Property frontiers

Bulgaria:
Country Guide

Bulgaria - general country guide

Sample

Map

^{Source: CIA World Factbook}

Summary Data

summary data
Total Area (km²)	110,910
Land (km²)	110,550
Water (km²)	360
Population	7,262,675
Population Density (/km²)	66
Capital	Sofia
Religion (%)	Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6% Muslim 12.2% Other Christian 1.2% Other 4%
Time	GMT+2
Climate	There is large diversity within the landscape as Bulgaria comprises both winter and summer resorts. Temperature generally consists of cold, damp winters and hot dry summers while the Black sea coast offers a Mediterranean influence.

^{Source: CIA World Factbook}

Geography

Bulgaria is situated in Southeastern Europe between Romania and Turkey and bordering the Black Sea which makes up its entire eastern border. The southwest of the country has two alpine ranges, Rila and Pirin and further east is the Rhodope Mountain range. The southeast offers miles of hilly countryside with spectacular views and there are several glacial lakes and mineral springs situated all around the country including along the coast of the Black Sea. Because of Bulgaria's location the country controls key land routes from Europe to the Middle East and Asia.

Government

The government in Bulgaria is known as a Parliamentary democracy and consists of twenty eight provinces. President Georgi Parvanov has been the chief of state since January 2002 and is currently in his second term of office. Bulgarian Presidents are elected for a five year run with only one re-election allowed throughout the five year period. Sergei Stanishev is the Prime Minister of Bulgaria and has been in office since 2005 as head of the government. Bulgaria declared complete independence on 22nd September 1908 and the country's national holiday given by the government is Liberation Day on 3rd March. The country had joined the United Nations in 1955, and is a founding member of the Organization for security and co-operation in Europe. Bulgaria became a full member of the European Union on 1 January 2007. The legal age to vote in Bulgaria is 18.

Language

Bulgarian is the official language of Bulgaria with 84.5% of the population speaking it. Other languages include; Turkish 9.6%, Roma 4.1%, Other 1.8%

Electricity

230V 50Hz. Plugs are the European two pin style

Passports/Visa

Passports valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay are required by all nationals of countries except EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Visas

Visas are not required for nationals of EU countries and they can stay in Bulgaria for an unlimited stay. Nationals of Australia, Canada and USA can enter Bulgaria but only stay for a maximum of three months for tourist reasons, if the stay exceeds this time period they will require a visa.

Passport/Visa Information

Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria

186-188 Queen's Gate

London

SW7 5HL

Tel: 0207 5849 400
0207 5849 433

Fax: 0207 5844 948

Website: http://www.bulgarianembassy-london.org/

http://bulgaria.embassyhomepage.com/

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9.00-18.00

Airports and Airlines

Sofia Airport (SOF)

Location: The airport is situated 10km (6 miles) east of Sofia.
Time: GMT +2
Contacts: 1 Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Sofia 1540, Bulgaria.
Tel: (2)937 2211 (international departures) or (2)937 2212 (international arrivals)
Email: public@sofia-airport.bg
Website: www.sofia-airport.bg
Terminals: 2
Transfer between terminals: A free bus links the two Terminals.
Transfer to the city: Public transport or car hire is available from the airport.
Car rental: Avis, Budget, Hertz and other companies are available
Facilities: Money and communications, restaurants and cafes, shopping, luggage lost and found, facilities for disabled passengers, conference and business facilities.

Standard of Living

The average monthly wage in Bulgaria amounts to 150 euros although this can be higher in Sofia. The cost of living in Bulgaria is a lot cheaper than many other countries, for example petrol is significantly cheaper than in the UK and a three course meal with drinks included could cost you £3 -£5.

Home insurance covering theft, fire and flood damage with a good insurance company like Allianz will set you back around €100-200.