Bulgaria is situated in the south - east part of Europe, and in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsular. For centuries, the roads passing through the territory of the country have been connecting Europe with Asia and Africa. The border with Rumania, the longest dry land border, is 608 kilometers while the shortest (148 kilometers) is the border with Macedonia. The population of Bulgaria numbers some 8.4 million and is comprised mainly of Bulgarians, approximately 84%, with some 9% of the population being Turks. Four common European transport corridors, connecting West and North Europe with the eastern and southern part of the continent cross their roads here. Apart from its being situated on crossroads, Bulgaria is also known for its picturesque nature. In spite of its relatively small territory (110 912 km2), the country has various landscape. The scenery changes subsequently from vast plains, to hilly areas and high mountains. Temperate continental climate with four seasons. In the south an impact of the Mediterranean climate is felt. The average annual air temperature is 10.5єC (51 F). In January the average temperature is 0єC. In summer seldom is over 30єC. With variety of natural forms: the mountains occupy half of this country’s territory. Mountains and valleys reach the level of the Black Sea Coast. Some of main cities in Bulgaria are Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Ruse. In 1987 the then-existing 28 okrugs were transformed into 9 oblasts. In 1999, the old okrugs were restored, but the name "oblast" was kept. The 9 big oblasts (1987-1999) are listed below, along with the 28 okrugs (before 1987) or 28 small oblasts (after 1999) comprising them in brackets.
 

Burgas oblast (Burgas, Sliven, Yambol)
Haskovo oblast (Haskovo, Kardzhali, Stara Zagora)
Lovech oblast (Gabrovo, Lovech, Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo)
Montana oblast (Montana, Vidin, Vratsa)
Plovdiv oblast (Pazardzhik, Plovdiv, Smolyan)
Razgrad oblast (Razgrad, Ruse, Silistra, Targovishte)
Sofia city (Sofia city)
Sofia oblast (Blagoevgrad, Kyustendil, Pernik, Sofia region)
Varna oblast (Dobrich, Shumen, Varna)
 

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BULGARIA Geographic facts:
Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey
Geographic coordinates: 43 00 N, 25 00 E
Map references: Europe
Area: total: 110,910 sq km
land: 110,550 sq km
water: 360 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly larger than Tennessee
Land boundaries: total: 1,808 km
border countries: Greece 494 km, Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and Montenegro 318 km, Turkey 240 km
Coastline: 354 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers
Terrain: mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
highest point: Musala 2,925 m
Natural resources: bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land
Land use: arable land: 40.02%
permanent crops: 1.92%
other: 58.06% (2001)
Irrigated land: 8,000 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards: earthquakes, landslides