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About Bulgaria
Разположение: Югоизточна Европа
Граници: Румъния (р.Дунав, Север), Черно Море (Изток), Гърция и Турция (Юг), Сърбия и Македония (Запад)
General information:
Population: 8 427 million inhabitants
Area: 110912 sq. km
Language: Bulgarian
Religion: Orthodox
Summer temperatures: 26° to 30°C
Winter temperatures: -5° to 5°C
Time zone: GMT +2 (April – September +3)
Capital – Sofia
Currency – Lev(BGN)
Exchange – 1 Euro / 1.95583 BGN
Важни телефонни номера:
112 –
Drive in Bulgaria
WELCOME TO BULGARIAAVAILABLE
Bulgaria is available in Southeast Europe and occupies the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered on the north by Romania, west by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the east by the Black Sea to the south by Greece and south-east of European part of Turkey.
Territory of Bulgaria is 110,912 square kilometers (42823 square miles)
POPULATION
In Bulgaria live 8 427 million inhabitants. The capital is Sofia - 1.2 million.
WEATHER
Bulgaria has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. In the south the climate is Mediterranean with winters that are lighter and moister. The coastal capital of the Black Sea winters are slightly warmer but the northeast winds from Russia blow cold air causing cold spells. Average temperature in Sofia ranges from -4 to 2 degrees Celsius (25 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit) in January to 16 to 27 degrees Celsius (61 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit) in July.
For accurate weather conditions for searching the Internet: www.euronews.com and http://www.meteo.bg
RELIEF
Extremely varied: large plains and lowlands, low and high mountains, beautiful valleys and gorges. 40% of the territory is covered with forests.
WEATHER
Winter time: GMT +2 hours (October through March)
Summer time: GMT 3 hours (April to September)
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The official language in Bulgaria is BULGARIAN. Bulgarian alphabet consists only of Cyrillic characters.
RELIGION:
Orthodox Christians (85%), Muslim (8%), other (7%)
CURRENCY
Official currency is the lev (plural; EUR) divided into 100 cents.
Currency exchange: 1 euro = 1.95583 BGN
CREDIT CARDS:
Most hotels and shops are already working with VISA, Master Card or American Express.
Important telephone numbers:
Telephone dialing code for Bulgaria abroad: +359
National Telephone assistance: 112
Telephone information / reference /: 11800
Control of road transport (CAT): +359 2 / 982 72 823, 866 50 60
ELECTRICITY: 220 V, 50 Hz
TRANSPORT:
Roads - 37.3 thousand km, railway lines - 6.5 thousand km (65% electrified). Sea ports - Varna and Burgas. Danube ports - Russe, Lom, Vidin, Silistra etc.. International airports - 4 in number: Sofia, Plovdiv, Bourgas and Varna.
In the Republic of Bulgaria has the following speed limits:
In town - 50 kilometers per hour
Out of town - 90 kilometers per hour
Motorways -130 kilometers per hour
In large stations in Bulgaria - Petrol, OMV, Shell, and LUK Oil.
FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE
BULGARIA is called the pearl of the Balkans.
In 681. Europe is divided between the main parties - Western Roman Empire Eastern Roman / Byzantine / and BULGARIA.
The oldest gold in the world and remains the most ancient civilization in Europe was sensational open only in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria is a country of yogurt - a mystery wrapped the old man.
World-known Bulgarian rose oil. Bulgaria is among the largest wine producing countries in the world. But only here can still taste the wine of the Thracians - aromatic Mavrud.
It is believed that Bulgaria is the birthplace of Orpheus. Here are some of the greatest operatic voices of the art world were born. World are invited to the Bulgarian voice - Valya Balkan - to be heard on board the orbital station Voyager I & II, along with Beethoven's 9th symphony.
NATURE
Bulgaria occupies a relatively small area - 111 912 sq. km, but is nevertheless distinguished by generous and varied nature - a sea with 380 km. long coastline and golden beaches, 16 mountains with their features, shelter 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.
Overall, the vegetation in Bulgaria can be classified among the Central European forest region, but the influence of southern Russia and Asia Minor regions is also having feelings. Much of the Bulgarian mountains podarkticules is covered by vegetation, including juniper forests predominate. In fact, Bulgaria boasts with over 3000 varieties of quality plants.
More than a quarter of the territory is covered with forests. Edelweiss which grows in places difficult to access in the Pirin mountains is one of the rarest plants in the country.
Bulgaria is famous for its oleaginous rose which blooms in the Valley of Roses. There are many Bulgarian brands of tobacco that are world - famous.
Bulgarian fauna is no less interesting, with almost 13 000 species and subspecies, or about 14 percent of all European species. Fishing is possible in lakes, reservoirs, mountain streams and the sea, hunting - in special parks for hunting.
MOUNTAINS
Healthy snowy peaks and soft green slopes, cool forests with the aroma of herbs and berries, fast flowing rivers and crystal blue lakes, mineral springs and biological reserves, rare plants and game, large climatic and ski resorts and small picturesque villages with living traditions and folklore - every Bulgarian mountain has its own characteristic appearance, fascination and beautiful name.
RILA
The most majestic Bulgarian mountain, the highest peak Musala (2925 m), 219 high-mountain lakes, more than 2000 varieties of plants and abundant wildlife. In natural conditions, the most famous monastery in Bulgaria is Rila Monastery, the oldest winter resort in Bulgaria - Borovets.
Pirin Mountain
Second highest mountain in the country, highest peak Vihren (2914 m), 176 lakes and nearly 100 species of rare plants, including the edelweiss and the famous come Baykousheva almost 1300 years old. Location of the well-known climatic and spa resort of Sandanski and the latest Bulgarian ski center Bansko.
RHODOPES
The most green and most picturesque Bulgarian mountain, linked with the legend of the mythical singer Orpheus. Snow and sun, clean air, mild climate with Mediterranean influence. There he found distinctive folklore and superb cuisine, cordial and hospitable people. Here are the largest ski resort - Pamporovo and the most popular place for ecotourism - tourism Momchilovtsi.
VITOSHA
The Green Mountain million of Bulgarian capital Sofia, the most visited Bulgarian mountain, attractive during any season, two reserves in the wild, three climatic zones, highest peak Black Peak (2286), as a diverse flora and fauna, curative mineral springs and rare natural phenomenon - eight moraines, a popular mountain resort for winter holidays and skiing, modern hotels and ski facilities.
BALKAN
The mountain that gave the name of the peninsula - the Balkan Peninsula, and the life of the country - BULGARIA. The biggest and longest mountain chain that crosses the entire country, highest peak Botev (2376 m), was 700 kilometers, ideal for hiking tours, steep rocks and intriguing caves, of equal attraction for tourists, climbers and cavers . Renaissance towns and picturesque villages museums, offering excellent opportunities for ecotourism: Kotel, Jeravna, Tryavna, Arbanassi, Borovets, museum.
National Parks and Reserves
http://www.bulgariannationalparks.org
Bulgaria has three National Parks - Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan. They have a total area of 193,049 hectares and comprise more than one third of all protected areas in Bulgaria. National Parks belong to the state. They are public property. They are managed by departments operating under the Ministry of Environment and Water (http://www.moew.government.bg/).
Pirin (http://www.pirin-np.com), Rila (http://www.rilanationalpark.org) and
"Central Balkan" (http://www.centralbalkannationalpark.org). They are among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe and contain some of Europe's remaining wild areas. Second category of Protected Areas World Conservation Union, the parks are managed in accordance with the most modern principles and approaches. Management Plans for Rila and Central Balkan are the first evidence of modern conservation and management of its kind in Balkans.Worldwide, national parks are usually determined to preserve representative natural features, habitats and wildlife of the country. Their designation is intended to preserve natural processes, usually without human manipulation. Parks are refuges for many rare plant and animal species of national and global significance. In the Bulgarian national parks, unique samples of natural habitats and ecosystems elements are retained in the reserves. These strictly protected areas are often buffered with additional areas of the national park. Bulgarian National Parks offer excellent opportunities for tourism, research and education. Of particular importance for Bulgaria are renewable energy sources, which provide livelihoods and cultural value for people living in close here.National parks also includes rivers, lakes, natural landmarks, waterfalls, beautiful and extraordinary landscapes. National parks are among the most important instruments of government for natural resource and land management, water and air resources and wildlife. They are a source of prosperity for local people as a source of national social and economic welfare.
BULGARIAN BLACK SEA
Sea Pontus Euxinos - hospitable sea. This is the way the ancient Greeks called the Black Sea, which is indeed tempting and hospitable - clean and quiet, with no tides and dangerous animals. Sandy bottom slopes gently, like bathing and swimming safe for even the youngest travelers. The Black Sea is half as saline to the Mediterranean Sea.
Bulgarian Black Sea coast stretches for 378 km line, dotted with vast beaches covered with fine golden sand. Summer temperatures vary between 23 ° C and 35 ° C water temperature between 17 ° and 25 ° C. There are more than 240 hours per month in May and September and more than 300 hours in July and August. In the deeply cut coves and rocky shores, wooded hills and romantic peninsulas, vineyards and orchards, fishing towns and secluded campsites combine in a unique way the charm of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
Holidaymakers have a large selection of resorts and accomodation choices - depending on their budget and the type of vacation you can find everything from luxury 4 to 5-star hotels, large hotel complexes, holiday, private hotels, small guest houses, holiday resorts, cottages and B & B style rooms.
Major sea resorts - Albena, Golden Sands, Riviera Holiday Club, Sunny Day Tourist Complex, St. Constantine and Elena, Elenite, Sunny Beach, holiday village "Dune"-tempt with luxury, numerous sports facilities, entertainment and internal travel to many destinations.
MINERAL SPRINGS
Bulgaria is extremely attractive for the treatment, prevention, recreation and tourism with its numerous resorts, favorable climate, 378 km long coastline with beautiful beaches, over 500 mineral springs of varying physico-chemical composition, temperature and indisputable curative properties, dozens of sources lagunna firth mud and peat deposits.
All agree that research in the uniqueness, diversity and abundance of hydrothermal, bioclimatic, mud treatment, sea cure and other resources, Bulgaria ranks among the first in Europe, the spa tradition in the Bulgarian lands date back to ancient times.
In Thracian times, flourishing settlements near and around hot mineral springs and many sanatoriums were built. In Roman times, spa centers were established as Augusta (Hissar today) Desudava (Sandanski) Pautalia (Kyustendil) and Serdica (Sofia), where even Ulpius Roman emperors Trajan, Septimius Severus, Justinian and Maximilianus have sought treatment for their diseases.
Bulgarian mineral waters are known for their many and varied elements in their chemical composition and their respective mineralization and type of dissolved mineral salts, curative gases and biologically active micro components. In fact, every kind of known mineral water may be found in the country. Firth mud sources of the Black Sea coast, peat, spring therapeutic mud and bentonite clays have great potential, especially in the treatment of various diseases. Bulgaria is among the first places in the world with an exceptional variety of herbs and the excellent curative properties of honey products.
Known at home spa resorts are: Sandanski, Velingrad, Hissar, Kyustendil.
This enormous wealth of natural factors, combined with modern hotels in the country, and spa centers provide excellent opportunities for year-round effective treatment of major diseases of our time and truly make Bulgaria a country of health.
CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
One is to see magnificent Thracian treasures, monuments and beautiful work of Greek and Roman cities in order to understand why Bulgaria became the cradle of Slav culture.
Thirteen centuries the Bulgarian has been creating literature, art and music. Bulgarian culture has given the world men of great achievement, unrivaled in history.
In the 9 th century the brothers Cyril and Methodius recognized as patrons of Europe, upset the trilingual dogma and created the Slavic alphabet of nations.
During the 14th century John Koukouzeles - The Angel vociferous the reform in the Eastern Orthodox church music. Unknown painters created masterpieces which have become part of a UNESCO World Heritage.
Born on the strength of tradition, modern Bulgarian culture, also triumphed in the world. A quatrain of the great Bulgarian poet Hristo Botev has found a place in the Sorbonne, Boris Christoff and a whole galaxy of Bulgarian singers have conquered the world in operas, "The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices", paintings of Vladimir Dimitrov - the Master can be seen in the best galleries in the world.
Anyone who loves to travel, will not be able to cover all roads in the world and to know all the worlds, but everyone can make the journey to knowledge - without forgetting where it began, and without losing the way back.
The story was given to Bulgaria difficult and dramatic face. Much is missing, but even more has remained - a rich spiritual world which will show you the colors, rhythms and melodies of living Bulgarian folklore, the unfading beauty of Bulgarian arts and crafts, the gaiety of vitality Bulgarian festivals and customs, the piquant taste of Bulgarian cuisine and the delicate fragrance of Bulgarian wines.
BULGARIAN CUISINE
Tourists have long respected the merits of Bulgarian cuisine with the verdict, it is tasty, spicy and varied. Indeed, who would not like an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, juicy meat on the grill or sausage with piquant sauces, mouth-watering vegetarian dishes, cooked slowly over low heat for pastry with cheese (cheese pie) which simply melts in your mouth, and of course the famous Bulgarian yoghurt.
Bulgarian "culinary" geography abounds in delicious specialties and exotic dishes: Bansko Kapama (meat and vegetable stew in a ceramic dish) Rodopsko barbecue (lamb roasted on a spit over an open fire), Thracian pancake (a special type of pancake) and Dobrudja pastry, Danube fish soup, mussels Sozopol. The cozy, typically Bulgarian folk-style restaurants will tempt you with Shopp salad and chilled grape brandy, stuffed vine leaves or peppers, kavarma in Melnik, monastic hotchpotch, moussaka and kebab. The smell of fresh-baked bread is mixed with the aroma of savory Salami thinly sliced (flat dry sausage) from Smyadovo, biltong, cheese and cheese are arranged on ceramic plates. Dimiat delicate white wines, Muscat and Riesling are followed by a full asortiment as red Merlot, Cabernet, and Gamza Mavrud. Cups of steaming coffee are served with white sweet pancakes with honey and walnuts or baklava.
BULGARIAN PROPERTIES under UNESCO protection
Nine Bulgarian wonders - seven cultural and two natural sites - are included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage, which features over 300 landmarks: the Thracian gold treasures, Thracian tombs in Kazanlak and Sveshtari; Madara Horseman - Horseman figure carved in rock dating from the Middle Ages, is the only of its kind in Europe Boyana Church - a real masterpieces - paintings of 13 th century, was created 200 years ago the European Renaissance, notes a remarkable peak in the Eastern Christian art, majestic Rila Monastery, ancient town-museum Nessebar -- when in its "restricted area, over 40 churches were united, the Ivanovo Rock Monasteries, Pirin National Park, nature reserve" Silver "lake;
Bulgarian sites in the world cultural and natural heritage under UNESCO protection:
Kazanlak tomb. Thracian tomb from the end of the beginning of the IV-III century BC The frescoes in the burial chamber and the corridor have exceptional artistic value. It is Tulbeto hill near the town of Kazanlak.
Ivanovo rock churches. Rock monastery complex "St. Archangel Michael, with partially preserved churches. The frescoes in St. Virgin have been identified as one of the most significant achievements of the Bulgarian medieval art from the XIV century, are located about 20 km from Rousse city, east of the village of Ivanovo, scales, nature park RousenskiLom.
Boyana Church. It has unique wall paintings from 1259, considered among the masterpieces of medieval European paintings. It is located about 8 km from the city center of Sofia (in Boyana) at the foot of the Vitosha mountain.
Madara Horseman. Rock relief carved on theMadara rocks on the northern slope of Provadiisko plateau at an altitude of 23 m.. This is the most significant monumental art from the era of the early Middle Ages and unique in European cultural history. Located near the village of Madara, about 16 km from the town of Shumen.
Rila Monastery. The most impressive monastery complex in Bulgaria with exceptional architectural and artistic qualities. Founded in the tenth century, rebuilt in the XIII-XIV century, a literary center in the fifteenth century and completed in today's impressive form in the nineteenth century, the spiritual center of the Bulgarians. Located in the northwestern Rila, about 20 km from the town of Rila and about 120 km from Sofia.
Nessebar, Old Town. Architectural, historical and archaeological reserve on the Black Sea coast with valuable archaeological remains from different periods, original churches from V to XVII century and authentic revival houses.
Thracian tomb. Thracian tomb from the first half of III century BC The central burial chamber is exceptionally impressive and richly decorated in high relief caryatids. Located near the village Sveshtari, 7 km northwest of the city Isperih.
Preserves "Silver". Biosphere reserve in the valley of the Danube, including Silver Lake and its environs. It was created to protect rare plant and animal species. It is 16 km west of the town of Silistra.
Pirin National Park. Part of the beautiful Pirin Mountain. Located in the high stakes of Northern Pirin. Characterized by a specific relief and unique flora and fauna. Biosphere reserve includes theBayuvi Djindjiritsa-holes "and substitute" Julienne ".
