Bulgaria is one of Europe’s relatively unexplored countries and has a lot to offer for those who make the effort to venture there. It was formerly part of the Soviet Union until 1989 and joined the European Union in 2007. The country is bordered by Romania to the north; Serbia and Macedonia to the west; and Greece and Turkey to the south. The eastern part of the country is a popular tourist destination as it borders the Black Sea, making it the perfect coastal retreat. The weather in Bulgaria is typical of a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. You can expect to find snow in the northern parts and mountainous areas from January to March. In the summer, temperatures are often in the 80s. The country is fairly homogenous; 84% of the population is Bulgarian, while 8.8% is Turkish, and 4.9% of the population is Roma. The country is suffering from a demographic crisis with very low population growth and birth rates; this means that there is a growing elderly population. Although English is not widely spoken in Bulgaria, it is becoming more common in tourist areas and cities. Bulgaria is one of Europe’s cheapest countries to live in and the tuition fees are also lower than in most other nations. There is a lot to see in Bulgaria. The country is famous for its religious art, featuring some of the best examples of iconography in the many churches and museums throughout the country. There are also remnants of older civilizations, such as the ruins of the Roman Empire, which can be seen in various places across the country. Bulgaria also boasts seven mountain ranges, which are a haven for snow sports enthusiasts and hikers. However, the most popular part of Bulgaria has to be the Black Sea Coastline, which features miles of sandy beaches and is thriving in the summer months. The food in Bulgaria has similarities to Greek and Turkish cuisine, which is known for being both delicious and healthy