The capital city of Bulgaria is Sofia. Bulgaria has a population of 7,450,349 (July 2005) and consists of 110,910 sq km of which 110,550 sq km is land and 360 sq km is water, with 354 km of coastline. The terrain is mainly mountainous with lowland in the north and southeast with the lowest point being the Black Sea at 0 metres and the highest point being Musala at 2,925 metres.
Stunning mountain landscapes combined with golden sandy beaches make Bulgaria ideal for tourism. The Black Sea Coast on its Eastern border is famous for fine sandy beaches and the ideal temperatures of both water and air. The beautiful mountain areas offer excellent winter sports facilities, including skiing.

Bulgaria is divided into twenty eight provinces and lies in South Eastern Europe, occupying the north eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. In the east, it borders the Black Sea with Romania to the north separated by the Danube River. Serbia, Montenegro and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are to the west and to the south are Greece and Turkey.

Just over 40% of the country is arable land with the main agricultural products being vegetables, fruits, tobacco, livestock, wine, wheat, barley, sunflowers and sugar beet.

In 2007, Bulgaria will join the EU and extensive efforts are under way to harmonise Bulgarian legislation with EU legislation, which makes the investment property potential very attractive to foreign investors.

Politically, Bulgaria is rated as a stable democracy. The Chief of State is President Georgi Purvanov and the Vice President is Angel Marin both of whom have been in office since 22 January 2002. The Prime Minister is Sergei Stanishev and Deputy Prime Minister is Ivaylo Kalfin who have been in office since 16 August 2005. The Cabinet (Council of Ministers) are nominated by the Prime Minister and elected by the National Assembly.

Bulgaria simply resembles a continent in miniature because of its very varied relief and miraculous working of nature where measure is paramount. Eye-catching mountain lakes, sunny beaches, gorgeous rose valleys, curative hot springs and deep chilly caves coexist in harmony.

The natural charms of Bulgaria are becoming better known as increasing numbers of tourists visit and enjoy the great range of outstanding beauty to be found here. With an ideal climate for beach holidays in the summer months as well as skiing and stunning mountain scenery during winter, Bulgaria boasts a wealth of natural charms which provide a solid base for its expanding tourist industry.

In fact tourism plays a very large part in Bulgaria’s success story and it has become the fastest growing tourism economy in Europe. With this kind of growth in the tourist sector and property prices still at a low, it is not surprising that Bulgaria has become one of the world’s most exciting emerging property markets and it is currently attracting interest from investors all over the world.

Some of the driving forces behind Bulgaria’s tourism success:

“Blue Flag” Beaches - Bulgaria boasts stunning beaches along the Black Sea coast. No less than eleven of these beaches have obtained the “Blue Flag” and account for 354km of the coastline.

Mountain Trails - Bulgaria offers around an incredible 37,500km of hiking paths and mountain trails, making it a firm favourite with ramblers and explorers. These trails run through many stunning locations with breathtaking views.

Roman, Greek And Thracian Historical Attractions - Bulgaria is composed of a unique blend of cultures and can boast nine UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation) world heritage sites

Top Ski Resorts - Bulgaria offers world class skiing facilities and excellent ski resorts, namely Bansko and Borovets. Bansko is the most established of the two, while Borovets is newer and larger. Borovets has experienced a great deal of infrastructure improvements aimed at helping to improve its strong bid for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

Low Population Density - Bulgaria is a sparsely populated country roughly the same size as the United Kingdom but its population is only around 7.45 million. Major cities like Sofia are more heavily populated but a feeling of space predominates.

Warm Air Temperature in Summer - On the Black Sea coast the average air temperature during the summer months is 27°C and water temperature is around 22°C.

Mineral Springs - Bulgaria is also home to around 500 natural springs of various mineral content.

The state of Bulgaria has 1300 years old history and according to the statistics it is ranked third (after Greece and Italy) for the number of its archaeological monuments.

The earliest inhabitants of the present Bulgarian lands were the Thracians. Ancient Greek historian Herodotus describes the Thracians as the second biggest tribe in the Ancient world, after the Indians. The most famous Thracians were Spartacus and Orpheus.

The Bulgarians were the basic ethnic component in the structure of the Mediaeval Bulgarian State. Their original home land was in Central Asia, in the mountainous region of Pamir. As a highly developed civilization they had culturally dominated the territories of central Asia for a long time. In the middle of the 7th century Khan Asparuh united the ancient Thracian nation and the Slavic tribes and founded the mighty Bulgarian Kingdom on the crossroad with Asia and Africa.

The first Bulgarian state was recognized in 681 A.D. and was a mixture of Slavs and Bulgars. Several years later, the First Bulgarian Kingdom or the “Golden Age” emerged under Tsar Simeon I in 893-927. During this time, Bulgarian art and literature flourished. Also during the ninth century, Orthodox Christianity became the primary religion in Bulgaria and the Cyrillic alphabet was established.

In 1018, Bulgaria fell under the authority of the Byzantine Empire. Byzantine rule was short-lived, however. By 1185 Bulgarians had broken free of Byzantine rule and, in 1202, they established the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Ottoman domination of the Balkan Peninsula eventually affected Bulgaria in the late 14th century, and by 1396, Bulgaria had become part of the Ottoman Empire. Following the Russo-Turkish War (1877-78) and the Treaty of Berlin (1885), Bulgaria gained some autonomy under the Ottoman Empire, but complete independence was not recognized until 1908.

During the first half of the 20th century, Bulgaria was marred by social and political unrest. Bulgaria participated in the First and Second Balkan Wars (1912 and 1913) and sided with the Central Powers, and later the Axis Powers, during the two World Wars. Although allied with Germany during World War II, Bulgaria never declared war on Russia.

Here are some highlights from Bulgarian plentiful heritage:

• Bulgaria has a 1322 years of history, since 681 A.D.

• Bulgaria has harbored and developed culture in 2 alphabets - the Cyrillic (9th century) and the Glagolitic (862), courtesy of Saints Cyril & Methodius (Cyrillic is the basis of most languages spoken in Eastern Europe today).

• Bulgaria is the first Slavic nations that adopted Christianity.

• Bulgaria was once one of the 3 biggest empires in Europe among the Frankish, and the Byzantine (it spanned between the Mediterranean, the Black, and the White Seas).

• Bulgaria preserved its ethnic identity, religion, and culture after 200 years Byzantine and 500 years Turkish yokes!

• Bulgaria, in its modern history never lost a battle and never lost a flag, captured by its enemies’ armies.

• Bulgaria in its modern history saved the lives of its 50,000-strong Jewish population, despite ill-fated and ill-judged alliance with Nazi Germany!

• Bulgaria’s “Izlel e Delio Haidutin” folk song was sent in deep space on the board of the US Space Probe -Voyager I as part of a collection of our Civilization’s finest cultural artifacts - a message to an alien intelligence!

• Bulgaria gave birth to numerous scientists, artists, and athletes (among whom is John Atanasoff –the inventor of the computer).

The main components of the reform program continue to be restructuring of the state-owned enterprises, the financial and banking sector reform, the liberalization of agricultural and energy sectors, the adoption of the health insurance system, the pension system reform, and the administrative reforms in the public sector.

Tourism is the fastest growing sector in the Bulgarian economy with excellent opportunities for foreign investment with high return on investment ratios. Other sectors having strategic position in the Bulgarian economy are mechanical and electrical engineering and telecommunications.

Find out here why Bulgaria is offering an ideal environment in which to invest:

• In 1997, macro-economic stability was reinforced by the imposition of a fixed exchange rate of the lev against the German Deutsch mark and the negotiation of an IMF standby agreement.

• A bill was passed by the government in April of 2005 laying out the intention of foreign property ownership legislation in line with the rest of Europe and changes will be enforced in 2007 with EU membership. This will be of benefit to the foreign investor, making the buying process easier and it will have a positive impact on prices in the future.

• Low inflation and steady progress on structural reforms have improved the business environment. Bulgaria has averaged 4% growth since 2000 and has attracted significant amounts of foreign direct investment, particularly in the property sector.

• As part of a 3 year agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Bulgaria received considerable financing to the tune of $860million towards stabilisation of the economy, and a further $500 million from the World Bank for various other domestic projects. On top of this initial allocation, the World Bank has continued to subsidise Bulgarian projects to the tune of $1.54 billion.

• With the considerable investment afforded Bulgaria during the late 1990s, the country has emerged as one of South Eastern Europe’s most robust economies, going way beyond expectations and moving ahead of other nations in this region.

• Figures released by the World Bank indicate GDP growth in Bulgaria between 1998 & 2004 as between 4 and 5%. These figures continue to grow, as in 2004, growth had reached 5.3% and 2005/2006 figures suggest growth at 6%. This will certainly be the highest growth anywhere in Eastern Europe and significantly higher than, for example, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic, who are also undergoing economic reforms.

• The international community now views Bulgaria in a dramatically improved economic light.

• Efforts to reduce inflation have succeeded, as it now stands at close to 0%.

• The Bulgarian government is driving forward privatisation plans at a great pace.

• After ongoing efforts, the World Bank director for Bulgaria & Romania has now confidently claimed Bulgaria as “a good place for investment”, highlighting the fact that in just three years, the country has risen from being the World Bank’s lowest rated country in this Eastern region, to being the highest but one.

Bulgaria is considered to be one of the most rapidly advancing nations in Europe today and is renowned for foreign property investment in its coastal and mountain areas. With the average property price having risen by an incredible 31% during the 2004 alone, it is easy to see why investment in Bulgaria is becoming so popular. With excellent property prices and high capital growth projections, combined with Bulgaria’s natural advantages such as sun, sand, sea, skiing, beautiful landscapes and thriving economy, property investors continue to see this Eastern European location as one of the world’s best emerging markets.

Although roughly the same size as England, Bulgaria is at present, a very sparsely populated state, with a population of approx just 7.45 million people. Located in the extreme east of south east Europe, Bulgaria borders Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro and Turkey.

Why Invest In Bulgaria?

• Bulgaria is an exciting emerging market and currently offers property at prices simply un-obtainable in other areas of the world. With prices steadily rising and set to continue to do so for some time, wise property investment Bulgaria promises excellent returns on investment. Purchasers are snapping up bargains now, with a view to enjoying some excellent returns on investment in the near future.

• With an increase in tourism of 50% between 2000 and 2004, Bulgaria has established itself with the fastest growing tourist trade in Europe and this, in turn, is steadily driving property prices upwards. Tourism concentrates mainly on the popular Black Sea resorts and increasingly popular ski locations and it is creating a very stable buy-to-let environment for investors. Bulgaria has invested heavily in Borovets ski resort in a strong bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics. This will have an inevitable knock-on effect on worldwide awareness of Bulgaria and property investment potential.

• Bulgaria is strongly backed by the UK in its bid for EU accession in 2007. Traditionally new EU countries experience steep increases in property values and tourism from other EU nations, whilst having brought their infrastructures and economic standards up to EU standards.

• Bulgaria has come a long way since its former Communist days and today has a government that is stable and committed to economic reform. It is now a modern, strong and rapidly growing country that has recently become recognized as for its promise on the international market. GDP growth expected to be highest in Eastern Europe (Institute of International Finance) at 6% for 2005/2006.

• With warm weather and stunning blue flag beaches as well as beautiful countryside and a rich cultural experience, Bulgaria has something to offer everyone.

• Close proximity to Europe and increased low cost airlines offering direct routes to Bulgaria from many UK and other European airports, make Bulgaria easily accessible and a viable property location for investors and property purchasers alike.

The Property Market In Bulgaria

The Bulgarian property market today continues to grow in accordance with expert forecasts. Property prices in some locations here have been rising by more than 30% per annum – one of the highest rates in the world. In 2006, property prices in Bulgaria range from around 10,000 to 175,000 depending on property type and location, while you can still purchase a comfortable, well renovated property in a good area for approximately ?50,000.

In order to take maximum advantage of the Bulgarian market, market trends between each region of Bulgaria need to be understood, eg. supply far outweighs demand in the capital city of Sofia. Capital appreciation here in 2004 was just 5.9%. If you compare this with the town of Silistra on the banks of the River Danube which had capital growth of 36%, and the town of Vratsa with figures of 30%, Sofia offers a less profitable option. It is true that these figures reflect the comparatively low property prices in these towns originally, but supply and demand in these areas are also better balanced. Although these figures are impressive, investors with a buy-to-rent strategy should research their area very thoroughly before purchasing here in order to gain a realistic view on projected returns.

Now that Bulgaria is establishing itself on the foreign property market, it is shifting construction emphasis towards higher quality, exclusive developments. Only projects of the highest quality in terms of design, specification, construction and location are being considered. Permission for construction will be granted only if the developer can highlight a minimal effect to the environment and, indeed, protection of areas of natural beauty is paramount while protection orders have already been placed on National Parks.

Reasons Why Bulgaria Is An Intelligent Property Investment Location:

• Early stage of development in Bulgaria, ideal time to invest

• Huge tourism growth potential. Increase of 50% between 2000 and 2004 (90% increase from EU visitors)

• Tourists expected to exceed 20 million by 2010, making it one of the world’s greatest emerging tourism markets

• Stable government committed to economic reform

• Large amounts of foreign direct investment

• Strong possibility of inclusion in the European Union in 2007 backed by the UK

• Excellent property prices that are very low compared to most other European locations

• Considered one of the most rapidly advancing countries in Europe

• Property construction emphasis on high quality design and build with minimal environmental effect

• GDP growth expected to be highest in Eastern Europe (Institute of International Finance) at 6% for 2005/2006

Bulgaria Property Investment Forecasts

Despite excellent growth figures experienced over the past decade, Bulgaria continues offer comparatively low property prices. Other nations in Eastern Europe who are seen as competitors are becoming increasingly expensive, ensuring Bulgaria an ongoing competitive advantage despite rises in property values. It is interesting to note that upon joining the European Union, the cities of Warsaw (Poland), Prague (Czech Republic) and Bratislava (Slovakia) all climbed more than 10 places in the “Mercer Cost of Living” survey. Bulgarian property remains up to 40% lower priced than in these example countries.

Property prices in Bulgaria are increasing and continue to grow at a higher rate in tourist areas than in the rest of the country. The property investment market in Bulgaria is heavily reliant on tourism for creating strong capital growth and high rental yield possibilities in the skiing and coastal resorts. This reliance is reciprocated however, with tourism being reliant on a thriving property industry to cater for demand. These industries are firmly set to continue to grow hand-in-hand.

The most recently identified demand in Bulgaria is for secure, luxury developments. By the end of 2006, Bulgaria will have seen a great increase in purchases from reputable developers for higher quality build constructions.

As a conservative estimate, prices in Bulgaria will continue to increase at around 12% per annum until EU accession in 2007. Following this, experts maintain there will be an additional sharp rise in property values, followed by the leveling out of the market by approximately 2009.

The banking system in Bulgaria has done a lot to reform itself over the past years, becoming more open and transparent. As in any country, if you open a bank account in one of Bulgaria’s banks, you should compare commission rates for money transfer to and from Bulgaria. In most Bulgarian banks you will find a few English-speaking employees to help you.

Outside of the major cities and tourist areas, Bulgaria is largely a cash economy although ATMs are attached to most banks. In recent years the practice of using debit cards has become more widespread, although payment with personal cheques is practically unknown and little used as a method of payment. However, payment by debit cards is accepted in some of the retail chains and gas stations and is increasing in popularity.

The Association of Commerce Banks is a body that represents all recognized financial institutions in Bulgaria, and as such acts as a bond of reputability. The full list of Bulgarian ACB member Banks is listed below:

• Bulbank
• Biochim
• Central Cooperative Bank
• Economic & Investment Bank
• Demirbank
• Encouragement Bank
• Eurobank
• ING Bank
• First Investment Bank
• Roseximbank
• Expressbank
• Societe Generale
• Union Bank
• United Bulgarian Bank
• Bank DSK
• Procredit Bank
• Tokuda Bank Plc

The British Department of Health website clearly states that Britons travelling to or living in Bulgaria are entitled to critical and essential expatriate healthcare in Bulgaria which should include doctors’ visits, basic dental treatment and hospital care and the provision of these services is given in reciprocation as Bulgarians have the right to the same in the UK.

There is a reciprocal healthcare agreement in place between the UK and Bulgaria in advance of Bulgaria joining the EU but will require a UK passport and medical card number plus an E111. Hospital treatment and other medical and dental treatment is usually free but payment will have to be made for medicines supplied by the public pharmacy. Bulgaria is putting major reforms into its Health Service in preparation for its entry into the EU.

Although some initial emergency medical treatment may be given free of charge, British nationals are likely to be charged for the majority of medical expenses incurred whilst in Bulgaria (including tests and investigations, medication and overnight stays in hospital, whether state or private).

It is strongly recommended that you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover the full period you will be in the country, and it should include Medivac to the UK if necessary. (Be aware however, that most insurance companies will not authorise Medivac to the UK as a matter of routine, or because local hospitals are not up to UK standards).

In terms of the availability of hospitals, clinics and medical services in Bulgaria all major towns and cities have at least one hospital and most doctors in state and private hospitals have at least a rudimentary understanding of English. This means that in an emergency one doesn’t have to panic and try and find a translator! However, if an expat is unfortunate enough to require a hospital stay they will find that few of the nursing staff will have foreign language skills and that nursing care where it is available is limited.

Facilities in most Bulgarian hospitals are adequate and medical care is considered to be acceptable, although specialised equipment/treatment may not be available and the majority of hospital staff are unlikely to speak English.

In terms of expatriate healthcare in Bulgaria, those who can afford it generally prefer to go to the private clinics, doctors and hospitals that are available in the main towns and cities. For a basic consultation expect to pay around GBP 15 which can rise to around GBP 50 for a consultation with a private specialist. Any Britons who wish to receive free treatment have to provide their passport and also their medical card which is available from the department of health in the UK before they can be treated.

Statistics gathered by the Bulgarian Ministry for the Economy show that in 2004 Bulgaria attracted a far greater number of visitors from the 15 major EU states. For example, tourists numbers from the UK rocketed by over 62% and Irish visitor figures grew by an astonishing 84%! Despite these great figures, there remains a great growth potential in Bulgarian tourism for the coming years. The government drives forward plans for this growth sector as it currently accounts for some 12% of the Bulgarian GDP. The government examines other successful tourism markets of a similar type and uses their example as a way forward, eg. Austria has a high volume of visitors throughout all seasons to its mountain resorts, a trend which Bulgaria is keen to emulate.

According to studies, during the four year period to 2004, the number of foreign tourists visiting Bulgaria increased by almost 50%, with the number of EU originating visitors growing by nearly 90%. A forecast by the World Trade Organisation indicates that by the year 2010, the number of tourists visiting the country will annually exceed 20 million, making Bulgaria one of the world’s greatest emerging tourism markets. This has obvious positive repercussions for property investors.

Traditional Tourism

During the winter months, Borovetz, Bansko, Pamporovo and Vitosha are popular ski resorts. During the summer season Bulgaria welcomes steadily increasing numbers of tourists to its numerous resorts along the Black Sea coast. Popular summer resorts include Sozopol, Nessebur, Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, Albena, St. St. Constantine & Helena and many others. Bulgaria has become an attractive destination because of the quality of service and the affordable prices of accommodations that the country offers.

Bulgaria has enjoyed a substantial growth in income from international tourism over the past decade. Beach resorts are popular with tourists from Germany, Russia and Scandinavia. The ski resorts are a favorite destination for English tourists.

Rural Tourism in Bulgaria

Many Bulgarian villages, which have preserved their traditional appearance and genuine spirit, situated in environmentally clean regions, open their doors with hospitality to those willing to share the preserved rich Bulgarian traditions and folklore, agriculture, delicious and varied local cuisine, preserved old crafts, the forthright human relations.

The perfect places for eco tourism in Bulgaria are the small villages near the city of Sofia, or the villages situated on the numerous mountains like Pirin, Rila, Rhodopes and Vitosha. Bansko is the perfect place for you vacation or the perfect place for your second house. The village is famous far and wide for its authentic folklore. The most frequent visitors usually pay a several hour visit in the picturesque village coming from the nearby ski resort Pamporovo. The number of tourists, however, who would like to spend several days in the village, is constantly increasing. The Razlog valley is a unique nature treasure of Bulgaria, hugging among this country’s three most beautiful mountains - Rila, Pirin and the Rhodopes. These are mountain ranges in the south-western part of the country, each one totally different from the rest. If you wish to see trees of 5 centuries of age, this is the place for you. Living in this place are the brown bear, wolf, fox, red deer, roe deer, wild boar, eagle and partridge. Most common for the numerous lakes, rivers and streams in the locality is the mountain trout.

Nowadays these small villages would be the perfect places for your second home in Bulgaria, to live in or to invest in.

History Tourism

Historical tourism is undeveloped in Bulgaria. The country is situated at crossroads linking East and West. It has been home to many civilisations, including the Thracians, Slavs, Romans, Byzantines, Proto-Bulgarians, and Ottomans.

Although the country is rich in historical ruins, museums and monasteries those are not properly advertised and maintained. Some are not tourist-accessible due to poor infrastructure. This underdevelopment is regarded as desirable by some tourists who prefer to experience history first-hand rather than look at artefacts behind glass.

Traditional food includes Bulgarian bread, pickled vegetables, salads, soups, stews, casseroles, stuffed vegetables, kebabs, spicy sausages and cheese dishes. Add to this, lots of garlic, onions, oil and spices.

Bulgarians particularly like salads - a salad and rakia (Bulgarian spirit/schnapps, usually made from grapes) are often an obligatory start to the meal. But be warned, this stage of the meal can be a very drawn-out process lasting up to an hour

Yoghurt is very popular and eaten most days. In fact, Bulgaria is said to be the home of yoghurt and Bulgarian yoghurt is thought to have curative properties.

Meat, fish and vegetarian dishes are served with rice or bulgar wheat. Vegetables include aubergines, beans, cabbage, carrots, corn, courgettes, cucumbers, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and olives.

Favourite desserts are pancakes, baklava, baked apples and fruit: apricots, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes, melons, raspberries, strawberries, peaches, pears, plums and quinces.

Typical Dishes

   Breakfast:

• Banitsa - flaky dough and cheese pastry, sometimes with spinach, leek or onion. Delicious when fesh in the morning, rather than microwaved in a bar.

• Kozunak - bread-like, with sugar spread on top. Very good with yoghurt.

• Boza - made from millet and tastes like puffed wheat cereal, in a brown liquid form. Looks like chocolate milk, so it’s better to check what it is before buying it. According to veteran expatriates, it is best with a shot of vodka or whisky added to it.

   Lunch:

Salads are eaten as this is normally the lighter meal of the day.

• Shopska salad - cucumbers, tomatoes, and white cheese.
• Russian salad - potato salad with mayonnaise.
• Kartofi salad - potato salad with vinegar.
• Toasted sandwiches - bread and meat or cheese cooked in a sandwich press with a selection of salads.

   Dinner:

• Shishche - shish kebab, pork or beef.
• Kyufte - ground pork and spices in patty form.
• Kebapche - same as kyufte but in sausage form.

   Drinks:

• Beer - preferred Bulgarian beers are Zagorka and Pleven. Make sure it is nice and “studena” (cold).

• Wine - this is high quality and low in price. Wines from Preslav, Novi Pazar, Suhin Dol, Melnik and Khan Krum (Shoumen Region) are considered to be the best. Sungularski Misket (dry white) is a very popular wine.

• Rakia - Bulgarian fruit brandy, often made of plumb or grapes. It is the national drink and rather strong.

As with most activities in Bulgaria, going out to a restaurant is great value for money. Breakfast may set you back 2.50 euro and a typical 3 course lunch, a mere 5.00 euro.

Transport types available in Bulgaria:

• Air transport - Two-way daily flights link Sofia to Varna and Bourgas. During the summer season there are more daily flights in both directions.

• Train - The rail network is extensive and connects most cities and villages. Traveling by train in Bulgaria is quite cheap.

• Bus - Private bus services cover most directions, with the exception of some high mountain villages.

• Car - The big international rent-a-car companies have agents in most of the towns, resorts and airports. Information about the rates is available at the hotels and travel agencies. Cars may be reserved online or hired from the airports upon arrival as well as in the major cities. Average cost is between 180 and 300 Euros per week, including unlimited mileage, tax and insurance.

Roads

Road conditions for drivers in Bulgaria are very different from those in Western Europe. However, by comparison, the safety of public transport is relatively good. Road travel has been greatly modernized in anticipation of EU membership in 2007 and in line with development of the country’s infrastructure.

Roads are fair in the cities, but can be poor in rural areas. The road signs are basically identical to those in the other European countries but commonly absent or only in Cyrillic. Petrol (benzin) in Bulgaria is slightly cheaper than in Western Europe. The most reliable tanking places (benzinostantsiya) are the 24-hour stations of Shell, OMV and BP.

If you intend to travel by car around Bulgaria keep in mind the vignette system, valid since this year for the national road network, except for the roads within populated areas. You can buy a vignette from all border-crossing points, all post offices and most gas stations. The prices of vignettes are in EUR and USD. They are different depending on the type of the vehicle and the time period.

Driving

Driving in Bulgaria is an experience you will not forget. Below is some advice and information that will help you, should you decide to take to the road in Bulgaria.

There is always dangerous and heavy truck traffic along the two-lane routes from the Greek border at Kulata to Sofia and from the Turkish border at Kapitan Andreevo to Plovdiv. You should expect long delays at border crossings.

To drive in Bulgaria you can use your national license, preferably accompanied by an international one. If you leave your passport with a hotel reception, you would be well advised to ask for a copy (or take the original) if you are renting a car.

The minimum age for driving is 18 years. Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 50 Km/hr in the cities/towns, 90 Km/hr out of town and 120 Km/hr on the motorways. The same speed limits apply for motorcycles. Motorcyclists must drive with helmets and with lights on at all times. You are obliged to use safety seat belts no matter where you sit in the car both inside and outside populated areas. Talking on a cellular telephone while driving is not allowed, unless you use a hands-free device. Drinking and driving is strictly forbidden.

Driving licenses valid in Bulgaria:

• Those issued by the states that have signed the Vienna Convention.
• Certified translation of the driving license.
• International driving license.

Traffic police and fines

The police often stop the motorists to check their documents: registration and ownership documents of the vehicle or a certified letter of attorney by the owner; international motor insurance /Green Card/ and passport. Do not get out of the car and wait for the policeman to approach, remain calm and polite.

Note: in case of breaking of traffic rules you are not obliged pay a fine on spot. The police can only impose a sanction by drawing up a statement. The due amount you have to pay at the customs when leaving the country. All accidents must be reported to the traffic police (KAT) and a report be filed. The process is lengthy but necessary for any insurance claims.

Important phones:

• Police - 166
• Ambulance - 150
• Fire - 160
• Road Assistance Service - 91146 and 146 (inside Bulgarian mobile networks)

Bulgarian is a South Slavic language written in the Cyrillic alphabet and remains one of the strong bonding points between Bulgarians and Russians. Russian is the second language of older Bulgarians. Younger people are more likely to be interested in speaking a version of English peppered with classic rock lyrics and advertising slogans. Bulgarians waggle their heads Indian-style to mean yes, and nod to mean no.

The earliest monuments are the drawings found in the Magura cave (Second Millennium BC), the remains from Palaeolitic cultures in several caves in Stara planina (Balkan Mountains) and the Rhodope Mountains. Traces of some seaside Neolithic and Palaeolithic cultures have been found in the areas of cape Kaliakra and the southern seaside town Ahtopol.

The Kazanluk tomb and the Sveshtare tomb are remarkable monuments of the Thracian art. The Kazanluk tomb is from the end of the 4th and the beginning of the 3rd century BC. The murals on the walls of the tomb reflect battle scenes and the symbolic farewell with the Thracian ruler accompanied by three racing chariots. The Sveshtare tomb is built in the first half of the 3rd century BC. The chamber was decorated as a facade of a temple with depicted horseman who takes a golden garland from the hands of a goddess with a religious procession following her.

Most of the remains are indicative of high level masterful use materials such as clay, kaolin, stone, wood, bronze and iron. The remains of pottery and other household ware dating back to the late Palaeolithic and the early Neolithic Ages found near Nova Zagora are extremely interesting and unique. This is the reason why the Karanovska Mound was called “the Noah’s Ark” of European civilisation as it exhibits seven consecutive archaeological cultural layers. There are some of the first signs of the future archaic Mediterranean culture in it, which, along with the development of trade, became a model to whole Old World. The Hotnitsa treasure, which was found among the remains of a late Eneolithic building (2nd half of 5th millenium BC) and mostly the findings in the Necropolis of Varna (the late Eneolithic period) are indisputable evidence of the existence of well-developed civilisation in Southeastern Europe. Quite impressive are the settlement mounds (8th-6th centuries BC) in the Eastern Rhodopes, Strandzha and Sakar Mountains, which illustrate the construction mastership of the Thracians in the early Iron Age.

Whole ancient cities have been restored. Some of them are Augusta Trajana, Apolonia, Trimoncium, Nicopolis ad Istrum etc. Under the capital city Sofia have been found thousands square meters of ruins from the ancient city Serdica. In the Middle Ages massive fortifications, monumental castles, temples and basilicas are built in the Old Bulgarian capitals Pliska and Veliki Preslav.

One can get acquainted with the pre-historic culture of Bulgaria mainly through the exhibitions displayed at the Archaeological Museum and the National Museum of History in Sofia and through the exhibits in the local museums in Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Nova Zagora, Varna, Rousse, Veliko Tarnovo, Razgrad, Vidin, Bourgas, etc.

Festivals and customs

Bulgarian festivals and customs date back to ancient times when men tried to appease the natural elements and trembled before their power. Full of beauty, gaiety, mystical voices, fiery dances and brightly colored costumes - Bulgarian folklore has to be seen, felt and experienced!

Fire dancing is the most ancient mysterious ritual - barefooted dancers performing on burning embers. This religious and mystical ritual for expelling illness, for health and fruitfulness is one that must be seen to believe it.

The Festival of Roses is a lovely festival celebrated in the Rose Valley near the town of Kazanluk (at the foot of the Balkan Range) on the first weekend of June every year. The festival is a pageant of beauty in the unique Rose Valley. In the run-up of the event, a Queen Rose beauty contest is held in several rounds. Artists, actors, circus performers, writers and singers flock to Kazanluk at the start of June. The Bulgarian oleaginous rose yields 70 percent of the world’s attar of roses used by every perfume company as an essential component of its products.

Kukeri Carnival held in the region of Dupnitsa and Pernik is a splendid festival of brightly colored masks and costumes which marks the beginning of the spring. Every participant makes his own multi-coloured personal mask, covered with beads, ribbons and woollen tassels. The heavy swaying of the main mummer is meant to represent wheat heavy with grain, and the bells tied around the waist are intended to drive away the evil spirits and the sickness.

The Bulgarian voices are called to be mystery. Experts are still trying to explain the incredible range of the Bulgarian voice and the variety of songs. Its unique sound was universally acknowledged by the fact that the popular Rhodope song “Izlel e Delyu hiadutin” sung by the talented singer Valya Balkanska was recorded on a gold record and was sent as a message to outer space on the American spaceship Voyager in 1977. The world is discovering it again and again at major folklore and song contests in Italy, France, England and Ireland from which the Bulgarian music and dance ensembles invariably walk off with the first prizes.

The folk festivals “Pirin Sings” and Rozhen Sings are the best-known Bulgarian folklore festivals. Last year alone, some 150 000 visitors from Bulgaria and abroad came together to witness the show by the 4 000 performers on each festival. They came not only to see these inspiring events, but also to learn about the curious world of Bulgarian folklore traditions.

Applied crafts have gradually emerged from the narrow frame work of strictly domestic life to become an art which breeds art: Bulgarian embroidery with its intricate geometrical figures, Bulgarian rugs and carpets with their vibrant colours, exquisitely painted Bulgarian ceramics, finely ornamented Bulgarian fretwork and superbly fashioned Bulgarian jewellery.

The Samovodene Market in Veliko Turnovo, the Permanent National Exhibition of Folk Art in Oreshak near Troyan and the Etura architectural and ethnographic complex near Gabrovo are all original museums of the revived beauty of Bulgarian handicrafts. You are bound to find your own particular memento from Bulgaria here - a small carved wooden wine vessel, a Troyan pottery set, a fleecy Rhodope rug, an original piece of silver jewellery, a finely embroidered silk blouse or a colourful carpet.