About BG
Bulgaria is a country located in southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Here are some basic facts about Bulgaria:
Population: As of 2021, the population of Bulgaria is estimated to be around 6.9 million people.
Language: The official language of Bulgaria is Bulgarian, which is a South Slavic language. English, German, and Russian are also widely spoken.
Currency: The official currency of Bulgaria is the Lev (BGN).
Government: Bulgaria is a parliamentary democracy, with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
Economy: Bulgaria has a mixed economy, with major industries including energy, mining, manufacturing, and tourism. It is a member of the European Union and the World Trade Organization.
Geography: Bulgaria has a land area of approximately 110,994 square kilometers, with a coastline along the Black Sea. It shares borders with Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey.
Climate: Bulgaria has a moderate continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers.
Culture: Bulgaria has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its long history and influences from neighboring countries. Traditional Bulgarian cuisine includes dishes such as banitsa, a savory pastry made with cheese and eggs, and kavarma, a stew made with meat and vegetables. Bulgaria is also known for its rose-growing industry, and its traditional folk music and dance. The country has many historic sites, including the ancient city of Plovdiv and the Rila Monastery, which are popular tourist destinations.
National Culture Objects
Rose
Bulgaria is renowned for its rose oil production, particularly in the Valley of Roses. The rose symbolizes beauty, love, and the country's rich tradition in rose cultivation, which dates back centuries.
Rila Monastery
The Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizes Bulgaria's spiritual and cultural heritage. Founded in the 10th century, it is an important center of Bulgarian Orthodox Christianity and a stunning example of medieval architecture.
Cyrillic Alphabet
The Cyrillic alphabet, created by Saints Cyril and Methodius, is a significant cultural contribution of Bulgaria. It symbolizes the country's historical role in the spread of literacy and Christianity among the Slavic peoples.
Kukeri
Kukeri are traditional Bulgarian masked dancers who perform during the winter to scare away evil spirits and bring good fortune. Their elaborate costumes and rituals symbolize Bulgaria's rich folklore and ancient traditions.
Thracian Treasures
The Thracian treasures, including golden masks, jewelry, and artifacts, symbolize Bulgaria's ancient history and the legacy of the Thracian civilization that once inhabited the region.
Bulgarian Yogurt
Bulgarian yogurt, known for its unique taste and health benefits due to the Lactobacillus bulgaricus bacteria, symbolizes the country's culinary heritage and contribution to global food culture.
Nestinarstvo
Nestinarstvo, or fire dancing, is an ancient ritual where dancers perform barefoot on hot embers. This unique tradition, practiced in some Bulgarian villages, symbolizes spiritual resilience and the country's rich cultural heritage.
The national anthem of Bulgaria is called "Mila Rodino" (Dear Motherland). The lyrics were written by Tsvetan Radoslavov and the music was composed by Tsvetan Todorov. It was adopted as the national anthem in 1964.
Here are the lyrics in Bulgarian:
Мила Родино,
ти си земен рай,
твойта хубост, твойта прелест,
ах, те нямат край.
Христианска си кръв проляла,
българска си сърца възпламенила,
стара, нова, колкото си голяма,
такава те обичам, мила родино.
Here is a rough translation in English:
Dear Motherland,
You are a paradise on earth,
Your beauty, your charm,
Oh, they have no end.
You shed Christian blood,
You ignited Bulgarian hearts,
Old, new, however great you are,
That's how I love you, dear Motherland.
