Bulgaria covers an area of about 42,800 square miles, comprised
mostly of mountains with lowlands in the north and southeast. It
shares borders with Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Turkey.
Travel Insurance for Bulgaria:
Area: Europe *
Know Before You Go:
FCO Country Advice for Bulgaria
After the Second World War the Bulgarian Communist Party emerged
to become the leading political force in the country. Under Soviet
guidance, a massive and brutal purge destroyed the remnants of the
old regime, and by 1947 all opposition was suppressed. Policies were
a direct imitation of Soviet practice: nationalisation of industry
and collectivisation of agriculture. From 1954 to 1989 political
life was dominated by Todor Zhivkov. Unlike other Soviet satellites,
Bulgaria remained entirely acquiescent to Soviet hegemony. A good
deal of economic progress was achieved, with significant industrialisation
and the development of tourism and agriculture. But by the 1980s,
as elsewhere in Eastern Europe, the economy stagnated and levels
of indebtedness became critical. Finally in 1989 Zhivkov was ousted
by members of the Communist Party, and democratic elections took
place in 1990.
Weather
The predominant climate in Bulgaria is moderate and transitional
continental. (2,000 to 2,400 hours of sunlight per year). Four
seasons. Dry and hot summer. Average temperature (April - September):
+ 23 °C. Cold winter with snowfalls, average temperature: 0 °C.
The average yearly temperature is 10.5 °C. A Mediterranean
climate, with dry summers and mild, humid winters, prevails in
the valley of the southwestern Rhodope Mountains. The northern
limits of the climatic zone is the Balkan Range. .
Bulgaria driving
guide
Visitors to Bulgaria may drive using their national licence, as long
as it complies with international standarts. It is advisable, however,
to carry an international license. There are petrol service stations
along most major routes. Fuel in Bulgaria is lead free and available
in the folowing octane levels: 92, 95 and 98. Diesel fuel is also
widely available through the country.Road signs follow international
standarts. According to Bulgarian law seat belts must be worn by
all passengers, mobile phones can only be used with `hands-free`
sets, and the legal alcohol limit is 0,5 pro mil. Speed limits for
cars are 50 km/h (30 mph) inside the city limits, 90 km/h (55mph)
outside cities and 120 km/h (75mph) on motorways Road assistance
- 24 hour service tel.: /02/ 980 3308. |
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