Bulgaria: flag, capital, currency and history
Bulgaria, officially the Republic of Bulgaria, is a country in Southeast Europe, Europe. Its capital is Sofia. The currency is the Bulgarian lev. Languages spoken include Bulgarian.
Quick facts about Bulgaria
- Official name
- Republic of Bulgaria
- Capital
- Sofia
- Region
- Europe, Southeast Europe
- Currency
- Bulgarian lev (BGN, лв)
- Languages
- Bulgarian
- Calling code
- +359
- Internet domain
- .bg
- Area
- 110,879 km² (42,811 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Türkiye
- Demonym
- Bulgarian
- National day
- Liberation Day, March 3
Flag of Bulgaria
Download the flag of Bulgaria as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇧🇬.
History of Bulgaria
Thracian peoples lived in the region before Slavs and the Bulgars founded the First Bulgarian Empire in 681. Christianity was adopted in the 860s, and the Cyrillic script developed in the empire's literary schools. After periods of Byzantine rule and a Second Bulgarian Empire, the Ottomans conquered the land in the late 14th century. The April Uprising of 1876 and the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 led to an autonomous principality, and full independence was declared in 1908. A communist government ruled from 1946 until 1989, and Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007.
Key dates
- 681The First Bulgarian Empire is established under Khan Asparuh.
- 865Boris I adopts Christianity in Bulgaria.
- 1393The Ottomans capture Tarnovo, ending the Second Bulgarian Empire.
- 1878The Treaty of Berlin creates the autonomous Principality of Bulgaria.
- 1908Bulgaria declares full independence from the Ottoman Empire.
- 1946The monarchy is abolished and a people's republic is proclaimed.
- 2007Bulgaria joins the European Union.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Bulgaria
Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev (BGN, лв). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Bulgaria?
The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia.
What currency does Bulgaria use?
Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev (BGN, symbol лв).
What languages are spoken in Bulgaria?
Languages used in Bulgaria include Bulgarian.
What is the calling code of Bulgaria?
The international calling code of Bulgaria is +359. Its internet domain is .bg.
Which countries border Bulgaria?
Bulgaria shares land borders with Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Türkiye.
On which continent is Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is in Europe, in the region of Southeast Europe.
What is the national day of Bulgaria?
Bulgaria marks Liberation Day on March 3.
Neighbours of Bulgaria
More countries in Southeast Europe
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).