About Bulgaria

Every person has their own story, but many of us are united by the fact that by fate's circumstances, we ended up in a new country where we need to build a new life as quickly as possible. We hope that our portal Expaterra can help you!

So, Bulgaria: a country of opportunities and warm hospitality, where everyone will find their home among picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Culture and Lifestyle

Bulgaria is a country with a rich cultural heritage, unique lifestyle, and distinctive cuisine, formed under the influence of various civilizations and peoples.

Bulgarian culture is a synthesis of Slavic, Greek, Thracian, Turkish, and Roman traditions. The country is considered the cradle of Slavic literacy, as it was here that brothers Cyril and Methodius created the Glagolitic script, which became the basis for the Cyrillic script. Folklore plays an important role in the lives of Bulgarians: folk songs, dances, and rituals are passed down from generation to generation. Special attention is given to holidays such as Martenitsa (March 1), when people exchange red-and-white decorations symbolizing health and luck.

Bulgarians are known for their hospitality and warm attitude towards guests. Family holds a central place in society, and traditions and customs are deeply rooted in daily life. Many residents adhere to the Orthodox faith, reflected in the celebration of religious holidays and participation in church rituals. In rural areas, traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and woodcarving are preserved.

Bulgarian cuisine is renowned for its variety and use of fresh products. It is based on vegetables, meat, dairy products, and spices. Popular dishes include: Shopska salad (a salad of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and grated white cheese); Tarator (a cold yogurt soup with cucumbers, garlic, and dill, refreshing on hot days); Banitsa (a layered pie with cheese, spinach, or pumpkin, often served for breakfast); Kebapche (grilled meat sausages, usually made from pork or beef, seasoned with spices). Bulgaria is also known for its wines, especially red varieties such as Mavrud and Melnik. The traditional alcoholic drink is rakia, a fruit brandy often served before meals.

Bulgaria holds leading positions in several international rankings, reflecting its achievements in various fields.

The country is one of the largest producers of rose oil in the world. The Rose Valley in the Kazanlak area is known for its rose plantations, from which high-quality rose oil is extracted for use in perfumery and cosmetics.

The country also leads in the production of lavender oil, competing with France. Bulgarian lavender oil is valued for its quality and is widely used in aromatherapy and cosmetology.

Bulgaria has a significant number of sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, which testifies to the country's rich cultural and natural heritage.

In some rankings, Bulgaria ranks highly in terms of the speed and accessibility of broadband internet, especially in major cities.

Bulgaria is known as the homeland of yogurt, and Bulgarian yogurt is renowned for its unique taste and health benefits.

These achievements highlight the unique aspects of Bulgaria on the world stage. However, despite its achievements, Bulgaria faces certain challenges, reflected in international rankings.

According to Eurostat data, Bulgaria has one of the lowest levels of gross domestic product per capita among the European Union countries. This indicates a relatively low standard of living and income for its citizens.

In the Corruption Perceptions Index compiled by Transparency International, Bulgaria often ranks low among EU countries, indicating problems with corruption in the public sector.

Bulgaria faces one of the highest population decline rates in the world, driven by low birth rates, high mortality, and emigration.

In some international rankings, Bulgaria’s healthcare system is rated below average compared to other EU countries, due to insufficient funding and staffing issues.

These indicators underscore areas requiring attention and improvement to enhance the welfare and quality of life in the country.

Local Language

Learning the Bulgarian language can present certain challenges for foreigners, especially if their native language is significantly different from the Slavic ones. For those unfamiliar with Cyrillic, mastering it may take time. Some letters look similar to the Latin alphabet but have completely different pronunciations. The Bulgarian language features specific sounds, as well as the use of accents that can change the meaning of a word. Complex verb tenses, including the past perfect and conditional mood. In different regions of Bulgaria, local dialects may be used, which can complicate understanding. Nonetheless, with the right approach and regular practice, mastering the Bulgarian language can become an interesting and productive process!