In the past, the Bulgar people were an ethnic group, and in the late seventh century, they merged with the local inhabitants. They were led by hereditary khans and aristocratic families, and were monotheistic. Bulgars worshipped the supreme deity Tangra, but after 1237, they lost their distinctive cultural and linguistic characteristics, and began to blend with the local Russians. In modern times, however, many researchers are pointing to a close connection between Bulgars and the Russians.
The Bulgarian national shield features crowned golden lions holding a shield. The lions stand on oak branches containing acorns, which symbolize the power of the Bulgarian state. The white band surrounding the shield is lined with the national colors of white, red, and green, and inscribed with the phrase “Unity Makes Strength.”
The climate of Bulgaria is temperate with a Mediterranean influence along the Black Sea coast. Inland, the east-west Balkan Mountains create a barrier, keeping the country cooler than in the south. In general, northern Bulgaria experiences more rainfall than southern areas, which are cooler and drier. The northern coastal strip and higher parts of Rila and Stara Planina receive the most rainfall. As a result, summer temperatures reach up to 104 degF, though they remain cooler along the coast.
It is important to develop a good relationship with a woman’s mother if you plan to marry a Bulgarian. Women in this country are often educated, ambitious, and successful. But they still depend on their parents until they reach their mature years. Your future mother-in-law can potentially ruin your relationship with your Bulgarian woman if you’re not careful. Therefore, you must get along well with the mother of your future girlfriend before you meet her.
Bulgarian athletes compete in various sports. The national football team, for example, finished fourth in the FIFA World Cup in 1994. Bulgaria’s football players, including Dimitar Berbatov and Stiliyan Petrov, are well-known around the world. The volleyball team, meanwhile, continues to be a competitive force. With many talented women, Bulgaria’s future looks bright. It’s time to celebrate this rich history with your loved ones.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is the dominant faith in the country, with approximately 90% of its population belonging to this church. However, many Bulgarians have converted to other religions. During the Ottoman rule, a substantial number of Bulgarians converted to Islam and became known as Pomaks. In the 16th and seventeenth centuries, Roman Catholic missionaries converted a small number of Paulicians to Roman Catholicism. There are approximately 40,000 Roman Catholic Bulgarians in the country.
The Bulgarian government is divided into several different branches. The National Assembly is the unicameral legislature, consisting of 240 deputies who are elected for four-year terms. Each deputy is elected according to a list of party candidates in each of the country’s administrative divisions. Parties and coalitions need to garner at least four percent of the vote to enter the parliament. The National Assembly enacts laws, approves the budget, schedules presidential elections, and selects ministers. It also ratifies international treaties and deploys troops outside of the country. Suffrage is universal for those 18 and older.