Bulgaria is one of the oldest states in Europe. Situated in the southeastern part of Europe, it is one of the latest additions to the European Union. In recent years, Bulgaria has undergone tremendous changes; the country has transformed from a poor, undeveloped communistic state to a democratic nation that has integrated well into the EU. This picturesque country is located in southeastern Europe, in the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with Turkey and Greece to the south, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Romania to the north, and the Black Sea to the east. Bulgaria has a population of nearly eight million people. Its capital city is Sofia, which is located in the western region, was born 7,000 years ago in the green embrace of the Vitosha Mountains. Today, Sofia is among the world's up-and-coming greatest cities, according to a ranking by Forbes magazine.

Must-see Natural Sites
Natural landmarks blanket Bulgarian lands and surely there is much to be seen. During a trip in Bulgaria 10 natural highlights should be included:

• The Valley of Roses
  • Thousand of roses blossom in May and June
• Srebarna Lake
  • 180 protected bird species on a tiny area
• Mount Vihren
  
  • a 2914 m high marble pyramid, Pirin National Park
• Ropotamo River
  
  • On the South Black Sea Coast, rare flora and fauna
• Belogradchik Rocks
  
  • Remarkable rock formations, 200 million years old
• Melnik
  
  • Sandstone pyramids touching the sky
• Raysko Praskalo Waterfall
  
  • a 124 m waterfall North Black Sea Coast the steppe reaches the sea, cliffs and rare birds
• Seven Rila Lakes
  
  • Located in National Park Rila Mountains
• Yagodina Cave
  
  • Remarkable rock formations and cave pearls