With the coast of the Black Sea as a natural main attraction - extensive mountain ranges and the glittering Danube - Bulgaria is deeply rooted at the Balkan Peninsula. Besides the fabulous scenery the country has a great climate and an rich, vibrant culture on offer.
Sofia
110.994 km2
Bulgarian. It is worth noting that the Bulgarian alphabet is not the same as Latin and it can therefore be difficult to read the signs etc.
Bulgarian orthodoxy
8.283.200 (1997)
Republic
Geographically Bulgaria has a lot to offer. Situated on the Balkan Peninsula - Bulgaria has the Black Sea to the east, and the Danube functions as a natural border with Rumania. Furthermore the river is responsible for the Danube plain - an incredibly fertile area which covers close to a third of Bulgaria. In addition to this Bulgaria possesses several mountain-chains, also covering a third of the country.
In Bulgaria the summers are hot and dry and the winters are cold. In the summer the average temperature is 28 degrees centigrade, whilst in the winter the average temperature drops to 6 degrees below freezing. The best time to visit Bulgaria is between May and October. The average rainfall is 31 millimetres (February) and 90 millimetres (June).
Lev (Lv)
To call for help in Bulgaria you must dial:
Police (166)
Ambulance (150)
Fire department (160)
Tipping is not 'officially' necessary in Bulgaria, but it is a good idea to give 5-10 percent to taxi drivers, and to generally round up the amount when you visit a restaurant.
When it is 12 O'clock in Britain it is 2 O'clock in Bulgaria.
In Bulgaria the following measurement is used:
Weight: kilo
Length: metres
Photographing public buildings is, as in most eastern European countries, prohibited in Bulgaria. Furthermore, it is advisable to show courtesy and ask before photographing.
It is recommended only to drink bottled water in Bulgaria, not directly from the tap.
In Bulgaria the following power source is used:
220 volts AC, 50Hz
In Bulgaria there are no specific behaviour demands, but showing respect and politeness to the local inhabitants will get you far.
Banks are normally open from 8 AM to 12 and from 1 PM to 5 PM (Monday-Friday) and 8 AM to 11 AM (Saturday).
Shops are open from 9 AM to 7.30 PM (Monday-Saturday), however, many shop are closed for lunch from 1 PM to 2 PM.
Offices are open from 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM (Monday-Friday).
Bulgarian cuisine is dominated by fish, soups, mutton and lamb. Bulgaria furthermore produces a wide variety of good wines in addition to several different distilled spirits.
New Year's Day: January 1st
Liberation day: March 3rd
Worker's day: May 1st
Education day: May 24th
Christmas: December 24th-25th
In Bulgaria the camping sites are centred around the major tourist areas. The sites are categorised from I-III - the sites at the top of the scale are reasonably comfortable, whilst the sites at the bottom of the scale offer very little.
Bulgarian hotels use the European star system, and several hotels are determinedly ascending this ladder. But in general the quality is still pretty bad.
In Bulgaria the guest houses are centred at the coast areas. Here it is possible to rent a room in a private villa for a reasonable price.
You will find youth hostels in the 30 biggest cities of Bulgaria.
The Balkan-Bulgarian Airlines operate with eight routes and they are only a little more expensive than train fares.
There are more than 4200 kilometres of rail roads in Bulgaria by which most of the bigger cities are connected. It is necessary to book tickets in advance, and travelling first class is recommended.
Hailing a taxi will not be a problem in most big Bulgarian cities.
It is possible to rent a car in most big cities in Bulgaria.
River boats have a regular schedule and sail along the Bulgarian side of the Danube, connecting several cities.
In Sofia there is an extensve underground system which is at present being extended even further. This will make it possible to reach almost all parts of the city by underground.
