Blagoevgrad

Blagoevgrad, about 100 km south of Sofia, is famous for the South Western University and The American University in Bulgaria (founded in 1990). The Blagoevgrad region is situated in the Southwestern part of Bulgaria. Surface – 6452.26 square kilometres. It is the third largest region in the country next to Burgas and Sofia. The region of Blagoevgrad covers parts of three of the biggest Bulgarian mountains – Rila, Pirin and Rodopi and is also known as the Pirin region, named after the Pirin mountain, dominating its territory like a majestic pillar.Major rivers in the region are: Strouma (372.0 km length) that rises from Vitosha mountain and Mesta (216.9 km length) that rises from Rila mountain, both flow into the Aegean Sea. The main international routes connecting Bulgaria with Greece (Railway Sofia – Athens; Motorway E–79) and the Republic of Macedonia pass through Blagoevgrad. The city is in easy access to the capital(approximately 100 kilometres to the north) and to all towns in the region. International Transport Corridors (ITC) No 4 and No 8 cross the territory of the Region. The development of ITC No 4 and the construction of the Danube bridge at Vidin (an element of the National Plan for Development) further increase the opportunities for cross-border cooperation and impact, based on optimised communication networks. Sofia Airport is the closest in the area. It is only 100 km to the north of Blagoevgrad. Current priority industry sectors Light Industry It is well represented by such companies as Strumatex Ltd. and Vihren Footwear Company. In addition, there are thriving smaller concerns engaged in the production of ready-made garments, leather and haberdashery, and woodworking and furniture products. Tobacco Has long played a vital role in the agricultural concerns of South-western Bulgaria. The Pirin Tobacco Plant (Blagoevgrad-BT Inc.) is situated in Blagoevgrad. It provides around 51% of all the cigarettes manufactured in Bulgaria. Pirin Tobacco is one of the most successful companies in Bulgaria with 40 brand names and international joint ventures. Agriculture The arable land in the region of Blagoevgrad is about 432 746 dc. Main products are tobacco, grapes, potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, milk, meat etc. Some problems occur when it comes to providing better conditions for buying out the production of crop-breeders and animal-raisers, better taxation policy, credits at lower interest rates to build up a modern productive setting, purchase of new equipment, and education of private farmers. Diverse agricultural concerns, including the cultivation of wine grapes and early vegetables, have resulted in several prominent public work projects in irrigation and water regulation. A complex network of irrigation canals, pump stations, and dams provides the region with the opportunity to cultivate most of the available farmland. Trade More than 2000 companies are currently active in Blagoevgrad and the towns. They focuse on a wide range of business activity and benefit from the proximity of the region to the neighbouring countries. PLACES OF INTEREST The Rila Monastery; The Rozhen Monastery; precious landmarks from the time of the Bulgarian National Revival Period (18th-19th c.) may be found in the architectural reserves of Melnik and Bansko; the four star Sandanski balneo-hotel, the National Park Samouil's Fortress Museum in Petrich;