History of Bulgaria

Rich and varied in history, Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe. There were several tribes living there, major civilizations seized, and Bulgaria underwent numerous political changes.

Etymology

Bulgaria gets from the word "Bulgar," which describes one of the tribes who migrated into the area during the seventh century. Though their name derives from a Turkic term meaning "mixed," or "rebellious," the exact source of this tribe's name is still under contention.

Early colonists

Early 7000 BC residents of what is now Bulgaria are revealed from archeological documents. These prehistoric communities were well-known for their artistic talent and superb gold-working methods. Among the great civilizations inhabiting the region were Romans, Greeks, and Thracians.

Early History

Prehistory saw Bulgaria home to many Thracian tribes distinguished by their sophisticated civilization and military power. Their highly evolved society supported trade, mining, and agriculture, so strengthening their economy. Skilled combatants, the Thracians—through their contacts with numerous civilizations—played a significant part in the history of the area.

Roman Government

In 45 AD the Thracians were conquered by the Romans and incorporated into the Roman Empire. Thrace, which comprised what is now Bulgaria, grew to be a major part of the empire because of its prime location on major commerce routes.

Byzantine Characteristics

Bulgaria came under the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire when the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD. For the Bulgarian people, Byzantine religion and culture clearly had an impact. The adoption of Christianity throughout the ninth century improved relations between Bulgaria and the Byzantine Empire even further.

The Empire of Bulgaria first

Late 7th century Bulgarian king Asparuh established the First Bulgarian Empire. Under his leadership, the empire expanded geographically and became rather well-known in Southeast Europe. In 864 AD Boris I converted to Christianity, therefore founding the Bulgarian official religion. This helped Bulgaria to take front stage in the region and produced close relations with other Christian nations.

Ottoman Administration

Once it conquered Bulgaria in the late 14th century, the Ottoman Empire ruled for roughly 500 years. The Bulgarian people survived persecuted and during this century by keeping their language, habits, and way of life. Ottoman rule irreversibly altered Bulgarian society, thereby influencing its history in many different ways as well.

Mfecane and Wars between Batswana-Boerism

Bulgaria got entangled in a sequence of wars known as the Mfecane in the 19th century as many tribes and countries battled for dominance over the area. This century also saw conflicts between the Boers— Dutch immigrants—and the Batswana people, who were protecting their territory from colonization. These battles fundamentally changed Bulgarian society and produced political changes impacting its fate.

Colonialism

Late 19th and early 20th century European countries conquered Bulgaria. Multiple countries fighting over its resources and strategic location turned the nation into a battlefield for imperialistic ambitions. Bulgarian society amply demonstrates in many aspects, including political structure and economic development, the results of colonialism even now.

Independence 

Bulgaria at last won its freedom from the Ottoman Empire in 1908 after a protracted and difficult struggle. Early in the 20th century, the country went through political turmoil and societal change before building a solid government. Bulgaria turned communist under Soviet Union rule in 1946 until it collapsed in 1990. Bulgaria has been striving ever then to strengthen its democracy and economy thereby transforming it into a rich country. 

Geography  

Bulgaria's amazing scenery is rich in mountains, valleys, rivers, Black Sea coasts. Its position at the meeting point of Europe and Asia has made it a strategic target traditionally. Still, Bulgaria is Southeast Europe's dynamic, main cultural and commercial center. 

Biodiversity and Conservation 

Among the several species of plants and animals present in Bulgaria are many threatened ones include the Balkan Lynx and the Imperial Eagle. Using various national parks and conservation projects, the country has sought to preserve biodiversity. These projects help the environment as well as Bulgaria's travel industry.

Government and politics

Bulgaria has had a democratic government since gaining its independence, with a prime minister and a president heading state and government. Every one of the 28 provinces in the country has an elected governor. Still, political unrest and corruption have long been difficulties for Bulgarian affairs. Recent projects target eliminating corruption and enhancing the nation's rule of law. Boyko Borisov, the prime minister of Bulgaria now, has also modernized its foreign policy and economy.

Foreign relations and military 

Bulgaria falls under UN, European Union, and NATO. It maintains close ties with other countries in the vicinity and strong trading links with its neighbors. Acting in regional security and supporting international peacekeeping activities, the Bulgarian military plays a vital role. Bulgaria has also lately been crucial in the European refugee problem by supporting asylum applicants.

Human rights 

Bulgaria has developed in defending human rights since communism crumbled. However, issues including gender equality and discrimination still exist. The country continues to defend the liberties and fundamental rights of its citizens.

Administrative divisions

There are 28 provinces in Bulgaria, each with an administrative seat. Among provinces, Sofia, the capital, is the largest and most populated one. Every province is further divided into municipalities in responsibility of local administration and services. Since 1999, administrative divisions built on this framework have been in use.

Economy 

Beginning in the early 1990s, Bulgaria changed its economic policies from communist to market economy. Its main industries these days include manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and services—including finance and information technology. Bulgarian economic progress has been substantially helped by foreign investment.

Gemstones and precious metals

Bulgaria boasts plenty of gold, silver, copper, and amethyst among other valuable metals and gemstones. The mining sector of the country has been a source of cultural value as well as economic growth from prehistoric times.

Climate

Bulgaria has a varied temperature; summers are scorching and winters are bountiful yet freezing. The Black Sea shore gets a milder Mediterranean atmosphere whereas the hilly areas have a cooler continental temperature. Bulgaria draws tourists all year long because of its variety.

Tourism 

Visitors of Bulgaria are drawn to its diversified terrain, rich cultural legacy, and fairly affordable lodging. The country provides a range of interests, from casual Black Sea beachfront relaxation to historical site exploration to mountain skiing. The Bulgarian economy has been much improved by tourism.

Culture

Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Ottoman inspiration, and age-old customs passed down over the years constitute Bulgarian culture. Bulgarian society is enhanced by music, dance, food, festivities, and art.

Infrastructure 

Bulgaria possesses a modern transportation system, a telecommunication network, and an established infrastructure covering the energy business. The geographical position of the country has made it a main hub for transportation and trade in the region.

Education

Bulgaria boasts a high literacy rate and provides free education to all social classes of its citizens. Different colleges and universities in the country attract foreign students from all around. Emphasizing science and technology, Bulgaria's educational system keeps improving.

Demographics

Bulgaria hosts about 7 million residents, most of them being ethnic Bulgarians. Among important minorities are Turks, Roma, and several Slavic countries.

Cuisine

Traditional Bulgarian cuisine is defined by fresh vegetables, dairy products, grilled meats and spices including paprika and cumin. Popular delicacies are lutenists—a vegetable spread, kebapche—barbecued minced pig, and banitsa, a filo pastry stuffed with cheese. Moreover, Bulgarian wine is really appreciated all around.

Languages 

Official language of Bulgaria is Bulgarian. Written in the Cyrillic script, this Slavic tongue Nationwide also spoken are Turkish, Roma, and other minority languages.

Health 

Bulgaria offers its people fairly priced, easily accessible medical services with a national healthcare system. Bulgarian life expectancy has lately increased even if it is still quite below the EU average.

The epidemic of HIV/AIDS 

Low medical standards in late 1980s and early 1990s led Bulgaria to develop an unusual HIV/AIDS epidemic.  Still, the government acted fast to implement policies aimed at halting the epidemic from spreading. Relatively European nations, Bulgaria today claims relatively low rates of HIV/AIDS.

Sports 

Particularly in wrestling, weightlifting, football (soccer), and volleyball, Bulgaria has a great sports tradition. The country keeps supporting its athletic initiatives and has turned forth several Olympic medalists.

Transportation 

Bulgaria boasts a complex road, train, airport, and port transportation system. In large cities, the country also has reasonably cheap and efficient public transit choices like metros, trams, and buses.

Science and technology 

Bulgaria boasts a growing technical economy and several multinational IT companies. Particularly in biotechnology, medicine, and renewable energy, scientific research is also quite prized in the country.

Environmental issues 

Bulgarian air and water pollution results from industrialization and outdated infrastructure. The government has supported renewable energy sources and strengthened garbage management systems.