Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Elena B. POPTODOROVA
chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 387-0174
FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973
consulate(s) general: Chicago and New York
consulate(s): Los Angeles
Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador James William PARDEW
embassy: 16 Kozyak Street, Sofia 1407
mailing address: American Embassy Sofia, Department of State, 5740
Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740
telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100
FAX: [359] (2) 937-5230
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 striving to enter the European
Union, 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 and the
negotiation of an IMF standby agreement. Low inflation and steady
progress on structural reforms improved the business environment;
Bulgaria has averaged 4% 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):
$61.63 billion (2004 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
5.3% (2004 est.)
GDP - per capita:
purchasing power parity - $8,200 (2004 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 11.5% industry: 30.1% services: 58.4% (2004 est.)
Labor force: 3.398 million (2004 est.)