Bulgarian is a member of the European Union and the Council of Europe, and has close links to Turkey and Russia. The country’s culture has been shaped by its geographical location on the Balkan peninsula and the influences of the Ottoman Empire.
Bulgaria has a well-established system of higher education, with state universities and specialised private colleges in most major cities. Competition for places is high, and tuition fees are reasonable.
The majority of the population is Orthodox Christian, but Bulgarian society is multi-ethnic and secular. There is a strong emphasis on education, and most children attend pre-school, elementary school and secondary school. In recent years, there has been a move towards more vocational schools, and students are encouraged to choose subjects that will help them in their future careers. Teenagers are given allowances by their parents and can choose their own extracurricular activities, though their families may influence their decisions.
A large percentage of the population is employed in agriculture, manufacturing and services, and there are also significant numbers working in energy, construction and banking. However, the unemployment rate is high and the economic crisis has caused many companies to cut salaries and reduce staff levels.
Bulgarian is a member of the European Economic Area and has free movement of people, goods, capital and services. This has led to a rise in the number of migrants from Bulgaria, particularly into Western Europe.
While the country does not have a national currency, it uses the euro as its main currency. Many businesses are owned and operated by foreign investors, and a significant proportion of the economy is in the hands of private individuals. The government does not regulate or control the sector, and there are no limits on foreign investment.
A wide variety of food is served in restaurants and cafes, reflecting the ethnic and cultural diversity of the country. Vegetarian stuffed peppers (sarmi) and cabbage leaves are popular, as is the dish lupana, which consists of beans, potatoes and onions cooked in butter. Curred meats are a favourite and the most famous is lukanka, which is made from pork and beef meat seasoned with spices and traditionally stuffed in a dried cow’s intestine which is then hung to dry for several weeks.
Revane, or basbousa, is a traditional cake that originates from Egypt but has become extremely popular in Bulgaria. It is a sweet semolina cake soaked in syrup. It is usually sliced and eaten with a fork and sometimes topped with walnuts and strawberries. It can be served in most restaurants, although some Bulgarians prefer to make it at home. Another traditional dessert is knishevnika, which is made from bread, cheese and dill or parsley. A version of this that includes garlic and chili is also popular in Bulgaria. Those who like fish can try ribena chorba, a soup of fried, baked or grilled fish and a selection of vegetables including carrots, cauliflower, beans, aubergine and potatoes.