Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic, unitary state with local gove- rnment. Formation of autonomous territories is not allowed in the Republic of Bulgaria. The population of Bulgaria is 7.3 million.
The territory of the Republic of Bulgaria is divided into 28 regions and 278 municipalities (communities). Municipalities represent separate legislative structures that are entitled to their own, independent from the state, municipal budget. Municipal Council (Obschinski Savet) is the local governing body that determines the further development of the municipality.
The political life of the Republic of Bulgaria is based on the principles of political pluralism. No political party or ideology can be deemed or declared to be a state structure. Formation of political parties on ethnic, racial or religious grounds, just like parties, pursuing a take-over is inadmissible.
The country's constitution was adopted in 1991. The supreme legislative body is the unicameral People's Assembly of 240 deputies, elected every four years. The President of the Republic is the Head of the State and the supreme commander of the Army. Elected by direct voting for the period of five years.
The judicial power protects the rights and legal interests of citizens, legal persons and the State. The judiciary is independent. Judges, associated judges, prosecutors and investigators obey only the law while carrying out their functions.
Climate in Bulgaria
The climate is moderately continental, passing into Mediterranean in southern regions. The average annual temperature is about 12°C. January temperatures range from -2°C in the north to positive temperatures in the south. In July average temperatures vary from 23 to 24°C. The atmospheric temperature in the summer months is between 23 and 27°C, the water temperature - from 20 to 25°C. The air temperature in summer rarely exceeds 30 degrees and the water is warmed up to 26 degrees. The country's climate is influenced by the Mediterranean and the Black seas, creating a mild weather for the whole territory of Bulgaria.
Minor temperature swings are observed along the Black Sea coast. In Varna, for example, the average temperature in January is 3°C, and in summer is about 21°C. Autumn is mild and warm.
Travel industry in Bulgaria
Travel industry is one of the most profitable sectors of the Bulgarian economy. According to the most recent official figures 12 - 15% of the Gross National Product is accounted for tourism. Similar to the most world's leading tourist destinations, the number of tourists visiting Bulgaria is increasing too.
International tourism in Bulgaria starts with the construction of the Central Marine baths in Varna, which were opened in 1926 and were visited by approximately 1100 foreign tourists in the first year of their existence.
In 1948 the consolidated commercial enterprise Balkantourist was established. A few years later the construction of the first seaside resorts started on the north coast. Bulgaria is a member of the International Union of tourism (World Tourism Organization, WTO). Nowadays the flow of tourists is growing year by year. The country is expected to become a new center of European tourism soon, as it happened in Portugal and Turkey. Over the last two years travel industry has become a leading export sector of the Bulgarian economy, providing more than 500 thousand workplaces.
The unique climate, the proximity of mountains and the sea, a large number of mineral springs, therapeutic muds, lots of places of interest the heritage of historical times make Bulgaria a paradise for tourists.