulgaria is also a transportation hub, with routes connecting it to Western Europe, the Near and Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Bulgaria is crossed by a number of key European transport routes. These corridors include the international highways that connect Western and Central Europe to the Near East and Middle East (via Beograd to Sofia and Svilengrad), including connections to Baghdad and Basra on the Persian Gulf; from the Baltic Sea to the Aegean Sea (via Moscow to Kiev, Bucharest, Ruse, and Stara Zagora to Thessaloniki); and from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic Sea (via Moscow to Kiev, Bucharest, Ruse, and Star (from Sofia through Skopje to Drach). Another vital highway connects Constanta to Varna, Burgas, Tsarevo, Malko Tarnovo, and Istanbul. Bulgaria is also linked to the Trans-European network, which connects Berlin to Prague, Budapest, Sofia, Thessaloniki, and Istanbul, as well as Durres to Tirana, Skopje, and Sofia, which connects to the Black Sea ports of Varna and Burgas. Rail service is also available on these routes. Bulgaria’s Black Sea ports are connected to all other Black Sea nations, providing exceptional prospects for the growth of transportation through the enormous bays that front Burgas and Varna. The Danube River links the nation to the transit corridor leading to the Rhine and to the network of waterways that traverse Western Europe.
The total length of Bulgaria’s borders is 2,245 km. Of these borders, 1,181 km are on land, 686 km are on rivers, and 378 km are on the sea. Bulgaria borders to the north with Romania, to the east with the Black Sea, to the south with Turkey and Greece, and to the west with Macedonia1 and Serbia. The distances between Sofia and the capitals of the neighboring Balkan states are: Skopje – 239 km, Beograd – 374 km, Bucharest – 395 km, Athens – 837 km, Ankara – 1,012 km. The following checkpoints (BCCP) operate on Bulgaria’s borders – along the Bulgaria-Serbia border – BCCP Bregovo, BCCP Vrashka Chuka, BCCP Kalotina, BCCP Strezimirovtsi, BCCP Oltomantsi; along the Bulgaria-Macedonia border – BCCP Gyueshevo, BCCP Stanke Lisichkovo, BCCP Zlatarevo; along the Bulgaria-Turkey border – BCCP Malko Tarnovo, BCCP Lesovo, BCCP Kapitan Andreevo; along the Bulgaria-Greek border – BCCP Kulata, BCCP Ilinden, BCCP Kapitan Petko Voyvoda, BCCP Ivaylovgrad, BCCP Zlatograd; along the Bulgaria-Romania border – BCCP Vidin (by ferry), BCCP Oryahovo (by ferry), BCCP Ruse – the Danube bridge, BCCP Silistra, BCCP Kardam, BCCP Durankulak; on the river ports – BCCP Vidin, BCCP Lom, BCCP Somovit – Nikopol, BCCP Svishtov, BCCP Ruse, BCCP Tutrakan, BCCP Silistra; at the sea ports – BCCP Balchik, BCCP Varna, BCCP Burgas, BCCP Tsarevo, and at the airports – BCCP Sofia Airport, BCCP Plovdiv Airport, BCCP Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport, BCCP Varna Airport, and BCCP Burgas Airport.
Bulgaria Travel Guide
Lifestyle & Culture in Bulgaria
In what is now Bulgaria, lifestyles and civilizations have evolved over thousands of years. Bulgaria is positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and its territories have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Slavs and proto-Bulgarians were profoundly impacted by Thracians, Illyrians, and Greeks civilizations, and all peoples who lived on these territories – Thracians, Romans, Slavs, and Bulgarians – contributed to the world’s cultural legacy. It is no coincidence that the cradle of European civilisation was located here.
The Varna necropolis is home to some of the world’s most renowned artifacts, including the world’s oldest golden jewellery; Thracian tombs and sanctuaries may be found at Kazanlak, Sveshtari, Starosel, Aleksandrovo, Perperikon, and Tatul. Numerous more golden items have been discovered at Panagyurishte, Valchitran, and Rogozen, among other locations. The Thracian, Hellenistic, and Roman cultures left many and diverse artifacts. Numerous Thracians graves have been uncovered, each containing unique relics attesting to antiquity’s great material and spiritual civilization. Augusta Trayana, Trimontium, Nikopolis ad Istrum, Pautalia, Akre, Mesemvria, Apolonia, Serdika, and several more had been discovered. Bulgarians have kept traditions, festivals, customs, and rituals over the years, demonstrating the country’s deep spirituality and vibrant lifestyle and culture.
Bulgarian traditions date all the way back to antiquity and are inextricably linked to the country’s history and distinct form of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Dancing on live coals is an old Bulgarian tradition that is still done in a few Balkan communities. The rite is done in its true form on the feast day of Saints Konstantin and Helena, which is 21 May or 3 June on the old calendar. Fire dancers prepare for their performance by spending hours trapped in a chapel, venerating the images of these two saints while listening to drumming and the sound of gaidas (Bulgarian bagpipes), a unique tune linked with fire dancing, which frequently induces trance. They execute their unique dance over fire coals in the evening. Throughout their dance, they always hold an icon of Saint Konstantin and Saint Helena aloft in both hands. Surprisingly, they never suffer injury or burns to their feet.
“Mummers” is another indigenous ritual that has spread to different communities around the globe. Mummer games are unique traditions and rituals that occur most often on New Year’s Eve and throughout Shrovetide. They are performed only by guys, who wear custom-made masks and costumes created for the occasion by each performer. At the start of each year, the mummers’ traditional dances are claimed to ward off evil spirits and devils, allowing them to embrace the new year cleaned and charged with good energy.
“Laduvane” is another fascinating tradition that takes place on New Year’s Eve, St. George’s Day, Midsummer’s Eve, and St. Lazar’s Day. Young ladies use this practice to foretell their future marriages and the men they will marry. They contact Lada, the goddess of love and family life, in order to inquire about their prospective spouses.
“Lazaruvane” is a springtime rite. It is held eight days before Easter on St. Lazar’s Day. The date changes, but it is usually the Saturday before Palm Sunday. Willow branches are harvested on this day and used to adorn the entrances of homes the next day. Then, on Palm Sunday, young maidens in villages collect flowers to form into garlands. On Saturdays, maidens congregate at the house of one of their number and dress in festive attire embellished with flowers and sprigs. Then they make their way around the community, giving blessings for good health and many crops. They are welcomed in and given modest tokens of appreciation. The practice of creating and gifting martenitsas for health and happiness at the beginning of March is perhaps the most significant emblem of Bulgaria. This is a sign of the year’s regeneration for Bulgarians, once again supposed to encourage health and prosperous crops.
In Bulgaria, customs associated with the cycle of life — birth, baptism, wedding, and death – are particularly revered. Saints’ name days, the most notable of which are St. John’s Day, St. George’s Day, and St. Dimitar’s Day, are also widely regarded throughout the nation.
Bulgarians most reverent holidays are certainly Christmas and Easter – when generations come together to celebrate, bonded by a sense of belonging to the harmonious Bulgarian family. Additionally, the first Sunday before Lent, the second Sunday before Lent, Mother’s Day, All Souls Day, and Lent are all highly regarded.
While touring the nation, travellers may encounter a variety of rituals and traditions, many of which are unique to certain areas of Bulgaria.
Bulgaria’s national flower is the rose. Rose picking, one of Bulgarians’ oldest and most ancient practices, has mostly become a tourist attraction. Carpets from the Bulgarian Renaissance are today very collectible pieces of art. Kotel, Chiprovtsi, and Samokov are the primary carpet weaving hubs. Along with traditional handicrafts, the Bulgarian people have kept a diverse variety of popular traditions and melodies.
The nation is home to a variety of architectural reserves dedicated to preserving the distinctive Bulgarian architecture of the Revival period (18th-19th century) – Koprivshtitsa, Tryavna, Bozhentsi, Zheravna, Bansko, and Melnik, to name a few. Tourists may experience Bulgarian culture and handicrafts firsthand at many ethnographic complexes, such as Etara, Zlatograd, and Old Dobrich, where locals continue to manufacture goods using traditional skills handed down from generation to generation.
The monasteries functioned as hubs of artistic and educational activity during the Bulgarian Revival. The nation still has a number of active monasteries, including Rila Monastery, Bachkovo Monastery, Troyan Monastery, Zemen Monastery, Glozhene Monastery, Kilifarevo Monastery, and Shipchenski Monastery. Additionally, our country is well-known for its long-standing national traditions of icon painting and wood carving. Samokov, Tryavna, and Bansko are the most well-known locations for icons and sculptures.
Bulgarian national dress is an integral aspect of the Bulgarian way of life and culture. Thracian, Slavonic, and old Bulgarian motifs have impacted traditional clothing styles throughout history. The fundamental component of clothing is a white shirt with long sleeves, which is worn under vests and jackets of varying designs, fabrics, and embellishments. Female national costumes are classified into four categories: single apron, double apron, tunic, and sayana, while male national costumes are classified into two categories: white-shirt and black-shirt. Each ethnic region (Dobrich, Pirin, Rhodope, Northern, Thracian, and Sofia) has distinct working, holiday, and wedding attire.
Folk music and national dances, such as the horo, play a significant role in Bulgarian culture. The violin, mandolin, kaval (flute), gaida (bagpipe), pipe, dvoyanka (double pipe), drum, and taranbuka (another percussion instrument) are commonly used to play Bulgarian national music. Bulgarian folk songs are transmitted orally from generation to generation. Internationally renowned are the groups “Cosmic Voices,” “The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices,” and the folklore ensemble “Pirin.” Bulgarian folk dances are extraordinarily vibrant modes of creative expression. They are often done by a group of individuals contacting hands in a closed or open circle, semicircle, serpentine pattern, or straight line. Participants do coordinated motions, gestures, and steps to a certain music (the horo). There are many forms of horo, depending on the rhythm and steps: the regular horo, the rachenitsa, the paydushko horo, and the improvised horo.
Bulgarian museums have priceless collections of domestic, cultural, and military artifacts; sculptures, burial steles, and monuments; masks, mosaics, and miniature statuettes of ancient gods; and a variety of other priceless exhibits.
Bulgarians have evolved and enhanced their culture throughout millennia, and they continue to do so to the current day. Bulgarians have also had cause to be proud of their literature, arts, music, and architecture in more recent times. Bulgaria’s thriving cultural calendar, which includes national and international festivals for both young and elderly, as well as various meetings, cultural events, and expositions, demonstrates this continued commitment.
Bulgaria Travel Guide
Nature in Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s natural terrain is varied, including lowlands, plains, foothills and plateaus, river valleys, basins, and mountains of various altitudes. Around 70% of the country’s area is hilly, while 30% is mountainous. The country’s average elevation is 467 meters, usually decreasing from south to north and west to east. The Balkan Mountain Range is located in the country’s center region, with Botev as its highest point (2,376 m). From south to north, the Iskar River cuts through its western region, forming a magnificent valley more than 70 kilometers long. The northern Balkan Mountains are mostly karst. Vasilyov is the highest mountain in this range (1,490 m).
The western Balkan lowlands and the Srednogorie are located south of the Balkan Mountains (central mountainous region). The Sofia valley, which is home to Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, is the biggest valley in the southern arm of the Balkans. The Zavalsko-Planska Range, the Ihtimansko Srednogorie, the Sashtinska Sredna Gora, and the Sarnena Gora are all included in the Srednogorie.
The Danube valley, with an area of about 31,000 square meters, is located between the northern arm of the Balkans and the Danube River. Its eastern section is characterized by plateaus like as the Dobrudzha plateau, the Plovadia plateau, the Lilyak plateau, and the Shumen plateau. To the north are the Trans-Danube lowlands, which are formed by the Danube river’s terraces.
To the south of Sofia, the Vitosha mountain range climbs to its highest peak, Cherni Vrah (2,290 m). Its foothills stretch into western Bulgaria’s central region, where low-lying and medium-elevation mountains such as Ruy, Milevska, Zemenska, Konyavska, and Verila alternate. The Osogovo-Belasishka mountain range is located west of the Struma River basin and south of Kraishteto. It contains the peaks of Osogovska (Mount Ruen, 2,251 m), Vlahinska, Maleshevska, Ograzhden, and Belasitsa (Mount Radomir, 2,029 m).
Bulgaria’s tallest mountains are located in the Rila and Pirin ranges to the east of the Struma River basin. These mountains average a height of 1,258 meters and cover 60% of their area above 1,000 meters. Rila is home to 31 peaks that exceed 2,600 meters in elevation. Musala (2,925 m), the Balkan Peninsula’s tallest mountain, is situated there.
The Pirin range has two peaks that exceed 2,600 meters in height. The first is Mount Vihren (2,914 m), Bulgaria’s second highest mountain and the third highest on the Balkan Peninsula. In the circuses of these summits, beautiful alpine glacial lakes have developed.
To the east of the Mesta River basin and Rila lie the Rhodope Mountains. There are 11 peaks that exceed 2,000 meters in height, the tallest of which is Golyam Perelik (2,191 m). Each year, thousands of visitors flock to the many natural features — caverns, waterfalls, and alpine lakes.
The Gornotrakiyska Lowlands, the Haskovo Foothills, the middle Tundzha river basin, the Burgas Lowlands, and the Strandzha and Sakar mountain ranges are located between the Srednogorie, Rila, Rhodope, and Black Sea. Eastern Bulgaria is bordered by the Black Sea, where hundreds of kilometers of beaches draw both Bulgarian and international visitors.
Bulgaria is mineral-rich. According to national records detailing the reserves and resources of Bulgaria’s mineral deposits, the country has discovered 163 different types of minerals, seven of which are fuel and energy resources, fourteen of which are ore, seventy-five of which are non-ferrous, and 67 of which are viable as rock covering and construction material.
Bulgaria is situated in the temperate continental latitudes, and its climate is conducive to the development of a variety of tourist activities. The region receives around 2,500 hours of sunlight each year on average. Bulgaria’s climate is affected by the Icelandic minimum, the Azores maximum, and the Eastern European maximum. In very rare instances, Arctic and tropical air currents cross through the nation. The country’s yearly average temperature ranges between 10° and 14°C, with a preference for temperatures between 11° and 12°. This value varies significantly with altitude. Thermal conditions are impacted by the thinner atmosphere at higher altitudes in the mountains, such that the average yearly temperature is below zero over 2,300 meters above sea level (Mount Musala – 2.9°). January has the lowest average monthly temperature in Northern Bulgaria’s lowlands and foothills (-1.4° to -2.0°), while the average January temperature in Southern Bulgaria (excluding the plains) is between 0° and 1-2°. The average January temperature in mountainous areas (1,000–1,200 m) and plains is between –2° and –4°. The lowest temperatures are reported at higher altitudes in February; the average monthly February temperature ranges between -8° and -10°. Musala’s average temperature for this month is -11.6°. The average monthly temperature along the Black Sea coast is above zero in January and February. They range from 0.8° to 2° in the country’s northern coastline, and from 2.4° to 3.2° along the country’s southern coastline. July and August often have the highest monthly average temperatures. They vary from 21 and 24°. Outside of the Balkans’ mountains, the annual July temperature is about 22°, while temperatures in the lowlands and foothills to the south vary between 23° and 24°. Temperatures fluctuate between 12° and 16° in mountain areas (1,000–2,000 m), and between – 5° and 8° above 2,300 m.
The country’s rainfall is unevenly distributed. The average annual rainfall varies significantly across places – from 500-550 mm in the Danube river and Gornotrakiyska plain to 1,000-1,400 mm in the alpine regions. Bulgaria’s yearly snow cover is insecure and varies significantly according to elevation and geographic location. Snow cover lasts from December to March in the lower regions of the nation, but just a month along the Black Sea coast and in the land south of the Balkan Mountains, from January to February. Occasionally, snow occurs at other periods of the year (in November or April, for example). However, these locations are virtually entirely devoid of permanent snow cover. Due to the regular rise of the air temperature above 0°, snow melts many times during the winter. In steep alpine locations, a continuous and deep snow cover develops. Snow lasts 4-5 months between 1,000 and 1,500 meters, and 7 to 9 months above 2,000 meters.
The country’s climate may be classified as temperate-continental, continental-Mediterranean, transitional, Black Sea zone, and mountain zone. The optimal circumstances for winter tourism in our mountains include a thick snow cover and cooler temperatures, which prolong the snow’s life. The few rainy days during the busy tourist season, ample sunlight, moderate temperatures, the comparatively warm sea water, and the absence of gusty winds all contribute to the growth of recreational activities along the Black Sea coast. Additionally, both the invigorating mountain air and the iodine-rich beach air are good. Additionally, our nation is mineral water-rich. Mineral springs are classified into three types based on their thermal level: cold springs (hypothermal with temperatures up to 20°), warm springs (20–37°), and hot springs (hyperthermal with temperatures more than 37°). The country’s chilly springs are located in sites such as Narechen (Asenovgrad region), Shipkovo (Troyan region), Ovcha Kupel (Sofia), Smochan (Lovech region), Voneshta Voda (Gabrovo region), and Merichleri (Simeonovgrad region), among others. Thermal waters account for the lion’s share of Bulgaria’s mineral waters. The spring with the greatest temperature is in Sapareva Banya, Bulgaria’s and continental Europe’s only geyser fountain (103o). The most famous thermal springs in the Balkan Mountains are in Varshets, Barziya, Montana, Lakatnik, and Opletnya; in the Sofia region, there are Bankya, Gorna Banya, Knyazhevo, Ovcha Kupel, Sofia, and Pancharevo; in Srednogorie, there are Strelcha (40°), Hisarya (49.5°), Bankya (51.1°), Pavel Banya The most prevalent kind of mineral water in Bulgaria is nitrogen-rich thermal water, which can be found in locations such as Sapareva Banya, Simitli, Narechen, and Momin Prohod. Carbonated acidic waters originate from springs in Mihaylovo, Slivenski Mineralni Bani, and Stefan Karadzhovo; the Sofia valley has waters with a high hydrogen-sulfide concentration. Half of the thermal waters have a radioactivity level more than 15 emans/l, including the Klisura spring (200 emans/l) and the Strelcha spring (250 emans/l). The springs of Momina Banya (560 emans/l) and one of the springs in Narechenski Bani (1,300 emans/l) have been found to have very high radioactivity.
Bulgaria’s tiny geographical range and near to the Danube River and Black Sea, together with the Balkan Mountains’ position and proximity to the Aegean Sea, provide ideal circumstances for short river arteries and minor river systems. The Iskar River is Bulgaria’s longest river (368 kilometers), drains into the Danube, and originates in the Rila Mountains. The Lom, the Ogosta, the Vit, the Osam, and the Yantra are other significant rivers that drain into the Danube. The rivers that run directly into the Black Sea originate in the Danube valley’s easternmost reaches, the northern arm of the Balkans, the Balkan Mountains, and Strandzha. These rivers are the Batovska, Devnya, Provadiyska, Kamchia, Dvoynitsa, Fakiyska, Izvorska, Ropotamo, Dyavolska, Karaagach, Veleka, and Rezovska. The Maritsa is Bulgaria’s biggest river within the Aegean drainage basin (321 km long, with an area of 21,084 square km). The Arda, the Tundzha, the Mesta, and the Struma are other significant rivers.
Bulgaria’s natural lakes (coastal, glacial, karst, landslide, by-river, and tectonic) are located around the Black Sea and Danube coasts, as well as in the Rila and Pirin mountain ranges’ alpine areas. The coastal lakes are classified into three groups based on their location and hydrographic characteristics: the Dobrudzha lakes (Durankulak Lake, Ezerets Lake, Shabla Lake, Shabla Tuzla, Nanevo Tuzla, and Balchik Tuzla); the Varna lakes (Varna and Beloslav Lakes); and the Burgas lakes (Burgas Lake, Atanasovsko Lake, Mandrensko Lake and Pomorie Lake, Alepu, Arkutino and Stomoplo). Glacial lakes occurred as a consequence of glacial activity in the Rila and Pirin mountains during the Quaternary epoch. There are around 260 of these lakes. They are found at an elevation of 2,000-2,600 meters at the bottoms of circuses, circus terraces, and trough valleys. Gorno Polezhansko Lake in the Pirin is the highest (2,710 meters above sea level), while Lokvata Lake is the lowest (1,858 meters above sea level). Gorno Ribno Lake in the Rila range is the longest (801 m). Over half of the lakes have an area of less than 10 hectares, with the biggest, Smradlivo Lake in the Rila range, reaching 212 hectares; Popovsko Lake in the Pirins, is around 112 hectares). The majority of these lakes have a maximum depth of 2-5 meters, with the deepest reaching 37 meters in the Rila range’s Lake Okoto. The Seven Rila Lakes, the Marichini Lakes, the Urdini Lakes, and the Ribni Lakes are the most renowned lakes in the Rila Mountains; the Vasilashki lakes, the Popovi lakes, the Vlahinski lakes, and the Banderishki lakes are the most famous lakes in Pirin. The most significant tectonic lakes are Skalensko Lake (in the Stidovski sector of the Eastern Balkan Mountains), Kupensko Lake (in the Balkan Mountains’ center area), Panichishte Lake (in the Rila Mountains’ northern section), and the dammed Rabishko Lake. Srebarna is the only significant lake amid the coastal lakes and marshes (a UNESCO natural heritage site). Along the Black Sea coast north of Varna and near the Aladzha Monastery, typical landslide lakes may be observed. The Smolyan lakes are situated north of the city in a wide landslip region and comprise of three big lakes and a few smaller ones.
Near the Shabla Tuzla, the Tuzlata, Varna Lake, Pomorie, Atanasovsko Lake, and the Mandra dam are medicinal mud deposits. Turf deposits have been discovered near the Batak dam in the Rhodopes, in the hamlet of Baykalovo in the Konyavska Mountains), in the town of Straldzha in the Tundzha River valley’s middle section), near Varna Lake, and in the village of Sadovo in the Gornotrakiyska lowlands). There are deposits of curative mud in the springs of Marikostinovo village in the Sandanski-Petrich valley; in the city of Banya in the Karlovo valley; in the canals of Ovcha Kupel in Sofia; in the cities of Velingrad and Asenovgrad; in the towns of Slivenski Bani, Starozagorski Bani, and Haskovski Bani; in the towns of Sapareva Banya, Blagoevgrad
The country’s ideal temperature and natural attractions have resulted in the construction of 142 resorts, 26 of which are sea resorts, 56 of which are mountain resorts, and 58 of which are balneological resorts, not to mention the many balneological and spa institutions.
The nation has a wide variety of soil types. Black soils, gray forest soils, maroon forest soils, vertisols, yellow soils, brown forest soils, mountain meadow soils, alluvial meadow soils, swamp soils, salty soils, and humus carbonate soils are all types of soils. Bulgaria’s area is separated into three sections according to its soil composition: northern Bulgaria, southern Bulgaria, and mountainous zones.
Bulgaria is Europe’s second most biologically diversified country. There are about 12,360 plant species, with 3,700 being higher species. 763 of these are included in Bulgaria’s Red Book of rare or endangered species. Around 750 plant species have been classified as medicinal, with 70% of them being commercially beneficial. Each year, the nation exports around 15,000 tons of herbs. Forested areas cover around four million hectares, or 36.85 percent of the country’s land area. Oak and beech are the most common deciduous broad-leaved woodlands. Oak woods are found up to 1,000 meters in height, whereas beech forests are found mostly in the country’s central mountain regions. At the lower sections of the rivers Batova, Kamchiya, Ropotamo, and Veleka, dense woods have evolved. Natural coniferous woods occur at elevations of up to 2,200 meters above sea level and are particularly abundant in the Rhodope Mountains. They are mostly made up of spruce, fir, and white pine. The Slavyanka and Pirin Mountains are home to black fir, whereas the Central Balkans, West Rhodope, Middle Pirin, Rila, and Vitosha are home to white fir.
Bulgaria has about 27,000 kinds of invertebrates and over 750 species of vertebrates. There are 397 species of birds, 207 species of freshwater and Black Sea fish, 94 species of mammals, and 52 species of amphibians and reptiles. Throughout the nation, seven zoological areas are identified, four of which are located in the Mediterranean climate zone. Bulgaria is home to European, Euro-Siberian, and Mediterranean flora and fauna, and the Mediterranean climate has had a significant impact on the evolution of several species. Bulgaria’s cave fauna is home to more than 100 species. Sport and commercial fishing are both attracted to the Black Sea fish populations.
The country has three national parks: Pirin National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Rila National Park, and Central Balkans National Park. Additionally, eleven natural reserves have been established: Belasitsa, Balgarka, Vratsa Balkan, Golden Sands, Persina, Rila Monastery, Rusenski Lom, Sinite Kamani, Strandzha, and the Shumen Plateau.
Bulgaria Travel Guide
Religions and languages in Bulgaria
Bulgarian is the country’s officially recognized language. It is also included into the country’s constitution. This is the only language written in Cyrillic letters that has been formally designated as an EU language. This language is used in a number of the European Union’s key publications. If we look at the country’s population from an ethnic standpoint, we can claim that more than 85 percent of its inhabitants are Bulgarians. As a result, they do not speak their original language fluently. Only a tiny fraction of Bulgarians regard other languages, such as Turkish, Romanian, Russian, or Roman, to be their mother tongue.
It should be mentioned that, in addition to the official language, the Turkish language is the most generally spoken on the country’s territory, since Turks account for around 8% of the total population. Additionally, you may meet native speakers of Hebrew, Greek, Armenian, Tatar, and Arabic, among others.
It is worth emphasizing that, in addition to the local population’s reasonably loyal attitude toward speakers of various languages, the Bulgarian Constitution contains pertinent regulations defining citizens’ rights and duties. Thus, every citizen of the nation is required to be conversant with and proficient in the official state language. Simultaneously, persons who became eligible citizens of the state while being born in another state (their original state) have the right to use their native language alongside the official state language as long as they do not distribute it. Due to the fact that a significant portion of the local population is natural Turkish speakers who regard the language as their mother tongue, there are frequent disruptions in language policy. For instance, large demonstrations occurred in Bulgaria eight years ago. Activists gathered signatures in order to conduct a referendum. Certain locals requested the ability to watch local Bulgarian television in Turkish. However, at the time, the Prime Minister prohibited the holding of a referendum on this subject.
The reality is that the majority of those involved in such activities were native Bulgarian speakers. Thus, in the Government’s perspective, the majority did not have the authority to rule on problems affecting the minority. Bulgarians of the younger generation who pursue higher education make an effort to enroll in at least one foreign language course. This is because, in Bulgaria, like in other Euro zone nations, technology is steadily improving, resulting in a plethora of chances in a variety of fields of activity. However, several key scientific articles are often published in foreign languages, making translation into Bulgarian economically illogical. At the turn of the twentieth century, French and German were the most popular second languages. Nowadays, the majority of Bulgarians opt to study English. This became even more critical once Bulgaria joined NATO and the European Union.
Religious beliefs, on the other hand, are distinct from the state and cannot be applied politically. Bulgaria has always been considered an Orthodox nation. According to the findings of the most recent census, almost 80% of the local population self-identifies as Christians. Simultaneously, Orthodoxy is not the only form of Christianity that is widely practiced in Bulgaria. Additionally, the country’s territory is home to congregations that practice Catholicism and Armenian apostolicism. Protestants are also present in various locations. They number around 25 000 in the nation. Additionally, Adventists, Baptists, and Jehovah’s Witnesses exist. It should be mentioned that the latter have a negligible social role in compared to other nations.
Despite the fact that a sizable portion of the local population believes themselves to be entirely religious, religious groups have a very low level of attendance. Only 12% of all Christians attend church at least once a month. The remainder opt to attend on significant religious festivals or to avoid such facilities altogether, preferring to trust in God alone via the soul. However, data indicate that even atheists often participate actively in religious celebrations such as Christmas and Easter. Around 11% of all believers in the nation are Muslims. It should be highlighted that religious beliefs do not face any unique conflicts or hostility. Bulgaria is especially attractive for religious excursions, since it has a variety of pagan religious monuments, such as ancient Thracian sanctuaries and graves.
Bulgaria Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit Bulgaria
Bulgaria has distinct seasons. Summer is very dry and hot in the country. Winter is marked by subzero temperatures and snow, whilst autumn and spring are marked by rain. The nation is broadly split into three distinct climate zones. The northern portion is characterized by a moderate continental climate, which results in summer temperatures that are rather pleasant and winter temperatures that are quite chilly. The country’s center region is dominated by a steppe climate zone. However, on the Black Sea shore, the climate is very similar to that of the Mediterranean.
Cold heavy rains commence across the nation in early December. This is accompanied by a stinging wind made of ice. It’s worth mentioning that snow falls exclusively in the northern sections of the country in December, and the temperature does not climb over -3 to -5°C. In certain areas, heavy frosts of up to 30°C are likely. With the arrival of January, the country’s weather returns to normal. Almost the whole region has an average temperature of approximately 2°C. It snows in the interior, while the coastal districts experience heavy humidity and strong sea breezes. During the day, the air temperature in the mountains remains between -15°C and -15°C. As February starts, the temperature begins to rise somewhat, despite the fact that it continues to snow incessantly, particularly in mountainous places where the temperature never falls below -7°C. The last days of February are consistently cold throughout the nation, with temperatures hovering around 10°C.
In Bulgaria, spring begins in the early days of March. The sun starts to shine stronger, and overcast days give place to clear, pleasant weather. During this time period, the average air temperature is 9-12°C, however it may dip as low as 2°C at night. At the beginning of April, the seawater may reach a temperature of 17°C. Even in alpine locations, it is warm in the middle of spring; the daytime temperature is often about zero degrees. With the start of May, a reasonably high temperature, often about 25-27°C, is already reported on the shore. At the same time, Bulgarian nights remain rather chilly. Summer begins with an air temperature of less than 2°C. Despite this, nighttime temperatures are rather cold in coastal locations with open terrain owing to the vigorous flow of air masses from the sea. By mid-July, the air temperature has reached a high of 35°C and the sea water has warmed to a maximum of 25°C.
August offers a touch of coolness to the coastal areas, while showers begin in the northwest. The temperature of the air climbs to around 25°C. However, as August progresses, the temperature steadily decreases. September weather in Bulgaria is referred to as “fall season.” The oppressive heat eventually dissipates, but the air temperature remains over 25°C. The temperature may dip to 10-15°C at night. In early October, the average air temperature is about 13°C, while clear days nearly completely vanish in November. It is followed by gloomy weather marked by cold showers and brisk winds.
Bulgaria can provide travelers with a variety of fascinating trips throughout the year. In Bulgaria, beach vacations are the most popular. The country’s Black Sea coast is influenced by the Mediterranean climate. As a result, even in the midst of July, the weather does not exhibit signs of extreme heat. Late May marks the start of the beach season, when the water temperature reaches 19°C. However, as June approaches, the water temperature in the sea climbs to about 20-22°C. On the other side, the air temperature reaches 25-27°C, and the beach season peaks in mid-July. August may bring strong gusty winds and wet days. Although it is during these days that the nation commemorates Navy Day and grand stunning parades of ships are held.
The nation enters what is known as the fall season in early September. The heat subsides somewhat over this time period, but the weather stays clear and the water remains warm. If you are a ski fan, early December is the perfect time to visit Bulgaria. However, depending on the ski area, the season begins at a different time. The ski season, on the other hand, finishes in March, when the air temperature starts to rise and the snow on the tracks begins to melt gradually. Numerous visitors visit Bulgaria over the New Year and Christmas vacations. It’s worth mentioning that during the New Year’s holidays, both large cities and rural areas are wrapped in an incredibly mournful mood. Without a doubt, this will provide everyone with a fantastic recollection.
If you want to take a sightseeing trip to Bulgaria and directly experience the motherland of Spartacus’ gladiator and Orpheus’ hero, as well as admire old architecture, the ideal time to come is during the pleasant spring months. The greatest time to go on excursions is between mid-April and the end of May. The weather is pleasant at this time period, and there are few visitors in major towns, since the beach season has not yet begun. Autumn is also a good time to explore the country, but lengthy rains are common throughout this time. It’s worth noting that Bulgaria is an Orthodox nation that adheres to its traditions and celebrates a plethora of holidays and festivals. If you want to get a sense of the country’s attitude, plan your vacation around one of the following dates: January 8, Babyn Day, February 14 (Valentine’s Day), March 1 (Baba Marta), May 1 (May Day), or June 24. (the solstice day). International festivals are also hosted around the country at various periods. For instance, each May, Kushari hosts a children’s painting contest. Song and dance festivals are held in Dobruja, and Tervel has folklore festivities in late September.
