Religion in Bulgaria
Most of the population of Bulgaria (more than 85%) professes Orthodoxy. Sunni Muslims, Jewish Catholics, Protestants are also represented. There are only 0.5% of atheists in the country.
Transport in Bulgaria
To travel around Bulgaria, you can use the bus (including a minibus) and the train. Tickets are purchased at the box office, they can also be ordered in advance. Ticket prices are moderate. When traveling by rail, it is more profitable to buy round trip tickets, such tickets are 20-30% cheaper than two tickets in one direction or two tickets in the opposite direction. The return ticket is valid for 30 days.
Taxis are very convenient even for suburban trips, the price is 0.43 – 0.65 leva per kilometer (depending on the route and time of day) plus “for landing”. Payment – strictly according to the counter. In the case of a country trip, the taxi driver may refuse it. There are day and night rates.
Persons wishing to rent a car are required to have a driver’s license. To rent a car, you need a credit card or you will have to leave a cash deposit.
The entire resort area north of Varna is small. From the northernmost place – Albena – to Varna – 29 km. Distances between settlements: Varna – St. Constantine – 10 km, Varna – Golden Sands – 20 km, Albena – Golden Sands – 10 km, Albena – Balchik – 10 km, Albena – Dobrich – 35 km, Varna – Sofia – 450 km, Varna – Burgas – 200 km.
If the tourist is traveling in his own car, you must have a driver’s license, documents for the car and an international environmental certificate (green sheet) with you. It is recommended to insure the car before leaving. In Bulgaria, the rules of international insurance apply. When entering the country, you will have to pay a toll.
Plant and Animal World in Bulgaria
More than 3,200 species of various plants can be counted in the country. Almost everywhere, depending on the quality of the land, economically profitable crops are planted. There are areas where natural vegetation is preserved. These are the mouths of the Kamchia and Ropotamo rivers, in the mountains in the south, the regions in the Pre-Balkans, Staraya Planina, some islands and parts of the Danube.
Forests occupy about a third (29%) of the territory. In Bulgaria, there are needle-leaved forests – pine, spruce, white spruce and others. Broad-leaved forests, primarily oak and beech, and then hornbeam, ash, linden, hazel prevail in Staraya Planina, Sredna Gora and Strandzha. Wild chestnut is found in Staraya Planina (near Berkovitsa) and Belasitsa, where the best varieties of tobacco grow.
In mountainous areas up to a height of 1000 m, broad-leaved forests grow, the most common species in which are oak, beech, hornbeam, ash, linden, and hazel. Above 1000 m there is a zone of coniferous forests.
The Bulgarian fauna is a mixture of European species of the central and northern regions, as well as the Mediterranean. Bats predominate among them. Jackal is not uncommon in Strandzha. Bearded eagles predominate among large birds. Among the almost extinct mammals: bear, wolf, fox, wild cat, deer, chamois and others. Pelicans, partridges, pheasants, hazel grouses inhabit Bulgaria.
In Bulgaria, you can catch many types of sea and river fish. There are almost 50 species of amphibians and reptiles. The variety of insects can satisfy even the most demanding collectors. In Bulgaria, you can catch more than 1,100 species of different butterflies. And finally, we must not forget about the cave dwellers, the number of which is more than 75 species.
Minerals in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is not rich in minerals, so their extraction and processing occupy an insignificant part in the country’s economy. Bauxites, copper, lead, coal, wood are mainly mined.
Banks in Bulgaria
Banks are usually open for customers from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 13.00 to 17.00 (there are many exceptions). Private exchange offices operate on their own schedule (mostly all day long without a break).
Money in Bulgaria
The monetary unit of Bulgaria is the lev/BGL (plural is the lev). 1 lev = 100 stotinki. In everyday life, banknotes are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 leva, coins – 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 stotinki. Bulgaria is allowed to import and export any foreign currency without restrictions, but amounts equivalent to $1,000 or more must be declared upon entry into the country. At the same time, the import and export of the national currency – the lev – is officially prohibited without the permission of the Central Bank of Bulgaria. It is best to come to Bulgaria with euros or US dollars. They are accepted in all banks and exchange offices without restrictions.
Payments using credit cards in Bulgaria are still poorly developed. They are not accepted everywhere, mainly in banks and large hotels.
Rate: 1 Bulgarian Lev (BGN) = 0.55 USD
Political State in Bulgaria
According to politicsezine, Bulgaria is a democratic parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president, and the legislative body is the unicameral People’s Assembly, consisting of 240 deputies.
Population in Bulgaria
About 8.5 million people (8,428,000) live in Bulgaria. The population belongs to the Slavic ethnic group. On religious, linguistic and cultural grounds, Bulgaria is related to Russia, Ukraine, Belarus. The inhabitants of Bulgaria are characterized by a friendly attitude towards Russia. The affinity of our ethnic groups makes our tourists the most desirable.
Language:
The national language is Bulgarian. Many Bulgarians know Russian.
Cuisine in Bulgaria
Bulgarian cuisine is orientally spicy, it contains an abundance of vegetables. The most popular are: shopska salad, tarator (cold summer soup with grated nuts and garlic), kebapcheta (oblong minced meat patties with spices), sarmi (small cabbage rolls wrapped in grape leaves stuffed with rice and minced meat), sour sheep milk. One of the main features of the preparation of Bulgarian dishes is the simultaneous heat treatment of products over low heat. This allows you to preserve the nutritional properties, to achieve a pleasant aroma of dishes. Rakia (Bulgarian vodka) is considered the most popular alcoholic drink. Her choice is very wide. Another alcoholic drink is mastic (with a touch of marshmallow grass). The best grade of mastic has 42 o. There are many types of Bulgarian grape wine.
