The region is situated in the central part of Southern Bulgaria and extends on more than 5 000 sq.km and with a population of more than 270 000 people. Haskovo region includes a total of 11 municipalities - Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, Svilengrad, Lyubimetz, Harmanli, Simeonovgrad, Mineralni Bani, Madzharovo, Ivailovgrad, Toplovgrad and Stambolovo. The region is of significant importance to the entire economy of the country because of the proximity to the national border with Turkey and Greece. The district is crossed by a transcontinental road (E80) connecting Europe with Asia and the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Haskovo is close to Plovdiv Airport (75 km) but is also within relatively easy reach to the Sofia International Airport (225 km) via the Trakia highway. The territory of Haskovo district includes parts of the southwestern ridges of the Sakar Mountain and the eastern slopes of the Rhodopes, with the Maritza River flowing through the lowlands. The region favors a mild climate influenced strongly by the Mediterranean, which along with the fertile soil are prerequisites to successful agricultural development. Lyubimetz municipality, for example, is famous for growing the best water-melons in Bulgaria and most of the municipalities across Haskovo district have longstanding traditions in growing vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc.) and tobacco. Haskovo has a rich history dating back since ancient times. Remains from the Neolithic period have been found near the villages of Bulgarin, Dinevo, Pyasachevo and Bolyarski Izvor. The numerous gravestone mounds, sanctuaries, fortresses and dolmens which have been found in the Sakar Mountain and the Eastern Rhodope ridges speak for the strong presence of the Thracian culture across the region. Several Thracian tombs have been discovered in the region. Two of them are the monumental tomb near the village of Mezek and the Thracian tomb near Aleksandrovo, renowned for the exceptional wall paintings. Furthermore, remains of road networks, bridges, sanctuaries and fortresses from the Roman Empire can be seen across the whole region. The area also keeps the memory of one of the most eminent battles in Bulgarian history. In 1230 near the village of Klokotnitsa the Bulgarian troops led by Tsar Ivan Asen II defeated the Byzantine army of despot Theodore Comnin. The strong influence of the Ottoman Empire has additionally diversified the cultural characteristics of the region. Orthodox rock churches dating back to the dawn of Christianity can be seen in this region along with mosques from the early ages of the Ottoman occupancy. Nowadays, the region has a modern look and infrastructure. During the years the locals have developed good economic relations and long-standing market traditions with Turkey and Greece. Agriculture and trading with agricultural products have been a major source of income for centuries. Later, during the 1970s when the government started major industrialization, the region explored and developed chemistry and textile industry and expanded the tobacco production. Despite the economic crisis in 1990s, Haskovo managed to overcome the collapse relatively fast and currently has modern working and profitable industry. The town of Dimitrovgrad is also well-known for the production of artificial fertilizers and chemical products. It is also popular for its flea market – the biggest in Bulgaria. The specific location of the region also influences the economy – logistics, transport services (some of Bulgaria’s biggest international transport companies operate from Haskovo), wholesale and retail companies.