The Bulgarian economy is based on agriculture, forestry, mining, and manufacturing. The government controls large deposits of lignite and anthracite coal, and the country is rich in nonmetalliferous minerals including rock salt, gypsum, kaolin, marble, and uranium. During the socialist era, heavy industry developed rapidly, and manufacturing of food, textiles, and beverages remains important today.

Tourism is an important industry and accounts for a significant portion of the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Bulgaria’s mountainous regions are popular with hikers and skiers, and the Black Sea coast has long been a tourist destination. The cultural heritage of Bulgaria includes ancient Thracian, Roman, and Byzantine traditions and art. The country also boasts some of the earliest and best preserved golden treasures from antiquity, including golden masks, golden earrings, gold-plated vessels, and intricate gold mosaics.

Bulgarians are known for their friendly, hospitable attitude and their love of music and dance. Festivals and celebrations of national holidays are an integral part of Bulgarian life. During the holidays, Bulgarians gather with family and friends to enjoy traditional foods and to listen to folk music and watch folklore performances.

In addition to the official language of Bulgarian, the country has a number of other minority languages, including Turkish (a Turko-Altaic language) and Romany, an Indo-European language spoken by the Gypsies. The majority of the population, however, speaks the standard Bulgarian language. Bulgarian is required for government and business transactions, and it is the primary medium of instruction in schools.

Education is a high priority in the country, and primary and secondary school attendance is almost universal. University enrollment is growing, and higher education is a major focus of international investment. The government promotes scientific research and provides grants for universities and other institutions.

Agricultural products, including wheat, olive oil, and wine, are the main exports. A large variety of vegetables and fruits are grown, especially in the irrigated valleys along the Danube River. During the socialist era, rapid industrialization occurred in the sectors of machinery production, metallurgy, and chemicals. During the postsocialist period, a boom in energy production has increased Bulgaria’s power and natural gas supplies.

The constitution of 1991 established a multiparty parliamentary republic. The chief of state is the president, who is directly elected for a five-year term and can be reelected once. The prime minister is selected by the largest parliamentary group and heads the Council of Ministers, the executive branch of the government. The president, in addition to serving as commander in chief of the armed forces and scheduling elections and referenda, represents Bulgaria abroad and concludes international treaties. He has the power to return legislation to the National Assembly for further debate, a practice known as the presidential veto. Local government is run by elected mayors and councilors. Marriage is usually by choice, although some families of ethnic and religious minorities still practice arranged marriage. Divorce is legalized and is not stigmatized.