Education

All schools in Bulgaria are free and state controlled and were modeled after those in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). A major aim of the Bulgarian educational system is to supply technical and skilled workers to meet the growing demands of industry. Education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 16.

In the late 1980s approximately 1,091,100 pupils attended elementary schools in Bulgaria, and about 402,800 students were enrolled in secondary, vocational, and teacher-training schools.

The country has about 30 institutions of higher learning, including the University of Sofiya and various specialized professional institutes. Total yearly enrollment in the late 1980s amounted to approximately 116,400 students.



Economy

One of the poorest countries of central Europe Bulgaria has slowly been moving from its old command economy towards a market-oriented economy. The economy faced a major crisis in 1996 marked by a banking system in turmoil a depreciating currency and contracting production and foreign trade. Foreign exchange reserves dwindled to $518 million while dramatically hiked interest rates added to the domestic debt burden and stifled growth. GDP fell by 11% in 1996 after experiencing 2.0% growth in 1995. Privatization of state-owned industries stagnated although the first auction of a mass privatization program was undertaken in late 1996. Lagging progress on structural reforms led to postponement of IMF disbursements under a $580 million standby loan agreed to in July 1996. In November 1996 the IMF proposed a currency board as Bulgaria's best chance to restore confidence in the lev eliminate unnecessary spending and avoid hyperinflation. The board was set up on 1 July 1997. Its establishment was followed by a reduction in inflation and interest rates and by a rise in foreign investment. Simultaneously the government pledged to sell off some of the most attractive state assets. GDP in 1997 dropped 7.4% but is expected to rebound to an estimated 2% in 1998. Other government objectives include: the completion of land reform the privatization and strengthening of the banking system and the modernization of the legal environment of business.



Climate

Unless you visit for skiing, summer is the most comfortable time in Bulgaria, with low humidity and temperatures averaging 75°F (24°C); winter temperatures average around 32°F (0°C).

Unless you visit for skiing, summer is the most comfortable time in Bulgaria, with low humidity and temperatures averaging 75°F (24°C); winter temperatures average around 32°F (0°C).



List of Universities in BULGARIA

• American University in Bulgaria