Bulgaria

(Republika Bulgaria)

Area: 110,994 square kilometers

Climate: Temperate; cold damp winters, hot dry summers.

Population: 8,831,168

Capital City: Sofia (population 1,140,000.

Languages: Bulgarian is the offical language, with some Turkish spoken.

Religion: 85% are Bulgarian Orthodox, while 13% are Muslim.

Government: Republic with elected president; 9 provinces.

Education & Health: 93% are literate; women live an average of 76 years, men 69.

Monetary Unit: Leva. 25 leva = $1US.

Economy: Major industries are chemicals, machinery, metals, textiles, and processed food. Chief crops are grains, fruit, corn, potatoes, tobacco, and grapes for wine. 20% of the labour force is involved in agriculture.