Area : 110 993.6 square kilometers Population: 7.973.673 Capital : Sofia Currency : Bulgarian Lev
State Government : A parliamentary republic with one-chamber Parliament (National Assembly) of 240 members for a four-year-term Head of state : President elected for a five-year-term Official Language : Bulgarian Official Religion : Eastern Orthodox
The white color symbolizes patriotism and Lord’s protection for the Bulgarian people obtained by entreaties of all the Bulgarian saints.
The green color symbolizes freedom and the green fields and mountains of our Motherland.
The red color is a symbol of the blood shed for the Liberation of Bulgaria. It is also a bidding for the contemporary people to be ready always to protect the independence of Bulgaria.
The coat of arms of Bulgaria consists of a crowned golden lion rampant over a dark red shield; above the shield is the Bulgarian historical crown. The shield is supported by two crowned golden lions rampant; below the shield there is compartment in the shape of oak twigs and white bands with the national motto "Unity renders power" inscribed on them.
National Anthem The National Anthem of Bulgaria since 1964 has been “Mila Rodino� ( Dear Motherland ). The song was written by Tsvetan Radoslavov in 1885. He was one of the 13 000 volunteers fighting in the Serbo-Bulgarian War (1885).On his way to Bulgaria, on the board of the steamship he wrote the lyrics and composed the music.
St. George Rotunda from the 4-th century
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral The National Theatre
Bulgaria is probably the only place in the World, where almost every enhabitted place has some historical heritage or monument. Most of the Bulgarian villages and cities are centuries or eve millenia old. The oldest towns in Bulgaria are just as old as the oldest of the greaest cities in the world
The Monument of Liberty Christ’s Birth Cathedral
Shipka peak is a sacred place for the Bulgarian national independence. It is the place where the brave 7 500 Bulgarian volunteers defended the freedom of Bulgaria fighting against the 30 000 Turkish soldiers In August 1877.
Near the town of Shipka is the TempleMonument built in the memory of all the soldiers who died for the Liberation of Bulgaria in the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878).
The Valley of the Thracian Kings There are almost 100 Thracian stone-built under-tumuli constructions in Bulgaria that are usually called tombs. Fifteen such buildings are in the Kazanlak Valley. Only few of them are similar but not identical.
Bulgarian rose essential oil is produced in a valley called “The Valley of Roses.” This is a region located between the Balkan Mountains, to the north, and Sredna Gora Mountain, to the south. The region’s administrative center is the town of Kazanluk, and the Valley of Roses encompasses the nearby villages of Rozovo, Srednogorovo, Kunchevo, Krun, and the town of Shipka. The legend Greek mythology says that white roses were born with Aphrodite to challenge her beauty. One day Eros, playing in the gardens of Mount Olympus, was stung by bees while gathering the flowers. His blood colored the blossoms. Then Aphrodite in her eagerness to heal him dropped a bottle of perfume, which gave its fragrance to the roses.
The Saint Brothers Cyril and Methodius Co-Patrons of Europe Only the Bulgarian people have special holiday dedicated to books and culture – May, 24-th. On that day the entire nation celebrates the legacy of Cyril and Methodius who in the 9-th century aserted the right of the Slav people to pray and express themselves in their own tongue and alphabet.
Bulgarian Art Vladimir DimitrovMaistora (1882-1960)
He is considered one of the most talented 20-th century Bulgarian painters and the most remarkable stylist in Bulgarian painting.
The Father of the Computer
John Atanasoff (1903 – 1995) He was an American proud of his Bulgarian origin
The first computer
The Great Bulgarian Voices
Their album soon became a best seller and in 1990 earned the American “Grammy Award”. It was at that time that the choir was called “Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares”. ”(The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices).
Bulgarian food is delicious and diverse. Bulgarian cuisine is a mixture of Greek, Turkish and Slavonic and yet it has its own characteristics, originality and authentic style. Bulgaria is famous for its vegetables grown in natural conditions, real and tasty. During the summer fresh vegetables are served in a great variety of salads. For the winter there is a long list of recipes for pickles. The well-known Shopska salad popular throughout Europe is made of white cheese (commonly known as feta), fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion and parsley is a must-try. We tried to replicate it back home and it was nowhere near as tasty. The freshness of Bulgarian ingredients is second to none! The food served in restaurants is spicy, good and generous, easy on the pocket too!
When God gave land to all the nations, He discovered He had forgotten about the Bulgarians. So, not knowing what to do, He broke off a piece of Heaven and gave it to them!:-)