Area : 110 993.6 square kilometers

Population:7.973.673

Capital : SofiaCurrency : Bulgarian

Lev

State Government : A parliamentary republic with one-chamber Parliament (National Assembly) of 240 members for

a four-year-termHead of state : President elected for a five-year-term

Official Language : BulgarianOfficial Religion : Eastern Orthodox

The white color symbolizes patriotism andLord’s protection for the Bulgarian people obtained by

entreaties of all the Bulgarian saints.

The green color symbolizes freedomand the green fields and mountains of our Motherlan d.

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 B ulgaria.

The coat of arms of Bulgaria consists of a crowned gold en 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 i s compartment in the shape of oak twigs and white bands with the national motto "Unity renders power" inscribed on them.

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 th e lyrics and composed the music.

National Anthem

St. George Rotundafrom the 4-th century

The National Theatre

St Alexander NevskyCathedral

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

Shipka peak is a sacred place for the Bulgarian national independence.

Near the town of Shipka is the Temple-Monument built in the memory of all the soldiers who died for the Liberation of Bulgaria in

the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878).

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.

Christ’s Birth Cathedral

The Valley of the Thracian

Kings

There are almost 100 Thracian stone-built

under-tumuli constructionsin 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 locate d between the Balkan Mountains, to the north, and Sredn aGora 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.

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.

The Saint Brothers Cyril and MethodiusCo-Patrons of Europe

He is considered one of the most talented 20-th

century Bulgarian painters and the most

remarkable stylist in Bulgarian painting.

Vladimir Dimitrov-Maistora

(1882-1960)

Bulgarian Art

The Father of the Computer

John Atanasoff(1903 – 1995) The first computer

He was an American proud of his

Bulgarian origin

Their album soon became a best seller and in 1990 earned

the American “GrammyAward”.

It was at that time that the choirwas called “Le Mystere des

Voix Bulgares”. ”(The Mystery ofthe Bulgarian Voices).

The Great 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!:-)