Bulgaria Map (China-foreign comparison) (China-foreign comparison)

Author: Zhou Min
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-05-01
Features: Bulgaria, located in the eastern Balkan Peninsula, borders the Black Sea to the east. It covers an area of 110,912 square kilometers and has a coastline of 378 kilometers. The population consists of 90% Bulgarians, as well as Turks, Roma, and others. The majority follow Orthodox Christianity and speak Bulgarian. The country was established as a kingdom in 681 AD and was later occupied by foreign powers. The Treaty of San Stefano in 1878 stipulated the establishment of an autonomous Bulgarian state. In 1946, monarchy was abolished, and a republic was established. Bulgaria established diplomatic relations with China on October 4, 1949. The territory features alternating mountains and plains, with the Balkan Mountains running through the center and the northern region being the Danube Plain. Most areas have a continental temperate broadleaf forest climate, while the southern region has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. Major minerals include coal, lead, zinc, copper, iron, chromium, uranium, and oil. Forested areas cover 32,000 square kilometers. Key industries include machinery manufacturing, shipbuilding, metallurgy, chemicals, food processing, and textiles. In 1992, Bulgaria produced 30.34 million tons of coal, generated 35.4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, and produced 1.55 million tons of steel. Agricultural products include wheat, corn, barley, rye, oats, tobacco, sunflowers, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables, and roses. The country is self-sufficient in grain production. Bulgaria ranks first in the world in rose oil production and export. Major imports include crude oil, steel, mineral products, natural gas, and timber. The national railway network spans over 6,400 kilometers, while the highway network covers 37,000 kilometers. The capital, Sofia, is located in the Sofia Basin in the western part of the country and serves as a transportation hub connecting Central Europe and Western Asia. Plovdiv is the second-largest city and an important industrial center. Varna is a major seaport and renowned health resort.