Bulgaria is a country in southeastern Europe, located on the eastern Balkan Peninsula and bordered by the Black Sea to the east. It is known for its ancient history, Orthodox Christian heritage, and stunning natural landscapes ranging from mountain ranges to coastal resorts. Bulgaria is also one of the world's leading producers of rose oil, used widely in perfumes and cosmetics.
- Capital
- Sofia
- Continent
- Europe
- Region
- Southeast Europe
- Area
- 110,879 km²
- Coordinates
- 43° N, 25° E
Country facts
- Bulgaria was founded as a state in 681 AD, making it one of the oldest countries in Europe.
- The Cyrillic alphabet, now used by millions of people worldwide, was developed by scholars from Bulgaria in the 9th century.
- Bulgaria is one of the top producers of rose oil in the world, with the Rose Valley near Kazanlak famous for its annual harvest.
- The Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning medieval monastery nestled in the Rila Mountains.
- The Bulgarian national flag consists of three horizontal stripes of white, green, and red.
Capital facts
- Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with evidence of settlement dating back over 7,000 years.
- The city was known as Serdica during the Roman era and was a favorite residence of Emperor Constantine the Great.
- The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built in the early 20th century, is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world.
- Sofia sits at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, which serves as a natural park and a popular hiking destination for residents.
- The ancient Rotunda of St. George, a red-brick Roman church dating to the 4th century, still stands in the heart of the modern city.