Bulgaria

BULGARIA

Bulgaria, officially the Republic of Bulgaria, is located on the Black Sea in southeastern Europe. It shares borders with Romania to the north, the Black Sea to the east, Turkey and Greece to the south, and Macedonia and Serbia to the west.  Shaking itself off from communist rule, Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007 and is emerging as a popular tourist destination.  The country has lovely beaches and coastal resorts on the Black Sea coast, mountains, forests, lakes, historical sites and monasteries.  There is skiing in the Balkan Mountains during winter. The main rivers include the Maritsa and Danube. 

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The capital city is Sofia.  Other sizeable cities include Burgas, Rouse, Varna and Plovdiv. The currency is the Bulgarian Lev.  Bulgarian is the official language, with Turkish also spoken. 

Bulgaria is also known for its many natural mineral spas with healing waters and mud.  The country was the birthplace of the Cyrillic alphabet.

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Sofia

The capital city, Sofia, today a modern city, is located in the western central part of Bulgaria and surrounded by the Balkan Mountains.  It is the largest city in Bulgaria and the main cultural and administrative centre. Three rivers cross the city, and it is also a place famous for its natural thermal mineral springs and spas. The city has plenty of bars, restaurants and nightlife.  Attractions include the opera house, parliament building, royal palace (former), a cathedral, ancient churches, mosques and synagogues.  The 10th century Boyana Church is on the UNESCO World Heritage list of protected places.   There are several museums, including the Bulgarian Natural History museum and National Historical Museum, as well as art museums and galleries.   Sofia also has a zoo, gardens, and large amusement park as well as public mineral baths and an outdoor market selling books.  Vitosha Mountain is close to the city and open for summer outdoor activities and skiing in the winter. 

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