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Bulgaria, in the south-eastern corner of Europe has just the right balance of contrasts from the high mountain ranges to the Black Sea coast. An astonishing diversity of landscapes and wildlife with many old villages and towns with fascinating architecture. Modern facilities are in place yet the roads are empty and the people amazingly patient and helpful to foreigners.
No description of this hidden jewel would be complete without reference to the European Blue Riband beaches on the Black Sea coast or the numerous isolated coves.
A low cost of living, warmth and sunshine throughout the long summer months plus the well-known availability of winter sports at established resorts. Few foreigners are aware of the potential for activities such as hiking (on well sign posted paths with judiciously placed mountain huts), mountain biking, climbing and caving nor the country's wonderful natural history (due to the influence of both the Balkan and Mediterranean ecosystems).
Throughout the whole country are natural spas with attendant health centres treating everything including just relaxation in the mineral rich pools from underground thermal waters. As is everything in BG the comparative low cost of these spas makes them available to everyone winter and summer alike.
The population of the country is around 8.2 million. Besides, in the capital Sofia alone live more than one million people. The average density of the population is 76.2 residents on a square metre which equals one fourth of the same average value in Germany. The share of the urban population is 68 percents. In the ethnic structure the Bulgarians represent the greatest share of the population. Other groups of the population are the Bulgarian Turks, Romanies and to a smaller extent Jews, Armenians, Russians and Greeks. The official religion in Bulgaria is the Orthodox church (Christian Orthodox).
Bulgaria occupies a relatively small area - 111 000 sq. km, but is nevertheless distinguished by generous and varied nature - a sea with a 380 km. long coastal strip and golden beaches, mountains with their own characteristic features, shelters valleys and high plateaus, over 550 curative mineral springs, dozen of unique natural phenomena and 2000 thrilling caves, a healthy climate and diverse flora and fauna.
Air temperatures in summer vary between 26°C and 28°C, water temperatures between 22°C and 26°C. There are more than 240 hours of sunshine in May and September, and more than 300 in July and August. The deep-cutting coves and rugged shores, wooded hills and romantic peninsulas, vineyards and orchards, fishing towns and secluded campsites lend a unique fascination to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
Bulgaria, with its cultural monuments, is situated between the spacious beaches of the Black Sea and the fantastic mountain chains of the Balkans. The country connecting Asia and Europe has a history of 1300 years. The numerous cultural and historical remains by Thracians, proto - Bulgarians, Byzantines, Greeks and Ottomans are buried in the picturesque nature , hidden in deep forests, in the numerous mountains or under the fine sand of the Black Sea coast. Favoured by a moderate climate , the land of the roses is very rich in plants and forests which to a great extent are of natural origin. Thus one can find trees which are up to 1650 years old and a plant variety of 3500 species. One third of the territory of Bulgaria is lined by mountains. The person who prefers the active rest can let himself be fascinated by the mountains. |
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