Bulgaria, in the south-eastern corner of Europe has just
the right balance of contrasts from the high mountain
ranges to the Black Sea coast. An astonishing diversity
of landscapes and wildlife with many old villages and
towns with fascinating architecture. Modern facilities
are in place yet the roads are empty and the people
amazingly patient and helpful to foreigners.
No description of this hidden jewel
would be complete without reference to the European Blue
Riband beaches on the Black Sea coast or the numerous
isolated coves.
A low cost of living, warmth and sunshine throughout the
long summer months plus the well-known availability of
winter sports at established resorts. Few foreigners are
aware of the potential for activities such as hiking (on
well sign posted paths with judiciously placed mountain
huts), mountain biking, climbing and caving nor the
country's wonderful natural history (due to the
influence of both the Balkan and Mediterranean
ecosystems).
Throughout the whole country are natural spas with
attendant health centres treating everything including
just relaxation in the mineral rich pools from
underground thermal waters. As is everything in BG the
comparative low cost of these spas makes them available
to everyone winter and summer alike.
The population of the country is
around 8.2 million. Besides, in the capital Sofia alone
live more than one million people. The average density
of the population is 76.2 residents on a square metre
which equals one fourth of the same average value in
Germany. The share of the urban population is 68
percents. In the ethnic structure the Bulgarians
represent the greatest share of the population. Other
groups of the population are the Bulgarian Turks,
Romanies and to a smaller extent Jews, Armenians,
Russians and Greeks. The official religion in Bulgaria
is the Orthodox church (Christian Orthodox).
Bulgaria occupies a relatively small area - 111 000 sq.
km, but is nevertheless distinguished by generous and
varied nature - a sea with a 380 km. long coastal strip
and golden beaches, mountains with their own
characteristic features, shelters 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.
Air temperatures in summer vary
between 26°C and 28°C, water temperatures between 22°C
and 26°C. There are more than 240 hours of sunshine in
May and September, and more than 300 in July and August.
The deep-cutting coves and rugged shores, wooded hills
and romantic peninsulas, vineyards and orchards, fishing
towns and secluded campsites lend a unique fascination
to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
Bulgaria, with its cultural monuments,
is situated between the spacious beaches of the Black
Sea and the fantastic mountain chains of the Balkans.
The country connecting Asia and Europe has a history of
1300 years. The numerous cultural and historical remains
by Thracians, proto - Bulgarians, Byzantines, Greeks and
Ottomans are buried in the picturesque nature , hidden
in deep forests, in the numerous mountains or under the
fine sand of the Black Sea coast. Favoured by a moderate
climate , the land of the roses is very rich in plants
and forests which to a great extent are of natural
origin. Thus one can find trees which are up to 1650
years old and a plant variety of 3500 species. One third
of the territory of Bulgaria is lined by mountains. The
person who prefers the active rest can let himself be
fascinated by the mountains.
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