 Bulgaria - the Gateway to Eastern Europe
For long years Bulgaria was called "The Rose Valley of Europe". Situated in the heart of the Balkan peninsula in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria enjoys not only specific mild climate, which is wonderful for vegetation, but blessed geographical position at the crossroads between Europe and Asia.
Browsing through the Bulgarian history one can see
many ups and downs - long and rich history (lasting
for more than 13 centuries ago), significant contribution
to cultural development of Europe in the Early and
Middle ages, remarkable development of agriculture,
craftsmanship and trade, an Ottoman province for
five centuries, several wars and 45 years as the
closest ally of Soviet Union |
As a traditionally agrarian country Bulgaria was forced to become an industry-oriented economy during the years of communist ruling. But it does not matter which sector one would choose for closer investigation at that time - nowhere was private initiative allowed, competition was forgotten, bad-quality production had a guaranteed market with other Comecom countries (which in their turn sold their bad-quality production on the Bulgarian market).
All those years of central-planned economy developed a special feeling of security for the Bulgarians. They knew they could buy Coca Cola very rarely (it could be found in limited quantities) and would never travel to the "capitalist USA" but at the same time they enjoyed guaranteed employment (although underpaid), low commodity prices (although shortages were common) and a State (the Communist party) that was responsible for everything and took care of everybody. In those conditions spirit of innovation and ability to fight for your own survival almost disappeared.
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BULGARIA, 
