Adventure, Nature, Culture - Penguin Travel

About Bulgaria
More and more people around the
world are now curious about Bulgaria.
You may have heard bits and pieces
concerning the country in general, you may
have visited the famous beach and ski resorts,
but Bulgaria offers far more than that.
Located on the southeastern part of the Balkan
Peninsula, Bulgaria boasts an ancient and
rich history. The Thracians, Greeks, Romans,
Byzantines, Bulgarians and Slavs all inhabited
these lands in their time, leaving behind monuments
and enriching the world’s treasurehouse
of culture, and amazing modern-day
tourists.
Here are some things you might not know
about Bulgaria, but would be interested to
know:
• The Bulgarian state was founded in the year
681
• The oldest handcrafted gold was discovered
in Bulgaria
• The global perfume and cosmetics industry
could not do without Bulgarian rose oil. Bulgaria
produces 80 percent of the world’s supply
• Bulgaria invented yoghurt
• Bulgaria is one of the biggest wine producers
• Bulgaria is the land of Orpheus – the mythical
musician and singer
In addition to its historical sites and remnants
of ancient cultures, Bulgaria is renowned for
its unique biodiversity – one of the richest in
B r i e f a b o u t B u l g a r i a
Europe. It features more than 12,500 plant species
(with over 250 endemic varieties); about
770 vertebrates (over 420 species of birds,
more than 20 of them globally threatened); and
hundreds of nature reserves and protected
areas. The beauty of Bulgarian nature has
many faces: long sandy beaches on the sundrenched
Black Sea coast; 37 mountains – each
one with its own unique characteristic; over
550 mineral springs; fertile plains and valleys;
deep gorges and mysterious caves.
Some call the mountainous regions of Bulgaria
the fortresses of Bulgarian spirit. They preserve
not only the purity and variety of Bulgarian
nature, in bygone times they maintained
the spirit of the nation during difficult periods
of Byzantine and Ottoman domination in the
churches and monasteries hidden deep in the
mountain slopes and woods.
These regions keep another treasure – the
Bulgarian village. Throughout the ages people
followed tradition and created unique customs,
folklore and crafts. The villages of the Rodopi
Mountains and the small picturesque villages
and museum towns in the Balkan range offer
excellent opportunities for walking, cycling,
hiking and horse riding in the area.
Enjoy the beauty of Bulgarian nature, taste the
spirit of an ancient and rich culture, discover
unknown crafts and traditions, become acquainted
with some of the finest cuisine and
wines
Territory: 1,110,912 sq km (11,957,756 sq ft).
Population: 7,538,000 (2003) 83.9% ethnic Bulgarians; 9.4% Turks; 4.7% Roma; rest
– smaller minorities including Russians, Armenians, Vlachs, Jews and Karakachans.
Religion: 82.6% Orthodox; 12.2% Islam; 0.7% Protestant; 0.5% Catholic; 4.1% Other.
Capital city: Sofia (1,182,698 people in 1992)
Largest towns: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Bourgas, Ruse, Stara Zagora, Pleven
Mountains: 37. Longest – Balkan mountains: 550 km (341 miles); width – 30-60 km (18-37
miles); highest – Rila Mountain – Musala – 2,925 m (9,596 ft).
Boundaries: North: Romania; East: Black Sea (coastline 378 km, or 234 miles); West:
Serbia, Macedonia; South: Greece, Turkey.
Distribution of land (above sea level): 59.8% – 0-400 m (0-1,312 ft); 27.6% – 400-1,000
m (1,312-3,280 ft); 11.9% – 1,000-2,000 m (3,280-6,561 ft); 0.7% – over 2000 m (6,561 ft).
Protected areas: Three national parks, 10 nature parks, 55 reserves, 35 managed
reserves, over 350 protected areas and 500 natural monuments
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