Bulgarian climate is temperate, with cold, damp winters and hot, dry summers. Winters are typically European, little sunshine and days averaging between -4°C and 6°C (25-42°F) and summers are pleasantly hot and sunny, mostly sitting in the low 30°Cs (high 80°Fs) and slightly fresher at higher altitudes.

According to the 2001 census, Bulgaria's population is mainly ethnic Bulgarian (83.9%), with two sizable minorities, Turks (9.4%) and Roma (4.7%). Bulgarian is the mother-tongue of 84.8% of the population; it is a member of the South - Slavic group of languages. Bulgarian is the only official language, but other languages such as Turkish and Romani are spoken corresponding closely to ethnic breakdown. The predominant religious denomination (82.6%) is Orthodox Christianity represented in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the national Eastern Orthodox Church. Other religious denominations include Islam (12.2%), various Protestant denominations (0.7%), Roman Catholicism (0.5%), with other denominations, atheists and undeclared numbering ca. 4.1%.

The geographical position of Bulgaria, on the crossroads between the East and the West, where throughout history the paths of world civilisations have crossed, is influential to the country's rich and colourful cultural heritage. The cultures that had once populated this area, the Thracians (2000 BC), the Hellenes, the Romans, the Slavs and proto-Bulgarians, the Byzantines and the Ottomans, all have left traces of their material and spiritual presence in the Bulgarian lands. After five centuries under the Ottoman yoke, the Bulgarian Revival, which started in the 18th century, brought the country closer towards Europe, modern times and contemporary culture. A great number of items, jewellery and tombs have survived since Thracian times to present day. The Romans left as a heritage strongholds, buildings and roads. The Byzantines and the Turks have left towns, fortified settlements, fountains and baths. Even though overshadowed during the Ottoman Period, the Bulgarians continued to create their own authentic customs, traditions, rituals, songs and fairy-tales. After the Liberation, the architecture of Vienna, the German technical mind and European fashion had their impact. Magnificent buildings give charm and character to towns such as Rouse, Varna, Svishtov, Sofia and others. Air raids during World War II (1943-44) destroyed some of the architectural and cultural sights but in the second half of the 20th century, modern-style buildings, monuments and parks were constructed. The democratic changes opened the borders to cultural exchange and made it possible for Bulgaria's cultural and historical heritage, as well as its contemporary arts, to become famous all over the world.

Sights

Bulgarian cuisine is a mixture of Greek, Turkish and Slavic influences. The vegetables, fruits, spices and meat are spread around the different seasons. Lamb is more common in spring, light meat like chicken, veal and vegetarian meals are prevalent in summer. Pork meat prevails in winter. Fresh fish is consumed during the entire year.

Bulgarian culinary differs in geographical regions and abounds in delicious specialties and exotic dishes:
Bansko-style kapama (meat and vegetables stewed in an earthenware dish), Rhodope cheverme (lamb roasted on a spit over an open fire), Thracian katmi (special type of pancake) and Dobroudjanska banitsa (cheese pie), Danube fish soup and Sozopol-style mussels. Or Shopska salad, kebapcheta, kavarma, the famous Bulgarian yoghurt…

A part of the identity of Bulgarian cuisine is the art of wine-making. Well-known white wine labels include Misket, Traminer, Dimyat and Riesling. The most popular red wines are Mavrud, Gamza, Merlot and Cabernet.
Aperitifs occupy a special place among Bulgarian drinks. The typical national drink (rakia) is a brandy usually made of plum or grape and ritually consumed with a variety of appetizers (meze).

A cup of steaming coffee is usually served with sweet jam, pancakes with honey and walnuts or baklava. Desserts tend to be overly sweet pastries and cream-filled cakes, but crêpe-like pancakes (palachinki) filled with figs are also typical of Bulgarian cuisine.

Bulgarian currency is lev (BGN). Banknote denominations include 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 as well as coins of 1 lev and smaller denominations (stotinki).
-  Exchange: In banks and 24-hour change bureaus. 
- The exchange rate is announced every day.
- Approximately 1EUR= 1.95BGN or 1USD =1.53BGN)
- Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Diners Club, American Express, Access, Airplus, can be used for the payment of all standard services in hotels, restaurants, night clubs, shops, car rentals, plane tickets, etc.