Bulgaria

On January 1, 2007 the European Union welcomed the new member Bulgaria.

Bulgaria occupies the north-eastern part of the Balkan peninsula, and currently provides the South Eastern boundary of Europe. The population of Bulgaria is 7 640 240 people (31.12.2007). Relief is varied, with lowlands, plains, hills and mountains. Climate in Bulgaria is moderate-continental. Moderate temperatures in all seasons are favorable for tourism in the country. The capital and the biggest city of Bulgaria is Sofia. The capital is the main political, economic, scientific and cultural center. There are a number of universities, academies, museums and theaters in Sofia. The other big cities are: Plovdiv, Varna, Bourgas, Stara Zagora. Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic. The President is the head of state who is elected through direct vote for the term of five years. The central body of the government is the Council of Ministers. It is proposed by the Prime Minister and approved by the Parliament.

The currency unit in the Republic of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev or BGN (1 lev = 100 stotinki).

Credit cards: Eurocard, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, JCB, VISA, VISA Election

Emergency phone numbers dialed from all residential districts in the country:
Police - 166, Fire Command - 160, Road service - 146, First Aid - 150

Time
Winter time: GMT +2 hours (October through March).
Summer time: GMT +3 hours (April through October)