SOFIA (capital) - Geography and history
The metropolitan region
Sofia (capital) Region was set up to accommodate the diverse functions of the capital city of Sofia. Situated in the central part of West Bulgaria, it is an enclave within Sofia Region.
The administrative boundaries of Sofia (capital) Region go beyond the territorial scope of the city of Sofia itself. It covers an area of 1 349 km2, or 1.2% of the national territory, making it the smallest by area of all regions, although by population it is the largest, with 1.2 million inhabitants or 15.2% of the Bulgarian population (2002 data). Sofia (capital) Region has the status of a municipality with 38 settlements, including 4 cities - Sofia, Bankya, Bukhovo and Novi Iskar. The population density, with 885.3 inhabitants per km2, is also the highest. 54.2% of the population are active (in 2002). The birth rate of 8.7 per thousand (2002 data) is in line with the national average, while the death rate at 12.7 per thousand is below average as is infant mortality at 8.9 per thousand as against 13.3 nationally (in 2002).
Geographical variation is limited by the region's small size. Local coal and iron ore deposits are no longer economically significant. The climate is mainly moderately continental, but mountainous in the high areas. There are mineral springs at several locations, Bankya, Ovcha Kupel, Knyazhevo and Pancharevo. Alluvial soils dominate.
The capital city, which acts as the administrative centre of Sofia (capital) Region, determines its transport and geographic significance as well. It is Bulgaria's biggest transport junction and the hub of most of its roads and railways.
A settlement has existed on the site of the present-day capital for centuries. There is evidence from historical data suggesting that it was founded by the Thracian tribe, the Serds, in the 8th-7th century B.C., from which its Roman name of Serdika stems. Later the Slavs renamed it Triaditsa, and then it evolved as a feudal town under the name of Sredets. Sofia was declared the capital of the Bulgarian state in 1879.
High concentration of activities
The major asset for the capital city's strong economic growth is the well-educated and highly skilled labour force. In turn, this is reflected in its low unemployment level and high activity rate. Furthermore, Sofia city is Bulgaria's main academic centre, with the majority of the country's universities situated here.
Also advantageous is the age structure of the population. The share of the population under 25 is 28.5%, while the proportion of those aged 65 or more is 15.4% (in 2002). In addition, Sofia city has one of the country's highest life expectancy figures, reaching 71.7 years.
However, a number of problem areas exist. One is the absence of a clear-cut and consistently implemented policy of active promotion of business in a climate which fosters entrepreneurship. Another is the depopulation of some settlements beyond the boundaries of the capital city, which is due to migration to the capital in the search of employment and a better quality of services.
Making Sofia one of the most important transport and economic centres in the Balkans is one of the urgent tasks of the region as a means to promote its social and economic development.
The region faces a number of environmental problems related to air pollution from road traffic and certain manufacturing facilities. The expansion of the underground network and greater use of lead-free petrol will contribute to the reduction of air pollution from the transport sector.
Important administrative functions, well-developed services sector
The well-developed social and economic infrastructure of the capital city means that the tertiary sector plays a leading role in the economy of the region, bringing in about 73.2% of value added (in 2001) and employing 72% of all those employed (2000 data). Industry plays a secondary role, producing 26% of value added and employing (in 2001) and 26% of the total number of those employed (2000 data). The most developed sectors are machine tool engineering and metal processing, metallurgy, food and beverages production, paper and textile industries.
In addition to more people being employed here than in any other region, the employment rate is above average (47.6% in 2002 compared to 40.3%), per capita foreign investment is greatest here and the unemployment rate at 12.3% (in 2002) is one of the lowest amongst the country.
Within the region there are numerous higher educational establishments, research institutes, health care establishments, museums, art galleries and offices. The oldest higher educational establishment in Bulgaria, the Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, is also situated here. During the school year 2002/2003, there were 97 986 students and 9 313 teachers in colleges, universities and equivalent higher schools. At the end of 2002, the region counted 6 142 physicians, 1 516 dentists and 9 369 personnel with intermediate level of medical education and personnel graduated in medical colleges with level "specialist". In 2000 there were also 24 theatre, 27 museums and 31 cinemas in the district.
The necessary transport infrastructure is in place here both for road, rail and air travel. At the end of 2002, the number of telephone posts (including the installed direct, party-line and supplementary telephone apparatus to the settlements' telephone exchanges) was 579 841 of which 75% for households. There is a hydro-power plant on the Iskar Dam (the largest dam in Bulgaria with a capacity 650 million m3) and two thermal power plants, TPP Sofia-South and TPP Sofia. All central governmental institutions also have their headquarters in Sofia (the Parliament, the President of the Republic, the Council of Ministers, the Constitutional Court, the Bulgarian National Bank), as well as the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and a number of national research and cultural institutions.
The tourist industry is well served in terms of accommodation, numerous tourist offices, museums and the many historical and architectural sites for which the capital is famous, including the Boyana Church, the St.Georgui Rotunda, and ruins of Roman walls. There are several nature reserves and natural landmarks on Vitosha Mountain as well.
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