Where is Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe. Perhaps you heard about Bulgaria's sandy Black Sea beaches, historic monasteries, beautiful mountain ranges, world famous festivals or maybe news about Bulgaria joining the EU. In case you haven't heard about it and don't know where Bulgaria is, let me answer in details to this very question: "where is Bulgaria"?
Where is Bulgaria: borders
Bulgaria is located in south-eastern Europe; neighbouring with five countries: Romania in the north, Turkey and Greece in the south, Serbia and Macedonia in the west. The eastern border is naturally shaped by the Black Sea coastline. Bulgaria is spread over almost 111,000 sq kilometres (comparable to the size of Iceland), which makes Bulgaria the 16th largest country in Europe and 105th largest country in the world.
Where is Bulgaria: geographical location
Bulgaria is situated in the eastern part of Balkan Peninsula, by the Black Sea coast. Despite covering relatively small territory, Bulgaria boasts wide variety of landscapes, from untouched forested mountain ranges, through mighty valleys to long sandy beaches.
Bulgaria's topographical features
The topography of Bulgaria is accented by two mountain ranges: Balkan Mountains and the Rhodope Mountains, and by two vast lowlands: The Thracian Plain that opens on the Black Sea Coast and the Danubian Plain that stretches from the Danube River into the foothills of the Balkans. The main river cutting through Bulgarian territory is Maritsa. Although the Danube River also plays an important role as a water resource and to promote fauna and flora diversity.
Bulgaria's location on the crossroad of three continents
It's worth noting that although in Europe, Bulgaria has a special location - on the geographical edge of Europe, Africa and Asia. This unique position with a mix of influences coming from different continents has shaped the country over many centuries, leading to the creation of the diverse Bulgaria that we know today.
Geographic location - Bulgaria's blessing
It's not a secret that the Bulgaria's geographic location aids to the tourism industry and tempts world's visitors as an attractive holiday destination. Firstly, thanks to the Bulgaria's topography: The Black Sea coast with sandy beaches and diverse mountain ranges. Secondly, due to Bulgaria's geographic position, enabling a relatively wide angle of sunlight falling on Bulgaria's territory which translates into mostly sunny weather.
Where is Bulgaria: useful facts about Bulgaria
Now, that you know the answer to the question "where is Bulgaria?", there are some useful facts you should know about this Black Sea country. Especially, if you're planning your next holiday in this beautiful country of geographical diversity.
- Language: Bulgarian;
- Alphabet: Cyrillic (Bulgarian official script);
- Population: ca. 7 million;
- Capital: Sofia (the biggest city);
- Currency: Lev (lv);
- Religion: Christianity;
- Time zone: Eastern European (UTC+02:00);
- Geographic coordinates: 43°N 25°E;
- Visas: not required for EU citizens; citizens from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand require Bulgarian visas only for visits over 90 days;
- 5 biggest cities: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Ruse;
- Driving: right side of the road;
- Internet access: most hotels/hostels and many restaurants, cafes and other businesses offer free Wi-Fi;
- Vaccinations: not required (only typhoid vaccine may be recommended);
- Tap water: generally safe to drink (although there have rarely been some reported cases of contamination from some rural areas);
- 'Yes' gesture: shaking head from side to side;
- Useful numbers: country code: 359; ambulance: 150; police: 166