387-0174
FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador John Ross BEYRLE
embassy: 16 Kozyak Street, Sofia 1407
mailing address: American Embassy Sofia, US Department of State,
5740 Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740
telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100
FAX: [359] (2) 937-5320

Flag description:
three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; note -
the national emblem, formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe,
has been removed

Economy Bulgaria

Economy - overview:
Bulgaria, a former communist country that entered the European
Union on 1 January 2007, has experienced macroeconomic stability and
strong growth since a major economic downturn in 1996 led to the
fall of the then socialist government. As a result, the government
became committed to economic reform and responsible fiscal planning.
Minerals, including coal, copper, and zinc, play an important role
in industry. In 1997, macroeconomic stability was reinforced by the
imposition of a fixed exchange rate of the lev against the German
D-mark - the currency is now fixed against the euro - and the
negotiation of an IMF standby agreement. Low inflation and steady
progress on structural reforms improved the business environment;
Bulgaria has averaged 5.1% growth since 2000 and has begun to
attract significant amounts of foreign direct investment. Corruption
in the public administration, a weak judiciary, and the presence of
organized crime remain the largest challenges for Bulgaria.

GDP (purchasing power parity):
$77.13 billion (2006 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):
$27.85 billion (2006 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:
5.5% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$10,400 (2006 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 8.9%
industry: 30.1%
services: 61% (2006 est.)

Labor force:
3.45 million (2006 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 11%
industry: 32.7%
services: 56.3% (3rd qtr. 2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:
9.6% (2006 est.)

Population below poverty line:
4% (2003 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 3.4%
highest 10%: 23.9% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:
29.2 (2003)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):
7.2% (2006 est.)

Investment (gross fixed):
24.8% of