Bulgaria is a picturesque small country that has existed in Southeastern Europe for over 13 centuries, linking East and West. Situated in the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria has three large national parks - Pirin, Rila, and Central Balkan - that are among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe, containing some of Europe's remaining wild regions. These national parks are managed according to the latest conservation principles and offer opportunities for tourism, research, and education while preserving Bulgaria's natural features, wildlife and habitats.

1. W e l c o m e t o

2. A picturesque small country called Bulgaria has existed for m ore than 13 centuries i n Europe, linking East and West. About Bulgaria

3. … that wrote its turbulent history. Bulgaria remembers ancient civilisationand great people …

4. Situated in Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria occupies the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula.

6. The period following Bulgaria ’ s Liberation (1878) was characterized by sweeping construction. Urban development plans were made en masse, the town and city centers were shaped, solid buildings of a new, European look were put up, decoration of the urban houses was modernized.

7. National Parks Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan are among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. They contain some of Europe’s remaining, extant, wild regions.

8. Identified as Category II protected areas by the World Conservation Union, the Parks are managed in accordance with the latest conservation principles and approaches.

9. Worldwide, national parks are generally designated to preserve representative natural features, wildlife and habitats of the country.

10. The Bulgarian National Parks offer excellent opportunities for tourism, scientific research and education .

11. The National Parks also include rivers, lakes, natural landmarks, waterfalls, and exceptional landscapes .