Introduction
Bulgaria, officially the Republic of Bulgaria, is a country in southern Europe. It borders Romania to the north (separated largely on the Danube), Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west and Greece and Turkey to the south. The Black Sea is located to the east.
Several mountains define the landscape, most notably the Stara Planina (Balkan) and the Rhodope Mountains, and the Rila mountains, which includes the highest peak in the Balkan region, the Musala.
The lowest and most fertile regions of Bulgaria are the Danube plain in the north and the upper Thracian plain in the south.
General Information
Government
Multiparty Democratic Republic. The Prime Minister leads the unicameral National Assembly and the President is the Head of State.
Multiparty Democratic Republic. The Prime Minister leads the unicameral National Assembly and the President is the Head of State.
Capital City
Sofia
Sofia
Language
Bulgarian. English in the area of tourism and business.
Bulgarian. English in the area of tourism and business.
Religion
In Bulgaria, the first confession is the Orthodox Christian 82%. Second, there are Muslims with roughly 12%. Very minority groups are Catholics 0.6% and Protestants 0.5%.
In Bulgaria, the first confession is the Orthodox Christian 82%. Second, there are Muslims with roughly 12%. Very minority groups are Catholics 0.6% and Protestants 0.5%.
Currency
Bulgaria’s currency is the Lev (BGN). Often prices are quoted in U.S. dollars in the case of major purchases, but payment must be made in Lev. In all cities, towns and places of interest, there are currency exchange facilities. Many of them do not charge commission. You can also change cash into major banks. Not everywhere you can change travelers checks.
Bulgaria’s currency is the Lev (BGN). Often prices are quoted in U.S. dollars in the case of major purchases, but payment must be made in Lev. In all cities, towns and places of interest, there are currency exchange facilities. Many of them do not charge commission. You can also change cash into major banks. Not everywhere you can change travelers checks.
Electricity
220V / 240V , 50Hz
220V / 240V , 50Hz
Visas for Austria
U.S. citizens and from countries of the European Union may travel to Bulgaria with a valid passport. Citizens of Latin American countries can obtain a free tourist visa, valid for 30 days.
U.S. citizens and from countries of the European Union may travel to Bulgaria with a valid passport. Citizens of Latin American countries can obtain a free tourist visa, valid for 30 days.
Climate
Bulgaria has a temperate climate with cold and wet winters and hot dry summers. The Black Sea smooths the temperature in the east, while the north is open to extreme climates of Central Europe.
Bulgaria has a temperate climate with cold and wet winters and hot dry summers. The Black Sea smooths the temperature in the east, while the north is open to extreme climates of Central Europe.
Gastronomy
Bulgarians most popular dishes are:
Bulgarians most popular dishes are:
Kebabche (spicy meat sausages)
Kavarma (meat and vegetables)
Plakiya (fish stew)
Schedules
Most stores are open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00, and Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00.
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00, and currency exchange facilities from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00.
Most stores are open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00, and Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00.
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00, and currency exchange facilities from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00.
Holidays
New Year (January 1st), Liberation Day and National Day (March 3rd), Orthodox Easter (March / April), St. George’s Day (May 6th), Cyrillic Alphabet Day (May 24th), Unification (September 6th), Independence Day (September 22nd), National Revival Day (November 1st) Christmas (25th and 26th of December)
New Year (January 1st), Liberation Day and National Day (March 3rd), Orthodox Easter (March / April), St. George’s Day (May 6th), Cyrillic Alphabet Day (May 24th), Unification (September 6th), Independence Day (September 22nd), National Revival Day (November 1st) Christmas (25th and 26th of December)
Urgency
Fire: 160
Ambulances and medical care: 150
Police: 166
Roadside assistance outside Sofia: 146
Roadside assistance in Sofia: 1286
Fire: 160
Ambulances and medical care: 150
Police: 166
Roadside assistance outside Sofia: 146
Roadside assistance in Sofia: 1286