Bulgaria is distinguished for its beautiful nature which has charmed everyone who has ever visited the country. Its territory is not that extensive at all, but being concentrated on such tiny space, natural landmarks are even more fascinating. The sublime mountains, age-old forests, lovely valleys, great plains, golden coastline and incredible sea-water make Bulgarian nature attractive. That is wh
y Bulgaria takes pains to preserve its natural landmarks by turning vast areas of land into natural reserves and national parks. The country ranks second in the world as far as natural reserves are concerned and they number 17. The climate in Bulgaria is moderate continental with four yearly seasons and average annual temperature of 10.5 Cº. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of 0 degrees Cº. and the average water temperature - 25 Cº. Basic characteristic features of the country’s natural life are the great variety and wealth of animal and plant species and their considerable ecological and biogeographical diversity. The vegetable life of Bulgaria numbers about 12 000 species. The most common and often met animals and birds are the typical of Europe: hinds, deer, wild-boars, bears, wolves, foxes, jackals, wood-grouses, vultures, sparrows, grass-snakes, etc. Altogether in Bulgaria are to be found about 40 000 invertebrate species. Protection of the natural world is one of the country’s major concerns. The protected territories are 49, the biospherical reserves - 17 (the greatest recorded number in Europe), the national parks - 7, the reserves - 82, the protected natural sites - 3055, the protected plants - 63 and the protected animals - 419. The air and water resources of the country are some of the purest in Europe.