Bulgaria is a unique country with a varied history and an exciting modern persona. This book examines Bulgaria's past as well as how it functions in today's political and global climate. It gives an in-depth overview of the various aspects that make up the country, including its geography, economy, traditions, customs, and celebrations.

Bulgaria today -- Geography. Bulgaria's three regions -- A land of caves and beaches -- A variety of seasons -- A land of rivers, lakes, and springs -- Plants and animals -- Cities and towns -- History. First Bulgarian kingdom -- Boris I's rule -- The rise of Bulgarian culture -- Byzantine conquest -- A new Constantinople -- Conquest and persecution -- The rise of nationalism -- A violent change -- Issues over Macedonia -- Dark days of war -- The Soviets take control -- A difficult road to democracy -- Government. Journey toward democracy -- A new constitution -- Regional and local government -- Many political parties -- Elections bring change -- Economy. Shocking reforms -- Soviet industry -- Industry today -- Changes to the fishing industry -- Agricultural strengths and weaknesses -- The service industry -- Modern transportation -- Environment. Progress and danger -- Damage from the skies -- Where to put the waste -- Water supply woes -- The dirtiest river in Europe -- A land of biodiversity -- Saving endangered plants and animals -- Bulgarians. Creating the Bulgarian people -- Preserving culture -- Turks in Bulgaria -- The plight of the Roma -- Many minorities -- Changing populations -- Leaving for the West -- Struggles for equality -- A well-dressed people -- Lifestyle. Changing marriage trends -- Extended families -- Marriage and living arrangements -- Equality for men and women -- Children: the center of the family -- Living at home -- Stranger or friend? -- Life in cities and towns -- Enjoying the country life -- Education is key -- Religion. Politics at war with religion -- Eastern and Western controversy -- The historical role of the church -- Other key religious groups -- Language. A language to be proud of -- Alphabet, grammar, and dialects -- Speaking with the whole body -- The language of names -- Public conversations -- Arts. Traditional folk music and dance -- Treasures of the medieval church -- Early Bulgarian literature -- Art meets politics -- Artists break free -- Digging into the past -- Leisure. Working for the weekend -- A nation of coffee drinkers -- Vacations at the beach or in the mountains -- Skiing and other sports -- A love of reading -- Sly Peter and Bai Ganyu -- Festivals. Changing Independence Day -- Baba Marta and the coming of spring -- Honoring education -- Ancient festival traditions -- Early spring holidays -- Celebrating life and death -- Food. Meals big and small -- Mealtime manners -- Changing seasons, changing meals -- Local variations -- Map of Bulgaria -- About the economy -- About the culture -- Timeline -- Glossary.