Bulgaria is a country located in southeastern Europe, bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. Its capital and largest city is Sofia, which is situated in the western part of the country. Bulgaria has a total area of 110,993.6 km2 square kilometers, making it the 16th largest country in Europe. Its population is estimated to be around 6,808,147 people, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups including Bulgarians, Turks, Roma, and others.
History
Bulgaria's history dates back to antiquity, when the Thracians first settled in the area in the fifth century BC. The First Bulgarian Empire, which had Pliska as its capital when it was founded in the seventh century AD, had a major influence on the social, political, and cultural advancement of Southeast Europe. The Byzantine Empire finally took control of the empire, nevertheless, in the 11th century. A powerful empire in Europe, the Second Bulgarian Empire was founded in the 12th century and had Veliko Tarnovo as its capital. Bulgaria was ruled by the Ottoman Empire for nearly 500 years before gaining independence in 1878. The country faced challenges during World War II and was subsequently under Soviet influence until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Culture
Because of its lengthy and complicated past, Bulgaria has a vibrant and diversified culture. Folk ensembles and festivals showcase the vibrant nature of Bulgarian dance and music, which are an essential component of the nation's cultural legacy. The distinctive fusion of Balkan, Mediterranean, and Slavic flavours in Bulgarian cuisine is especially noteworthy. Popular foods like banitsa, a savoury pastry, and shopska salad are common throughout the nation. Many historical sites, like the Rila Monastery and the antiquated Thracian tombs, are located in Bulgaria and have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Language
The official language of Bulgaria is Bulgarian, which is a Slavic language that uses the Cyrillic alphabet. In addition to Bulgarian, there are several minority languages spoken in Bulgaria, including Turkish, Romani, and Macedonian.
Geography
The country has a varied geography with mountains, valleys, plains, and a substantial Black Sea coastline. The Balkan Mountains, with Mount Musala at 2,925 metres as its highest peak, cut through the middle of the nation. The second-longest river in Europe is the Danube, which forms the northern border of the nation with Romania. The weather in Bulgaria is likewise varied, varying from humid subtropical along the coast to continental inland.
| Official Name | Republic of Bulgaria |
| Capital | Sofia |
| Population | 6808147 |
| Area | 110,993.6 km2 |
| Currency | Lev (BGN) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Language | Bulgarian |
| Major Cities | Plovdiv, Varna |
FAQs
Q1: What is the climate like in Bulgaria?
The climate in Bulgaria varies depending on the region, but it is generally characterized as a temperate continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Q2: What is the capital of Bulgaria?
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria.
Q3: What is the currency of Bulgaria?
Bulgaria’s currency is the Lev (BGN).
Q4: Which is the largest city in Bulgaria?
Sofia is the largest city in Bulgaria.
Last Updated on: April 27, 2023
