Bulgaria

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Sofia - Odrysian Wreath from Golyamata Mogila

Car Simeon Bulharsky - Alfons Mucha

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Battle of Nicopolis

Bulgaria is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It is 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. With a territory of 110,994 square kilometers, Bulgaria is the 16th-largest country in Europe. Its capital and largest city is Sofia, which is among the oldest capitals in Europe.

History

The history of Bulgaria can be traced back to the arrival of the Bulgars and Slavs in the 6th and 7th centuries, establishing the First Bulgarian Empire in 681 AD. This empire became a cultural and political hub of the medieval Balkans under Tsar Simeon I. After a series of battles, the country fell under Byzantine and later Ottoman rule for several centuries.

Bulgaria regained its independence in 1878 following the Russo-Turkish War, becoming the Principality of Bulgaria. It evolved into a kingdom in 1908, participating in both World War I and World War II, after which it fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in 1946. In 1990, Bulgaria transitioned to democracy and a market-based economy. The country joined NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007.

Geography

Bulgaria features a diverse landscape that ranges from the sandy beaches along the Black Sea coast to the high mountains of Rila, Pirin, and the Balkan Mountains. The country's geographic diversity is reflected in its varied climate, which ranges from continental in the interior to Mediterranean along the Black Sea coast.

Economy

The Bulgarian economy is classified as an upper-middle-income economy by the World Bank. It has experienced rapid growth in the past decades, driven by significant investments in technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. The country is also known for its production of lavender and rose oil, being one of the largest producers globally.

Culture

Bulgarian culture is a rich blend of tradition and modernity. The country is renowned for its folk music, dances, and traditional costumes, which play a significant role in Bulgarian celebrations and festivals. Bulgaria has a strong heritage in literature, with its alphabet, the Cyrillic script, being of particular importance. Bulgarian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, featuring a variety of dishes influenced by Turkish, Greek, and Slavic neighbors.

Demographics

Bulgaria has a population of approximately 7 million people. The majority of the population are ethnic Bulgarians, with Turkish and Roma minorities. The official language is Bulgarian, a South Slavic language. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church plays a pivotal role in the cultural and spiritual lives of Bulgarians.

Government and Politics

Bulgaria is a parliamentary democracy, where the prime minister holds the highest executive power. The country is a member of the United Nations, the European Union, and NATO, among other international organizations. It has a mixed economic system and is considered a free market, with a large private sector and a smaller public sector.

Education and Science

Bulgaria has a long-standing tradition in education and science, with free education being guaranteed by the constitution. The country has contributed significantly to space exploration, information technology, and medical research. Bulgarian universities and research institutes are recognized for their contributions to global science and technology.

Tourism

Tourism is a significant part of the Bulgarian economy, with the country's rich cultural heritage, historic cities, and natural landscapes attracting millions of visitors each year. Popular tourist destinations include the capital Sofia, the Black Sea resorts of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, and the ancient city of Plovdiv.