People

In Bulgaria, time passes more slowly - everywhere. Maybe it's the weather, maybe the food, maybe the centuries-old habit of taking the long way around. Either way, the country has a noticeable knack for making you ease off the throttle and pay closer attention to what's actually in front of you.

Bulgarians also tend to live longer than most. Scientists put it down to a combination of low stress levels, regular physical activity outdoors and - famously - the unique bacteria in Bulgarian yogurt. The result is a population that genuinely enjoys moving around outside, eats simply and seasonally, and treats life with a stubbornly positive attitude.

The country has produced a long line of cultural figures known well beyond its borders - actors like Hristo Shopov (seen in 'The Passion of the Christ' and 'Spartacus'), singers like Lili Ivanova (one of the most celebrated voices of the 20th century) and writers whose work captured pivotal moments in national history. A small country, but one with a loud cultural footprint.