Why visit
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. A practical starting point for museums, food, and onward routes into the country.
Bulgaria at a glance
Country center
43.0°, 25.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
110,879 km²
42,811 mi²
Country population
6.7 million
61/km²
Subregion
Southeast Europe
Currency
Bulgarian lev (лв)
BGN
Dial
+359
Language
Bulgarian
Demonym
Bulgarian
Internet
.bg
UN
Member state
ISO code
BG / BGR
Where in the world
43.0° · 25.0°
Bulgaria
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Did you know
- Bulgaria invented yogurt (kiselo mlyako): the bacteria Lactobacillus bulgaricus is named after the country.
- Bulgaria is the world's largest exporter of rose oil: the Rose Valley produces ~70% of global supply.
- The Bulgarian Cyrillic alphabet was developed in the 9th century and later exported to Russia, Serbia, and other Slavic states.
Bordering Bulgaria
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Sofia
What currency is used in Sofia?
Sofia uses the Bulgarian lev (лв), ISO code BGN.
What languages are spoken in Bulgaria?
The primary language is Bulgarian.
What is the international calling code for Bulgaria?
The calling code is +359.
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