Until the end of 1989, the Republic of Bulgaria was a country with a planned economy based on socialist (Marxist-Leninist) organization.

Bulgaria’s foreign trade was a state monopoly with foreign trade organizations being entrusted with the trade of specific commodities. Since 1990, dramatic political changes have taken place in Bulgaria. Both the political and economic structures are evolving towards more liberalization.

Economy: Industries: chemicals, machinery, metals, textiles, fur, leather goods, processed food. Chief crops: grains, fruit, oilseeds, tobacco. Minerals: lead, bauxite, coal, copper, zinc. Arable land: 34%.

Member of the European Union as of January 1, 2007.