The "Land of Roses", Bulgaria, is a country of ancient culture, scenic beauty and friendly people. For centuries, the roads passing through its territory have been connecting Europe to the Mediterranean, Asia and Africa. Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage was influenced by Thracians, Greeks, and Romans, traces of which could be found throughout its present day territory. The country's breathtaking natural beauty, unique churches, charming rustic villages and enduring folklore are deeply moving and present a truly unforgettable experience to the visitor.
The Black Sea Coast is well known for its clean, white sandy beaches, warm seas, and temperatures that average 80F (26C) during the summer. Its lively resorts are among the trendiest in today's Europe.
Climate:
The predominant climate in Bulgaria is moderate and transitional continental with plenty of sunlight per year. There are four clearly marked seasons: spring is warm and sunny, summer is dry and balmy, autumn is hot and full of color, and winter is moderately cold, with snowfalls. The average summer temperatures rarely exceed 30°C. Average winter temperature is around 8°C.
Population: 7,824 million inhabitants (2003)
Bulgarians are friendly and often recognized as extremely open to foreigners. They possess the typical Eastern hospitability and are closer to one another than many Western European people.
Capital: Sofia (1.2 m. population)
Nestled at the foot of the beautiful Vitosha Mountain, Sofia is the largest Bulgarian city and the second oldest capital city in Europe. It boasts a lively atmosphere, a remarkable architectural style and numerous museums, theatres, art galleries and churches. It also is the administrative, cultural, and industrial centre of the country, increasingly popular as an outsourcing location or headquarters for a number of international companies.
Language:
The official language is Bulgarian and the official alphabet is Cyrillic. To facilitate tourists, road and direction signs in populated areas, resorts, railway stations, airports and along the main motorways are also spelled in Roman letters. English, German, French, Russian and other languages are spoken in the country.
Currency:
The official currency is the Lev (Lv), which is divided into 100 stotinki. Bulgaria has strict currency regulations. If you enter Bulgaria with cash of any currency amounting to the equivalent of Leva 8000 or more, you must declare it to customs officials. Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks, hotels or at one of the numerous bureaux de change, however due to a common practice of misleading rates of exchange it is better to go to banks or hotels to change money. Not all banks accept travellers checks and those that do usually charge a 5% commission. Major international credit cards are increasingly becoming accepted by tourist hotels, upmarket shops and restaurants, travel agents and car rental agents, but Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy. There are ATMs in the main cities and at Black Sea resorts.
Customs:
Foreigners should be aware that a shake of the head means 'yes' and a nod means 'no', although allowances are often made for visitors.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are in use.
The Black Sea Coast is well known for its clean, white sandy beaches, warm seas, and temperatures that average 80F (26C) during the summer. Its lively resorts are among the trendiest in today's Europe.
Climate:
The predominant climate in Bulgaria is moderate and transitional continental with plenty of sunlight per year. There are four clearly marked seasons: spring is warm and sunny, summer is dry and balmy, autumn is hot and full of color, and winter is moderately cold, with snowfalls. The average summer temperatures rarely exceed 30°C. Average winter temperature is around 8°C.
Population: 7,824 million inhabitants (2003)
Bulgarians are friendly and often recognized as extremely open to foreigners. They possess the typical Eastern hospitability and are closer to one another than many Western European people.
Capital: Sofia (1.2 m. population)
Nestled at the foot of the beautiful Vitosha Mountain, Sofia is the largest Bulgarian city and the second oldest capital city in Europe. It boasts a lively atmosphere, a remarkable architectural style and numerous museums, theatres, art galleries and churches. It also is the administrative, cultural, and industrial centre of the country, increasingly popular as an outsourcing location or headquarters for a number of international companies.
Language:
The official language is Bulgarian and the official alphabet is Cyrillic. To facilitate tourists, road and direction signs in populated areas, resorts, railway stations, airports and along the main motorways are also spelled in Roman letters. English, German, French, Russian and other languages are spoken in the country.
Currency:
The official currency is the Lev (Lv), which is divided into 100 stotinki. Bulgaria has strict currency regulations. If you enter Bulgaria with cash of any currency amounting to the equivalent of Leva 8000 or more, you must declare it to customs officials. Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks, hotels or at one of the numerous bureaux de change, however due to a common practice of misleading rates of exchange it is better to go to banks or hotels to change money. Not all banks accept travellers checks and those that do usually charge a 5% commission. Major international credit cards are increasingly becoming accepted by tourist hotels, upmarket shops and restaurants, travel agents and car rental agents, but Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy. There are ATMs in the main cities and at Black Sea resorts.
Customs:
Foreigners should be aware that a shake of the head means 'yes' and a nod means 'no', although allowances are often made for visitors.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are in use.