Bulgaria

Bulgaria (officially the Republic of Bulgaria) is located in Southeastern Europe. It occupies 22% of the Balkan Peninsula's territory. The country's area is 110,993.6 square kilometers. The currency is the Bulgarian lev, and the official language is Bulgarian. The capital is Sofia. The republic's establishment dates back to 681 AD and is associated with the existence of three kingdoms.

The country's shores are washed by the Black Sea. The territory alternates between geomorphological regions or strips: the Lower Danube Plain, the Balkan Mountains, the Upper Thracian Plain, and the Rila-Rhodope Mountain Massif. The largest river is the Danube. Local mountains are named Pirin, Rila, and the Rhodopes. The relief varies with plains, plateaus, hills, low and high mountains, valleys, and gorges. It shares borders with Greece, Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Romania.

The form of government is a parliamentary republic with presidential rule. It consists of 28 regions, which are divided into 265 municipalities. Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly, and executive power is vested in the Council of Ministers. Central administration is carried out by "regional governors," while municipalities are led by mayors. The state is a member of the UN, OSCE, NATO, and the EU. It is part of the Schengen Area.

Climate Conditions

Bulgaria's territory is characterized by diverse climatic conditions. Despite its small size, the country is divided into continental and Mediterranean zones. Bulgarian mountains and valleys have become barriers and channels for the movement of air masses. This leads to climate contrasts in regions even over short distances. Continental climate manifests itself in cold seasons and brings snowfall. The Mediterranean climate affects the weather in warm seasons and brings heat.

The temperature in the northern part of the country is one degree cooler than in the south due to the Balkan Mountains. The Black Sea only influences the weather on the coast. Seasonality in the republic is expressed: dry summer, rainy autumn and spring, and cold winter.

Tourism in the country is popular year-round. The ski season runs from November to April, while the beach season runs from May to September. The velvet season lasts for several weeks in September. Well-known beach resorts include Albena, Balchik, Golden Sands, Nesebar, and Sunny Beach, while ski resorts include Borovets, Pamporovo, and Bansko.

Bus tours are conducted from spring to autumn, and visits to indoor establishments are not weather-dependent.

Despite moderate living conditions, occasional seismic activity is observed. Earthquakes mostly occur in mountainous areas near Sofia and Plovdiv.

Demographics

According to the 2021 census, Bulgaria's population is 6,519,789 people. Over 70% of them live in cities. The most populated cities are Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. Most people have secondary education. The ratio of men to women is approximately equal, and the average life expectancy is 71.8 years.

The majority of residents are Bulgarians. Other ethnic groups include Turks, Roma, Russians, and Ukrainians. The Bulgarian language is recognized as one of the official languages of the European Union.

The republic is secular. Religious matters are regulated by the constitution. Free exercise of religion is enshrined in law. The church and institutions of other denominations are separated from the state. Believers and their associations cannot use their beliefs for political purposes. Orthodoxy is considered the traditional religion. Residents also practice Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, and Judaism. 4.7% of the population belong to other faiths.

According to statistical research, over 67% of the population believe in God, 24% believe in the afterlife, and another 13% attend religious services.

Economy

Bulgaria is an industrial state with developed agriculture. Tourism and the service sector are developed. Low inflation of 2.4% is characteristic. There are high rates of economic growth and low public debt. Workers have the necessary education. However, due to the outflow of the working population, there is a shortage of skilled workers. People are migrating to neighboring, more developed countries. Each year, the republic faces a shortage of labor.

In the 1990s, the economy experienced a series of crises, such as the rupture of ties with socialist states and the denomination of the national currency. The problems were overcome, and by 2004, the standard of living had stabilized. Industrial growth and increased inflow of foreign investment occurred due to reforms.

In the republic, there is a flat income tax rate of 10% for citizens. This rate is the lowest in the world. Life in the country is considered inexpensive compared to conditions in the rest of Europe. The minimum wage is 933 levs (gross) and 723.98 levs (370.14 euros).

Freedom of Travel

A Bulgarian citizen's passport grants the right to free movement in foreign countries, as well as employment and residence.