Blagoevgrad

The region of Blagoevgrad is located in South-Western Bulgaria and borders on Greece, Macedonia and four other districts – Smolyan, Pazardzhik, Kyustendil and Sofia. It embraces parts of the Rhodopes and the Rila Mountain with the highest summit on the Balkans – Mount Musala (2925 m). It also covers the Pirin, Ograzhden, Vlahina, and Belasitza mountains. Two large rivers - Struma and Mesta, flow through the region forming picturesque valleys. The beautiful nature of Blagoevgrad region is considered a big resource that will have in future bigger meaning for the development of the region. The climate in the most southern regions ranges from continental and alpine to mediterranean. The nature resources of the region of Blagoevgrad are wood, coals, ore, mineral springs (40 percent from the general capacity of the country), building materials - granite, marble. The agricultural land is 38.8 percent and the forests - 52 percent. The age structure in the Blagoevgrad region is younger than the average in the country. Due to the developed infrastructure and clean nature and the favorable economic development as well, it is considered one of the best areas to live in and ranked third position in the context of quality life style. Blagoevgrad region comprises of 14 municipalities (Bansko, Blagoevgrad, Belitza, Gotze Delchev, Garmen, Kresna, Petrich, Razlog, Sandanski, Satovcha, Simitli, Strumiani, Hadzhidimovo, Yakoruda), including 280 towns with administrative center the city of Blagoevgrad. There are two centers for higher education in the area - the ‘Neofit Rilski’ South-Western University and the American University in Bulgaria both located in Blagoevgrad. The advanced educational network in the area is an important priority. The number of schools in the region is 182. Annually, Blagoevgrad attracts approximately 10 000 college students from the all across the country and abroad. On the north-western slopes of Rila mountain, 35 km away from Blagoevgrad is situated the oldest Park - reserve with coniferous vegetation - Parangalitza. 16 km to the northwest is located the village of Stob, also popular for the Stob pyramids - exceptionally beautiful rock formations. In Blagoevgrad, there is a big stadium, swimming pools, a sport complex with a hostel and tennis courts. The sport infrastructure in the region is relatively well developed. In Blagoevgrad area is located one of the best ski - resorts in Bulgaria - Bansko. Except for its new tracks and hotels, the city is known as an ethnographic central city as well, it has allowed in the years its authentic appearance. Bansko offers all amenities for year-round tourism and a relaxation.