Bulgaria is a country located in Southeastern Europe, known for its rich history and diverse culture. From the ancient Thracian civilizations to the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Bulgaria has been a crossroads of different civilizations throughout its history. In 681 AD, Bulgaria was founded as a unified state by the Bulgar tribes. The country experienced periods of both prosperity and decline, including being part of the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and a communist regime under Soviet influence. In 1989, Bulgaria transitioned to a democratic republic. Today, Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and NATO, and is working towards further economic development and integration with the rest of Europe.