The Republic of Bulgaria (Bulgarian: Република България), or Bulgaria, is a country in the southeast of Europe. It borders the Black Sea to the east, Greece and Turkey to the south, Serbia and Montenegro and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, and Romania to the north along the river Danube.
Most citizens of Bulgaria belong, at least nominally, to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church which was founded in 870 AD under the Patriarchate of Constantinople and has been autocephalous since 927. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is the independent national church of Bulgaria like the other national branches of Eastern Orthodoxy and is considered an inseparable element of Bulgarian national consciousness. The church became subordinate within the Greek Orthodox Church, twice during the periods of Byzantine (1018-1185) and Ottoman (1396-1878) domination but has been revived every time as a symbol of Bulgarian statehood without breaking away from the Orthodox dogma. In 2001, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church had 6,552,000 members in Bulgaria (82.6% of the population). However many people raised during the 45 years of communist rule are not religious even though they formally may be members of the church.
Despite the dominant position of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Bulgarian cultural life, a number of Bulgarian citizens belong to other religious denominations, most notably Islam, Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Islam came to Bulgaria at the end of the 14th century after the conquest of the country by the Ottomans. It gradually gained ground throughout the 15th and 16th centuries by the introduction of Turkish colonists and (usually forceful) conversion of Bulgarians. At the time of Liberation (1878) no fewer than 40% of the population of the country was Muslim, but emigration was a key factor in reducing this percentage. In 2001, there were 967,000 Muslims in Bulgaria (12.2% of the population).
In the 16th and the 17th century missionaries from Rome converted the Bulgarian Paulicians in the districts of Plovdiv and Svishtov to Roman Catholicism. Today, their descendants form the bulk of Bulgarian Catholics whose number stands at 44,000 in 2001. Protestantism was introduced in Bulgaria by missionaries from the United States in 1857. Missionary work continued throughout the second half of the 19th and the first half of the 20th century. In 2001, there were some 42,000 Protestants in Bulgaria.
Things you should know when travelling to Bulgaria
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common, often perpetrated by children. Violent robbery occurs. Travellers should remain vigilant and ensure personal belongings are secure. Do not show signs of affluence. Avoid unlit areas and underpasses.
Vehicle theft, particularly of prestige and four-wheel-drive vehicles, is frequent. Travellers should be aware that, if their vehicle is stolen while in Bulgaria, they will have to undertake payment of customs duties calculated to the vehicle's make and model before they are allowed to leave the country. Do not leave personal belongings in vehicles overnight. Hire a vehicle guard, even when parking at major hotels.
You should be aware that organized criminal groups are active in casinos, nightclubs, and prostitution. Much violent crime, including bombings and shootouts, is attributed to turf wars between rival groups. Many tourists have been drugged or assaulted and robbed after accepting offers of coffee or alcohol from apparently friendly individuals. Do not accept food or drink from strangers, as they may be tainted with tranquillizers that can lead to unconsciousness.
