Bulgaria has an area of 110 993 sq km and occupies the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula, having a varied terrain and mild continental climate.
To the north is Romania, to the west are the Republic of Macedonia, Serbia , to the south - Greece, and to the southeast lies Turkey. The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, which is the country’s natural border, faces east and extends over 378 km / 236 miles /.
The geographical position of Bulgaria on the crossroads between the East and the West, where throughout history the paths of world civilizations have
crossed, is influential to the country’s rich and colorful cultural heritage.
Traces of the material and spiritual presence of the Thracians (2000 BC), the Hellenes, the Romans, the Slavs and proto-Bulgarians, the Byzantines and the Ottomans have been left in the Bulgarian lands. After five centuries under the Ottoman yoke, the Bulgarian Revival, which started in the 18th century, brought the country closer towards Europe, modern times and contemporary culture.
A great number of items, jewelry and tombs have survived since Thracian times to present day. The Romans left us as a heritage of strongholds, buildings and roads. The Byzantines and the Turks have left towns, fortified settlements, fountains and baths. Although their culture was overshadowed during the Ottoman Period, the Bulgarians continued to create their own authentic customs, traditions, rituals, songs and fairy-tales. After the Liberation the architecture of Vienna, the German technical mind and European fashion had their impact. Magnificent buildings give charm and character to towns such as Rouse, Varna, Svishtov, Sofia and others. Air raids during World War ІІ (1943-44) destroyed some of the architectural and cultural sights but in the middle of the century (the 80’s) modern-style buildings, monuments and parks were constructed. After the democratic changes the borders were opened to cultural exchange. Bulgaria’s cultural and historical heritage, as well as its contemporary arts, have become famous all over the world.
