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BULGARIA

BULGARIA is situated in the South East of Europe, in the East part of Balkan Peninsula on a territory of 111000 square kilometres. The average altitude above the sea level is 470m. On its territory there are high and low mountains, valleys, hollows and lowlands which reach the sea level.

Climate: moderate continental, mild and suitable for cruises all year round. The coldest month is January with average temperature of the air is about 0°C. In summer the temperature of the air rarely exceeds 30°C.

Most important events in the history of Bulgaria:
681   the foundation of the Bulgarian country.
862   St.St.Cyril and Methodius created the Bulgarian alphabet.
864   Christianity became the official religion in the country.
1018  1185 Bulgaria is within the boundaries of Byzantiam.
1185  1396 Reestablishment of the Bulgarian country's independence.
1396  Bulgaria fell under Ottoman yoke.
1878  Liberation of the country as a result of the Russian - Turkish war.
1878 - 1944 Constitutional monarchy.
1944 - 1990 Bulgaria was a socialist republic and the Communist Party was in power.
1990  Bulgaria became a Parliament Republic.

Population: about 9 million citizens.
Capital city: Sofia /population of over 1 million citizens/.
Religion: Eastern Orthodox Church. The Bulgarian Church is autonomous and is governed by a Patriarch.
Official language: Bulgarian /Cyrillic alphabet/. For the needs of tourism the main notices in the populated areas, resorts, railway stations and airports, and alongside motorways are also written in Roman alphabet. English, French, German, Russian, and other languages are spoken in the country as foreign.
Official language: Bulgarian /Cyrillic alphabet/. For the needs of tourism the main notices in the populated areas, resorts, reilway stations and airports, and alongside motorways are also written in Roman alphabet. English, French, German, Russian, and other languages are spoken in the country as foreign.

Official holidays:
1 January   New Year
3 March   Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman yoke
24 May   The Day of Bulgarian Education, Culture and Alphabet.
22 September   The Independence Day.
25 December   Christmas.

Time difference: GMT + 2

National currency and exchange: The national currency in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian LEV. Banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 lev and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 50 stotinki and 1 lev are in circulation in the country. /1 lev = 100 stotinki/. Currency exchange is not limited.

Credit cards: All kinds of services in Bulgaria at hotels, restaurants, night-clubs, shops, etc. can be paid by credit cards   American Express, Dinner's Club, Bank of America Card, Access, Euro card, Master card, Visa, etc.

Working hours: Most of the shops are open between 10:00 and 20:00. Many shops are open twenty-four hours.

Important telephone numbers in Bulgaria:
Police   166
Emergency medical service   150
Car breakdown recovery - 146

We wish you wonderful moments and relaxation!