Capital of Bulgaria: Sofia
The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia. Bulgaria sits in Europe, has a population of 6,781,953, and uses the BGN. Official languages include Bulgarian.
Quick facts
- Capital: Sofia
- Continent: Europe
- Population: ~6,781,953
- Area: 110,879 km²
- Population density: 61.2 people per km²
- Official language: Bulgarian
- Currency: BGN
- ISO code: BG
How big is Bulgaria?
By population, Bulgaria ranks 107th in the world, holding roughly 0.09% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 103rd.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Bulgaria has 61.2 people per square kilometre, which is close to the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Europe, Bulgaria is the 21th most populous country of 46.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Bulgaria in population are Paraguay (6,780,744) and Libya (6,812,341).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Liberia (111,369 km²) and Cuba (109,884 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Bulgarian is listed as an official language of Bulgaria alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Bulgaria uses the BGN, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Bulgaria in Europe
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Russia, Germany, United Kingdom and France.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Europe is the block Bulgaria belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Bulgaria and a page on the flag of Bulgaria.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Bulgaria?
The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia.
What is the population of Bulgaria?
About 6,781,953, making it the 107th most populous country in the world.
How big is Bulgaria?
110,879 square kilometres, ranking 103rd by land area, at a density of 61.2 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Bulgaria use?
The BGN, which no other country uses.