006-008 Cycle Touring Eastern Europe - Part 2 -Bulgaria, Turkey & Cyprus

(Leana) #1

About Bulgaria (Please refer to your favourite travel guidebook or the internet for a
more in-depth overview)
Capital City
Sofia, Bulgaria's capital and largest city, is not just a cultural treasure but also a
strategic hub. Nestled at the foot of Mount Vitosha in the western part of the country,
it's a vibrant mix of commercial, manufacturing, and transport activities. Its strategiclocation in Southeastern Europe makes it a gateway to exciting adventures for any
traveller.
Currency
Bulgaria's currency is the lev. BGN is the currency code for the Bulgarian lev, and the
currency symbol is ëâ. The BGN is made up of 100 stotinki. It's worth noting that the
euro may replace the BGN in the future, as Bulgaria has been a member of the
European Union (EU) since 2007.
Language
Bulgarian, the official language, is spoken natively by 85% of the country's
population. However, Bulgaria's linguistic landscape is a rich tapestry, with Russian,
Turkish, and Romani being other major languages spoken. This cultural diversity
makes Bulgaria a welcoming and intriguing destination for all.
Religion
According to the 2021 census (the most recent), 69.5 per cent of the populationidentifies as Eastern Orthodox Christians.


Location and size
Bulgaria, a country in Southeastern Europe, occupies the eastern part of the Balkan
Peninsula. It has a total area of 110,910 square kilometres. The Black Sea borders
the country to the east and the Danube River to the north. To the south, it shares
borders with Greece and Turkey, and to the west, with Serbia and North Macedonia.
Population
As of April 5, 2024, Bulgaria's population is estimated to be 6,634,623, making it a
relatively small and peaceful country to explore.

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