Situated in Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria occupies the northeastern
part of the Balkan Peninsula. The country’s total territory is 111,000
sq. km. It has a 378 km borderline with the Black Sea to the east. Bulgaria
also neighbors Macedonia and Serbia and Montenegro to the west, Romania to the
north and Greece and Turkey to the south.
Bulgaria possesses a varied relief, in the altitude range from 0 to 2,925
m. Its territory includes part of the lower Danube Plain, The Balkan Range – part
of the Alpine-and-Himalayan chain, part of the Thracian lowland and to the south
– the mountain structures of the Macedonian-Thracian massif. The predominant climate
in Bulgaria is moderate and transitional continental with plenty of sunlight days
per year. There are four seasons, with warm summer and snowy winter. The average
yearly temperature is 10.5 °C.
The Bulgarian mountains which occupy half of the country’s territory, are
easily accessible, and are a prime destination for both winter and summer tourist
activities, including skiing, hiking, fishing, canoeing. The major mountain ranges
are Rila, Pirin, Rhodope and Stara Planina. Mussala peak in the Rila mountain range
is the highest point on the Balkan peninsula.
Much of the Black sea coast is covered by long beaches with fine white sand. The
sea itself is non-tidal, less salty and warmer than the Mediterranean. The tourism
sector has flourished in recent years and holds a firm lead in the Bulgarian
economy.
Varied Landscape
The country offers a mixture of quiet rural scenery and villages that have preserved
their unique spirit of old times, and modern cities pulsating with the rhythm of
growing business activity and ever changing fashions. Regardless of your mood and
interests, you will always find something intriguing and fascinating in this small
piece of land.
Hot Mineral Spas
Bulgaria is famous for its natural hot mineral water springs – 1600
of them altogether. They present excellent opportunities for health tourism. The
country is very rich in ancient monuments and artifacts from different epochs
in its 1300 year old history and beyond. Thracians, Romans, Slavs, Greeks
and Turks have left their mark and heritage to be appreciated by locals and tourists
alike. The country has 9 UNESCO World Culture Heritage sites. Numerous monasteries,
churches and mosques, some having hundreds of years of history, present a compelling
attraction to every tourist.
Politics
Bulgaria’s political system is a parliamentary republic. After the fall of communism
in 1989 the country has started on the road to democratic reforms and has achieved
significant progress in recent years. It has a sustained GDP growth of 4.8%, a stable
political system and highly trained workforce. As of March 2004 the country is member
of NATO and is invited to join the European Union in 2007.
Why Bulgaria?
Macroeconomic stability:
- Political and economic stability
Sustained GDP growth of 4.7-4.9 % per year
NATO membership achieved in 2004
EU membership set for 1 January 2007
Very competitive labor cost compared to the rest of Europe
Very competitive tax regime - 15% corporate profit tax as of 1 January 2005
Well educated, highly trained English speaking workforce
Strategic geographic location
Full national treatment of foreign investment
- Top tourist destination:
Bulgaria voted No. 4 tourist destination worldwide by The Washington Post
22% average annual growth of tourist arrivals for 2002 – 2004
43% year-on-year increase in British tourists for 2003
Well developed and constantly improving summer resorts
Excellent skiing opportunities with guaranteed winter snowfall
Unbeatable prices guaranteeing best value for money holidays
1600 thermal mineral water springs
Rich historical and cultural heritage
Easy access from Europe
- Booming real estate sector:
25% price growth in the last 12 months
Still lowest real estate prices in Europe
Strong year round corporate letting market in Sofia
Dramatic increase in demand for quality accommodation at Bulgarian resorts
Strong drive for property purchase from Bulgarians living abroad
Bulgaria on the agenda of top European real estate investment funds
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