The Republic of Bulgaria

The Republic of Bulgaria is situated in the north-eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with Romania in the north, with Macedonia and Serbia in the west, with Greece and Turkey in the south, on the east is surrounded by the Black Sea.

Area: about 111 thousand square kilometers.

Population: 7.6 million people, mostly Bulgarians. There also live Gypsy (about 12%), Turks (about 10%), etc.

Official language: Bulgarian.

Capital: Sofia (1.3 million inhabitants), the largest industrial and cultural center of the country.

Administrative divisions: the territory is divided into 28 regions, consisting of communities.

Currency: Bulgarian lev.

National holiday: March 3 – the Day of the Liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman yoke.

Historical Overview

The most ancient population of Bulgaria was the Thracians. For 1 century their territory was occupied by Rome and in 395 it became a part of the Byzantine Empire. In the middle of the VI and the beginning of the VII centuries, Slavic tribes settled there. In the second half of the VII century, in the north-east of the Balkan Peninsula appeared Proto-Bulgarians (Turkic tribes from Azov and the Northern Caucasus). In 681, between the Balkan Range and the lower Danube, was formed Slavic and Proto-Bulgarian state – the first Bulgarian Empire. In VII-X centuries was formed the Bulgarian nationality. Significant role in this was played by the adoption of Christianity in 865, and the introduction of Slavic Literature in 886. In 1018-1186 Bulgaria was under Byzantine rule, and from 1187 to 1396 there were the II Bulgarian Empire. At the end of the XIV century, Bulgaria was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. It was released after the defeat of Turkey against Russia in 1877-1878.
Bulgaria participated in the First (1912-1913) and Second (1913) Balkan wars, which have led to a significant change of its borders.
In World War I, Bulgaria was (from 1915) on the side of Germany and Austria-Hungary. In the beginning of the World War II, the country held the neutrality, but on March 1, 1941, joined the Tripartite Pact of Germany, Italy and Japan. On December 13, 1941, Bulgaria declared the war to the USA and Great Britain.
On September 8, 1944, after entry of the Soviet Army the territory of Bulgaria, the authorities have declared war to Germany. On September 9, 1944, was formed the government of the Fatherland Front, the main role in which was played by the Communists. On September 15, 1946, by the results of the referendum on the form of government, monarchy was abolished and proclaimed as the People's Republic of Bulgaria.
In the end of 1989 – beginning of 1990, Bulgarian communist regime fell, was headed for democratic development, the transition to a market economy, rapid integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures.
Government
Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic.
The highest legislative body is unicameral National Assembly (240 members), elected for a term of four years. The current composition of the National Assembly of the 41st convocation was elected July 5, 2009. The President of the National Assembly is Tsetska Tsacheva (elected on 14 July 2009) from the party "Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria."
The head of state is the President, who is elected by universal direct suffrage for a term of five years. President of the Republic of Bulgaria is Georgi Pyrvanov. He was re-elected to the post on October 29, 2006, and took office on January 22, 2007. Vice President - Angel Marin (elected with the president.) The next presidential elections will be held October 23, 2011.
The supreme executive body is the Government (Council of Ministers). On July 27, 2009, the Parliament appointed the government, led by Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, who during the period of 2005-2009 was a Mayor of Sofia.
Participation in the EU legislative structures
On June 7, 2009, in Bulgaria were held elections of 17 deputies to the European Parliament. Places got 6 parties: GERB - 5 seats, BSP - 4, DPS - 3, "Attack" - 2, NDSV - 2 and SK - 1.

Foreign policy

Bulgaria maintains diplomatic relations with more than 130 countries. It is a member of the United Nations (since 1955), and about 300 other international and regional organizations. In 2002-2003, Bulgaria was a part of a non-permanent member of the UNO Security Council; in 2004, chaired the OSCE.
Since April 2004 it is a member of NATO. On May 5, 1992, it was admitted to the Council of Europe; in May 1994, it received a status of the associate partner of WEU; since June 1, 1996, it became a full member of the CEI; since January 1, 1999 – CEFTA; it is a member of the IMF, World Bank and WTO. On 1 January, 2007, Bulgaria joined the European Union.
Bulgaria leads an active regional policy in the Balkans and the Black Sea, is a member of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, the Black Sea Naval Cooperation Task Group "Blackseafor", participates in initiated by Romania the Black Sea Forum for Dialogue and Partnership.
Bulgaria has an important place in USA plans for reconfiguration of the USA military presence in Europe. On April 28, 2006, in Sofia, was signed the Bulgarian-American agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, which regulates the joint operation of military facilities in Bulgaria. In accordance with this document, the USA military personnel is able to conduct combat training on the Bulgarian military bases.
Bulgaria would not mind to give its territory for the deployment of the USA missile defense system. However, by the assurances of Sofia and Washington, specific negotiations on this subject are not conducted.
Bulgaria is actively involved in peacekeeping operations abroad. Its troops are in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan, as well as in a number of African countries (Liberia, Eritrea, Chad, Central African Republic and Somalia).