Bulgaria is a country in southeastern Europe, situated in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It is 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. Bulgaria covers an area of 110,994 square kilometers and as of 2020, has a population of approximately 7 million people.
Its capital and largest city is Sofia, known for its cultural hubs, historical architecture, and stunning parks. Other major cities include Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas.
Bulgaria is a parliamentary democracy and is a member of the European Union, United Nations, NATO, and the WTO among others. Bulgarian is the official language and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is the largest religious institution in the country.
The economy of Bulgaria is industrialized, with a large proportion in heavy industry and agriculture. Key sectors include energy, mining, metallurgy, machinery, and electronics. It's also known for being one of the largest global producers of perfumery essential oils, particularly rose oil.
Bulgaria is rich in cultural heritage, being one of the oldest countries in Europe, with a history dating back to the Neolithic age. Its culture features a mix of Greek, Slavic, Ottoman, and Persian influences, reflected in its diverse architecture, music, dance, and cuisine.
The country is also noted for its biodiversity. With diverse geographical features from high mountains to lowlands, plains, and seaside, Bulgaria boasts many places of natural beauty, like the Rila and Pirin National Parks. This rich natural and cultural heritage make Bulgaria a popular destination for tourism.