GENERAL

Bulgaria, in the south-eastern corner of Europe has just the right balance of contrasts from the high mountain ranges to the Black Sea coast. An astonishing diversity of landscapes and wildlife with many old villages and towns with fascinating architecture. Modern facilities are in place yet the roads are empty and the people amazingly patient and helpful to foreigners.

A low cost of living, warmth and sunshine throughout the long summer months plus the well-known availability of winter sports at established resorts. Few foreigners are aware of the potential for activities such as hiking (on well sign posted paths with judiciously placed mountain huts), mountain biking, climbing and caving nor the country's wonderful natural history (due to the influence of both the Balkan and Mediterranean ecosystems). 

No description of this hidden jewel would be complete without reference to the European Blue Riband beaches on the Black Sea coast or the numerous isolated coves.

Bulgaria prides itself on its spas, health and fitness centres - especially around the Black Sea with thermal springs where you can treat everything, or just relax in the mineral pools. As everything in BG the comparatively low cost of these spas makes them available to everyone winter and summer alike.

Bulgarian wine is well known and in addition there are excellent beers too, with a cuisine to satisfy everyone's taste, which is further enhanced by the variety of fresh salads.

Serious crime almost does not exist. In BG everyone 'looks out' for each other and that means that children can have the freedom denied to them in the UK today. 

Optima N Ltd knows that life in Bulgaria offers (not just for children) the opportunity to enjoy freedom and simplicity in a land that vehemently upholds family values, the importance of the community and traditional way of life. There are strong social bonds between people. Optima N Ltd will offer its customers the traditional care and hospitality that makes Bulgaria almost unique.
 
 

BULGARIAN FACTS AND FIGURES

Bulgaria is a member of NATO since 2004.
Bulgaria is a member of European Union since 2007.

Bulgarian state was established in 681 AD by Khan Asparouh. He came in the lands of present Bulgaria from His father's (Khan Kubrat) Great Bulgaria, situated near Volga river / present Russia/. The Republic of Bulgaria formed in 1990, formerly a monarchy until 1945 when the Balkans were carved up and overseen by the former Soviet Union.

Area: 110,993 sq. km
Population: 8,190,876
Capital: Sofia
Official Language: Bulgarian (Cyrillic alphabet)
Official Religion: Christian Eastern Orthodox, Catholic and minority Muslim and Armenian
Larger cities: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Bourgas, Rousse
Highest peak: Mt Moussala - 2925m
Currency: Lev (BGL) - a closed currency (1 Lev = 100 stotinki) pegged to the Euro
RATE: 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN /levs/
International dialling code: +359. 
4 mobile phone networks provide total countrywide coverage 
Time: The East European time applies in Bulgaria, i.e. GMT + 2 hours.
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. The electrical appliances are connected to the electrical circuit via standard European double plug.
Weights and measures: Bulgaria applies the metric system.
 

Bulgaria is undergoing a transition from centrally planned economy to an open market one. Tourism and agriculture emerge as the main industries.  Wine is Bulgaria's biggest export.  Over 90% of Bulgarian land was never fertilized with non-organic fertilizer. Hence, the potential for organic only farming.  Bulgaria’s work force is well educated & not expensive.

Black sea region - 292 sunny days. Bulgaria has a temperate climate with four clearly differentiated seasons. The climate characterizes with mild and not so cold winter and hot, sunny and dry summer. East and South of Bulgaria are influenced by the Mediterranean climate. Annual average temperatures in Bulgaria are around 12.5 C but the temperatures tend to vary from + 40 C in the summer to -10 C in the winter. Black sea region - 292 sunny days, less snowfalls and specially near the Bulgarian Sea Capital - Varna town from 90 winter days - 60 are absolute "spring" days - 12 - 18 C.

Rhodope mountain - 300 sunny days. Rhodope is the most beautiful mountain in Bulgaria - indulge in an abundance of mineral springs, skiing, hiking, horse-riding, rafting, fishing, caving and much more. Land full with natural and historical sightseeings. Lakes, Rivers, Peaks, Views, Clear air, Natural food, Healthy living! Take time to explore this wonderful land!
There is easy access to the Greek Aegean sea coast, just in 150 km from the main town of Smolyan.