History
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The first settlements of the Thracian tribes go 7000 years back in time. In the late 13th century the state broke up and became part of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans occupied the country until the 19th century.
In 1908 Bulgaria became an independent czardom (similar to an Empire). After the Second World War the country fell under the influence of the Soviet Union. In 1990, the communist era ended in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria joined the European Union (EU) in 2007.
Worth Knowing
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520 km flows the Danube along Bulgaria's border and allows transport for the trade, thus it is Bulgaria‘s most important river.
In Sofia Roman fortifications are incorporated into a modern shopping centre and so connect traditional and modern.
On the 1st of March Bulgarians traditionally
give their neighbours and friends the so called
“Marteniza” as a gift and a lucky charm.
Bulgarians shake their head to
express “yes”.
During the harvest time of the Damask rose there is every year in June a big celebration. The roses, from which oils are obtained for the perfume industry, must be picked before dawn so the sun does not dry out the oils in the petals.
Facts & Figures
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Capital Sofia
Language Bulgarian
Currency Lew
Inhabitants 7.4 Million
Area 110 910 km²
Specialities Bob-Tschorba (bean stew)
Geography Much of the land area is covered by forests (mainly miced forest along the Danube: riparian forests with poplar, willow and elm)
Famous Personalities
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Peter Petrov Inventor of the first digital watch