Bulgaria suffered a major economic downturn in 1996/1997 but recovered and growth has      subsequently been strong. The government is committed to economic reforms, but until      recently had failed to control rising inflation. Problems continue with corruption in      public administration, a weak judiciary and organised crime. The country averaged more than 6% annual growth from 2004 to 2008, driven by significant amounts of bank lending, consumption, and foreign direct investment. But GDP dropped by 5.5% in 2009, stagnated in 2010 despite a significant recovery in exports, then grew slightly in 2011 and 2012.

Key facts
*  Currency: Bulgarian Lev.  Pegged to the euro at €1=1.95 leva (Nov 2011 onwards). £1=2.25 leva.
*  GDP per capita: $21,800 (2017 est)

* Unemployment rate: 7.5% (August 2020)
*  Population below poverty line:  22% (2015 est)
*  Inflation: 0.9%  (Sept 2020)
*  Natural resources: bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land

Industries and exports
Employment sectors: agriculture 7.3%, industry 30.5%, services 62.2%

*  Agricultural products: fruit, vegetables, tobacco, wine, wheat, barley, sunflowers, sugar beet
*  Industries: electricity, gas, water, food, tobacco, machinery and equipment, chemical products, refined petroleum, nuclear fuel
*  Exports: clothing, footwear, light industrial products, food, wine
*  Tourism: Black Sea coast attracts tourists all year round, well-preserved historical and cultural heritage, skiing.
*  Leading export markets: Germany 13.5%, Italy 8.3%, Romania 8.2%, Turkey 7.7% (2017 data).