The Bulgars (оран, лари) are a people with a long and rich history that has seen many ups and downs. They are a hardworking, independent and stubborn people. In literature and folklore, they are portrayed as heroes and villains and are known for their integrity, resourcefulness and loyalty.

Evidence of human habitation in Bulgaria dates from the Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age; 100,000 to 40,000 bce). The Thracian tribes that settled the region were conquered by Alexander the Great, and later absorbed into the Roman Empire. Under the Ottoman sultanate, the country became part of the Eastern Orthodox Christian world. Bulgaria regained its independence in the 18th century, and under postsocialist reforms it has become a democratic republic and European Union member.

Until recently, the economy was dependent on industrial goods and large agricultural production. However, a strong emphasis on education and the desire to improve living standards have led to an increased focus on services and the high-tech industry. In addition, a significant percentage of the population is employed in tourism.

While the family is still central to Bulgarian culture, the composition of households is more diverse than in other western countries. In urban areas, it is common for parents and children to live together, but in rural regions, grandparents may also be a member of the household. Despite this, families are typically viewed as equal in terms of authority and financial responsibility.

Marriage is largely individual choice, although some ethnic groups, including the Pomaks and Gypsies, practice arranged marriages. The majority of Bulgarians are monogamous and marry early in life, usually by civil ceremony. Divorce is rare, but less stigmatized today than in the past.

Food and Drink

The Bulgarian diet is heavily influenced by the surrounding Balkan countries, especially the cuisines of Turkey and Greece. In general, the cuisine is light and fresh with a healthy emphasis on vegetables and whole grains. Many recipes incorporate herbs, which are widely available in the countryside. In addition to these more traditional foods, modern Bulgaria is known for its wine and spirits.

One of the most distinctive Bulgarian dishes is banitsa, a pastry made from filo dough and filled with various fillings including eggs, spinach, pumpkin, sweet milk or yoghurt, and feta or other white cheeses. It is often decorated for holidays like Christmas or New Years with lucky charms and sayings to bring good luck.

Other popular dishes include kashkaval, a semi-hard yellow cheese with a nutty flavor, and kyopolou, a spread made of roasted eggplants, red peppers, paprika, garlic and sunflower or olive oil. Ayran, a yogurt-based drink, is particularly popular in the summer and pairs well with both savory and sweet foods alike.

The climate of Bulgaria is generally warm and temperate, with temperatures falling during the winter and rising in the spring. There are a number of mountain ranges that make up the majority of the country, which provides a variety of recreational opportunities, from skiing to hiking and kayaking. The most notable natural landmark is the Seven Rila Lakes, a group of glacial lakes that form the centerpiece of the National Park of Rila Mountains.