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In-Depth Information
repainting the figures as modern 'heroes' - Superman, Santa Claus, Ronald McDonald
and more. Two years later, some of the paint can still be seen.
Bulgarians have always been considered a clever bunch in the scientific field. Early
breakthroughs in robotics and computer sciences were made here and, most recently, the
government announced a 10-year project to develop a national nanotechnology research
and development centre in Sofia - making Bulgaria the first European country to do so.
Oh, and to keep abreast of climate change developments Bulgaria keeps its own scientific
research station - in Antarctica.
Tourism Optimism
Although the country has lost its novelty as a tourism destination, Bulgarians are still pon-
dering its future potential. The Black Sea resort towns of Burgas and Varna are looking
sharp and ever-posher eateries catering to well-heeled international travellers can be found
in Sofia, Plovdiv and Veliko Târnovo.
The Bulgarian government has devoted
funds and energy in recent years to TV and on-
line marketing for Bulgarian tourism. The
promising monastic tourism business got an
exciting break in 2012, when the National
Geographic Channel aired a fascinating special
on the supposed relics of St John the Baptist,
discovered in 2010 at a church site on the is-
land of Sveti Ivan, off the Black Sea coast.
(They were scientifically proven to date from
the 1st-century AD from a man of Middle Eastern origin.)
The government is also ambitious about raising the country's profile as a golf destina-
tion. An international tournament will be held in the summer of 2013 at a swish resort
whose clifftop course is said to be one of the most spectacular in the world.
Bulgarian tourism retains its old stalwarts as well - the Black Sea in summer, increas-
ingly popular with Russians, and winter skiing in places like Bansko (popular with Russi-
ans, but also with plenty of Brits). Compared to other 'emerging destinations' in the re-
gion like Croatia and Montenegro, Bulgaria has not experienced a wild surge in prices and
the country remains accessible for travellers of all budgets.
Interestingly, Bulgarians are showing increasing signs of enthusiasm about showing off
their country: in Sofia and Varna, for example, friendly young university graduates volun-
teer to provide regular free tours of civic monuments and historic structures.
»Average life expectancy: 69 (m), 76 (f)
»Unemployment rate: 9.6%
»Highest point: Mt Musala (2925m)
»European country ranking in number of IT experts
per capita: 1st
»Export: Bulgaria produces 10% of the world's
rose oil
 
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