Republic of Bulgaria
Bordered by five Balkan nations and the stunning Black Sea, the Republic of Bulgaria is where East meets West – literally and spiritually. With a legacy that spans Thracian kings, Roman roads, and Ottoman bazaars, Bulgaria is the crossroad of civilizations in the Balkans. From ancient monasteries tucked in the mountains to sun-kissed beaches along the coast, Bulgaria offers adventure tourism, cultural depth, and unforgettable moments.
A multiethnic, multilingual, and multi-religious society, Bulgaria embraces visitors with warm hospitality. Whether you’re skiing in Bansko, hiking in the Rhodope Mountains, or exploring the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, Bulgaria proves that every mile gives you a smile. Be in Bulgaria. Be in the Balkans.
- Capital: Sofia
- Largest City: Sofia
- Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
- Population: ~6.4 million (2025 est.)
- Official Language: Bulgarian (Cyrillic script)
- Time Zone: GMT+2 (GMT+3 DST)
- International Dialing Code: +359
- Government Type: Parliamentary Republic
- Major Religions: Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Islam
Bulgaria is known for its fusion of Balkan, Slavic, and Mediterranean traditions:
- Cuisine: Banitsa, shopska salad, grilled meats, yogurt (a national pride)
- Music & Dance: Folk dancing with asymmetric rhythms, gaida (bagpipe)
- Festivals: Kukeri (masked rituals), Rose Festival in Kazanlak, Sofia Film Fest
Cultural richness is a way of life, seen in everyday rituals and major events.
- Ethnic Groups: Bulgarians (~85%), Turks (~8%), Roma (~5%)
- Languages Spoken: Bulgarian (official), Turkish, Romani
- Religious Composition: Orthodox Christianity (~60%), Islam (~13%)
Bulgaria boasts breathtaking terrain ideal for nature tourism:
- Mountains: Rila, Pirin, and Rhodope ranges
- Lakes & Rivers: Danube River, Lake Burgas
- Coastline: Over 350 km along the Black Sea with golden beaches
- Ancient Thrace: Home to legendary warriors and Orpheus
- Roman & Byzantine Eras: Important crossroads
- First Bulgarian Empire: Founded 681 AD
- Ottoman Rule: 1396 – 1878
- Modern Statehood: Re-established after Russo-Turkish War
- Official Language: Bulgarian (Cyrillic alphabet)
- Minority Languages: Turkish, Romani
- Foreign Languages: English and German are popular in tourism zones
- System: Free and compulsory from age 5 to 16
- Higher Education: Sofia University, Technical University of Sofia
- International Ties: Erasmus+, global academic exchanges
- Internet Penetration: Over 75%
- Telecom Providers: A1 Bulgaria, Vivacom, Yettel
- Media: A mix of traditional and online platforms; growing independence
- Airports: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas
- Railways: 4,000+ km, connecting major cities and neighboring countries
- Highways: Well-developed road network including the Trakia and Hemus motorways
- Seaports: Varna and Burgas
- Public Transport: Metro in Sofia, buses, trams, trolleys
- Emergency Number: 112
- Police Presence: Strong in cities and tourist regions
- Travel Tips: Bulgaria is considered safe with basic precautions advised
- Type: Parliamentary Republic
- President: Head of State
- Prime Minister: Head of Government
- Parliament: National Assembly (unicameral)
- GDP (2025 est.): ~$92 billion
- Major Industries: IT, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing
- Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN), pegged to the Euro
- Key Exports: Machinery, clothing, rose oil, wine
- United States – Sofia
- Germany – Sofia
- France – Sofia
- Turkey – Sofia
- Japan – Sofia
- United Kingdom – Sofia
- Russia – Sofia
- Greece – Sofia
- Romania – Sofia
- North Macedonia – Sofia
- Sofia – Capital city with layers of Roman, Ottoman, and modern history
- Plovdiv – Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city
- Veliko Tarnovo – Medieval fortress city with stunning views
- Varna – Seaside city known as the marine capital
- Bansko – Ski resort nestled in the Pirin Mountains
The flag of the Republic of Bulgaria consists of white (peace), green (nature), and red (courage).
- Independence Day: Celebrated on September 22, marking independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908
Linking Opportunities
- Discover more Balkan beauty in Albania: beinalbania.com
- Island-hop via Montenegro’s coast: beinmontenegro.com
- Visit Kosovo’s cultural heartland: beinkosovo.com
- Ottoman echoes and rich traditions in Bosnia: beinbosnia.com
- Cross into the hidden gems of North Macedonia: beinmacedonia.com
- For Türkiye, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia please contact beinbalkan.com via contact form.
Be in Bulgaria. Be in the Balkans – where every mile gives you a smile.