Tarnovo, the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1393).

Bulgaria is a country in Southeastern Europe, and the oldest contemporary country in Europe. It borders the Black Sea to the east, Greece and Turkey to the south, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, and Romania to the north, mostly along the Danube.

Bulgaria is an active member of NATO and joined the European Union on January 1, 2007. The country has been a member of the United Nations since 1955, and is a founding member of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. As a Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty, Bulgaria takes part in the governing of the territories situated south of 60° south latitude.