Sofia, Bulgaria

Abstract

Abstract Bulgaria, with a total population of nearly 9 million, is situated in the middle of the Balkan peninsula on a territory of 110,000 sq km. The population is largely Bulgarian; Turks, the largest minority, account for about one-tenth of the population. There are also Gypsies, Jews, Armenians, and other minorities. The dominant religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The official language is Bulgarian, which is also spoken by most minority group members. The WHO Collaborating Center is located in Sofla, the largest city and the administrative and academic center of Bulgaria, comprising about 1.2 million inhabitants. The largest proportion of the population is engaged in service activities. There are also various industries, and some neighborhoods of the city are inhabited exclusively by the families of industrial workers. A significant portion of older people practices seasonal migration: They move to the villages in spring and summer, growing food and raising animals, and come back to the city during the winter. Fifty years ago, Bulgaria was a traditional patriarchal society with extensive kinship networks as a constant source of support throughout life. Despite significant changes in this pattern during the past half-century, old traditions still have their influence, and kinship obligations can be described as strong.