# Bulgaria

> country in southeast Europe

**Wikidata**: [Q219](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q219)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgaria)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bulgaria

## Summary
Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe located in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. It is a parliamentary republic and a unitary state with its capital in Sofia, bordered by Romania, Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, and the Black Sea.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Republic of Bulgaria (Република България)
- **Capital**: Sofia
- **Area**: 110,993.6 square kilometres
- **Population**: 6,437,360 (as of December 31, 2024)
- **Government Type**: Parliamentary republic
- **Head of State**: President Rumen Radev (since January 22, 2017)
- **Head of Government**: Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov (since January 16, 2025)
- **Official Language**: Bulgarian
- **Currency**: Bulgarian lev (switching to Euro on January 1, 2026)
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: BG, Alpha-3: BGR, Numeric: 100
- **EU Membership**: January 1, 2007
- **NATO Membership**: March 29, 2004
- **UN Membership**: December 14, 1955
- **Schengen Area**: Member since March 31, 2024 (air and sea)
- **Highest Point**: Musala (2,925 metres)
- **Lowest Point**: Black Sea (0 metres)
- **Anthem**: "Mila Rodino" (since 1964)
- **Motto**: Unity makes strength
- **Driving Side**: Right
- **Calling Code**: +359
- **Internet TLD**: .bg, .бг
- **Time Zone**: UTC+02:00 (Standard), UTC+03:00 (Daylight Saving)
- **Legislative Body**: National Assembly of Bulgaria
- **Executive Body**: Council of Ministers of Bulgaria
- **Central Bank**: Bulgarian National Bank
- **VAT Rate**: 20% standard, 9% for books

## FAQs
**What is the geographical location of Bulgaria?**
Bulgaria is situated in Southeast Europe, specifically within the Balkans and Eastern Europe regions. It shares borders with Romania to the north, Turkey and the Black Sea to the east, Greece and Turkey to the south, and North Macedonia and Serbia to the west.

**What is the political structure of Bulgaria?**
Bulgaria operates as a parliamentary republic and a unitary state. The head of state is the President, currently Rumen Radev, while the head of government is the Prime Minister, currently Rosen Zhelyazkov, who leads the Council of Ministers.

**Which international organizations is Bulgaria a member of?**
Bulgaria is a member of the European Union (since 2007), NATO (since 2004), the United Nations (since 1955), and the World Trade Organization (since 1996). It also joined the Schengen Area for air and sea travel in March 2024.

**What is the current population trend in Bulgaria?**
As of the end of 2024, the population is 6,437,360. The country has experienced a population decline from a peak of nearly 9 million in the late 1980s to current levels, with a total fertility rate of 1.72 (2024) and a death rate of 15.6 per mille (2024).

**What currency is used in Bulgaria?**
The current currency is the Bulgarian lev. However, the country is scheduled to adopt the euro as its official currency starting January 1, 2026.

**What are the primary languages spoken in Bulgaria?**
The official language is Bulgarian. Other languages used include Turkish, Romani, and Bulgarian Sign Language.

## Why It Matters
Bulgaria serves as a strategic bridge between Southeast Europe and the rest of the continent, anchoring the eastern flank of the European Union and NATO. Its transition from a Soviet satellite state (Warsaw Pact member until 1991) to a fully integrated Western democracy and market economy represents a significant geopolitical shift in the post-Cold War era. The country's accession to the Schengen Area in 2024 further solidified its integration into European free movement frameworks.

Economically, Bulgaria functions as a developing market with a nominal GDP of approximately $102 billion (2023). Its shift to the Euro in 2026 marks a critical milestone in its economic convergence with core European economies. The nation maintains high levels of literacy (98%) and serves as a cultural and historical crossroads, named after the Bulgars and encompassing territories rich in heritage, such as the Rila Monastery.

## Notable For
- **Euro Adoption**: Scheduled to adopt the Euro as its currency on January 1, 2026.
- **Schengen Integration**: Joined the Schengen Area for air and sea travel on March 31, 2024.
- **Historical Statehood**: Inception of the modern state traced back to July 13, 1878 (Principality of Bulgaria).
- **National Anthem**: Uses "Mila Rodino" as its national anthem, adopted in 1964, replacing several previous anthems including "Shumi Maritsa" and "Republiko nasha, zdravey".
- **Motto**: National motto "Unity makes strength" (Съединението прави силата).
- **Tourism Slogan**: Promoted internationally under the slogan "A discovery to share".
- **Geographical Extremes**: Home to Musala, the highest point in the Balkans at 2,925 metres.
- **Digital Identity**: Uses the top-level internet domains .bg and .бг.

## Body

### History and Independence
Bulgaria's modern history as a state began on July 13, 1878, initially as the Principality of Bulgaria (Княжество България). This evolved into the Kingdom of Bulgaria (Царство България) in 1908, which lasted until 1946. Following World War II, the country became the People's Republic of Bulgaria (Народна република България) from 1946 until 1990, during which time it was a member of the Warsaw Pact (1955–1991) and COMECON (1949–1991). The contemporary Republic of Bulgaria (Република България) was established on November 15, 1990. Throughout its history, the national anthem has changed several times, from "Shumi Maritsa" (1886–1947) to the current "Mila Rodino," adopted in 1964.

### Geography and Environment
Bulgaria covers a total area of 110,993.6 square kilometres. It is geographically positioned at coordinates 42.75° N latitude and 25.5° E longitude. The country is located within the Balkans and Eastern Europe, bordered by Romania to the north, the Black Sea to the east, Turkey to the southeast, Greece to the southwest, North Macedonia to the southwest, and Serbia to the west. The landscape features the highest peak in the Balkans, Musala, which stands at 2,925 metres above sea level. The lowest point is at the Black Sea (0 metres). Notable geographical features include the Rila Monastery and the Beklemeto Pass.

### Government and Politics
The nation operates as a parliamentary republic and a unitary state. The executive branch is headed by the Prime Minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov (since January 16, 2025), who leads the Council of Ministers. The head of state is President Rumen Radev (since January 22, 2017). Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly of Bulgaria. The country's governance indices include a Democracy Index score of 6.34 (2024), a BTI Status Index of 7.42 (2024), and a BTI Governance Index of 5.65 (2024).

### Demographics and Society
According to data from December 31, 2024, Bulgaria has a population of 6,437,360. The country has seen a gradual population decline from a peak of roughly 9 million in the late 1980s. The life expectancy at birth is 73.47 years (2024). The total fertility rate is 1.72 (2024), with a birth rate of 8.3 per mille and a death rate of 15.6 per mille. The literacy rate was recorded at 98% in 2011. The population is predominantly urban, with urban residents numbering 4,744,111 compared to a rural population of 1,693,249 (2024). The official language is Bulgarian, with Turkish, Romani, and Bulgarian Sign Language also recognized.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy of Bulgaria is transitioning to the Eurozone, with the Bulgarian lev currently serving as the currency until the scheduled adoption of the euro on January 1, 2026. The Bulgarian National Bank serves as the central bank. The nominal GDP was approximately $102.4 billion in 2023. Key economic indicators include a VAT rate of 20% (standard) and 9% (for books), an unemployment rate of 4.2% (March 2025), and a Gini coefficient of 40.3 (2019). The poverty incidence stood at 20.6% in 2022.

Infrastructure includes a right-hand traffic system and a right-hand railway traffic system. The electrical grid operates at 230 volts and 50 Hz, using Europlug and Type F plugs. The country operates in the Eastern European Time zone (UTC+02:00) and observes daylight saving time (UTC+03:00). The internet top-level domains are .bg and .бг.

### International Relations and Memberships
Bulgaria maintains extensive diplomatic relations with countries worldwide, including Germany, Italy, the United States, Russia, China, and France. It is a member of major international organizations such as the European Union (since 2007), NATO (since 2004), the United Nations (since 1955), and the World Trade Organization (since 1996). It joined the Schengen Area for air and sea travel on March 31, 2024. Other memberships include the Council of Europe, OSCE, World Bank Group, Interpol, UNESCO, and the International Monetary Fund. It formerly held membership in the Warsaw Pact and COMECON.

### Administrative Divisions
Bulgaria is administratively divided into 28 provinces: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Dobrich, Gabrovo, Haskovo, Yambol, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana Oblast, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia City, Sofia Oblast, Stara Zagora, Shumen, Targovishte, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, and Vratsa.

### Symbols and Culture
The national symbols of Bulgaria include the flag, the coat of arms, and the national anthem, "Mila Rodino." The national motto is "Unity makes strength," while the tourism slogan is "A discovery to share." The lion is recognized as an official symbol of the country. The most populous urban area is the capital, Sofia. Cultural heritage sites include the Rila Monastery.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
Bulgaria is identified by various international codes:
- **ISO 3166-1**: Alpha-2: BG, Alpha-3: BGR, Numeric: 100
- **IOC Country Code**: BUL
- **UN M49 Code**: 100
- **Telephone Calling Code**: +359
- **FIPS 10-4**: BU
- **UIC Country Code**: 52 (Alphabetical: BG)
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 207
- **Mobile Country Code**: 284
- **GS1 Country Code**: 380
- **Licence Plate Code**: BG
- **NUTS Code**: BG

The emergency number is 112. The country is classified as having a "Very High" Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.799 (2022), though its Inequality-adjusted HDI is 0.703 (2022).

## References

1. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/bulgaria)
2. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Bulgaria)
3. Constitution of Bulgaria
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. CiNii Research
6. [Source](http://mtcr.info/partners/)
7. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
8. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Europe/BULGARIA)
9. [Nuclear Suppliers Group](http://www.nuclearsuppliersgroup.org/en/participants1)
10. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
11. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/bulgaria)
12. [Movement Coordination Centre Europe](http://mcce-mil.com/wp-content/uploads/glance/MCCE-AT-A-Glance-September-2017.pdf)
13. [Strategic Airlift Capability](https://www.sacprogram.org/en/Pages/The%20Strategic%20Airlift%20Capability.aspx)
14. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
15. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=55)
16. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
17. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/bulgaria)
18. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
19. [Source](https://www.ats.aq/devAS/Parties?lang=e)
20. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
21. [Source](https://holocaustremembrance.com/countries/bulgaria)
22. [Source](https://www.dw.com/en/eu-romania-and-bulgaria-join-schengen-area-by-air-and-sea/a-68706160)
23. [Council - Composition as from January 2025 | CERN Council](https://council.web.cern.ch/en/content/council-composition-january-2025)
24. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
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29. World Bank Open Data
30. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=BG)
31. [Usually resident population on 1 January. Eurostat](https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=demo_urespop)
32. National Statistical Institute
33. [National Statistical Institute](https://www.nsi.bg/sites/default/files/files/pressreleases/Population2019_XE8MEZL.pdf)
34. [Source](https://www.nsi.bg/bg/content/2975/%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D0%BE-%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8-%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%89%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D0%B8-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB)
35. [Source](https://www.nsi.bg/sites/default/files/files/pressreleases/Census2021_predvaritelna_ocenka.pdf)
36. [Source](https://data.who.int/countries/100)
37. [Source](https://www.nsi.bg/en/content/2975/population-districts-municipalities-place-residence-and-sex)
38. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
39. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
40. [National Statistical Institute](https://www.nsi.bg/bg/content/3998/безработни-лица-и-коефициенти-на-безработица-национално-ниво-статистически-райони)
41. [National Statistical Institute](https://www.nsi.bg/en/content/6504/323-unemployed-and-unemployment-rates-national-level-statistical-regions-districts)
42. [CVCE.eu](https://www.cvce.eu/en/obj/changes_in_the_distribution_of_seats_in_the_european_parliament-en-e6d28948-3fa8-4fe7-a552-1b062bc6fb47.html)
43. [Source](https://www.ui.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/europa/bulgarien/)
44. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
45. Official Names of the United Nations Membership
46. The National Terminology Database for Irish
47. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
48. [Source](http://chartsbin.com/view/edr)
49. [Source](http://www.government.bg/cgi-bin/e-cms/vis/vis.pl?s=001&p=0159&g=)
50. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)