Bulgaria
Geography
Bulgaria is located on North-Eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula and has a territory of 111 thousand square kilometres. One third of its territory is covered with mountains. To the North is located the Danube Plain, to the South Thracian lowland. What lies between, sheltered by the Balkan Range is the Rose valley, the Lions head and the Rocks of Belogradchik a small part of phenomena of Bulgarian nature. Under the protection of UNESCO are Pirin Mountain, the kingdom of herons and pelicans Srebarna Lake, Rila monastery. Bulgaria is a country with spirit potential, rich intellectual resource Empire of spirit. As in the past as well nowadays Bulgaria has a complicated fate pains, ordeals, vicissitudes and unquenchable faith and unbreakable spirit.
The capital city of Bulgaria
Sofia one of Europes ancient cities.
Population
The population of the country amounts to about 8 million. (Including Bulgarians, Turks, Gypsies, Armenians, Greeks, Russians, Jews etc.)
Religion
Majority of people professes the Eastern Orthodox faith. Other religions represented here are Islam, Armenian Church, Judaism, Protestantism etc.
First religious centers the monasteries - were established after the adoption of Christianity on Bulgarian land. Their influence grew during the period of XIII-XIV centuries and in particularly during the time of Ottoman domination.
Witnesses of centuries-old history of Bulgaria are Rila monastery, Bachkovo monastery, Troyan monastery, and other small, but important Bulgarian monasteries. The orthodox churches possess the charm of art galleries with their unique mural paintings and woodcarvings.
The mosque in Shumen is exquisite example of Ottoman architecture. The synagogue of Sofia is one of biggest in Europe. Bulgarian man has shown deeds of heroism about protection of his faith, culture, and church independence despite his hard historical fate.
State system
Bulgaria is parliamentary republic. Supreme legislative body is the Parliament. The executive power is entrusted to the Council of Ministers and local authorities.
Language
Bulgarian language is part of Slavonic languages and belongs to the Indo-European language group. Many Bulgarians have a command of foreign languages Russian, English, and German etc. The Bulgarian man preserve jealously his language and he is proud of his belonging to the Slav community. He takes a great pride in Kiril and Metodiy Holy brothers.
Climate
Temperate - Continental
Average annual temperature is 10.5 ºC
Average annual air temperature to the Black sea cost in July and August is 22.6ºC. Winter is not very cold. Snow lasts more than four months. Bulgarian wealth of colors and beauty of four seasons spring, summer, fall and winter is remarkable. Painting and abundance sea, rivers, and mountains are the gifts of Bulgaria.
Time
EET +1 hour
Monetary unit
Bulgarian lev /coins and bank-note to the different value/
Curious
67,8% of the Bulgarian population lives in towns, 32.2% lives in villages
51% of the population are women
average life-span - 70,9 years (74,8 years for women; 67,2 years for men)
Bulgarian girls marry at the average age of 22,6; men - at 25,6.
Population growth rate - 3,8%.
