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Bulgaria
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Capital Sofia

Area 110,994 sq km (42,855 sq miles).

Population 7.5 million (2009)

Language Bulgarian, English, German, French and Russian.

Time GMT +2 (GMT +3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are two‑pin

Description

Bulgaria joined the EU in January 2007. Many of the cities and resorts have since been undergoing construction booms galore. Bulgaria's beach and ski resorts are expanding quickly as a result. The main cities have become vibrant and attractive, with well‑kept boulevards, varied shopping and lively nightlife. Spectacular mountains occupy half the country's territory and the swathe of golden beaches along the 370 km/230 mile long Black Sea bring in hordes of tourists from around the world. Bulgaria is especially proud of its rich folklore and traditional rituals play an important part in Bulgarian life. Bulgaria recently experienced radical political changes and chose its first democratically‑elected president, Zhelyu Zhelev, in 1990. A constitution was adopted in 1991, the political parties were restored, and privatization and restitution of the land started.

Climate

Bulgaria's climate varies according to altitude. Summers are warmest with some rainfall, with the south feeling the influence of the Mediterranean. The best months to visit are mid‑June to September when the days are long and sunny. Winters are cold with snow. It rains frequently during spring and autumn.

Geography

Bulgaria is situated in Eastern Europe and bordered to the north by the River Danube and Romania, to the east by the Black Sea, to the south by Turkey and Greece and to the west by Serbia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The Balkan Mountains cross the country reaching to the edge of the Black Sea and its golden beaches. Although Bulgaria lies in the very southeast corner of Europe, the climate is never extreme in summer, even on the red‑earthed plains of Southern Thrace. The Black Sea resorts have some of the largest beaches in Europe and offer sunbathing from May until October, while in winter heavy falls of snow are virtually guaranteed in the mountain ski resorts.

Money

Currency

Lev (BGN)

Credit Cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and VISA are accepted in large cities. Bulgaria is a country that still operates mainly on cash.

Travelers Checks

Accepted in major hotels and restaurants, although cash is far more common. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros.

Banking Hours

Mon‑Fri 9AM‑4PM