Bulgaria has a population of over seven million people. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, serves as the nation’s commercial, educational, and cultural hub. Additionally, it has the 12th highest population density in the European Union.
However, given the country’s 7% unemployment rate amid the European economic downturn, expats seeking employment there will have better luck. The low cost of living and taxes, however, means that those who are on missions won’t need to worry too much.
It boasts some 1330 years of history
Bulgaria was founded in 681 A.D, more than a thousand years ago. The National Ethnographic Museum’s extensive archeological collections, which showcase the customs, crafts, way of life, and arts of the Bulgarian people, will delight history buffs.
The uniqueness of Bulgaria’s yogurt
Lactobacillus Bulgaricus, a particular strain of bacteria, is used to make yogurt in Bulgaria. It is exclusive to the nation, as the name implies. While Lactobacillus Bulgaricus or other species of bacteria are frequently used to make yogurt in other countries, the flavor will undoubtedly never be the same.
Yogurt is a favorite food among the natives, and you can find it in endless variants practically anywhere. Try it for yourself! Some people attribute the Bulgarians’ reputation for living to ripe old age to their habit of consuming healthy yogurts.
Bulgaria’s roses
Bulgarians are proud of their roses, period. Oil-bearing roses, not just ordinary roses. You may probably guess how important roses are to Bulgaria’s export industry given that the country generates 85% of the world’s rose oil. Is it highly sought-after? Most of the fragrances and cosmetics we use contain it, thus the answer is yes! How would we survive without them?
Due to Bulgaria’s ideal environment, if you ever set foot in the Rose Valley, a location in the country’s center close to the cities of Kazanlak and Karlovo, you will be met with the most beautiful rose fields. Every year on the first weekend in June, the community celebrates the Rose Festival with street parades, folk singing, and rose-picking. The “Queen Rose” is also crowned in a beauty pageant.
Innovation and sportsmanship are everywhere
Did you know that in the past, Bulgarian students’ SAT scores and Mensa IQ test results placed them second and first, respectively, in the world? With a broad record of accomplishments, Bulgaria remains one of the least recognized nations. Here are a few that might shock you:
Cyrillic alphabet
In the 10th century, two monks named Cyril and Methodius developed the Cyrillic alphabet, which is now used by more than 50 languages in Slavic countries like Russia. This was during the First Bulgarian Empire. In Bulgaria, they are honored on May 24, Saint Cyril, and Methodius Day. On Slavonic Enlighteners’ Day, a national holiday in November, Macedonia honored them.
Inventions
Bulgarians are credited with creating the first computer, digital wristwatch, penicillin, air-dropped bomb, and airbag, to name a few.
Sport records
For nearly 30 years, Yordanka Donkova and Stefka Kostadinova of Bulgaria have held world records for the high jump and the hurdles, respectively.
All religions are embraced
Since adopting Constantinople Christianity in 865 A.D, Bulgarians have historically been Christians. However, throughout the Ottoman era, it was Islam that made the initial attempts to colonize Bulgaria. Roman Catholicism, on the other hand, has existed in the nation since the Middle Ages, while Protestantism just began to gain a significant number of adherents in the 1900s.
Despite Bulgarians’ multireligious culture, there has never been hostility between the many religions. In reality, a few meters apart from one another in Sofia, the capital, are an ancient Eastern Orthodox church, a Catholic church, and an Islamic Mosque. It is known as the “Triangle of Religious Tolerance,” which is a suitable moniker. The government itself is a fervent advocate of equality and freedom, two inalienable rights of citizens outlined in the Bulgarian Constitution.
