The routes connecting Europe with Asia and Middle East have crossed Bulgarian territory for centuries—the country has long been a crossroad for trade and transport. Bulgaria is also famous for its picturesque natural scenery. In spite of its relatively small territory, the country has a variety of natural features. High mountains, luscious lowlands, and undulating grasslands are the typical landscape of the country. Spacious beaches and stunning coasts line the Black Sea shore.

Bulgaria lies between the strongly contrasting Continental and Mediterranean climatic zones. The continental influence, which is stronger during the winter, produces abundant snowfall; the Mediterranean influence affects the summer, producing hot, dry weather. Bulgaria has a moderate continental climate. The coldest month is January, which averages temperatures of -2 C, while the warmest mouth is July, with an average temperature of 25-30 C. The annual average temperature is 12 C.

Independence
Bulgaria became an autonomous principality within the Ottoman Empire on 3 March 1878. It gained complete independence from the empire on 22 September 1908.

National Holiday
Bulgaria’s National Liberation Day is held annually on 3 March.

Constitution
Bulgaria’s constitution was adopted on 12 July 1991.

Full name: Republic of Bulgaria
Population: 7.7 million (2008)
Capital: Sofia, population 1,400,307 (Dec 2008)
Area: 110,993 sq km (42,855 sq miles)
Monetary unit: 1 Lev (BGN) = 100 stotinki 1 EUR = 1.9950 BGN Fix
Main exports: Energy, tourism, transportation, IT and telecommunications, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and textile and clothing.
GDP per capita: EUR 4,290 (2008 est.)
GDP growth: 6.9% (2008)
Labor force: 3.55 million (2008 est.)
Unemployment: 6.7% (2008)
Inflation (CPI,yoy,avg, %): 7.7% (2008)
Lending interest Rate: 9.0% (2008)
Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Black Sea, 0 m; Highest point: Pick Musala, 2,925 m

Local Time Zone
Winter time - GMT + 02:00 hours Summer time - GMT + 03:00 hours
Daylight savings time occurs between the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October.
Weekends occur on Saturday and Sunday.

Public Holidays
1 January - New Year
3 March - Liberation Day
1 May - Labor Day
Late April/May - Easter
6 May - St. George's Day (Day of Bulgarian Army)
24 May - National Culture Day
6 September - Union Day
22 September - Independence Day
1 November - Day of National Revivals
24 December - Christmas Eve
25 December - Christmas
26 December - 1st day of Christmas

Electricity
220 Volt; 50 Hertz - Western-style appliances need adapters for the country's twin-prong plugs, while U.S. appliances require voltage converters, as well.

Checkpoints
With Serbia: Kalotina (E80), Vrashka Chuka, Otomantsi With Republic of Macedonia: Gyueshevo (E871), Zlatarevo With Turkey: Kapitan Andreevo (E80), Malko Turnovo (E87) With Greece: Kulata (E79)
With Romania: Vidin (E79), Oryahovo, Rousse (E70, E85), Silistra
Black Sea Ports: Varna, Burgas
Airports: Sofia, Varna, Bourgas

Medical Services
Bulgaria provides free first aid and consultation in emergency situations.

Currency Exchange
Currency exchanges is available in banks and 24-hour change bureau. The exchange rate is announced every day.  The local currency is pegged to the Euro until Bulgaria enters the Euro Zone

Credit Cards
Bulgarian businesses accept: Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Diners Club, American Express, Access, and Airplus. These cards can be used both in ATMs and for payment of all standard services in hotels, restaurants, night clubs, shops, car rentals, plane tickets, and more.