08/04/2024
Here are some intriguing facts about **Bulgaria**:
1. **Historic Roots**: Bulgaria is one of the **oldest countries in Europe**, with roots dating back to the **7th century**. It became a country in **681 AD** and has a rich and storied past.
2. **Birthplace of the Cyrillic Alphabet**: The **Cyrillic alphabet** was created in **Bulgaria** during the **890s**. This script is now used in dozens of **Slavonic languages** .
3. **Flag Symbolism**: Bulgaria's flag, adopted in **1990**, consists of three horizontal stripes: white (representing peace, love, and freedom), green (symbolizing the agricultural landscape), and red (standing for the struggle for independence and military courage) .
4. **Yogurt Connection**: While it's impossible to confirm, **yogurt** may have been invented in **Bulgaria** around **4,000 years ago**. Nomadic tribes carried milk in animal skins, leading to bacterial growth, fermentation, and eventually, yogurt. Bulgaria played a critical role in introducing yogurt to the West, turning it into a popular and commercial product.
5. **Plovdiv, Europe's Oldest City**: **Plovdiv**, Bulgaria's second-largest city, holds the title of the **oldest continually inhabited city in Europe**. Humans have occupied it for over **8,000 years**.
6. **Name Origin**: Bulgaria is named after the **Bulgar tribes**, who settled in the region in the **7th century**.
7. **World War I Sacrifice**: During **World War I (1914-18)**, Bulgaria fought alongside the **Central Powers** (Austria-Hungary and Germany). Tragically, **100,000 Bulgarian soldiers** lost their lives, marking the most severe per capita loss of any country involved in the war.
8. **Post-War Era**: After **World War II**, Bulgaria became a **Communist state** and a satellite of the **USSR** until its collapse in **1991**.
9. **Democracy and Leadership**: In **1992**, **Zhelyu Zhelev** became Bulgaria's first democratically elected head of state.
10. **Geographical Beauty**: Bulgaria, located west of the **Black Sea**, is bordered by Greece, Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Romania. It covers a territory of **110,994 square kilometers** and is the **16th largest country in Europe** .
Remember, Bulgaria is a country of fascinating history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. 🇧🇬✨