Overview of Bulgaria

Profile

Bulgaria is a nation that has nurtured its unique culture under the influence of diverse civilizations including Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, and is also known as the birthplace of the Cyrillic alphabet. With rich mountainous landscapes, Black Sea resorts, and nine World Heritage sites, it enjoys global recognition for agricultural products such as yogurt and rose oil. As a member of the EU and NATO, it has recently attracted attention as an IT outsourcing hub.

Official name: Republic of Bulgaria
Common name: Bulgaria
Numeric code: 100
Alpha-3 code: BGR
Alpha-2 code: BG
Population: Approximately 6.4 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 64 people/km²
Primary languages: Bulgarian
Major religions: Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Islam
National anthem: Mila Rodino (Beloved Motherland)
Calling code: +359
Internet TLD: .bg

History

The First Bulgarian Empire was established in 681, achieving full independence in 1908.

Beginning with the Thracian civilization in antiquity, the First Bulgarian Empire was founded in 681. In the Middle Ages, it flourished as a major Balkan power, standardizing the Cyrillic alphabet and exerting significant cultural influence on the Slavic world. From 1396, it was under Ottoman rule for about 500 years, gaining autonomy in 1878 and independence as a kingdom in 1908. After experiencing two world wars involving territorial disputes, it became a socialist state after World War II. Following democratization in 1989, it transitioned to a market economy, joining NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.

Geography & climate

Diverse terrain with the Danube Plain in the north, the Balkan Mountain Range crossing centrally, Rila-Pirin-Rhodope high mountains in the south, and Black Sea coastal lowlands coexisting.

Temperate continental to Mediterranean mixed

Area: Europe / 110994 km²
Capital: Sofia
Largest city: Sofia
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey

Natural resources

Coal, Lignite, Copper, Zinc, Gold, Silver, Timber, Fertile arable land, Hot spring water, Rose oil raw materials, Limestone, Natural gas

Politics

Government: Unicameral constitutional republic

Economy

Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

GDP (nominal): 89 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 189 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Bulgarian

Time zone: EET, EEST

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Bulgarians, Turks, Roma, Armenians, Romanian Vlachs, Greeks

Life expectancy

74.8 years

Literacy rate

98.4%

National sports

Soccer, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Volleyball, Rhythmic Gymnastics