Nature, Geography, Climate

Bulgaria occupies a relatively small area - 111 000 sq. km, but is nevertheless distinguished by generous and varied nature - a sea with a 380 km. long coastal strip and golden beaches, 16 mountains with their own characteristic features, shelters valleys and high plateaus, over 550 curative mineral springs, dozen of unique natural phenomena and 2000 thrilling caves, a healthy climate and diverse flora and fauna.
As a whole Bulgaria\\\'s vegetation can be ranked among the Central European forest region, but the influence of the South Russian and Asia Minor regions is also felt. The higher part of Bulgarian mountains are covered by sub -Arctic vegetation, among which juniper forests predominate.

More then one quarter of the country\\\'s territory is covered with forests. The edelweiss which grows in places difficult of access in the Pirin Mountains and the Balkan Range, is one of the rare plants growing in the country.
Bulgaria is famous for its oleaginous rose which bloom in the Valley of Roses.
The Bulgarian fauna is no less interesting, with almost 13 000 animal species and subspecies, or about 14 percent of all European species.
Fishing is possible in lakes, dams, mountain brooks and sea, hunting - in special hunting grounds.

Relief is most diverse. Average height above sea level  470 m. Some 31.5% of the country’s territory is plain (up to 200 m above sea level), 41% are lowlands and hilly regions (from 200 to 600 m above sea level), and 27.5% are mountains (from 600 to more than 1,600 m above sea level).

  The Republic of Bulgaria can be relatively divided into two zones. The Balkan Mountains is considered to be the watershed between them. Climate is moderate continental with Black Sea influence in the east and Mediterranean in the south. Winters are colder in Northern Bulgaria and much milder in the Southern part of the country. Winter temperatures vary between 0 and -7 ° C. On very rare occasions the temperatures may drop down to -20° C. In spring the climate is changeable continental. It is exceptionally favorable for the growth of fruit-bearing trees. Summers are hot and humid in Northern Bulgaria, especially along the Danube. The summer temperatures in Southern Bulgaria are close to those of the Mediterranean countries. They do not reach the extreme temperatures of Dobrudja and those along the Danube and are usually moderate: about 28-30° C. Autumn is mild and pleasant in Bulgaria. The months of May, October and November are the time when the most rains fall in Bulgaria.