Location

Bulgaria, officially the Republic of Bulgaria, is a country in southeastern Europe. It borders the Black Sea to the east, Greece and Turkey to the south, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, and Romania to the north, mostly along the Danube River. Founded in 681 by Khan Asparouh, Bulgaria is the first country in Europe. An active member of NATO, Bulgaria is also due to join the European Union on January 1, 2007.Bulgaria comprises portions of the classical regions of Thrace, Moesia, and Macedonia.

The southwest of the country is mountainous with two alpine ranges - Rila and Pirin and further east are the lower but more extensive Rhodope Mountains. Rila mountain includes the highest peak of the Balkan Peninsula, peak Musala at 2925 meters (9,596 ft); the long range of the Balkan mountains runs west-east through the middle of the country, north of the famous Rose Valley. Hilly country and plains are found in the southeast, along the Black Sea coast in the east, and along Bulgaria's main river, the Danube in the north. Other major rivers include the Struma and the Maritsa river in the south.

Climate

The Bulgarian climate is temperate, with cold, damp winters and hot, dry summers (See "Today's Weather", top right).

The people

Bulgarians are generally quite open and friendly, although they can appear to have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Years of communist oppression can also be seen in the ruins of disused factories, or crumbling apartment blocks. Happily, a large number of people, especially the younger generations, are conversant in English and other European languages. But, it is worth remembering that taxi drivers the world over, have the ability to confuse and over-charge. However, it is said that once you have made your first Bulgarian friend, you will definitely not have made your last.

Bulgarians are very sociable and love any excuse to gather for conversation, eating, drinking, dancing, and cultural or sporting events. Bulgaria is forging ahead with its transition from a Soviet-style bureaucracy to an EU-style one, in other words, less sinister, but no less use of ‘red tape’. Important information about visa and customs requirements is increasingly available via the internet, however, public institutions like post offices still carry an air of seriousness and don’t expect service with a smile.

Bulgaria has become increasingly cosmopolitan over the last 10 years, but as soon as you venture beyond the cities, or tourist destinations you will discover a much slower pace of life where time appears to have stood still. The land is tendered by hand (no shortage of organic produce) and donkey-carts provide for the local transport needs. Although don’t be surprised to see the cart ‘driver’ chatting away on a mobile phone. The countryside is largely unspoilt and stunning views are the ‘norm’.

Economy

The advent of the market economy has given rise to a thriving commercial sector, especially in tourism and related services. Standards in accommodation and dining are on the up, but can still be quite inconsistent especially at the more budget level. On the shopping front you could be in any EU country; most consumer goods are available and can cost considerably less than at home. Textiles, handicrafts, ceramics and carved wooden items provide the most popular souvenirs; those with an eye for art, antiques, or icons may also find a gem or two.

Cuisine

Bulgarian cuisine is heavy on meat and dairy, with staple items in most dishes being pork, chicken and lamb, yoghurt and feta-like ‘Sirene’ cheese. Vegetarians are well catered for though, with an abundance of very tasty salads, fruits and vegetables always on offer. Typically Bulgarian restaurants offer menus of char-grilled meats with a selection of salads and increasingly they have added more continental dishes such as pizza and pasta. Bulgaria has been producing wine and beer for hundreds of years and they have become extremely good at it; you won’t be disappointed if you try the local brews.

Safety/Crime in Bulgaria

Safety concerns in Bulgaria are mainly to do with traffic, such as poor road surfaces and erratic driving. However, you are likely to encounter much less traffic than in the UK. Sofia is fairly busy, although not compared to London. Be aware that most drivers will not stop at a zebra crossing.

Crime is fairly low-key and rates are lower than most of Western Europe. Awareness of your surroundings is in order, as is the case in most places in today’s world.

The Language

Bulgarian is spoken by more than ten million people worldwide and is the official language of the Republic of Bulgaria. It is an Indo-European language, a member of the Southern branch of the Slavic languages. Bulgarian is closely related to Macedonian. Bulgarian and Macedonian form part of the Balkan linguistic union, which also includes Greek, Romanian, Albanian and Serbian.

A selection of useful Bulgarian phrases

The Alphabet:

The Bulgarian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet, comprising 30 letters, and takes its name from the ninth century scholar and holy man, St Cyril. The alphabet is very logical and efficient. The table below identifies each letter of the Cyrillic alphabet and its approximate equivalent pronounciation in English.

The Cyrillic Alphabet

¹ softens consonants before 'o'

There is no standard system for translation of the Bulgarian version of Cyrillic into the Latin alphabet. Most signs and menus etc are printed in Cyrillic although some, especially in tourist locations, will have Latin translations. For example: ‘Veliko Turnovo’ may also be translated as ‘Veliko Tarnavo’, while a signpost may direct you to the seaside campsite called ‘Yug’ (south), the map may read ‘Jug’. You must use your common sense to decide whether ‘miss-translated’ places/things are the same thing.

Traditionally Bulgarians nod their heads to indicate ‘no’ and shake their heads side-to-side to show agreement. However, younger people tend to do things the Western way, thus increasing the possibility of misunderstandings. (Good luck!).

Bulgaria is a wonderful country with many things to endear it; visit once and you will want to return for more .....