Bulgaria: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Bulgaria

Bulgaria is in southeastern Europe, with the Black Sea to the east and the Danube River along much of its northern border. It has high mountains, sunny beaches and valleys full of roses. It is known for rose oil, yogurt and painted monasteries.

About Sofia

Sofia sits in the Sofia Valley at the foot of Vitosha mountain in western Bulgaria. It is known for the golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and its many mineral springs.

Fun facts about Bulgaria

1. Musala, at 2,925 metres, is the highest peak in Bulgaria and in the whole Balkan Peninsula.
2. Bulgaria is one of the world's leading producers of rose oil, used in perfumes, from its famous Rose Valley.
3. The yogurt bacterium Lactobacillus bulgaricus was first identified in 1905 by Bulgarian doctor Stamen Grigorov.
4. Gold jewellery found near Varna is more than 6,000 years old, among the oldest worked gold in the world.
5. The Rila Monastery, with its striped arches and colourful frescoes, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. On March 1, people give each other martenitsi, red-and-white yarn bracelets, to welcome spring.