Fact 1: Home to the World’s Oldest Gold Treasure
The world’s oldest gold treasure dating back to 5,000 BC was discovered in Bulgaria, specifically in the Varna Necropolis. It is estimated that the treasure consists of around 3,000 artifacts. Such is the value of this ancient mastery of gold, it also holds a Guinness World Record.
Fact 2: Land of Roses
Bulgaria is one of the largest producers of rose oil in the world. The Valley of Roses, located between the Balkan Mountain Range and the Sredna Gora hills, has the perfect climatic conditions for the growth of the prized Rosa Damascena (Damask Rose). This makes Bulgaria one of the few and unique countries that can grow this flower, its oil is widely used in the perfumery industry globally.
Fact 3: The World’s Best Yogurt
Bulgaria is renowned for producing the best yogurt in the world, thanks to a unique bacterium called Lactobacillus Bulgaricus which is found only in Bulgarian air. This ingredient makes the yogurt super healthy, thick, creamy, and tangy.
Fact 4: Birthplace of the Cyrillic Alphabet
Named after St. Cyril, Bulgaria is the birthplace of the Cyrillic Alphabet which is used by more than 250 million people in Europe and Asia. Indeed, it was officially recognized as the third official alphabet of the European Union after Bulgaria joined the EU.
Fact 5: A Nation with Diverse Wildlife
Bulgaria is home to 37,000 species of flora and fauna, which contribute to its abundance and diversity of ecosystems. This vast diversity makes it one of Europe's leading countries in biodiversity.
Fact 6: Bagpipes are Widely Played
Bagpipes are one of the most popular musical instruments in Bulgaria. Known locally as "gaida", Bulgarian bagpipes are made out of goat skin and are extensively used in traditional music.
Fact 7: One of the Oldest European Countries
Founded in 681 A.D., Bulgaria is one of the oldest European countries. It's one of only three that hasn't changed its name since it was first established, the other two being Greece and Denmark.
Fact 8: A Dark Past
Bulgaria is the only country to have saved its entire Jewish population, around 48,000 individuals, from deportation to concentration camps during World War II.
Fact 9: A Land of Folklore
Bulgaria has one of Europe's richest traditions of folklore, with folk dances, costumes, and music celebrated extensively throughout the year. The country even hosts the largest international folklore festival, the Koprivshtitsa Folklore Festival.
Fact 10: Two Christmas Days
Bulgarians celebrate Christmas both on December 25, according to the Gregorian calendar, and also on January 7, according to the Julian calendar. This celebration is accompanied by traditional Bulgarian Christmas Eve dishes prepared without any meat.
Fact 11: Rila Monastery – A World Heritage Site
The Rila Monastery, hidden in the heart of Rila Mountain, is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only is it visually delighting with its complex artistic patterns, but it also tells a long historic tale dating back to the 10th century.
Fact 12: Wine History
Bulgaria has been producing wine since the Stone Age. The country has unique grape varieties, coupled with a diverse climate and geography, making it an excellent place for viticulture.
Fact 13: Highest Number of Natural Mineral Springs in Continental Europe
Bulgaria is famous for its health and wellness tourism, thanks to its over 600 natural mineral springs, the highest number in Continental Europe.
Fact 14: Land of Mountains
Bulgaria boasts tremendous geographical diversity, including seven mountain ranges, making it an ideal destination for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering.
Fact 15: An Unusual Tradition – Baba Marta Day
Every first of March, Bulgarians celebrate an unusual holiday called "Baba Marta." The tradition involves exchanging and wearing red and white woven strings, called Martenitsa, which is believed to welcome spring and ward off evil spirits.
Fact 16: Bulgaria's Unique Name Day Tradition
Bulgarians celebrate name days, a tradition where people with the same names celebrate their “name day” in a similar fashion as birthdays. These name days correspond with the days of Orthodox saints.
Fact 17: Vibrant Nightlife
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, has a vibrant nightlife scene. From traditional taverns to modern bars and nightclubs, there's something for everyone.
Fact 18: A Coffee Culture
Bulgarians love coffee! Coffee drinking has a significant part in their daily life, there are outdoor coffee shops everywhere, especially in large towns and cities.
Fact 19: Hospitality Plays a Vital Role
Bulgarian people are known for their hospitality, it’s deeply ingrained in their culture. Welcoming guests and treating them with warmth is a trait that is emblematic to Bulgarian society.
Fact 20: Noted for its Religious Art and Architecture
Bulgaria is notable for its Orthodox Christian religious art and architecture, with beautiful murals and iconography scattered in monasteries and churches across the country.