Bulgaria

Europe
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey.

43 00 N, 25 00 E

"Saedinenieto pravi silata" "Unity produces strength
President Georgi Parvanov	Prime Minister Boyko Borisov

Capital
Sofia

Government
Parliamentary democracy

Religion
Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, other Christian 1.2%, other 4%.
 
Population
7,932,984

Ethnic group
85% Bulgarians, 9% Turkish, 5% Roma, 1% other groups.

National Language                   
Bulgarian
          
National Day
22 September 1908 from Ottoman Empire

Anthem
Mila Rodino (Dear Homeland)

Currency
Lev2 (BGN)

Attractions
Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches, Rila Monastery 

Website      

Art & Cultural

The ICON

Rila Monastery The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery (Bulgarian: Рилски манастир, Rilski manastir) is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the southwestern Rila Mountains, 117 km (73 mi) south of the capital Sofia in the deep valley of the Rilska River at an elevation of 1,147 m (3,763 ft) above sea level. The monastery is named after the famous Bulgaria saint and hermit Ivan of Rila. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and it is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southeastern Europe as a whole. The monastery is depicted on the reverse of the Bulgarian 1 lev banknote, issued in 1999.