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 Bulgaria is an Southeastern European country, situated in the east part of the Balkan Peninsula. Its territory spans on parts of the historical and geographical regions of Moesia, Thrace and Macedonia. Bulgaria's whole eastern border is determined by the Black sea, to the south it shares borders with Turkey and Greece, to the west with Macedonia and Serbia and to the north with Romania, where natural border has been the Danube river. Its territory is 110 921 km2.
In physical and geographical aspect, Bulgaria is a transitional zone between the moderate and the subtropical (Mediterranean) physico-geographical zones. Its relief and transitional character of its climate determines the diversity of the local flora and fauna. This location has influenced the climate, the flora and the fauna.
The country's population is about 7 606 000 people, which means, that Bulgaria is relatively underpopulated - around 70 people on a km2.
TERRAIN
The terrain of Bulgaria is mainly mountainous and includes many mountains, hilly regions, valleys and plains. The average altitude above sea level in Bulgaria is 470 m, with the highest point in the country being Musala Peak in Rila mountain, which is 2925 m high. If someone takes a look on the map of Bulgaria from north to the south, one can easily distinguish four geographical areas i.e. the Danube plain, Stara Planina mountain range, Thracian lowlands and Rilo-Rhodope massif.
Mountains
 The highest mountains on the Balkan Peninsula are situated on the territory of Bulgaria. The mountain that gave the name to the whole peninsula is in Bulgaria too – the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina). The Bulgarian Mountains are accessible all year round and provide unlimited opportunities for recreation, sport and tourism.
has a well-marked terrain and crosses the country from west to east dividing it into North and South Bulgaria. To the north of the mountains are located the lower areas of the Pre-Balkan, which make the transition to the Danube plain. In the south parallel to the Balkan Mountains lays the lower mountain chain Sredna Gora. The region of the Balkan Mountains is famous for its great natural phenomena. In the west part of the Balkan Mountains are situated the unique Rocks of Belogradchik that were included in the ranking for the new seven natural wonders of the world. 25 km to the northwest of Belogradchik is one of the biggest caves in Bulgaria - Magurata, famous for its unique cave drawings that were dated back to 3100 - 900 B.C.
 is a mountain with volcanic origins situated in the west part of the country. With its highest peak Cherni Vrah (Black Peak), it is the fourth highest mountain in the country. It is located in close proximity to the capital city Sofia. Vitosha is home of more than 1800 different types of plant species (some of them extremely rare and unique) and numerous water supply sources. All these preconditions, together with the proximity of the capital city Sofia, make it one of the preferred places for recreation. Vitosha provides perfect conditions for tourism all year round. That mountain is real heaven for all these winter sports lovers, who can indulge in their favourite occupation after a short trip of just half an hour away from home.
is situated in the southwest part of Bulgaria. The massif includes the west borderline mountains from the Osogovo-Belasitsa group, the high Rila Mountain and Pirin Mountain and the spacious Rhodope (Rhodopi or the Rhodopes) Mountain, as well as Slavyanka Mountain and Stargach Mountain. The massif is the oldest dry land on Bulgarian territory. The 2925-m high Musala Peak, which is the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula is here (Rila mountain) and the second highest peak in the country - Vihren peak (2914 m.) in Pirin mountain. Rila mountain is the source of the three longest rivers in Bulgaria - Iskar, Mesta and Maritsa. Pirin mountain is situated south of Rila, between the valleys of Struma and Mesta rivers, until the state border with Greece. That massif whose northern part was declared for national reserve in 1976, preserves exceptional variety of animal and plant species. The alpine terrain of Rila and Pirin, the natural beauty of their lakes and slopes are favorable for the development of winter sports and mountain tourism. The Rhodope Mountain is the second largest mountain in Bulgaria as to area and is divided by Pirin (by river Mesta which is also the natural border between Bulgaria and Greece). The mountain is teeming with plants and animals (his vast territories covered with coniferous, oak and beech trees are home for wild goats, deers, foxes, wolfs and even bears) and scattered all over his territory are numerous villages with typical architecture and opulent cultural traditions. The best winter resorts in Bulgaria are also here - Borovetz in Rila, Bansko in Pirin and Pamporovo in Rodope Mountains as well as the best spa resorts - Sandanski in Pirin and Velingrad and Devin in Rodope again.
are low mountains, situated in the southeast part of Bulgaria. They are characterized with low and hilly terrain, soft transitional continental climate and venerable forests, which are conducive for the development of hunting tourism. Strandzha is the most sparsely populated Bulgarian mountain. It accommodates the Strandzha Natural Park, which is the biggest protected natural territory of Bulgaria, created to protect the unique ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as to preserve the original Strandzha folklore, culture and historical heritage.
Plains
 Plains and lowlands in Bulgaria occupy the smaller part of its territory. They are situated to the north and to the south of the Balkan Mountains.
occupies the north part of Bulgaria and spans from the Danube valley in north to the lowest hills of the Pre-Balkan. To the northeast in Dobrudja it has semi-steppe character. The Danube plain has great economic significance for Bulgaria because a big part of the plain is used for agriculture. Most popular agricultures grown here are corn, sunflower and soy. Some of the big regional centers in the country are here such as Pleven, Lovech, Razgrad, Shumen and Dobrich.
is the widest lowland in Bulgaria. It is situated in the southeast part of Bulgaria and includes the middle Maritsa river valley. It is a part of the historical and geographical region Thrace, which has rich historical and cultural heritage. Its soft climate is conducive for growing thermophyllic plants, which is the reason for the diversity of the agricultural production. The Thracian lowland is called “the vegetable garden” of Bulgaria. Most of the Bulgarian vineyards are grown here too. The city of Plovdiv is the undisputed capital of that region, but there are some other big cities too such as Pazardzhik, Stara Zagora, Yambol, Kazanlak, Karlovo, Sliven etc.
The Bulgarian Black Sea coast
 The Bulgarian Black Sea coast spans on the east part of Bulgaria. It is 378-km long, of which 200 km is the beach line covered with sand. The Balkan Mountain “sinks” into the Black Sea at Emine Cape dividing provisionally the shore line into south and north part. The South coast is famous for its wide and long beaches covered with finest sand as opposed to the north coast, which has more rocky terrain, but still can offer some first class beaches such as the St.St.Konstantin and Elena, Golden sands and Albena resorts. The region is an important centre of sea recreation and tourism. It is visited mainly in summer by Bulgarian, as well as by foreign tourists and is one of the main tourist destinations in Bulgaria. Some of the most famous Bulgarian Black sea resorts are Albena, Balchik, Dunite, Elenite, Golden Sands, Kiten, Nesebar, Obzor, Pomorie, Sveti Vlas, Sunny Beach, Sozopol, etc. Varna city is called the capital of the North Black Sea coast, and Burgas city - of the South Black Sea Coast.
RIVERS
 Bulgarian rivers are quite short, with small catchment basins, which are not very deep. Rivers flow to the two sea basins - the Black Sea Basin and the Aegean Basin. About 2200 dam lakes are built for the adjustment of the river run-off. Danube River å is the largest Bulgarian River. It outlines the north border of Bulgaria and is the common border between Bulgaria and Romania for 470 km.
provides great opportunities for the development of water tourism. It is the biggest international waterway, which connects Bulgaria with the countries from West and East Europe. The river has great economic, cultural and historical significance for Bulgaria. Along the Bulgarian bank of the Danube river are situated the big cities Vidin, Ruse and Silistra.
is the longest river running entirely on the territory of Bulgaria. It is 368-km long and takes its source from the Rila Mountain. Iskar River is the only river, which crosses the Balkan Mountains and flows into the Danube River. It forms two defiles - Pancharevsko defile and Iskarsko defile, characterized with interesting rock formations, which accommodate many monasteries.
is the deepest river in Bulgaria, It rises from the Marichini ezera in Rila Mountain and runs southeastwards through the Thracian lowland. In its lower stream Maritsa River outlines the border between Turkey and Greece and flows into the Aegean Sea. Besides Plovdiv (the second largest city in Bulgaria) few other cities like Stara Zagora, Svilengrad and Belovo are also situated along the way of Maritsa river.
which takes its source from the Balkan mountain, goes to the east, then to the south, crosses Bulgaria and finally enters Greece where it runs into Maritsa.
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In Rodope mountains, the river Arda, which springs near the town of Smolyan also makes several extremly beautiful curves on its way.
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is situated in Southwest Bulgaria. It rises from Vitosha Mountain and runs southwards through the territory of Bulgaria for 290 km, then through North Greece and flows into the Struma Bay of the Aegean Sea.
is a river in the Southwestern part of Bulgaria. It is formed by the confluence of the two rivers - Cherna Mesta (Black Mesta) and Byala Mesta (White Mesta) both taking their source from Rila mountain. Mesta goes to the south and enters Greece where it runs into White sea.
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