About Bulgaria
Capital of Bulgaria:Sofia
Total Area of Bulgaria:total: 110,910 sq km, land: 110,550 sq km, water: 360 sq km
Population of Bulgaria: 7,500,000 (estimated July 2005)
Literacy in Bulgaria - definition: age 15 and over that can read and write.
total population: 98.6%
male: 99.1%
female: 98.2% (2003 est.)
Religions:Bulgaria Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, other Christian 1.2%, other 4%
Life Expectancy in Bulgaria:total population: 72.03 years
Male: 68.41 years, Female: 75.87 years (2005 est.)
The government of Bulgaria is a Parliamentary Democracy.
Telephones:main lines in use: 2,868,200 approx in 2002
Telephones: mobile 2,597,500 approx in 2002
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)Internet hosts: 53,421 (2004)Internet users: 630,000.
Currency
Currency in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian currency is the Lev (BGL) or in the plural form - Leva, divided into 100 stotinki. Banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 leva are in common circulation in Bulgaria. Bulgarian coins are minted in values of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 stotinki. The Bulgarian economy operates under the auspices of a Currency Board where 1,9558 BGN is equal to: 1 EURO.
Entertainment
Nightlife: There are nightclubs with floor shows and dancing in Sofia and in Bourgas, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora and Varna, as well as in most large towns and holiday resorts.
Some restaurants allow folk dancing with music. Opera is performed at the State Opera House in Sofia and classical concerts include the National Folk Ensemble.
Food / Eating Out
The main meal is eaten in the middle of the day.
Dinner is a social occasion, with dancing in many restaurants. Food is spicy, hearty and good. Bulgarian meals include meat, potatoes and cheese. Fruit is particularly good and cheap throughout the year. There is a wide variety of national dishes, as well as Western European dishes, which can be chosen on the spot at any restaurant. All good hotels have restaurants and there are many attractive restaurants and cafes around the country.
Bulgarian National specialties:
• Tarator (cold soup made from cucumber, walnuts and yogurt.).
• Kavarma (individual casseroles of pork or veal, onions and mushrooms).
• Shishkebab (stuffed vine or cabbage leaves and moussaka).
• Kebapcheta (small, strongly spiced, minced meat rolls).
• Banitsa (pastry stuffed with fruit or cheese).
Bulgarian National drinks
• Coffee, heavily sweetened, is particularly popular.
• Drinks made from infusions of mountain herbs and dried leaves, particularly lime.
• White wines include Evksinograde, Karlouski Misket and Tamianka.
• Heavy red wines include Mavroud and Trakia.
• Liquors include mastika and rakia.
Tipping: Until recently has not applicable but some restaurants will now include a service charge up to 12%.
Language
Spoken language in: Bulgarian 84.5%, Turkish 9.6%, Roma 4.1%, other and unspecified 1.8%
Sights
THE RILA MONASTERY is a national icon for Bulgarians, and a wonderfully situated monument of the highest architectural and historic interest. It is protected UNESCO, and contains the remarkable frescoes and wooden Cross - which are historical pieces of medieval art. Rila Monastery, founded by Ivan Rilski in the 10th century was originally a colony of Hermits. It has been destroyed by fire, and abandoned by the monks. Its location is 119 kms South of the capital, Sofia.
Visit PLOVDIV, with its Roman amphi-theatre before lunch and then visit the Bachkovo Monastery. PLOVDIV is usually associated with the International Fair held there twice a year and is already enjoying worldwide popularity. Plovdiv City is the Bulgaria's second largest, you will hardly resist its spell and the temptation of coming back to savour once again of the romantic air of the Old Town.
Weather
You can enjoy all 4 seasons in Bulgaria. Usually there is a beautiful spring, a dry, hot summer, a long and fine autumn, and a mild winter with opportunities for skiing.
The sun shines constantly in Bulgaria - between 2200 and 2500 hours of sunlight per year. Average temperature (April - September): + 23 °C. The average yearly temperature is 14.7 °C.
Wine
Bulgaria can be geographically divided into 5 wine producing regions. Each one has its own distinct features and and is uniquely different from the others.
Northern region:The Northern region spans the area between the Danube river and the Balkan mountain range from North to South and between the Dobrudzha Valley and the Yugoslav border from East to West respectively. High quality wines are produced from a number of different grapes, red as well as white. The reds are made from the local Gamza as well as from the noble Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties. Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc are the most prominent whites. This region is home to the fine wineries of Suhindol and Rousse.
Eastern Region: The Eastern Region covers the territory along the Black Sea coast between the Northern border with Romania and the Southernmost point on the sea coastwhere Bulgaria shoulders Turkey. The wines from the Eastern region are made mostly from white grapes. Almost all renowned white grape varieties may be found along with the native Misket and Dimiat. To my personal opinion the whites from this region are a little too spicy to the Western palate, yet they are greatly appreciated by Bulgarians and East and South Europeans in general.
Sub Balkan Region:The Sub Balkan Region contains the kettles at the Southern foot of the Balkan Mountain. These deep valleys produce unique micro climates. Bulgarian Sungurlare Misket comes from there as well as the excellent Sungurlare Eau deVie. White wines from different grapes are local specialty. Slavjantzi is a popular winery from this region.
Southern Region:The Southern Region includes the Tracian Valley from the Balkan Range to the Greek border and boasts almost Mediterranean climatic conditions particularly good for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot production. The best Bulgarian variety grape-Mavrud grows in the Tracian Valley. Reds coming from this region are superb. Jambol and Haskovo are fine appellations.
South Western Region:
The South Western region covers what is popularly known as Pirin Macedonia. The Struma Valley runs along it and brings strong Mediterranean influence in terms of climate. Fine Cabernets are produced there. The appellation of Melnik is home to the Melnik variety. An aromatic and hefty wine that ages very well.
Damianitza is the winery to note. Their "reserves" are extremely good and my personal favorite. Another interesting local variety is Keratzuda, a rose type produced only in the appellation of Kresna.