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Territory |
110 993 square km |
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Population |
8,519,155 |
|
Language |
Bulgarian |
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Capital
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Sofia
The capital of Bulgaria boasts a large orthodox church,
a synagogue and a mosque, all on the same square.
This cultural co-existence reflects the genuine and deep
respect Bulgarians have for their history of various cultural
influences. The motto of Sofia is 'Ever growing, never old' |
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Alphabet |
Cyrillic |
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Religion |
Eastern Orthodox |
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Government |
Democratic Coalition Government |
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Climate |
Cold, usually snowy winters,
long hot summers,
mild autumn and spring |
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Neighbours
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Romania on the north, The Republic of
Macedonia and Serbia on the west,
Greece and Turkey on the south;
The Black Sea is Bulgaria's
eastern border |
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Main rivers |
The Danube, Maritsa, Strouma |
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Main Mountains |
The Balkan Range, Rila Its peak, Moussala, is the highest in the Balkans)
The Rhodopes, Pirin, Vitosha |
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Time |
GMT + 2 hours |
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Cost of Living |
One litre bottle of mineral water: Lv 0.5
33cl bottle of beer: Lv 0.9
Financial Times newspaper: Lv 4
36 exposure colour film: Lv 8
City-centre bus ticket: Lv 0.4
Adult football ticket: Lv 5
Three course meal with wine/beer Lv 15
1 Bulgarian Lev (Lv1) = £0.34
Currency conversion rates as of June 2005 |
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Economics
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Bulgaria is undergoing a transition from a centrally planned economy to a market one. Tourism and agriculture emerge as the main industries. Wine is Bulgaria's biggest export. Over 90% of Bulgarian was never fertilised with non-organic fertiliser, hence the potential for organic-only farming. Bulgaria's work force is well educated and not expensive to employ. |
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Politics
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Bulgaria is a constitutional republic. Curiously, the current Prime Minister is Simeon, Sax Koburgotski (a distance relative of Queen Elizabeth II) who, as a child was crowned Czar of Bulgaria and then exiled after a 1946 referendum which abolished the monarchy.
Bulgaria is a candidate member of the EU and NATO. Bulgaria hopes to join the EU no later than 2007. Extensive legislative efforts are underway to harmonise Bulgarian legislation with EU legislation and encourage development and growth of a market economy. |
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Currency |
Lev = 100 stotinki (plural of Lev is Leva)
In 1997, the Lev was pegged to the Deutschemark at the value of 1 to 1. It is now pegged to the Euro at the same value as the Deutschemark, hence approximately 3 Leva to £1. |
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Driving in Bulgaria
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We drive on the right! If you are entering Bulgaria by car you will need to carry documentation proving that you own the vehicle or that the owner has consented for you to drive it. You will also be expected to carry a certificate of insurance, as well as your valid international driving licence.
Rent-a-car services are available at the airports or via your hotel. |
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Schools |
Educational standards in Bulgaria are good, with 39 universities, 25 colleges
and over 450 secondary and technical schools throughout the country.
The learning of a foreign language is encouraged with English and German being the most popular. |
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Taxation |
Tax is payable in Bulgaria on income that is derived in Bulgaria.
The Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) details the rules covering residents and non-residents. More information on the Bulgarian tax laws can be obtained by visiting the Bulgarian Foreign Investment Agency's website at: www.bfia.org |
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Health issues
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The standard of care in Bulgarian hospitals is reasonable, but in rural areas there may be a lack of specialist equipment or treatment.
Although in some case emergency medical treatment in Bulgaria may be supplied free, you are likely to be charged for most medical expenses. It is therefore advisable to ensure that you have comprehensive travel insurance for the period you will be visiting Bulgaria. For longer term residency you should consider private medical insurance. |
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Starting a business |
If you are considering starting your own business in Bulgaria there are, of course, regulations and employment laws that have to be followed.
The Bulgarian Embassy website www.bulgarianembassy.org.uk has a business section and the Bulgarian Foreign Investment Agency's website at: www.bfia.org also has some useful information.
If you are hoping to find employment you will need a residents permit before being able to gain a work permit. Again the above websites contain detailed information. |
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Visa information
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Visits of up to 30 days:
Holders of UK passports do not require a visa in order to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 30 days within each each period of six months.
Long-term visas:
or "D" type visa can be obtained from a Bulgarian Consular service in London.
This visa is for foreign nationals who intend to apply for a long-term or permanent residence in Bulgaria. Processing takes up to 30 days, and the cost is £44.00. Foreign national can obtain long-term or permanent residence in Bulgaria on several grounds. Investors with a business who employ more than 10 Bulgarians, and retired people with pensions are among this group. Certain provisions may apply if you have a business in the UK or elsewhere in the EU.
A comprehensive first-hand information on visa issues is available from the Consular Section of the Bulgarian Embassy in London or via their website www.bulgarianembassy.org.uk
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