Bulgarian Citizenship Test key terms

The Cyrillic alphabet, developed in the First Bulgarian Empire and adopted in 893; Bulgaria celebrates it on 24 May. Candidates must recognise its letters, read short texts aloud, and explain its historical origin.

The Golden Age of Bulgarian culture under Tsar Simeon I (893–927), when literature, translation and the Preslav school flourished. It marks the spread of Slavic literacy and is a standard topic in history and language reading passages.

The First Bulgarian Empire (681–1018), founded after Khan Asparuh crossed the Danube. It includes the conversion to Christianity in 864 and the reign of Simeon. Questions test dates, rulers and significance.

Khan Asparuh, who led the Bulgars across the Danube in 681 and established the Bulgarian state recognised by Byzantium. He is a founding figure tested in chronology and map-reading questions.

Tsar Simeon I (893–927), ruler during the Golden Age, who expanded the state and patronised Slavic letters. Candidates should connect his name with the Preslav literary school and the era's cultural achievements.

The Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1396), restored after the uprising of Asen and Peter, with its capital at Tarnovo. It ended with the Ottoman conquest. Exams ask about its rulers, capital and decline.

Veliko Tarnovo, capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and a major cultural centre. Its hilltop fortress Tsarevets is a symbol of medieval statehood and appears in history and geography questions.

The period of Ottoman rule over Bulgarian lands, roughly 1396 to 1878. Candidates should know its duration, its effects on administration and culture, and the gradual path to liberation.

The Bulgarian National Revival, an 18th–19th century movement for education, language, church independence and national identity. Key figures include Paisii Hilendarski and Vasil Levski. It is heavily tested.

Paisii of Hilendar, author of the Slavonic-Bulgarian History (1762), a foundational text of the National Revival that awakened national consciousness. Candidates should know the author, date and significance.

The Slavonic-Bulgarian History written by Paisii Hilendarski in 1762. It is treated as the first modern Bulgarian historical work and a starting point of the Revival. Exam questions ask who wrote it and when.

Vasil Levski, the Apostle of Freedom, who organised a network of revolutionary committees before his execution in 1873. His role in the national movement and his ideals of a free republic are frequently tested.

The April Uprising of 1876 against Ottoman rule, crushed with heavy reprisals. Its suppression drew European attention and helped trigger the Russo-Turkish War. Dates and consequences are commonly examined.

The Liberation of Bulgaria in 1878, achieved through the Russo-Turkish War and marked by the Treaty of San Stefano and the Congress of Berlin. Candidates must know the year and the treaties involved.

3 March, Bulgaria's national holiday commemorating the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano in 1878. Candidates should recognise it as the Liberation Day and link it to the year and treaty.

The Unification of Bulgaria in 1885, when the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia merged. It is a key modern-history event tested for date, circumstances and international reaction.

The Kingdom of Bulgaria from 1908, when full independence was declared, until 1946. Questions cover its monarchs, the Balkan Wars, the World Wars and the abolition of the monarchy.

The People's Republic of Bulgaria, the socialist state from 1946 to 1990, aligned with the Soviet Union. Candidates should know its period, one-party system and the transition to democracy after 1989.

The Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, adopted in 1991 and amended since. It defines the state as a parliamentary republic and sets out fundamental rights and the structure of power. It is central to the exam.

The National Assembly, Bulgaria's unicameral parliament of 240 members elected for four years. It passes laws, approves the budget and can be dissolved under constitutional rules. Questions test its size and powers.

The President of Bulgaria, directly elected for a five-year term, who is head of state, commander-in-chief in wartime and holds limited veto and appointment powers. Candidates should know the term and functions.

The Council of Ministers, Bulgaria's government, led by the Prime Minister and responsible to the National Assembly. It directs domestic and foreign policy and implements laws. Its formation and accountability are exam topics.

The judiciary of Bulgaria, independent under the Constitution, with courts and a Supreme Judicial Council. It includes civil, criminal and administrative jurisdictions plus the Constitutional Court. Questions test independence and structure.

A municipality, the basic unit of local self-government in Bulgaria, with an elected municipal council and mayor. Candidates should know its role in local services and its place in the administrative-territorial division.

A province or region, the larger administrative-territorial unit in Bulgaria, headed by a regional governor appointed by the government. Bulgaria is divided into 28 provinces. Candidates should know this number and the governor's role.

The rights and obligations of citizens under the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, the right to education, and duties to pay taxes and defend the country. Questions often ask candidates to distinguish rights from duties.

Bulgarian citizenship, the legal bond between a person and the state, acquired by birth, descent or naturalisation. Candidates must understand the main routes of acquisition and the rights it confers.

The national holiday, 3 March, celebrating the Liberation. Candidates should know its date, meaning and how it is observed, along with other official holidays such as 24 May and 22 September.

Bulgaria's national symbols: the flag of white, green and red stripes, the coat of arms with a lion, and the anthem. Candidates should identify their colours, elements and meaning in symbol-recognition questions.

The Balkan Mountains, running east-west across Bulgaria and dividing the country into northern and southern parts. They give the Balkan Peninsula its name and feature in relief and region questions.

The Danube, Bulgaria's northern border with Romania and its largest river. It is central to geography questions on borders, transport and water resources, and to understanding the northern region.

The Black Sea, Bulgaria's eastern border, with major ports such as Varna and Burgas and coastal resorts. Candidates should know its role in climate, tourism and the country's eastern boundary.

Bulgaria's climate, mostly temperate continental with Mediterranean influence in the south and a Black Sea influence on the coast. Questions test seasons, regional differences and their effect on agriculture and tourism.

The European Union, which Bulgaria joined in 2007. Candidates should know the accession year, the euro adoption path and the rights of EU citizens, as well as basic EU institutions.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which Bulgaria joined in 2004. Questions test the accession year, collective defence obligations and Bulgaria's role in Euro-Atlantic security.

Bulgaria's foreign policy, based on EU and NATO membership, regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations. Candidates should understand its main priorities and the institutions that conduct it.