BULGARIAN KNOWLEDGE

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You will receive not only all the contents available on our website in a convenient pdf or epub formats but also additional contents, including bonus Vocabulary, more Grammar structures and exclusive Cultural insights with additional vocabulary that you won't in any other textbook or Bulgarian language course.

The additional Vocabulary includes 200 specific topics and more than 15.000 of the most important words. The additional Grammar explanations allow you to create any phrase to express yourself freely while the Culture section contains interesting information that only native Bulgarians would know about politics, history, customs and more!

100 FACTS ABOUT BULGARIA

Need a reason (or more than one) to study Bulgarian?

Bulgaria is a country rich in unique traditions, innovations, and natural wonders that set it apart from the rest of the world. From its unparalleled thermal water resources and centuries-old historical landmarks to groundbreaking inventions and distinctive cultural practices, Bulgaria offers a fascinating blend of heritage and modern achievements.

Below is a list of 100 unique facts that showcase the singularity of this European gem, highlighting its contributions to the world and its one-of-a-kind characteristics.

Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe that has never changed its name since its founding in 681 AD.
The Bulgarian language was the first Slavic language to be written down, using the Glagolitic alphabet in the 9th century.
Bulgaria introduced the Cyrillic alphabet to the world, which is now used by over 250 million people.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church became independent in 927 AD, making it one of the oldest autocephalous churches.
The first electronic digital computer, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, was co-invented by Bulgarian-American John Atanasoff.
Bulgarian yogurt is world-famous due to the unique bacteria Lactobacillus bulgaricus, found naturally only in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria is the second-largest producer of rose oil in the world, essential for perfume making.
The country is home to the oldest known golden treasure, the Varna Gold, dating back over 6,500 years.
Bulgarian folk music has a unique asymmetrical rhythm, often featuring time signatures like 7/8 and 9/8.
The ancient Thracian tombs found in Bulgaria contain some of the best-preserved frescoes from antiquity.
The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences helped develop the first Bulgarian space food, consumed by astronauts.
Bulgaria ranks among the top five countries with the highest number of mineral springs in Europe.
The Bulgarian flag is one of the few in the world that has never been altered since its introduction in 1879.
The Bulgarian bagpipe, called "gaida," is an essential part of the nation’s traditional music and culture.
The Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century, is one of the most significant Eastern Orthodox sites in Europe.
Plovdiv, one of Bulgaria’s largest cities, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, dating back over 8,000 years.
The Bulgarian army has never lost a single flag in battle throughout its history.
The Danube Bridge between Bulgaria and Romania is one of the few connections between the two countries.
The Bulgarian Black Sea coastline spans about 378 kilometers, offering both golden beaches and unique nature reserves.
The Nestinarstvo fire-dancing ritual, practiced in Bulgaria, is a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage tradition.
The first wristwatch with a digital display was invented by Bulgarian scientist Peter Petroff in 1970.
Bulgaria is home to the highest peak in the Balkans, Musala, which stands at 2,925 meters.
The Kukeri Festival is a uniquely Bulgarian tradition where men wear elaborate costumes to ward off evil spirits.
The Rose Festival in Kazanlak is one of the most colorful and fragrant celebrations in the world.
The Bulgarian Martenitsa tradition, celebrated every March 1st, symbolizes health and happiness and is recognized by UNESCO.
Bulgarian wine production dates back to Thracian times, making it one of Europe’s oldest wine-making regions.
The Madara Rider, a large rock relief from the 8th century, is the only one of its kind in Europe.
Bulgarians nod for "no" and shake their heads for "yes," which is opposite to most other cultures.
The country has the highest number of natural caves in the Balkans, some of which have prehistoric paintings.
The famous opera singer Boris Christoff, one of the greatest bass voices in history, was Bulgarian.
Bulgaria was one of the first countries to use electronic voting in national elections.
The unique rock formations of Belogradchik resemble giant human figures and animals.
Bulgaria was the first country in Europe to ban smoking in public places completely.
The Bulgarian town of Melnik, the smallest town in the country, is famous for its centuries-old wine production.
Bulgarians invented a special space-greenhouse to grow vegetables in zero gravity.
The country is home to the only inhabited medieval castle in the Balkans, Baba Vida Fortress.
The Rhodope Mountains are said to be the birthplace of Orpheus from Greek mythology.
Bulgaria has the highest number of working Orthodox churches per capita in Europe.
The Thracians, who lived in Bulgaria thousands of years ago, were among the first to introduce wine-making to Europe.
Sofia is the only European capital that lies at the foot of a major ski resort, Vitosha.
Bulgaria is home to Perperikon, an ancient rock city believed to be over 7,000 years old.
The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences was among the first in the world to work on artificial intelligence research.
The Buzludzha Monument is one of the most surreal abandoned buildings in the world, once a grand communist meeting hall.
Bulgarians played a crucial role in preserving the Cyrillic alphabet during the Ottoman era.
The famous St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia is one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world.
The Thracian sanctuary of Tatul is believed to be the burial site of the legendary Orpheus.
Bulgaria was one of the few countries in World War II that saved its entire Jewish population from the Holocaust.
Bulgarian honey is considered one of the purest and most natural in the world.
The country has over 600 thermal mineral springs, making it a top destination for spa tourism.
Bulgarian scientists contributed to the European Space Agency’s Mars research missions.
The oldest known inhabited house in Europe, dating back to the Neolithic period, was found in Stara Zagora.
The Bulgarian town of Koprivshtitsa has some of the best-preserved 19th-century Bulgarian Revival architecture.
The Seven Rila Lakes are among the most picturesque glacial lakes in Europe.
Bulgaria is one of the few countries where ancient Thracian burial rituals are still being studied.
The country has the largest population of brown bears in the Balkans.
The Devil's Throat Cave in Bulgaria is associated with myths of Orpheus descending into the underworld.
Bulgarian students consistently rank high in international mathematics and informatics Olympiads.
Bulgaria has the highest number of hot mineral springs in the Balkans.
The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak is a UNESCO World Heritage site with remarkable frescoes.
The Bulgarian Bagpipe Festival brings together musicians from all over the world.
The country's rich biodiversity includes over 4,000 plant species, some of which are unique to Bulgaria.
The ancient city of Nessebar is one of the oldest towns in Europe, featuring over 40 churches in a small area.
The largest monastery in the Balkans, Rila Monastery, attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Bulgarians celebrate name days with as much importance as birthdays.
The largest lake in Bulgaria, Burgas Lake, is a vital habitat for rare bird species.
The Black Sea coast was once an important part of the ancient Greek and Roman trade routes.
Bulgaria has one of the richest collections of medieval frescoes in Europe.
The country's Parliament building in Sofia is one of the oldest continuously used government buildings in the world.
The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences played a role in the development of early computer science.
Bulgaria was the first country in Europe to develop yogurt as a commercial product.
The Rhodope Mountains are home to one of the world's largest bat populations.
The Bulgarian folklore ensemble has won international awards for its unique musical heritage.
The St. Sofia Basilica in Sofia dates back to the 4th century and is one of the oldest in Europe.
Bulgaria has some of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, such as the one in Plovdiv.
The Thracian Gold Treasure is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
The Bulgarian invention of Chushkopek (a pepper roaster) is a household staple in the Balkans.
Bulgaria is one of the world’s top producers of lavender oil.
The ancient fortress of Tsarevets was the medieval capital of the Bulgarian Empire.
Bulgaria has the most UNESCO-listed biosphere reserves in the Balkans.
The national dance, the Horo, has variations unique to every region in Bulgaria.
The country's rich history is reflected in its over 40,000 archaeological sites.
Bulgaria is home to the mysterious Thracian sanctuary of Beglik Tash, sometimes called the "Bulgarian Stonehenge.
Bulgaria has the second-largest network of caves in Europe, with over 5,000 documented caves.
The city of Varna is home to the oldest port on the Black Sea, dating back to ancient times.
Bulgaria was one of the first countries in the world to introduce airbag technology in automobiles.
The Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" is the oldest higher education institution in Bulgaria, founded in 1888.
Bulgaria has more than 120 active and dormant volcanoes, most of them in the Rila and Pirin Mountains.
The Thracian kings built elaborate tombs that are still being discovered and explored today.
The Danube River, which forms Bulgaria’s northern border, is one of the longest rivers in Europe and a key trade route.
Bulgarian scientists developed a special probiotic used by NASA astronauts in space.
The country's longest cave, Duhlata, spans over 18 kilometers and has six underground levels.
The Bulgarian Navy is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1879.
The town of Shumen has one of the largest open-air monuments in the world, the Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument.
The St. Cyril and St. Methodius National Library in Sofia holds one of the largest collections of Slavic manuscripts.
The country is home to some of Europe’s oldest continuously operating wineries, with traditions dating back to the Thracians.
The Bulgarian mineral water industry is among the most developed in Europe, with bottled water being exported worldwide.
The unique rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, carved directly into the cliffs, are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bulgaria was one of the first countries in the world to produce and export attar of roses, used in high-end perfumes.
The Bulgarian town of Devin is famous for its mineral water, which is considered one of the purest in the world.
Bulgaria has some of the darkest night skies in Europe, making it a prime destination for stargazing and astronomy tourism.

Be sure to check out our Bulgarian Culture section if you want more knowledge about Bulgaria and its peculiarities.

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