In the late twentieth century, Bulgaria became one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe. The country’s natural resources include coal, petroleum, and natural gas; agriculture is important as well. Many Bulgarians work in manufacturing, including machinery, metallurgy, and food processing. Bulgaria also has a large service sector.

Traditional Bulgarian foods are largely influenced by its geography and climate, with a wide range of salads, dishes featuring pork, fish, or lamb, and baked goods. Yogurt and white brine cheese are common ingredients in Bulgarian cuisine.

A popular Bulgarian dish is tarator, a cold soup made of yogurt, cucumbers, fresh dill, garlic, and walnuts. This refreshing and hydrating soup is perfect for a warm summer day.

Another tasty Bulgarian dish is ljutenica, a meat dip that’s a favorite in both Bulgaria and other Balkan countries. The recipe varies, but ljutenica is always a combination of roasted vegetables (particularly peppers and tomatoes), with some recipes adding eggplant or carrots for flavor and color. It is often served as a dip or spread with grilled meat in Bulgarian restaurants, and it’s an ingredient in many other dishes as well.

Most Bulgarians are Christian, and the country has a long tradition of Orthodox church celebrations and services. The most significant event in the history of the Bulgarian Church was the religious reforms of 1870, which brought Bulgaria into the modern world of Christianity and established a more unified national church.

In addition to church celebrations, there are plenty of festivals and fairs throughout the year that celebrate the nation’s culture and traditions. These events are a great way to experience local Bulgarian life, from music and dancing to folk games and cooking competitions.

A meal in a mehana, a typical Bulgarian eatery, is a great opportunity to sample some of the country’s famous cuisine. The menu varies, but some of the most popular dishes include moussaka (a casserole with meat and potatoes), nadenitsa (stuffed pork sausage), and borek (filled pastry).