Bulgaria: country overview
23 May 2012by Ina Dimireva -- last modified 30 January 2017
Bulgaria, a former Communist country, entered the EU on 1 January 2007. Founded in 681, Bulgaria is one of the oldest states in Europe. Its history is marked by its location near Europe’s frontier with Asia. Some 85% of the population are Orthodox Christians and 13% Muslims. Around 10% of the population are of Turkish origin while 3% are Roma. Bulgaria’s main exports are light industrial products, foods and wines, which are successfully competing on European markets.
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Capital: Sofia
Geographical size: 110 370 km²
Population: 7 202 198 (2015)
Population as % of total EU: 1.4 % (2015)
Gross domestic product (GDP): € 44.162 billion (2015)
Official EU language(s): Bulgarian
Political system: parliamentary republic
EU member country since: 1 January 2007
Seats in the European Parliament: 17
Currency: Bulgarian lev BGN
Schengen area member? No, Bulgaria is not a member of the Schengen Area.
Presidency of the Council: Bulgaria will hold the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time in 2018.
Located in the heart of the Balkans, Bulgaria offers a highly diverse landscape: the north is dominated by the vast lowlands of the Danube and the south by the highlands and elevated plains. In the east, the Black Sea coast attracts tourists all year round.
Founded in 681, Bulgaria is one of the oldest states in Europe. Its history is marked by its location near Europe's frontier with Asia. Some 85% of the population are Orthodox Christians and 13% Muslims. Around 10% of the population are of Turkish origin while 3% are Roma. Similarly, its traditional dishes are a mixture of east and west. The most famous Bulgarian food must be yoghurt, with its reputed gift of longevity for those who consume it regularly.
The Bulgarian National Assembly (a single chamber parliament) consists of 240 members who are elected for a four-year period.
Bulgaria's main exports are light industrial products, foods and wines, which are successfully competing on European markets.
Fans of folk music will be familiar with a number of Bulgarian musicians. A Bulgarian folk song was included on the Voyager Golden Record which was sent into outer space by NASA. Famous Bulgarians include philosopher Julia Kristeva, Elias Canetti, Nobel Prize winner for literature in 1981, and Christo Javachev ("Christo"), the creator of many unorthodox outdoor sculptures.
Economy overview
Bulgaria, a former communist country that entered the EU on 1 January 2007, averaged more than 6% annual growth from 2004 to 2008, driven by significant amounts of bank lending, consumption, and foreign direct investment.
Successive governments have demonstrated a commitment to economic reforms and responsible fiscal planning, but the global downturn sharply reduced domestic demand, exports, capital inflows, and industrial production. GDP contracted by 5.5% in 2009, and has been slow to recover in the years since.
Despite a favourable investment regime, including low, flat corporate income taxes, significant challenges remain. Corruption in public administration, a weak judiciary, and the presence of organized crime continue to hamper the country's investment climate and economic prospects.
Useful links
The Commission's Representation in Bulgaria
European Parliament office in Bulgaria
Source: European Commission, CIA - The World Factbook
