Livelihoods | History of Bulgaria

Agriculture

Agricultural traditions during the First Bulgarian state are known to have begun with the settlement of the Slavic tribes in these lands. They were farmers by longstanding tradition.

First Bulgarian Empire: rulers and capitals

Animal husbandry

During the Middle Ages, animal husbandry was an important part of the economy. It can be divided into two types: sedentary and mobile.

First Bulgarian Empire: rulers and capitals

Construction and property

Construction is an important sector in the development of the country’s infrastructure. Increasing investment is directed towards residential and commercial construction, as well as infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and other works.

Republic of Bulgaria

Gathering mushrooms and herbs

In forests and meadows, Bulgarians gathered mushrooms, various herbs and medicinal plants, which were used for food and healing.

Bulgars and Slavs

Hospitality and tourism

Bulgaria attracts many tourists each year with its natural beauty, historic landmarks and cultural events. Tourism is important to the country’s economy and is developing in various forms, including mountain, seaside, urban, rural and ecotourism.

Third Bulgarian State

Hunting and gathering game

In some regions, Bulgarians hunted and gathered game for food. This included braditsa, hares, roe deer, wild birds, wild boar, deer and hinds, as well as wild grasses and fruit.

Bulgars and Slavs

Information technology and software development

This sector plays a key role in the country’s economy by providing opportunities for development, innovation and the export of services. The presence of numerous software companies developing a range of products and services creates jobs and contributes to economic growth.

Republic of Bulgaria

Logging and woodworking

Logging is the process of collecting or extracting timber from managed forests or natural woodland. It involves cutting, felling or pulling out trees, usually to use the wood for various purposes.

The Thracians

Metalworking

Some scholars believe that copper mining and the manufacture of copper objects began in Asia Minor. Others maintain that metallurgy developed independently in the Balkan Peninsula because of its large copper deposits.

Prehistory

Trade

According to various sources and travellers, the Bulgarians who settled in these lands were actively engaged in trade. This intensive foreign trade provided substantial state revenues, which were used to build new roads, fortresses and trading centres.

First Bulgarian Empire: rulers and capitals

Winemaking

Winemaking traditions and wine culture in the Bulgarian lands have a long history predating the establishment of the Bulgarian state itself in AD 681. Wine was an inseparable part of the daily life and rituals of the ancient Thracians, who inhabited the territory of present-day Bulgaria.

The Thracians