Bulgaria

Bulgaria - Capital - Sofia. Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic with advanced local self-management. The constitution of the country was accepted in 1991. Bulgaria is located on the Balkan peninsula. In north it borders on Romania, in west - with Yugoslavia and Macedonia, and in the south - with Turkey and Greece. It is washed by waves of the Black Sea. The area of Bulgaria includes 110, 912 sq. kms. Its extent from north to the south is 330 kms. and from east to west - 500 kms. The population - Population: 9 million persons

Climate - Bulgaria has a continental climate. As a whole it is cooler, than in other places of Europe at same geographical Latitude. In Bulgaria there are no subtropics. Average temperature in January in Sofia: 4 - 2 C, in July: 16 - 27 C. In Varna average temperature of January: 1 - 6 C, July: 19 - 30 C.

Accidents and liability - In case of a road - transport incident or accident you receive free-of-charge medical aid. Long treatment must be paid privately, but it is relatively inexpensive. Medicines, notwithstanding that many from them are of western firms, are relatively inexpensive.

The religion - Orthodox religion in Bulgaria prevails. The Bulgarian church is headed by the Patriarch, who together with the Synod of metropolitans carries out the Supreme authority. The most numerous lreligion after Orthodox in Bulgaria are Muslims. To an ethnic attribute they are divided into three groups:
- Turks, living in compact clusters in areas Shumena, Razgrad, Kardjali, Haskovo;
- Former at one-time Christians, but accepted or converted to Islam during Turkish occupation in middle XVII of century.
- The Gipsy, scattered by small groups throughout the country.

Tourism - Resort complexes of Bulgaria are extensive with the beautiful romantic names - Gold sand, Solar coast, Albena, Duni (Dyuni, Diuni) - resorts with all to the requirements of modern tourism. The Bulgarian resorts are detached and insulated from urban turmoil and pressures of daily life of large cities; however all of them are located nearby to interesting tourist objects, that provides opportunities of realization of excursions and educational / culturally rich tourism.

 Currency - 1 Lev = 100 Stotinki, in use with a denomination with face values 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Lev, and also coins from 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Stotinki. The exchange bureaues are open everywhere. To exchange currency it is recommended that you deal only in the specialized exchange items located in banks or hotels, even though you may get what seems to be a much better deal on the street. The chances of breaking the law or getting robbed are simply to great a risk. The banks work with the clients: Monday - Friday from 9.00 till 16.00.

Public Transport - the basic type of transport in Sofia includes trams; they are supplemented by buses and trolley buses. The uniform tickets can be bought in boothes, the drivers of trams also sell the tickets. The travel cards are sold for the period of one day (0.4 $) and five days (1.6 $). In Sofia the underground also is under construction. TAXI: In Bulgaria there are a many taxis, some better than others. It is easier to find a taxi waiting before a tram or train station or perhaps a hotel. The payment occurs on the counter, inside the facility before you get into your taxi. If you need a taxi during the weekend or at night, expect to pay a premium fare.

Bulgarian police - are some of the finest in the Balkans and take their laws seriously. If you are approached by a Bulgarian policeman give due respect and listen carefully. They can be very helpful if you need information or other support.

Electric power - In Bulgaria the voltage in a network is 240 Volts, 50 hertz. Adaptors are often necessary for foreign travelers. However the adapter is better for grasping, as in the Bulgarian hotels, there is an intensive reconstruction and the occurrence in numbers of sockets of Western design is quite possible. Still, plan to bring an appropriate adaptor if you can.

Communications - telephones - National Code of Bulgaria - 359. City Code of Sofia - 02. Codes of some other cities and resort centres of Bulgaria: Varna - 052; gold sand - 052; Albena - 05772; Burgas - 056; Plovdiv - 032; - 082; Balchik - 0579; Nesebr - 0554; Sozopol - 05514.

Souvenirs for tourists - Bulgaria has many unique collectables: The embroidered clothes, flax, spirits from the Valley roses, pottery, leather, silver of manual work, and various products from copper and iron. In Sofia the best shops are located along parkway Vitosha. In the department store called " The Central Department store " located in the street called Largo it is possible to buy high quality leather products, knifes, compact discs, souvenirs. Be advised, however, if you intend to make a large purchase, take an interest in customs rules posted at the airport because you may be able to get some of the taxes returned at exit from the country. The shops work: Monday - Friday from 8.00 till 19.00 (there can be variants), and some work on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tips - It is accepted practice to leave a 10% tip. Leave it for your waiter upon presenting payment of the account in a restaurant, cafe, bar, and taxi. The size depends on your generosity.

The sanitary norms - First aid and advices in cases of emergency are free-of-charge.

Nature and animals - the terrain of Bulgaria is surprisingly various: Infinite and pristine beaches can be found at the Black Sea coast; other terrain includes green mysterious mountains, generous ground good for planting, ancient cities and monasteries, and medical mineral sources for spas. Bulgaria is decorated with pink fields, plentiful gardens and fantastic vineyards. The unique charm of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast is created with deep gulfs and mountain spurs, woody hills and bountiful gardens.