Bulgaria Guide 

Bulgaria is located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. It borders Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations. The capital and largest city, Sofia, is one of the oldest European cities with a rich history dating back to ancient times.

Bulgaria stands out for its cultural and natural diversity. It is famous primarily for its mountains, beaches on the Black Sea coast, traditions in the production of rose oil, and cultural monuments. Popular tourist destinations include ancient Nessebar, Plovdiv with the remains of Roman buildings, the Rila and Pirin mountains, and the famous Rila Monastery.

Bulgaria has a rich and varied history that dates back to the time of the Thracians, who inhabited the area before our era. Later, Bulgaria was influenced by the Roman and Byzantine empires. In 681, the First Bulgarian Empire was established, which was a major power in medieval Europe. The Second Bulgarian Empire existed between the 12th and 14th centuries, but Bulgaria subsequently came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, where it remained for almost 500 years. It only gained independence at the end of the 19th century. In 1908, it became an independent tsarist state. After World War II, Bulgaria became part of the Eastern Bloc and in 1990, it transitioned to democracy.

Bulgaria's economy today is based on diverse sectors. The country has a significant agricultural sector focused on growing roses for the production of rose oil (one of the largest producers in the world), wine, fruits and vegetables. The local economy also includes engineering and electronics. A significant share is made up of the tourism sector, which attracts visitors with its beautiful Black Sea beaches in summer and its mountains in winter.

The culture of Bulgaria is characterized by a combination of Thracian, Slavic and Bulgarian traditions, which is reflected in folklore, music and dance. Typical celebrations are not complete without traditional instruments such as the bagpipes and national costumes. Typical dishes include banica (a pastry filled with cheese), shopska salata (a salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and cheese) and moussaka (a dish with potatoes and meat).