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Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a country or territory in Eastern Europe. Its capital is Sofia.
- Population
- 6.4M58 /km²
- Surface area
- 110,997 km²
- GDP
- $113.3B$18K per capita
- Capital
- Sofia
Bulgaria is located in Eastern Europe, and its capital is Sofia. It has a population of approximately 6,441,421 and covers an area of about 110,997 km². Its official currency is the Bulgarian lev (BGN).
What stands out
Economic snapshot
$113.34 billion nominal GDP
Practical reference
Bulgarian lev (BGN)
About Bulgaria
Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Bulgaria is a land of soaring mountains, sun‑kissed Black Sea beaches, and ancient towns that whisper tales of empires and endurance.
Dominated by the Balkan Mountains that bisect the country from west to east, Bulgaria also boasts the fertile Danubian Plain to the north, rolling Thracian lowlands, and a picturesque 378‑kilometre coastline along the Black Sea, punctuated by cliffs, bays, and the famed Sunny Beach resort.
A vibrant tapestry of folklore, music, and culinary delights, Bulgaria celebrates traditions like the rose‑oil harvest in the Rose Valley, the haunting melodies of the gaida (bagpipe), and hearty dishes such as banitsa, Shopska salad, and rakia, reflecting a blend of Slavic, Ottoman, and Mediterranean influences.
In 681 AD, the First Bulgarian Empire was founded, cementing Bulgaria as one of Europe's oldest states; its legacy includes the Cyrillic alphabet, created by Saints Cyril and Methodius' disciples, which spread across the Slavic world and remains in use today.
Key facts
- Bulgaria is home to the world’s oldest gold treasure, the 4,600‑year‑old Varna Necropolis, discovered in 1972.
- Population: approximately 6.9 million people; Area: 110,994 square kilometres.
- Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of Bulgarian Orthodox architecture perched high in the Rila Mountains.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Country data & reference
Capital
Sofia
Population
6,441,421 (58 /km²)
Surface Area
110,997 km²
GDP
$113.34 billion (2024)
GDP per Capita
$17,596 (2024)
Region / Subregion
Native Name
България
Nationality
Bulgarian
Currency
Bulgarian lev (BGN - Лв.)Phone Code
+359
Top-Level Domain
.bg
ISO Codes
BG / BGR
Coordinates
43, 25
Time zones
- Europe/Sofia (UTC+02:00)
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
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Bulgaria: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Bulgaria?
The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia.
What is the population of Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has a recorded population of approximately 6,441,421 people.
How big is Bulgaria?
Bulgaria covers an area of about 110,997 km².
What is the population density of Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has a population density of roughly 58 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $113.34 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has a GDP per capita of approximately $17,596.
What currency is used in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev (BGN), with the symbol Лв..
Where is Bulgaria located?
Bulgaria is located in Eastern Europe, Europe.
What is the native name of Bulgaria?
The native name of Bulgaria is България.
What are people from Bulgaria called?
People from Bulgaria are referred to as Bulgarian.
What is the phone calling code for Bulgaria?
The international dialing code for Bulgaria is +359.
What is the internet domain for Bulgaria?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Bulgaria is .bg.
What time zone is Bulgaria in?
Bulgaria uses the Europe/Sofia time zone.
What is Bulgaria known for?
Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Bulgaria is a land of soaring mountains, sun‑kissed Black Sea beaches, and ancient towns that whisper tales of empires and endurance.