Bulgaria – A Quick & Quirky Guide
Official name: Republic of Bulgaria (Република България)
Area: ~111,000 km² – mountains, plains, and a sunny Black Sea coast
Population: ~6.4 million (2024)
Location: Southeastern Europe, bordered by Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, and the Black Sea
Form of government: Parliamentary republic
Head of State: President Rumen Radev (since 2017)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov (since 2023)
Capital city: Sofia – ~1.3 million
Time zone: Eastern European Time (UTC+2 / +3 in summer)
Official language: Bulgarian (written in Cyrillic alphabet)
Currency: Lev (BGN) – pegged to the Euro
EU member: Yes, since 2007
Schengen area: Yes (as of 2024, air and sea borders; land borders coming soon)
Top 10 Largest Cities (population approx.)
- Sofia – ~1.3 million
- Plovdiv – ~340,000
- Varna – ~330,000
- Burgas – ~200,000
- Ruse – ~150,000
- Stara Zagora – ~120,000
- Pleven – ~100,000
- Sliven – ~90,000
- Dobrich – ~85,000
- Shumen – ~75,000
Popular Tourist Cities & Regions
- Sofia: Churches, Roman ruins, and a lively café culture.
- Plovdiv: One of Europe’s oldest cities, full of Roman theaters and hip art districts.
- Varna: Black Sea beaches and summer nightlife.
- Burgas: Another seaside gem, quieter than Varna.
- Veliko Tarnovo: Medieval capital perched on hills — a history lover’s dream.
- Rila Monastery: Stunning Orthodox monastery in the mountains.
- Bansko: Famous ski resort and après-ski rakia.
Climate
Four distinct seasons: hot summers (25–35 °C), cold snowy winters (–5 to 5 °C), and beautiful, mild spring and autumn. Great for both skiing and sunbathing — sometimes in the same month!
Culture & Daily Life
- Old meets new: Ancient Thracian ruins next to modern malls.
- Traditions: Folk dances in colorful costumes, yogurt believed to bring longevity.
- Hospitality: Bulgarians love guests — expect food, drink, and more food.
- Yes/No nodding: Warning! Nodding yes often means no, and shaking no can mean yes. Confusing at first, hilarious later.
Food & Drink
- Shopska salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and lots of white cheese.
- Banitsa: Pastry stuffed with cheese (breakfast of champions).
- Kebapche & kufte: Grilled meat specialties.
- Yogurt: Bulgarians invented it (and will proudly tell you).
- Drinks: Rakia (fruit brandy, strong enough to start a tractor), local wines, and beer.
Summary Bulgaria is an underrated gem: mountains, beaches, monasteries, and ancient history — plus delicious food and cheap prices. It’s where East meets West, tradition meets modernity, and where you’ll never be quite sure if that head nod meant “yes” or “no.”