Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a member of the European Union.

Bulgaria occupies the north-eastern part of the Balkan peninsula, and currently provides the South Eastern boundary of Europe. The population of Bulgaria is 7 351 234 people (01.02.2011). 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.

FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic and conforms with the Constitution of the Republic passed by the Grand National Assembly in July 1991. The Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria is the supreme law of the country and no other law may contravene it.
The National Assembly is a one-chamber parliament. It consists of 240 Members of Parliament who are directly elected every four years. The National Assembly is a permanent acting body, directed by a board of Chairmen including a Chairman of the National Assembly.
The President is the head of state. The President is elected directly by the voters for a period of five years by a procedure established by law. The President is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The Council of Ministers is the executive state body and directs the domestic and foreign policy of the country.

The national flag of the Republic of Bulgaria is rectangular in shape and consists of three colors: white, green and red, placed horizontally from the top downwards.

The coat of arms of the Republic of Bulgaria is a golden crowned lion, standing on his hind legs, in front of a dark red shield. The shield has a crown, whose prototypes are the crowns of Bulgarian rulers from the Second Bulgarian State, with five crosses and another cross above the crown. Two golden crowned lions, standing on their hind leg, facing the shield, hold it. They stand on two crossed oak branches with acorns. Under the shield there is a white band with the flag that reads: “Union Makes Strength”.

The National Anthem of the Republic of Bulgaria is the song "Mila Rodino" [O Motherland Most Dear].

Official language: Bulgarian.

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

Credit and debit cards: Maestro, VISA Electron, MasterCard, V PAY.

Emergency phone number dialed from all residential districts in the country: 112

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