Bulgaria: state structure and political system, science and culture. History of Bulgaria



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Country Description

An attractive tourist country, with beautiful nature and hospitable people. Bright sun, azure sea, beautiful beaches, a wide choice of hotels, an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Bulgaria is a small (compared to Russia, of course), but popular with tourists southern country, with beautiful nature, inhabited by hospitable people. People of all ages and with different income levels can afford to spend holidays in this wonderful corner of the globe. It will appeal to both young people who prefer places where they can relax and lead a mostly nocturnal lifestyle, and those who prefer a calm, but at the same time not boring rest.

Geography


Bulgaria is a relatively small state (111 thousand km2), located in the south of Europe, in the northeast of the Balkan Peninsula. It is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. A country in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula (from 1946 to 1990 it was called the People's Republic of Bulgaria). Bulgaria shares a common border with five countries. In the north, along the Danube, there is a border with Romania, in the south - with Turkey and Greece, in the west - with Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. In the east it is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The area of ​​Bulgaria is 110912 sq. km. More than half of the country's territory is mountainous or hilly: the Balkan Mountains cross the country from the northwest to the Black Sea and form the watershed between the Danube River and the Aegean Sea. In the south lie the Rhodope Mountains, along which the border with Greece runs. In the south-west of Bulgaria lie the Rila Mountains, where the highest point of the country is located - Mount Musala (2925 m). Toward the east there are several valleys, including Thracian. The main river in Bulgaria is the Danube, whose tributaries are Is-kyr and Yantra.

Time

Time in Bulgaria is 1 hour behind Moscow time.

Climate

Most of the territory of Bulgaria is dominated by a temperate continental climate with distinct four seasons. On the Black Sea coast and in the southern regions, the climate is close to the Mediterranean. In the country, the average temperature of the coldest month - January - ranges from -2 to + 2oC. In the mountains, the thermometer can drop to -10 ... - 15 degrees. The average temperature of the warmest month - July - ranges from +18oC to +24oC in the northern regions to +28 in the south and on the Black Sea coast, while it rarely exceeds 30 degrees. The annual rainfall is 670 mm, and in the mountains - 800 - 1000 mm. In northern Bulgaria and the Black Sea region, the wettest months are May - June, the driest - February. In southern Bulgaria, the maximum precipitation occurs in November - December, the minimum - in August. The water in the Black Sea warms up to +25oC. The climate of Bulgaria is favorable for recreation, especially for residents of the middle zone.

Language

The official language is Bulgarian, which is so close to Russian that Russian-speaking tourists have practically no language problems. Service personnel at resorts, hotels and restaurants usually speak Russian, English, German and French.

Religion

The state guarantees freedom of religion. Religious institutions are separated from the state. The traditional religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity (85% of the population). Orthodox Christianity since the 9th century. is the main religion of the country. Today it is practiced by 82.6% of the population. Throughout the history of Bulgaria, it has played an important role in the formation of the nation. During the times of foreign domination, thanks to the Orthodox Church, the Bulgarians managed to preserve their native language, and in many respects their culture. The church is autocephalous (administratively independent). It is ruled by the Bulgarian Patriarch. Services are conducted in Bulgarian.

Population

The population of Bulgaria is about 9 million people, of which 85% are Bulgarians, 9.7% are Turks and 5% are gypsies. The population of Bulgaria over the past 20 years has decreased by almost a million people - and now the country is home to about 7.7 million citizens. Bulgarian experts cite several reasons for such an unpleasant trend: a drop in the birth rate, as well as a high level of emigration. According to some forecasts, if the current demographic situation does not change, then in a few decades the population of Bulgaria may be reduced by one third. Population decline is noted in many European countries, but in Bulgaria this process is exacerbated by an extremely low standard of living.

Electricity

The mains voltage is 220 volts throughout the country.

Emergency telephones

Emergency phone number in Bulgaria - 150
The telephone number of the fire service in Bulgaria is 160
Police phone in Bulgaria - 166
The telephone number of the traffic police in Bulgaria is 165
Road service in Bulgaria - 146

Connection

Telephone communication: you can call another country or city from any pay phone using the phone cards of Mobika (blue cards and devices) and BulFon (orange cards and devices), which are sold at post offices, newsstands , small shops and hotels. The consumption of conventional units on the card is indicated on the phone display. A call from the post office will cost a little less than from a hotel. Bulgaria code - 359. To call Bulgaria you need to dial - 8 - 10 - 359 - city code - number of the called subscriber. To access international calls from Bulgaria: 00 (beep) - country and city code - number of the called subscriber. When calling from Russia to Bulgaria on cell phones, you should dial the country code (359) - the subscriber's cell phone number. In this case, the area code does not matter.

Currency exchange

In use are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 stotinki and banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 leva (lev.). On July 1, 1999, the country made a denomination of the local currency similar to the Russian one, when each denomination was reduced by three zeros. The old money was in circulation until the end of 1999. But even now a tourist can slip money out of circulation. The exchange rate of the Bulgarian lev is strictly pegged to the German mark: 1lv. = DM1. In turn, $1 is approximately equal to DM2. (As of June 2000). In general, in big cities the course is better than in resorts. Banks work with clients from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 16:00. Banks are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Visa

Citizens of Russia and the CIS to visit Bulgaria require a visa, which must be applied for at the Visa Application Centers of Bulgaria or at the visa departments of the Embassy or Consulates General of Bulgaria in the territory of the Russian Federation. Types of visas: 1) short stay visa (entry visa) - issued to persons whose purpose of travel is tourism, visiting relatives or friends; 2) group visa - issued to persons who are citizens of one state and formed a group before applying for a visa. Group tourist visas give the right to a single entry and stay for a period not exceeding 30 days. Group single or double entry transit visas give the right to a single or double passage through the territory of Bulgaria. The composition and size of the group during the stay and departure from Bulgaria should not change; 3) transit visa - issued to persons whose purpose of visit is transit through the territory of Bulgaria to third countries within 24 hours. This visa gives the right to leave the airport and stay in the country within the specified period. Citizens of Russia do not need a transit visa if they arrive in Bulgaria for the purpose of an intermediate landing or transfer to another flight and do not leave the airport airside; 4) long-term residence visa (immigrant visa) - issued to persons wishing to obtain a long-term (1 year) or permanent residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Customs regulations

It is necessary to declare: jewelry, professional photo, cinema and video equipment, which then must be taken out of the country. There is a limit on the import of some items, above which you need to pay a duty: cigarettes - 200 pcs. (or other tobacco products - 250 g), wine - 2 l, spirits - 1 l, coffee - 500 g, tea - 100 g, perfume - 50 ml, cologne or other perfumery products - 250 ml .; items for personal use, photo and video equipment, sports and hunting equipment (it is necessary to fill out a declaration with the obligation to re-export them). Duty-free export of antiques and works of art is allowed with a permit. It is forbidden to import: automobile gas-cylinder installations; meat and meat products, beans, sugar; children's clothing and footwear, cotton fabrics, household electrical appliances.

Holidays and non-working days

January 1 - New Year
March 3 - Day of the Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman yoke
April - Good Friday
April - Easter Monday
April - May - Easter (the dates of these holidays change according to the church calendar)
May 1 - Labor Day
May 6 - Day of St. George the Victorious, official holiday of the armed forces of Bulgaria
May 24 - Day of Slavic Literature and Culture
August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin
September 6 - Day of the Unification of Bulgaria
September 22 - Independence Day
November 1 - All Saints Day
December 6 - Constitution Day
December 8 - Immaculate Conception
December 25, 26 - Christmas

Transport

Buses, trolleybuses and trams operate in cities. The cost of a single travel ticket varies between 0.25 BGL in different cities (0.4 BGL in the Sofia metro). A double ticket (valid for an hour) costs 0.4 BGL, a ticket for five days - 4.4 BGL, for a month - 21 BGL. At some resorts, there are also intercity single tickets of different frequencies. In many localities and resorts, affordable fixed-route taxis are common.

The capital has a subway. The cost of a single ticket is 0.4 BGL .. Yellow taxis with traditional checkers, a price list with prices should be fixed on the side window, in most taxis you can even get a receipt. There are day and night (22.00-06.00) tariffs. Base prices (day\night rate) - landing - 0.29\0.39 BGL, 1 km. mileage - 0.48\0.58 BGL, one minute of waiting - 0.16\0.19 BGL, additional piece of luggage - 5 BGL. In resorts, taxi drivers often offer "negotiated prices", in which case you can and should bargain.

Rail transport in Bulgaria is relatively inexpensive and convenient. Trains are divided into "express" (express) and "friday" (passenger). When traveling to resort areas, tickets are recommended to be booked in advance.

Tips

Tipping is usually 5-8% in a restaurant (in high-end restaurants - 10%), cafes and bars, if the guest was satisfied. In a taxi "for tea" they usually leave 5% of the amount on the meter or rounded to the nearest whole number (the main payment is strictly on the meter).

The shops

The largest and busiest market in Sofia, the so-called women's market, Women's Pazar. In addition to fruits and vegetables, you can buy meat, cheeses, seasonings and spices, dishes, clothes, shoes, metal products, etc. at the market. The covered market (HALI) is located opposite the mosque, on Blvd. Book. Marie Louise. The Great Sofia Market is an example of the architecture of the early 20th century. It was built in 1910-1911. Today this market is the main selling place for fresh products in Sofia.

Slyvekov Square in the city center is the most visited place in the city. Here you can find a varied number of shops, as well as a book market that sells works in all possible languages ​​at very attractive prices.

Fashion stores are located in the central part of Sofia. Here you can find all the most famous brands (Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Marlboro Classics). You will find them if you go up Vitosha boulevard. Fashion shops are also on the street. Tsar Shishman and Count Ignatiev.

Typical Bulgarian souvenirs are rose oil, wines and brandy, carpets and ceramics, silverware. Souvenir shop next to the Alexander Nevsky Church. Dealers in antiques (musical instruments, cameras, paintings, icons, etc.) can be found in the park opposite the Alexander Nevsky Church. The icons are copies of the most beautiful icons kept in Bulgarian monasteries.

National cuisine

The dishes are really tasty - spicy spices, plenty of vegetables, spicy taste. One of its main features is the simultaneous heat treatment of products over low heat. This allows you to preserve the nutritional properties, to achieve a pleasant aroma of dishes, original flavor combinations. This is also facilitated by the use of a variety of products, seasonings, vegetable and animal fats.

It all starts with salads: traditional Shopska, mixed (tomatoes with cucumbers and cheese), Russian "Olivier", "Snezhanka" (fresh cucumbers, walnuts, pressed Bulgarian "sour milk"). You can not ignore the cold "presentation": roll or ham cocktail, mushroom cocktail, dry sausage "Lukanka", tomatoes stuffed with mushrooms or cheese.

Very unusual cold Bulgarian soup "tarator" (finely chopped cucumbers, dill, garlic and walnuts are filled with diluted Bulgarian "sour milk"). Lamb soup (lamb kurban chorba) and lentil soup (bream chorba) have a peculiar taste. Bulgaria is famous for its pirzhols (a piece of meat fried on a grill) and kebapchetas (oblong minced meat patties fried on a grill).

Popular dishes are: kavarma (meat or vegetable roll), drob sarma (chopped lamb liver with rice and egg), sarmi (stuffed grape leaves), kebab (meat on a spit), Rhodope banitsa, lamb (baked right in front of you on the coals) , trout, Melnik-style kebap, Bansky starets, sujuk, chomlek (beef stew), kebab in pumpkin (cooked over low heat, which preserves all the taste qualities of the products used).

Bulgaria is among the top five wine producers, both red (Cabernet, Mavrud, Merlot, Otel, Trakia, etc.) and white (Chardonnay, Galatea, Misket, Riesling, Tamyanka).

Attractions

Rila Monastery- Holy place of Bulgaria. The monastery is recognized as a shrine not only for the Orthodox, but for the entire Christian Church. The Rila Monastery (officially the Monastery of St. John of Rilski) is the largest and most famous Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, in the northwest of the Rila Mountains, 117 km south of Sofia in the Rilska River valley, at an altitude of more than 1000 m above sea level. Through the centuries, he has preserved the pride, national consciousness, honor and hope of the Bulgarian people. The monastery was founded in the 10th century by the followers of the hermit St. Ivan Rilski, whose relics are still kept here.

Rozhen monastery located in the south of the country, 6 km from the town-museum Melnik at the foot of the Pirin Mountain and almost 100 years older than the Rila Monastery. In its current form, the monastery (built by the mill ruler Slav at the turn of the 12th - 13th centuries) has been preserved as it was in the 16th century. The heyday of the monastery reached its peak in the 19th century, when it became a regional spiritual center and had numerous estates in the surrounding areas. This is the only one of the monasteries restored in the first centuries of the Ottoman yoke, which was lucky to survive later. At the beginning of the 17th century it was destroyed by fire, and in the 18th century it was restored with donations from Bulgarian patrons.

One of the most interesting sights of the capital is built of red brick on the site of the Roman rotunda. Church of St. George- the oldest temple of Sofia. On the inside of the dome, frescoes have been preserved, the earliest of which date back to the 10th century, and on the outside, the remains of the streets of ancient Serdika (the Roman name of the city) have been preserved. The most beautiful boulevard in the city - Vitosha boulevard, going from the Cathedral of St. Nedelya, past numerous underground shopping galleries, to the square of the Palace of Culture with a monument to the 1300th anniversary of Bulgaria. The nearby building of the Palace of Justice (1936) houses the National Museum of History - one of the largest historical museums in the Balkans.

The city-reserve of Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185 - 1393), is definitely worth a visit to see the Tsar's Palace, the picturesque towers of the Patriarch and Balduin in fortress Tsarevets on the hill of the same name, near which the show "Sound and Light" is regularly held, which tells about the history of the city. Of interest are the picturesque Varusha quarter, the monastery of St. Peter and Paul (XIII century) and Kapinovsky, as well as the churches of St. Dimitar of Thessalonica (XI century, the oldest in the city) and St. Forty Great Martyrs (1230).

In Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, a must see Trimontium("three hills", the old city) - the Roman forum, a theater for 3 thousand seats and the gates of Hisar Kapi (II century AD), as well as Jumaya mosques(XV century) and Imaret (1445), Cathedral of Constantine and Helena(1832) with a beautiful gallery of icons, the ruins of the Thracian city of Evmolpias (II century BC), Amphitheater of Philip II of Macedon, as well as unique churches - St. Nedelya, St. Dimitar and St. Marina(1854). Plovdiv Archaeological Museum considered one of the best in the country, the Ethnographic Museum in the Koyumcoglu house with an excellent collection of national costumes, the art gallery in the Baklanov House and the Museum of National Revival are also good.

The center of Varna is considered Cathedral of the Holy Assumption of the Virgin("Cathedral", 1880 - 1910), famous for its frescoes and unique wood carvings in the design of the patriarchal throne and iconostases. Museum of History and Art (Archaeological) is located on an area of ​​2000 square meters. m. in the beautiful building of the former Maiden's Gymnasium, and is considered the largest museum in the city. Its unique exposition contains more than 55 thousand exhibits, from the early Paleolithic to the late Middle Ages, including a unique gold collection of the 5th - 6th millennium BC. e.

The city of Nessebar is famous for its many small churches, among which the most attractive Church of St. Stephen(XI century) and famous for its miraculous icon Church of the Holy Virgin, as well as a charming old mill, narrow cobbled streets, gentle sea, quaint white cliffs and wide sandy beaches fringed by sand dunes.

Resorts

Beach resorts: Rusalka, Albena, Kranevo, Zlatni Piasytsi, Riviera, Slynchev Den, Sveti Konstantin and Elena, Obzor, Slynchev Bryag, Dyuni. The fourth largest Bulgarian city Burgas is located in the southeastern part of the country, on the shores of the deep Foros Bay. The climate here is temperate continental with a strong influence of the sea. Burgas is a large industrial center. This is, rather, not a beach area, but a key point on the way to large seaside resorts like Slynchev Bryaga - it is at Burgas Airport that many international flights land.

Stunning ancient city Nessebar located 20 km north of Burgas, on a narrow peninsula, far out into the sea. South of the modern quarters, in the southern part of the bay, there are two good beach areas.

small town Pomorie is located on a narrow rocky peninsula jutting out into the sea for 3.5 km, 20 km northeast of Burgas. Pomorie was founded by Greek colonists in the 4th century BC. e., and already in those days was famous for its salt lakes, many of which had the status of sacred. Now the city is famous for the production of excellent cognacs and wines, the extraction of sea salt and healing mud. Here is one of the largest and most modern wine cellars in Bulgaria, as well as a domed Thracian tomb (3rd century) and the monastery of St. George (1856). Vacationers come here for the amazing beauty of the views and the unique microclimate. The beaches are gentle, sandy, stretching along the sea for 4.2 km.

City Varna located on the northern shore of the Varna Bay and is a popular seaside resort. This is the third most populated city in Bulgaria (after Sofia and Plovdiv), considered the sea capital of the country and famous for its extensive sandy beaches. In July-August, the number of sunny hours per day here reaches 10-11. The sea is surprisingly calm and safe at any time of the year.

Ski resorts: Vitosha-Aleko; Pirin, Kulinoto, Dobrinishte, Bansko; Rila, Semkovo, Panichishte, Malyovitsa, Borovets; Rhodopi, Chepelare, Pamporovo; Uzana. Complex Vitosha-Aleko is located on the southern outskirts of Sofia and is one of the highest ski resorts in the country. More than 29 km of slopes at altitudes of 1650-2290 m are served by 12 ski lifts. For cross-country skiing, 11 km of flat skiing has been prepared. The disadvantages include quite often and dramatically changing weather.

To the mountain complex Pirin(Pirin), declared by UNESCO a natural and cultural heritage reserve, includes 87 steep peaks and 150 lakes, as well as an ancient town Bansko, lying about 160 km from Sofia, at an altitude of 930 meters above sea level.

The largest and oldest ski resort in Bulgaria Borovets located at an altitude of 1350 m above sea level on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountain, at the foot of the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula, Musala (Moussala, 2925 m). The duration of the ski season here is from December to April. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is +4°C.

The most famous is the southernmost ski center in Bulgaria - the resort Pamporovo(260 km from Sofia, 80 km from Plovdiv), on the lands of which, according to myths, the legendary singer Orpheus lived. Pamporovo is located in the Rhodope Mountains. Height above sea level - 1650 m. The most famous peaks: Snezhanka (Snejanka, 1925 m) and Murgavets (Mourgavets, 1858 m). Hot springs gushing out of the ground gave rise to the opening of several balneological centers in Pamporovo. The temperature in winter does not fall below -7 C. The number of "snowy" days per year is 150-200, the thickness of the snow cover is 140-150 cm.

Uzana- this is a real discovery, a beautiful gem in the mountain crown of the Balkans. Located among centuries-old oak forests at an altitude of 1300 m, the resort is part of the natural park "Bulgarka". The season here runs from mid-December to early April. The total length of the tracks is 3 km. The professional (and longest) run here is 1300 m. Beginners ski on eight shorter runs. You can also go kite surfing and ride a motorized sled. The famous town of Gabrovo is located 22 km from the resort.

Balneological resorts: Hisarya, Sandanski, Devin, Velingrad, Byanka, Troyan, Kyustendil.

Resort Hisarya located at an altitude of 360 meters in the Sredna Gora mountain range, 42 km north of Plovdiv and 140 km east of Sofia. There are 22 mineral springs with water temperatures ranging from 37°C to 52°C. Winters are warm, mild and almost snowless. The sun shines 280 days a year. Industrial production in these places is not developed, so the environment is close to ideal.

Resort Devin located in the Rhodope Mountains, at an altitude of 684 meters, 220 km from Sofia, 100 km from Plovdiv and 45 km from Smolyan. There are about 285 sunny days a year in the mountains. In winter, the temperature drops to zero and snow falls, but the environment is usually comfortable. It is almost never hot in summer. There are many natural attractions in these parts: various waterfalls, caves, rocks and nature reserves. The Pamporovo ski resort is very close by.

Resort sandanski located in the Pirin Mountains, 160 km from Sofia and 80 km from Blagoevgrad. Sandanski is surrounded by the Pirin National Park and the ruins of ancient settlements. The resort is famous for its mineral springs (their temperature is from 33°C to 83°C) combined with wonderful healing mountain air. Bronchial and asthmatic diseases are cured in Sandanski in the majority of patients. You can relax here at any time of the year, as winters are mild and summers are not hot.

In the region Trojan, located 160 km from Sofia and 300 km from the Black Sea, there are two centers of balneology - Shipkovo and Chiflik. These places are famous for centuries-old forests, crystal clear air and mineral springs. Especially popular here are outdoor pools with mineral water, the temperature of which is about 34°C. The spa centers offer Jacuzzis, saunas, massages, aromatherapy and thalassotherapy to clients.

The current Bulgarian legislation provides for the following types of commercial enterprises.
1. Collective society (collective friendship - SD);
2. Command partnership (Command partnership - KD);
3. Limited Liability Company (Friendship with Limited Excuses - OOD);
4. Joint-stock company (Joint-Stock Friendship - AD);
5. Command partnership with shares (Command partnership with shares - KDA);
6. Private entrepreneur (Single trader - ET).

All of them, with the exception of ET, are legal entities. Their founders may be Bulgarian or foreign individuals and legal entities. All companies must be entered in the commercial register by decision of the district court at the location of the company (for Sofia - in the Sofia City Court). The decision of the court must be published in the official state newspaper "Darzhaven Vestnik".

In terms of taxation, all enterprises are equal. It is also mandatory to register with the tax service, the statistical office and the pension fund.

COLLECTIVE SOCIETY(Subiratelno friendship - SD). The SD is a typical representative of personal societies, which, as a rule, are created by co-founders who know each other well. In personal societies, the members of the firm are united by personal labor. Their number must be at least two, they bear joint and several liability for the obligations of the company, including liability with personal property (without non-sequesterable property - housing, labor remuneration, etc.). The relationship between the founders is determined by the constituent agreement. They are obliged to personally participate in the activities of the SD. The minimum authorized capital of the company is not defined by law, therefore this form is suitable for persons with small funds and when the company's activities do not involve the assumption of large obligations. Each co-founder has the right to manage the company. But without the consent of the other co-founders, he cannot participate in other companies or enter into transactions related to the subject of activity of this company.

LIMITED COMPANY(Team friendship - CD). Unlike the Board of Directors, in this company one or more co-founders bear joint and several and unlimited liability for the obligations of the company, and the rest - only in the amount of the agreed contribution to the authorized capital. The company is managed and represented by an unlimitedly responsible co-founder. Limitedly liable co-founders do not have the right to manage the enterprise and to suspend decisions taken by unlimitedly liable co-founders. Otherwise, the CD corresponds to the SD.

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY(Friendship with Limited Excuses - OOD). The most suitable form of activity for small and medium-sized capital. It combines elements of personal and capital companies, but is ranked among the latter due to the fact that the minimum amount of the authorized capital is limited - 5000 levs. OODs have become widespread in Bulgaria due to the benefits they provide.
Unlike the Board of Directors, OOD does not require the personal participation of co-founders in the activities of the company, and they risk only the amounts contributed to the authorized capital. At the same time, OOD differs from a joint-stock company (another form of capital company) by a simplified registration procedure, less publicity of the results of its activities and a small amount of the minimum authorized capital.

By the time of filing documents for registration, at least 70% of the total amount must be paid into the authorized capital of the company, the rest - within one year. The share of one co-founder in the authorized capital cannot be less than 10 levs. The number of founders is unlimited. One or more co-founders or a specially appointed person who is not a founder is allowed to manage and represent the company. There are no restrictions on the number of participants, and there are no restrictions on the participation of foreign capital.

The number of founders can be changed even after the registration of the company, i.e. founders can be withdrawn from the firm or new ones introduced. All changes in the constituent documents must be registered in court. The founder of the OOD can be an individual or a legal entity. In this case, it will be referred to as "Private LLC" (Solely friendship with limited excuses - EOOD). The founder of the EOOD can personally manage and represent the company or appoint another person. Otherwise, EOOD corresponds to OOD.

All founders of the LLC must participate in the general meeting of founders, the frequency of which, according to Bulgarian law, is at least once a year, starting from the date of registration of the company in Bulgaria. The powers of the general meeting of founders extend to:
- adoption of the charter and amendments to it;
- approval of the annual financial report;
- Appointment of the General Director;
- distribution of profit after taxes, after changes in the authorized capital.

The company is managed by the General Director, appointed by the decision of the general meeting of founders, initially - as part of the procedure for registering a company in Bulgaria. The CEO has the right to represent the interests of the company based on the provisions of its articles of association. At the same time, the registration of a company in Bulgaria requires the registration of the name of the General Director in the Commercial Register.

The main advantages that registration of a company in Bulgaria in the form of an LLC can give:
- the minimum possible amount of authorized capital;
- before starting the registration of a company in Bulgaria, only 70% of the authorized capital is required to be paid;
- an audit is mandatory only if there are special requirements related to the type of company's activity (banking, insurance, etc.);
- there is no need to form and maintain reserve funds both at the time of registration of a company in Bulgaria and subsequently;
- limited liability of founders.

JOINT-STOCK COMPANY(Joint-stock friendship - AD). AD is a typical capital society in which the participants are united only by capital. The authorized capital is divided into equal parts (shares). The shareholder participates in the company solely through his shares: he is not obliged to make any personal efforts. In addition, at any time he can sell his shares. The minimum capital of AD must be BGN 50,000. (according to the nominal value of shares), in case of formation of a company through subscription - 100,000 levs. Shares must be registered with the Central Depository. AD is managed by the general meeting and the board of directors (board of directors).

LIMITED COMPANY WITH SHARES(Team friendship with the action - KDA). The KDA is formed by an agreement between limitedly liable and unlimitedly liable founders. There must be at least three limitedly liable co-founders and they are issued shares in the amount of their contributions to the authorized capital. The founders of the company are unlimitedly responsible co-founders, they also convene the constituent assembly. In the general meeting, only limitedly responsible co-founders have the right to vote, the board of directors also consists only of them. In all other respects, the KDA corresponds to a joint-stock company.

SELF EMPLOYED(The sole trader - ET). ET is an individual. Established by a Bulgarian citizen or a foreigner who has permanent residence status in Bulgaria. One person can register as ET only one firm. The minimum authorized capital of the company is not defined by law. The founder is responsible for the obligations of the company and is liable with his personal property. ET participates with the same property in both civil and commercial transactions. ET is recommended for individuals at the beginning of their business activities and when the activities of the company do not involve the assumption of large obligations. The name of the company must contain without abbreviation the name and surname of the founder.

List of documents of the parent company opening a representative office in the Republic of Bulgaria.
- Charter of the company - a copy;
- Memorandum of association of the company - a copy;
- Actual certificate of the tax service - a notarized copy;
- Registration certificate of the company (notarized);
- Statistics - copy;
- Minutes of the founders' meeting (on the opening of a representative office in the Republic of Bulgaria);
- Order of the director of the company on the appointment of a "director by law" of the representative office (with passport data);
- A copy of a valid international passport of the future "Director of Law";
- A power of attorney (notarized) from the director of the company to an authorized person in Bulgaria who will carry out activities on the territory of Bulgaria;
- A power of attorney from the future "director of law" of the representative office in Bulgaria to carry out actions for hiring an office, housing, etc.
Prepared and duly certified documents should be sent by express mail (DHL, EMS, FEDEX or similar).
After receiving all the documents and their translation into Bulgarian, the company's representative office in Bulgaria is registered. The term - minimum 30 days, maximum 60 days - depends on the terms of issuing the company's plastic card in BULSTAT.

Company registration costs. This whole sequence of operations, as a rule, takes about 1 month.

It is important to note that immediately after receiving the court decision, the countdown begins for registrations in subsequent State. Organizations. Missing the deadlines threatens with fines from 50 to 500 levs.

Registration costs for foreigners, as a rule, in the amount of 800 euros. When foreigners purchase expensive real estate (worth more than 100,000 Euros), intermediary firms interested in selling often offer free services to create a legal entity. The procedure for registering a company can take about 1 month.

Bulgaria(Bulgaria) - a state in the southeastern part of Europe, located on the Balkan Peninsula. Republic of Bulgaria- a hospitable country that hosts tourists around. The country is distinguished by affordable recreation (compared to other European countries), while demonstrating first-class service in all its manifestations. Bulgaria- these are ski resorts with slopes of different difficulty levels, these are the golden sands of the Black Sea coast, this is wonderful nature and medical resorts.

Bulgaria is a country golden sands»

1. Capital

Capital of Bulgaria- ancient city Sofia(Sofia City), whose history spans more than one thousand years. The capital inherited its name from the main attraction - the cathedral Hagia Sophia. Sofia is located in the western part Bulgaria, at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. Sofia- these are monuments of history and architecture, magnificent mountain nature and green city parks, large shopping and entertainment centers and hotels, ski resorts and mineral springs.

2. Flag

Flag of Bulgaria (Flag of Bulgaria) - a rectangular panel with an aspect ratio of 2: 3, consisting of three horizontal, equal in width stripes: white (top), green (intermediate) and red (bottom). The white stripe is the personification of peace and freedom; green strip natural wealth Bulgaria, and green is also considered the traditional color of Bulgarian kings; the red stripe is the blood of the Bulgarians shed in the battles for state independence.

3. Coat of arms

Coat of arms of Bulgaria (Coat of arms of Bulgaria) is a garnet-colored shield depicting a lion standing on its hind legs, which is held by two golden shield-bearing lions. The shield is located on oak branches. At the top of the composition there is a large crown of the Bulgarian kings, and at the bottom there is a ribbon with the national the motto of Bulgaria « Unity gives strength » (« Unionto rule silat»).

The lion is a symbol of courage and courage; three lions - three historical regions of the state: Moesia, Thrace and Macedonia; the pomegranate color of the shield is the blood of patriots shed in the battles for state independence; golden color is a symbol of wealth and abundance; the crown is a symbol of history; oak branches are a symbol of perseverance, and their green color is a symbol of fertility.

4. Anthem

listen to the anthem of Bulgaria

5. Currency

Official Bulgarian currency — Bulgarian lev, equal to 100 stotinki (letter designation BGN, code 975). The name lev, the currency received from the Dutch coin "leeuwendaalder", which depicted a lion. In circulation there are coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 stotinki and 1 lev, as well as banknotes in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 leva. The exchange rate of the Bulgarian currency to the ruble or any other currency can be viewed on the currency converter below:

The appearance of the coins of Bulgaria

The appearance of the banknotes of Bulgaria

6. Bulgaria on the world map

Bulgaria- a state in the southeastern part of Europe, located on the Balkan Peninsula, on the Black Sea coast, square which is 110,910 km² . Bulgaria borders: in the north - with Romania, in the south - with Turkey and Greece, in the west - with Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia, in the east it is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. Across the sea Bulgaria has connections with Russia, Ukraine and Georgia.

There are three geographical regions in the country: the first is the Danube Plain; the second is a mountain range consisting of the Balkan and Rhodope systems; the third is the Southeast Plain. The main river of the country is the Danube, which forms a natural border between Bulgaria and Romania.

7. How to get to Bulgaria?

8. What is worth seeing in Bulgaria?

- these are monasteries and churches, historical monuments and museums, national parks and reserves, hot springs and ski resorts, beautiful beaches and invigorating water parks.

And here is a small list of attractions which you should pay attention to when planning excursions to Bulgaria:

  • Aqua Planet water park in Primorsko
  • The ancient fortress of Serdika
  • Bachkovo Monastery
  • Varna Archaeological Museum
  • rose valley
  • Dragalev Monastery
  • Evksinograd
  • Stone forest in Varna
  • Banya-Bashi Mosque
  • Monastery Aladzha
  • National Art Gallery of Bulgaria
  • Saint Anastasia Island
  • Borisov Gradina Park
  • Rila Monastery
  • Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin in Varna
  • Thracian tomb in Kazanlak
  • Temple - a monument to St. Alexander Nevsky in Sofia
  • Weird rocks

9. The largest cities in Bulgaria

List of ten largest cities in Bulgaria
  • Sofia (capital of Bulgaria) - (Sofia the capital of Bulgaria)
  • Plovdiv (Plovdiv)
  • Varna
  • Burgas
  • Rousse
  • Stara Zagora
  • Pleven
  • Sliven
  • Dobrich
  • Pernik

10. Climate

The climate of Bulgaria in most of the territory - temperate continental, with a fairly clear division of the four seasons. Mediterranean climate prevails in the southern part of the country and in the coastal regions. The average summer temperature is +19°С +26°С, and in the hottest month - July, it can reach +30°С. The water remains warm until the end of September. The average winter temperature is -1°С + 1°С, and in mountainous areas it can drop to -14°С - 16°С. The average amount of precipitation per year is 900 - 1000 mm in the highlands and 650 - 700 mm in the plains.

11. Population

Makes up 7,070,039 people (as of February 2017), of which 82% are Bulgarians, 9.5% are Turks, 4.6% are Roma, 0.3% are Russians. Also Armenians, Romanians, Ukrainians, Greeks and Jews live in the country. The average life expectancy of the local population is: men - 68 years, women - 75 years.

12. Language

State Bulgarian language – Bulgarian , it is spoken by 82% of the total population of the country. Quite common are: Turkish - 9.5%, Gypsy - 4.6% and Russian - 0.3%. Less common: Armenian, Romanian, Greek, Ukrainian, Macedonian, Tatar, Arabic and Hebrew.

13. Religion

Religion in Bulgaria. The country's constitution provides freedom of religion. Of the entire population of the country, 82% consider themselves to be believers. Of these, 85.2% are Orthodox Christians, 12.5% ​​are Muslims, 1.1% are Catholics, 0.5% are Protestants and a small part of other world religions.

14. Holidays

National holidays in Bulgaria:
  • January 1 - New Year's Eve January 6 - Epiphany
  • January 7 - Midsummer Day (in honor of John the Baptist)
  • February 14 - Valentine's Day (Valentine's Day)
  • March 3 - Day of the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman slavery
  • movable date in April - May - Orthodox Easter ("Velikden")
  • May 1 - Labor Day
  • May 6 - Day of St. George the Victorious (Day of the Armed Forces of Bulgaria)
  • May 24 - Day of Slavic Literature and Culture
  • June 1 - International Children's Day
  • August 15 - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • September 6 is the Day of the Unification of Bulgaria.
  • September 22 - Independence Day
  • December 6 - Constitution Day
  • December 24 - Christmas Eve
  • December 25 - Christmas

15. Souvenirs

Here is a small list most common souvenirs which tourists usually bring from Bulgaria:

  • fragrant spices
  • Bulgarian wines
  • wallets in the form of various animals, fruits or vegetables
  • copper coffee pots
  • natural cosmetic
  • bee products
  • crafts made of wood and ceramics
  • textile
  • jewelry and silver and gold

16. "No nail, no wand" or customs regulations

They do not restrict the import and export of currency, however, the amount over $10.000 or 7.000€ must be declared. When importing, jewelry, photo and video equipment are also declared, which in the future must be exported from the country.

Allowed:

Persons over the age of 17 may bring: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 gr. tobacco, 1 liter of spirits (more than 22%), 2 liters of alcohol less than 22%, not more than 500 gr. coffee or 200 gr. coffee extract, 100 gr. tea or 40 gr. tea extract. As well as other goods for personal use in the amount of 175 euros per person.

Forbidden:

To Bulgaria the import of meat and dairy products (including sausages and chocolates) is prohibited. An exception is baby food and special food for people with various diseases, however, in these cases, the products must be well packaged and their weight should not exceed 2 kg. If meat and dairy products are found, they will be confiscated, and a fine will be charged from the person who carried them.
To Bulgaria the import of drugs, weapons, ammunition, explosives, potent psychotropic or poisonous substances, rare and protected animals and plants is prohibited. As well as items of historical, artistic or other value.

Plants and animals:

All animals, plants, and products of plant origin must be presented to the quarantine service. Import and export of pets is allowed only if there is a certificate of vaccination against rabies, made no earlier than 12 months and no later than 30 days before the date of entry to Bulgaria. You must also have a medical certificate for a pet, received at least 5 days before entering the country.

17. Voltage in the electrical network of Bulgaria

Mains voltage: 230 IN, at a frequency of 50 Hz. socket type: Type C, F.

18. Telephone code and domain name Bulgaria

Phone country code: +359
First level geographic domain name: .bg

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The variety of climatic conditions and geographic zones has made Bulgaria one of the best places for recreation. On a relatively small territory of the state, you can find more than 50 resorts, while the tourism business in the country continues to develop rapidly.

Summer holidays in Bulgaria

The length of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is about 415 km, of which 130 are beaches inviting with warm sand. All-inclusive holiday lovers should consider the following resorts: Albena, Golden Sands, Sunny Day, Sunny Beach, St. Constantine and Elena, Elenite, Nessebar, Riviera, Sozopol, Dyuni (for connoisseurs of windsurfing and other outdoor activities), Obzor , Mermaid.

For those who prefer an economical and relaxing family vacation, spending time in Kranevo, Pomorie, Chaika and Byala is perfect. And for connoisseurs of "wild" and contrasting holidays, Bulgaria has prepared two small resort towns - Balchik and Primorsko, where the mountains descend directly to the sea. It is worth taking into account that you will have to look for equipped beaches here, and housing is mainly represented by three-star hotels, but for little money.

Winter holidays in Bulgaria

The presence in the country of two mountain ranges at once - Pirin and Rilla-Rhodope - determines a wide selection of ski resorts for every taste. The average length of the season is about 120 days, from December to April. There is quite enough snow in the mountains of Bulgaria - the average thickness of the cover is 1-2 m. And mild and relatively warm winters (the average temperature in winter in the mountainous regions does not exceed 9 degrees below zero) provide a comfortable stay and the possibility of a long stay in the fresh air.

The main ski resorts near Sofia - Vitosha and Borovets - allow you to fully enjoy all the delights of a holiday in the mountains: modern lifts, steep and not very steep slopes, breathtaking landscapes. Travelers visiting Plovdiv can go sledding or skiing in Pamporovo, Banya or Chepelare. Also in demand among experienced tourists are such resorts as Semkovo and Razlog.

Wellness holidays in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is famous for its hot (thermal) mineral springs, appreciated by the most ancient inhabitants of Europe. In combination with clean air - mountain or sea, water spouting from underground can not only have a healing and preventive effect, but is also an excellent addition to the treatment of many diseases.

Bulgarian sources have the maximum healing effect on the musculoskeletal system. You can improve your health in any sanatorium in the country, but Chiflik, Hisar, Troyan, Devin, Kyustendil, Pavel Banya, Vyrshets are recognized as the best.

Holidays in Bulgaria

Tourists are popular with the Surva International Festival (Survaki), held annually in the city of Pernik, near Sofia, on the last Saturday and Sunday of January. Surva is a variety of fairs, theatrical performances, folk games and festivities, ending with a crowded costumed parade. In recent years, this event is rapidly gaining popularity not only among European tourists: more than 6,000 guests from all over the world come to take part in traditional ceremonies.

In the small town of Yambol, in late February and early March, an annual colorful festival with a masquerade procession takes place - Kukerlandia. It is believed that reincarnations in images of evil spirits scare away evil spirits. Whether this is true or not is unknown, but an unforgettable experience for tourists is guaranteed.

The arrival of spring in Bulgaria is celebrated noisily and cheerfully. Interesting folk traditions are dedicated to this event: on March 1, as a sign of good wishes and protection from misfortunes, everyone ties symbolic red and white ribbons - martenitsa - to each other.

Rich in all sorts of cultural events and May. From the 8th to the 13th, the largest fair in the country is organized annually in Plovdiv, which attracts craftsmen from all over the country. On May 18, Bulgaria celebrates the International Day of Museums, in honor of which the doors of the exhibition halls are open for visitors all day long. Numerous theatrical performances and open-air concerts are also organized as part of the event. The last week of May is famous for the beginning of the Rose Festival (every year the dates of its holding change slightly), which is held in the city of Kazanlak in even years, and in Karlovo in odd years.

Along with the careful preservation of traditions, the Bulgarians are open to everything new. So, on July 1, Julai is noisily celebrated on the Black Sea coast - a holiday that arose in the 80s of the 20th century thanks to the hippie movement and was named after the song "July morning", which was performed by the then popular group Uriah Heep. Julai is celebrated with dancing, fun games, and, of course, endless listening to your favorite song.

The Day of the Bulgarian Navy (the second Sunday of August) is celebrated in all seaside towns, accompanied by ship parades and a solemn oath of allegiance to the motherland by sailors. The entire previous week, which is called "Marine", is full of concerts, performances and other festive events.

On September 1, the city of Sozopol becomes the center of cultural life in Bulgaria, in which Apollonia starts that day. All 10 days of the international festival are accompanied by art exhibitions, performances by musicians of various genres, dance competitions and literary evenings.

National cuisine of Bulgaria

Bulgarians have a fondness for a variety of meats, vegetables and herbs, and among their favorite cooking methods are long boils and stews. You need to be prepared for the fact that the traditional dishes of this cuisine are spicy and quite fatty. Those who want to get to know the local culinary traditions better should definitely taste:

  • gyuvech - meat stewed with vegetables in a clay pot;
  • meat or fish cooked on a skar (Bulgarian grill);
  • sach - fried platter of meat, vegetables or a combination thereof;
  • chorbu - rich, thick soups from different ingredients.

Bulgarian national fermented milk products deserve special attention - brynza (sirene) and, in fact, sour milk (sour milk). Cheese is added to almost all dishes of national cuisine, especially salads, stewed or baked vegetables, meat and fish. Kiselo Mlyako is a dressing for salads, a base for sauces or an independent drink, a glass of which will come in handy more than ever after a day full of impressions.

Bulgaria is a country of vineyards, so you can taste local wine in any restaurant. Also, in almost any such institution, you can try rakia - fruit vodka based on apples, grapes, apricots or peaches, or mastic - aniseed vodka.

Money of the Republic of Bulgaria

The official currency of the state is the Bulgarian lev (BNG), consisting of 100 stotinki - an analogue of our kopecks. Within the framework of the Currency Council, lev quotes are inextricably linked to the euro exchange rate (1 € = 1.95 BNG), which minimizes possible speculation at exchange offices. In mid-February 2016, 1 Bulgarian lev cost about 44 rubles, but the exchange rate will have to be clarified before traveling to the country. In everyday life, in addition to the lev, American dollars and euros are also often found, but they are not accepted everywhere, so a reasonable tourist should always have some national banknotes with him. Cashless payments are widespread only in large cities, which again indicates the need to always have cash with you.

Currency exchange is best done at the United Bank of Bulgaria and other official points, but in no case should you use the services of money changers, as there is a very high probability of being deceived. Rubles are not accepted at all points, so the best option is to stock up in advance with the necessary minimum of levs or euros. At the same time, it is not worth exchanging too much money, because Bulgarian banks are problematic to change levs back to dollars, this can only be done with a limited amount when leaving the country, moreover, at an unfavorable rate.

Paperwork

Applying for a visit to Bulgaria is a simple matter and, in comparison with other EU states, inexpensive. Free entry into the country is allowed for multiple Schengen holders or those who have a national visa to Romania or Cyprus. If there are none, you will have to collect a simple package of papers and spend from 3 (urgent) to 7 (regular) days to apply for a national visa to Bulgaria. Independent processing of documents through the consulate in Moscow until recently cost about 55 €, of which 35 € is a consular fee, about 20 € is a service fee, but from January 1, 2016, the consular fee has been reduced to 10 €. Children under 16 years of age receive a visa free of charge.

A detailed list of documents and the cost of their execution can be found on the official website of the Bulgarian Embassy in Moscow www.mfa.bg or by contacting the consulate by phone +7 499 143 62 30 (Monday-Friday from 15.00 to 17.00). Also, when processing entry documents, you can use the help of travel agencies.

Accommodation in Bulgaria

A wide selection of good cheap hotels has long been one of the main advantages of Bulgaria in the field of tourism. Bargain hunters don't have to look far for a room at a low price, while lovers of a more comfortable stay will not be disappointed either: first-class hotels in cities and beach resorts offer no less amenities than in any other country in the world.

When planning a trip to Bulgaria or any other country, it is important to take care of accommodation in advance. You can try to independently rent a room or apartment directly from the owners. But you should think about it in advance, at least a couple of months before the planned trip: Bulgaria has a crazy demand for housing, especially during the season. The choice of hotels is wide in almost all cities of the country: for every taste and budget.

In general, this is one of the cheapest tourist countries in Europe. A double room in hotels in small resort towns, such as Kranevo or Pomorie, will cost an average of 30 leva per day (about 15 euros). Accommodation in hotels of more popular resorts depends on the number of stars, for example, a double room in 4-star hotels will cost about 200 leva per day. The price of a detached house on the seashore ranges from 60-80 leva. When looking for accommodation in Bulgaria, you can use the services of trusted travel companies or our website, this will help you avoid scammers and guarantee acceptable living conditions.

Camping in Bulgaria is not the best choice, as nowhere but the Black Sea coast there are real facilities for campers in this way. Contact the Bulgarian Tourist Office in Sofia (tel.: 02-987-97-78) for more information. "Wild" camping is illegal.

Hostel

In Bulgaria, there are many good cheap youth-type hotels with shared bedrooms for about 20 leva per night or even less. The best of them are busy during the high season, so advance booking is recommended.

Transport

Public transport is represented by buses, trolleybuses, trams and the only metro line in the country, located in Sofia. Transport does not run around the clock, so the schedule must be clarified immediately before traveling to Bulgaria. Travel documents are sold at stops, at newsstands or directly from the driver. It is important not to forget to compost the tickets, otherwise you can get caught by the controller and then you will have to pay a fine of 1 lev.

If you have an international driver's license, you can rent a car. It will cost about 30-60 leva per day, but you should take into account that the roads in the country's provincial towns leave much to be desired.

Taxi

Bulgarian taxi drivers once had a reputation for real robbers. Now, thanks to legislation, all cars are metered and drivers (at least in Sofia) are required to issue checks. This does not mean that tourists are never "bred" for extra money; this happens sometimes. But if you keep your cool and always use a taxi with the name of the company (“Yellow Taxi”, tel.: 02-911-19; “Euro Taxi”, tel.: 02-910-33; “Sofia Taxi”, tel.: 02- 974-47-47; OK Supertrans, tel.: 02-973-21-21 in Sofia), the trips will be amazingly cheap. Don't expect the drivers to speak English, but you can ask the concierge at the hotel or the waiter at the restaurant to call a taxi for you.

The railway network is well developed, tickets are cheap, and trains run on time, albeit rather slowly. Even express trains with optimistic names InterCity and Expres do not live up to expectations. The fastest of the five daily trains from Sofia to Varna takes eight and a half hours. If you want to make train trips, it is better to do it at night in an inexpensive sleeping car (spalen). Purchasing tickets can be a time consuming process: don't expect help from the cashiers. It is best to buy tickets at the Wasteels office, to the left of the entrance to Sofiyskiy railway station.

Bus and taxi

Bulgaria has developed intercity bus service, which is indispensable in small mountain villages and towns remote from busy highways. Traveling by this type of transport will cost a tourist an average of 9 leva per 100 km. A convenient way to get around is a taxi, which in Bulgaria is easily recognizable by the yellow color of cars and the characteristic checker.

After spending an unforgettable vacation, you always want to please your loved ones with cute gifts and take something for yourself as a memory of a pleasant vacation. Fortunately, the choice of souvenirs in Bulgaria is very large.

With presents for the beautiful half of humanity, things are as easy as shelling pears - be sure to purchase natural Bulgarian cosmetics based on rose extracts. All kinds of creams, lotions, soaps, shampoos and much more can be found not only in the vicinity of the Rose Valley, but throughout the country. Elegantly packaged, these gifts will appeal to every woman.

Men, most likely, will appreciate souvenir alcohol: brandy, cognac or wine, infused according to the best traditional recipes, will allow you to touch the national spirit of this people.

Rose jam is a delicious souvenir from Bulgaria, sold in almost any grocery store. The characteristic pleasant taste will remind you of this hospitable country for a long time.

Sharena sol is a favorite seasoning of the Bulgarians, which is salt mixed with spices. It goes well with any dishes, has an unusual and aesthetic appearance.

Tablecloths, napkins, small rugs woven from the finest sheep's wool and decorated with ethnic embroidery are an excellent gift that can add zest to the interior. But for such souvenirs, you will most likely have to go to small villages at the foot of the mountains.

Handmade wooden and ceramic dishes with ornate patterns will appeal to any housewife, while thick-walled earthenware pots are suitable for preparing stews of meat and vegetables - perhaps even according to recipes from the Bulgarian cuisine.

Also in Bulgaria, at almost every step you can buy classic souvenirs: magnets, key rings, T-shirts, small figurines, etc. The only advice for tourists is to try not to postpone the purchase of gifts until the last day: at airports and train stations, their cost is significantly overpriced, and the choice is limited.

The customs service of Bulgaria is quite loyal, so there are no significant restrictions on the export of goods, except for the standard ban for all countries on the transport of weapons, illegal drugs or flammable substances, as well as items of historical value.

Cloth

Bulgarians have little prejudice about clothing, but note that local women cover their heads when they enter a church or cathedral, although foreigners are not required to do the same. If you are invited to a Bulgarian home, you must take off your shoes or at least offer to do so.

Bicycles for rent

Cycling is not popular in Bulgaria and there are almost no cyclists in the cities. In ski resorts such as Vitosha, Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets, mountain bikes can be rented from large hotels for about BGN 20 per day, leaving a credit card as a deposit. Large hotels on the Black Sea coast also offer bicycles for rent.

Car rental

In order to see the best in Bulgaria, it is recommended to rent a car for one or two days, but this is relatively expensive: prices start at about 120 leva per day. However, gasoline is cheap. All major car rental companies have offices throughout the country, including Varna and Sofia airports, and you can rent a car at most major hotels. Roads are generally in poor condition and nighttime travel can be dangerous.

Another possibility is to rent a car with a driver. To do this, it is better to approach a taxi driver in a big city, ask if he is free, and then agree on a price. You are unlikely to be refused, and you can find a common language for about 100 leva per day, plus the cost of gasoline, food and accommodation.

Driving

In Bulgaria, right-hand traffic, although in rural areas such rules are at best overlooked. If you brought a car to Bulgaria, you need to have a driver's license and proof of international insurance coverage (green card) with you.

Those who have forgotten to do this can buy insurance at the border. Your passport will be stamped confirming that you arrived by car. If you try to leave the country in any other way, you will have to explain what happened to the car.

Getting around in big cities is no worse or better than in most other countries, but outside of cities, things are different. There are only two real motorways in Bulgaria: Sofia - Plovdiv (partly) and Sofia - Pravets, and both have tolls. Other roads between cities are mostly two- or one-lane. Roads are generally poorly signposted, so stock up on a detailed map or navigator. The road surface is uneven and there is not much lighting everywhere, so be careful at night. As you drive through villages, beware of random gypsy carts and unattended animals. The speed limit is 60 km/h in cities, 80 km/h on open roads and 120 km/h on motorways, although Bulgarians pay little attention to this.

Information for the disabled

Bulgaria is making huge strides towards comfortably accommodating travelers with disabilities, but getting around remains difficult. Sofia is ahead of the curve: there are simple wheelchair ramps in many public squares, museums and other places of interest, as well as metro stations. There are many hotels on the Black Sea coast where disabled tourists can be taken care of. In mountain resorts and in other cities, things are more complicated.

Health and medical care

brief information

Once upon a time, small Bulgaria was called "Balkan Prussia", and this was an apt definition. However, those times are already completely forgotten, and now Bulgaria is a hospitable Balkan country, where more than 3.5 million tourists come annually to relax on the Black Sea coast or go skiing in the Rhodope and Rila mountains.

Geography

Bulgaria is located on the Balkan Peninsula, in the north it borders on Romania (the border runs along the Danube River), in the west - with Serbia and ancient Macedonia, in the south - with Greece and Turkey, and in the east it is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The total length of this country is more than 110 sq. km. km.

Almost half of the territory of Bulgaria is occupied by mountains. The most beautiful of the mountain ranges is Pirin, and the highest mountain in Bulgaria is Musala (its height is 2,925 meters).

Capital

The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia, which now has a population of over 1.4 million people. The history of Sofia begins around the 8th century BC. e. - Then there was a large Thracian city on this territory.

Official language

The official language of Bulgaria is Bulgarian, which, according to linguists, belongs to the southern subgroup of Slavic languages. The Bulgarian language began to take shape during the time of the Slavic enlighteners Cyril and Methodius (IX century).

Religion

About 76% of the population of Bulgaria are Orthodox (Greek Catholic Church). Another 10% of the population professes Islam, its Sunni branch. Approximately 2% of Bulgarians are Catholics and Protestants.

State structure

Bulgaria is a parliamentary democratic republic, its constitution was adopted on July 12, 1991. At the moment, Bulgaria consists of 28 provinces, including the capital region of Sofia.

The head of state is the President, who is elected by direct universal suffrage. He has the right to veto legislative initiatives of the National Assembly.

The Parliament of Bulgaria is a unicameral National Assembly with 240 members.

Climate and weather

The climate in Bulgaria is temperate continental, cold, wet, snowy winters alternate with dry, hot summers. In general, Bulgaria is a very sunny country. The average temperature in April-September is + 23 C, and the average annual temperature is + 10.5 C. On the Black Sea coast, the climate is maritime, the average temperature in July is from +19C to +30C.

The best month for skiing in Bulgaria is January.

Sea in Bulgaria

Bulgaria in the east is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The length of the coastline is 354 km. On the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, the first settlements appeared in the 5th century BC.

From the end of May to the end of September, the average temperature of the Black Sea near the Bulgarian coast is +25C.

Rivers and lakes

There are quite a few rivers in Bulgaria, the largest of them are the Danube, Maritsa, Tundzha, Iskar and Yantra. However, only the Danube is the only navigable river in Bulgaria (but navigation is still carried out along other Bulgarian rivers).

History of Bulgaria

The territory of modern Bulgaria was inhabited in ancient times. The state of Bulgaria itself has 1,300 years of history. In terms of the number of archaeological sites, Bulgaria ranks third in the world (after Greece and Italy).

The earliest inhabitants of the Bulgarian lands are the Thracians, who were first mentioned by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. By the way, the legendary Spartacus, who raised the uprising of slaves in Ancient Rome, was a Thracian by birth.

The first Bulgarian kingdom was created in the middle of the 7th century by the legendary Khan Asparuh, who united the Bulgars, who came to the Balkans from Central Asia, and the local Slavic tribes. It should be noted that Bulgaria was the first Slavic country to adopt Christianity (this happened in 864 AD). At the end of the 9th century, the Cyrillic alphabet became the official alphabet in Bulgaria.

In 1014, under the blows of the troops of the Byzantine Empire, the First Bulgarian Kingdom collapsed. Only in 1185 was the Bulgarian statehood restored, after the formation of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. During the long reign of Tsar Ivan Asen II (1218-1241), Bulgaria reached the zenith of its glory, experiencing an economic, religious and cultural flourishing.

However, at the end of the XIV century, the Ottoman Empire began to conquer the Bulgarian lands, and Bulgaria again lost its independence. The rule of the Turks in Bulgaria lasted for about five centuries.

From the middle of the 19th century, Bulgaria waged numerous wars with the Ottoman Empire for independence. On the side of the Bulgarians, Russian soldiers actively participated in these wars. In the end, on September 22, 1908, an independent Bulgaria was proclaimed.

After the defeat in the First World War in Bulgaria in 1918, the authoritarian dictatorship of Tsar Boris III was established, which lasted until 1943.

During World War II, Bulgaria fought on the side of Germany, but after the death of Tsar Boris III, it abandoned the alliance with the Germans. After the end of World War II, the People's Republic of Bulgaria was proclaimed (this happened in September 1946).

In June 1990, Bulgaria held its first elections on a multi-party basis, and in November 1990 the country became the Republic of Bulgaria.

In 2004, Bulgaria joined the NATO bloc, and in 2007 it was admitted to the European Union.

culture

The culture of Bulgaria was significantly influenced by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Until now, hundreds of historical monuments built before our era have been preserved in this country.

Bulgarian folk holidays and customs date back to those distant times when people tried to appease the mysterious forces of nature with offerings. Bulgarian folklore is considered one of the richest in the Balkans. The Fire Dance is an ancient religious ritual in Bulgaria. Barefoot people dance on smoldering coals, which helps, as the Bulgarians believe, to get rid of diseases.

To understand the Bulgarian culture, we advise tourists to visit the Rose Festival near the city of Kazanlak. This unique festival has been held for many years in a row. There is a legend that during the Roman Empire, 12 types of roses were grown on the territory of modern Bulgaria.

The most popular Bulgarian folklore festivals are Pirin Sings and Rozhen Sings. Every year, these folk holidays are visited by a huge number of people (according to official data - more than 150 thousand people).

Among the most famous Bulgarian writers and poets, Ivan Vazov (1850-1921), Dimcho Debelyanov (1887-1916) and Dimitar Dimov (1909-1966) should definitely be mentioned.

Bulgarian cuisine

Bulgarian cuisine is close to traditional European cuisine, although, of course, it has its own characteristics. In many ways, Bulgarian cuisine is similar to the cuisine of Greece and Turkey. Traditional products for Bulgarians are yogurt, milk, cheese, tomatoes, bell peppers, potatoes, onions, eggplants, and fruits.

The most famous Bulgarian traditional dishes are vegetable “shopska salad”, gyuvech, pumpkin pie, flatbread “katma”, cold soup “tarator”, hot soup “chorba”, kebab, moussaka, cabbage rolls “sarmi”, yahnia, tomato salad "lutenitsa", as well as pastarma.

Among the Bulgarian desserts, we note gris-halva, Rhodope banitsa and apple pie.

In Bulgaria, yogurt is very popular, which is often served with various fruit and berry additives, and ayran.

Bulgaria is famous for its white and red wines, as well as rakia (fruit vodka). In addition, in Bulgaria they make mastic, a strength of 47 degrees, and mint mentha liquor.

Sights of Bulgaria

Tourists come to Bulgaria, first of all, to relax in beach resorts or ride in puddles at ski resorts. However, in this ancient country with beautiful nature, tourists should definitely see its sights. The top five most interesting sights in Bulgaria, in our opinion, include the following:

Mount Vitosha
The height of Mount Vitasha is 2290 meters. Now on its territory there is a national park.

National History Museum in Sofia
This museum contains unique historical artifacts that give an idea of ​​the history of Bulgaria, starting from the 5th century BC.

Boyana Church
The Boyana Church is located in the village of Boyana at the foot of the Vitosha Mountains, just 8 kilometers from Sofia. It was built in the 13th century, although the first chapel on this site appeared in the 10th century. In 1979 Boyana Church was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Church of the Forty Great Martyrs in Veliko Tarnovo
This church was built in 1230 in honor of the victory of the Bulgarians at Klokotnitsa over the Despot of Epirus Theodore Duka. It is the tomb of the Bulgarian kings.

Shipka National Park Museum
Shipka National Park-Museum is located 22 km from Gabrovo on Mount Shipka. This museum is dedicated to the events of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-78. Now there are 26 historical monuments in the Shipka Park-Museum.

Cities and resorts

It is difficult to say which city in Bulgaria is the most ancient. Some of them were formed by the Greeks and Romans (eg Balchik, Sofia, Varna and Sozopol).

At the moment, the largest Bulgarian cities are Sofia (more than 1.4 million people), Plovdiv (390 thousand people), Varna (350 thousand people), Burgos (about 220 thousand people), Rousse (more than 170 thousand people). ) and Stara Zagora (170 thousand people).

Bulgaria is known for its beach and ski resorts.

The most popular beach resorts are Albena, Dunes, Golden Sands, Burgas, Kranevo, Obzor, Rusalka and Sozopol. It should be noted that more than 97% of the coast of Bulgaria meets the environmental requirements of the EU.

There are no less ski resorts in Bulgaria than beach resorts. Among them are Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo, Semkovo, Kulinoto and Uzana. This means that the best Bulgarian ski resorts are located in the Rhodope, Pirin and Rila mountains.

Souvenirs/Shopping

Kuker masks (these are folk masks that appeared in Bulgaria several centuries ago). Kukers in the early Middle Ages drove away evil spirits and called for fertility. The masks are made of wood, leather, fur and feathers;
- paintings by local artists depicting traditional Bulgarian houses;
- handicrafts, especially from wood, clay and ceramics;
- dolls in traditional Bulgarian clothes;
- embroidered products, including towels, tablecloths and napkins; - copper chasing and copper cezve; - sweets (for example, Bulgarian Turkish delight and halva);
- products with rose water or rose oil;
- Wines and spirits.

Office Hours

Stores in Bulgaria operate:
Mon-Fri: from 9.30 to 18.00 Sat: from 8:30 to 11:30.

Bank opening hours:
Mon-Fri: - from 9:00 to 15:00.

Currency exchange offices are open until 18:00 (but some are open around the clock). You can exchange currency at the airport upon arrival or departure, or at the hotel.

Visa

To enter Bulgaria, Ukrainians need to obtain a visa.

Currency of Bulgaria

The Bulgarian lev is the official currency of Bulgaria. One lev (international designation: BGN) is equal to 100 stotinki. In Bulgaria, banknotes of the following denominations are used:
- 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 leva.

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