Bulgaria

E

Currency and Banking

The unit of currency in Bulgaria is the lev (2 leva equal U.S.$1; 2006 average). The National Bank of Bulgaria is the bank of issue.

F

Transportation

Bulgaria is largely dependent for transport on railroads, with 4,163 km (2,587 mi) of track in use. The country is also served by about 44,033 km (about 27,361 mi) of roads. A major event in the development of transportation in Bulgaria was the opening of the Ruse-Giurgiu rail-and-road bridge over the Danube River in 1954; it is the chief bridge of its type connecting Bulgaria and Romania. Extensive bus services operate in areas not served by railroads.

The Danube River is a major artery of commerce. Of the dozen Danube ports, Ruse, Svishtov, Lom, and Vidin have the greatest importance. Much of the Bulgarian freight and passenger traffic with the countries of the former Soviet bloc uses the Danube and the Black Sea.

Balkan Bulgarian Airlines served as the national airline from 1946 to 2002. At its height, it was one of Europe’s largest air carriers. It was replaced by Bulgaria Air, which serves the major cities of the country as well as many international destinations. Smaller airlines also operate in Bulgaria.

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VI

Government

From 1946 to 1990, Bulgaria had a communist form of government with only one legal political party, the Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP). Early in 1990, however, the Bulgarian constitution was amended to allow a multiparty system, and in July 1991 a new constitution was approved, establishing Bulgaria as a parliamentary democracy. All Bulgarian citizens age 18 and older may vote in local and national elections.

A

Executive

The president serves as the head of state and is directly elected by the voters to no more than two five-year terms. The president is commander in chief of the armed forces and represents Bulgaria abroad. The president may also send legislation back to the legislature for further debate, although the legislature may pass the returned legislation into law with a simple majority vote.

The head of government is the prime minister, who is nominated by the president from the largest parliamentary party or coalition of parties and is approved by parliament. The prime minister presides over the Council of Ministers (or cabinet), the highest executive and administrative body of the Bulgarian government.

B

Legislature

Bulgaria’s legislature, the National Assembly (Narodno Sabranie), is a unicameral (one-chamber) parliament composed of 240 members. Members are directly elected to four-year terms. The assembly is responsible for passing laws, approving the national budget, declaring war, and ratifying international treaties. The assembly may, through a vote of no-confidence, dismiss the prime minister and other ministers of government.

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