Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a country located in the Balkans. The capital and largest city is Sofia. The population is 7.3 million, and the currency is the Bulgarian lev. Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the Council of Europe. The land area of Bulgaria is 110,994 square kilometers. The terrain is mostly mountainous, with the Balkan Mountains running through the middle of the country. The climate is temperate, with cold winters and hot summers. Bulgaria has a long and rich history. It was founded in 681 AD, and was the first Slavic country to adopt Christianity in 864 AD. Bulgaria flourished during the Middle Ages, and was a powerful empire until it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in the 14th century. Bulgaria regained its independence in 1878, but was occupied by the Nazis during World War II. Today, Bulgaria is a democratic republic with a strong economy. Tourism is a major industry, and the country is known for its beautiful beaches, ski resorts, and historical sites.