Bulgaria's geography

Bulgaria’s geographic features include the Balkan mountain range along with the Danubian Continental plain. The country’s largest river is the Danube. The south west of the country is mountainous with two Alpine ranges of which the Rila Mountain is the highest peak of the Balkan Peninsula. Then in the south eastern part of the country are lush and hilly plains that run along the Black Sea Coast.

The country is also dotted by hundreds of lakes and springs. In fact, Bulgaria boasts 260 glacial lakes along with over 2,200 dam lakes. There is likewise an abundance of mineral springs across the country, many of which are being turned into tourist attractions where people can bathe in the healing waters. Bulgaria is also renowned for its wealth of natural parks and reserves.

The temperature in the country ranges from damp, cold winters to very hot dry summers with heavy Mediterranean influences along the Black Sea Coast. The other distinguishing feature of Bulgaria’s geography is the distinct barrier effect created by its massive mountain ranges.

Bulgaria happens to also have relatively rich mineral resources. The country boasts vast reserves of lignite and anthracite coals while ferrous ores such as copper, lead, zinc and gold are also in large supply.

However, the country does face the same environment issues that are being faced by most countries around the world. Bulgaria must deal with rising air pollution from industrial emissions along with rivers that are getting polluted because they have been used to dump raw sewage, heavy metals and detergents. Many parts of the country are also facing deforestation while soil contamination from heavy metals is a reality that is being addressed by the country’s significant farming industry.

Bulgaria is just emerging as a force in European consciousness after years of being kept on the back burner. However, with its new status comes new responsibilities and the government must take the necessary steps to ensure that it does not ruin its relatively untouched landscape in exchange for modern prosperity.

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