Bulgaria

681 – Founding of Bulgaria: The First Bulgarian Empire is founded under Khan Asparuh

864 – Conversion to Christianity: Grand Prince Boris I adopts Christianity as the state religion

1396 – Ottoman conquest: Bulgaria becomes part of the Ottoman Empire, beginning nearly five centuries of rule

1908 – Independence from the Ottoman Empire: Bulgaria declares independence as a kingdom

1946 – Communist state established: The monarchy is abolished, and Bulgaria becomes a socialist republic

1989 – Fall of communism: Bulgaria transitions from a communist state to a parliamentary democracy

2007 – EU membership: Bulgaria joins the European Union on January 1, 2007

2020 – Protests against corruption: Large-scale protests against the government and corruption erupt in Sofia during the summer

2022 – Energy crisis: Bulgaria faces an energy crisis, with rising energy prices and political instability

Continent: Europe (Southeastern Europe)
Location: Located in the Balkans, bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east
Capital: Sofia
Language: Bulgarian (official)
Currency: Bulgarian lev (BGN)
Population: ~6.5 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2) during standard time, Eastern European Summer Time (EEST, UTC+3) during daylight saving time

Borders: Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey
Landscape: Mountains (Balkan, Rhodope, and Rila ranges), plains, and Black Sea coastline
Major Rivers: Danube, Maritsa, and Iskar
Notable Features: Rila Monastery, Black Sea beaches, Pirin National Park

Ethnic Groups: Bulgarian (about 85%), Turkish (about 9%), Roma (about 4%)
Religion: Eastern Orthodox Christianity (about 76%), Islam (about 10%), other (about 14%)
Urban Population: ~73% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Bulgaria has a shrinking population, largely due to emigration and a low birth rate, with a significant ethnic Turkish minority.

Famous For: Ancient history (Thracians, Romans), folklore, cuisine, rose oil production, and Orthodox Christianity
Cuisine: Banitsa (pastry), Shopska salad, kebapche (grilled meat), Bulgarian yogurt, and rakia
Arts: Traditional music and dance (kopanitsa), visual arts, and literature
Sports: Football (soccer), volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and weightlifting

Economy Type: Transition economy with a mix of industry, services, and agriculture
GDP: Approx. $94.5 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Machine building, metallurgy, agriculture (tobacco, wheat, vegetables), energy production
Key Exports: Machinery, chemicals, clothing, metals, and foodstuffs
Unemployment Rate: ~5.1% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Major industries and services are concentrated in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna, with agriculture in rural regions

Government Type: Parliamentary republic
Head of State: President Rumen Radev (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (National Assembly)
Constitution: In effect since 1991

Sofia: Historical landmarks like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, National History Museum
Rila Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage site, important center of Bulgarian culture
Plovdiv: Old town with Roman ruins and ancient architecture
Black Sea Coast: Sunny Beach and other seaside resorts
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 10 (last updated: 2023)