Bulgaria - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture

Don't just see the sights―get to know the people. Bulgaria, situated in southeastern Europe on the Black Sea, is one of Europe's best-hidden secrets. A haven for nature and history buffs, this youngest member of the European Union has been riding a rollercoaster of radical transformation since emerging from the Eastern Bloc three decades ago, changing dramatically in many ways and yet preserving its own particular charm and slow-paced way of life. Invasions and waves of migration, dating back to neolithic and classical times, have contributed to a unique cultural mosaic. The seventh-century Bulgarian empire dominated the Balkans and was a powerhouse of Slavonic culture. Later, Ottoman conquest and Soviet influence left their mark on the national psyche. Culture Smart! Bulgaria provides a key to understanding the Bulgarian people. It outlines their long and complex history, shows you what everyday life is like there today, and offers advice on what to expect and how to navigate unfamiliar cultural terrain. This is a small country of proud and persevering people. Familiarize yourself with their traditions and way of life, and the warmth and hospitality you are shown in return will conquer your heart and bring you back time and again. Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas. Front Cover Title Page About the Author Contents Map of Bulgaria Introduction Key Facts 1. Land and People • Geography • Climate • Regions and Major Cities • The People • A Brief History • Covid-19 in Bulgaria • The Economy 2. Values and Attitudes • The Bulgarian Worldview • Family Values • The Role of Women • Hospitality and Generosity • Religion • Regionalism, Patriotism, Chauvinism • Attitudes Toward Others • Work Ethic • Attitudes Towards Time • Individualism and Collectivism • Rationality and Emotionality • Respect for Age, Status, and Power • Millennials and Gen Z: Rising to the Challenge 3. Customs and Traditions • Public Holidays • Major Religious Celebrations • Important Civic Celebrations • Name Days • Nature and Folk Festivals • Weddings, Births, Choosing Names • Funerals • Some Superstitions 4. Making Friends • Friendship for Bulgarians • Meeting People • Favors and the Right Connections • Socializing • Invitations Home • Gift Giving • Dating 5. At Home • Family Life • Housing • Inside the Bulgarian Home • The Daily Round • The Cost of Living • Twenty-First-Century Education • Employment 6. Time Out • Eating Out • Nightlife • Music, Film, and Theater • Festivals • Sports • Must-See Destinations in and Around Sofia 7. Travel, Health and Safety • Arrival • Money Matters • Getting Around Sofia • Travel Outside Sofia • Health Care • Safety • Police 8. Business Briefing • Work Culture • Setting up a Meeting • Greetings and First Impressions • Presentations • Negotiations • Business Meals • Contracts and Fulfillment • Managing Disagreement • Business Gifts • Women in Business 9. Communicating • The Language • Everyday Speech • Body Language • Humor • The Media • Internet and Social Media • Services • Conclusion Further Reading Useful Apps Picture Credits Copyright Index Acknowledgments Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.