Blagoevgrad district

Blagoevgrad region occupies the southwestern part of Bulgaria and is its "door" open to the Balkans, Europe and the world. Its total area is 6,449 km2, which represents 5.8% of the country's territory. Its southern border is with the Hellenic Republic, on the west it borders on the Republic of Macedonia, on the east with Pazardzhik and Smolyan regions, and on the north with Kyustendil region. Administratively the district is divided into 14 municipalities, 96 kilometers and 280 settlements. The town of Blagoevgrad is the administrative center of the region and a locomotive for its socio-economic development, followed by the municipalities of Bansko, Sandanski, Petrich and Gotse Delchev. The main branches in the economy of the district are:

Food industry;
Wine production;
Tobacco industry and production of tobacco products;
Wood processing;
Tourism.

Agriculture

The natural and climatic conditions on the territory of Blagoevgrad district are favorable for the development of agriculture. It is the main source of income for the population in the villages and for most municipalities in the district. The total amount of used agricultural area (UAA) in Blagoevgrad district is 583 588.5 decares. and occupies 9% of its territory. The best developed in the area is the production of tobacco, potatoes, tomatoes, peaches, grapes. Blagoevgrad District ranks first in Bulgaria in the number of agricultural holdings - 38,467 In the structure of the usable land with the largest relative share are the permanently grassed areas, which is determined by the predominant mountainous relief in the area. The arable land amounts to 155,091 decares. or 27% of the UAA.

Agriculture

The main cereals grown in the area are corn, wheat, barley and oats. The prerequisites for their cultivation are related to the long vegetation period, unpretentiousness to soil conditions and adaptability to higher mountain areas. The areas occupied with vegetables in Blagoevgrad district amount to 8,146 ha, which represents 33% of the areas with vegetables in the Southwestern region and 19.3% of the vegetable areas in the country. For the most part, vegetable production is concentrated along the Struma River, where soil characteristics and irrigation opportunities create favorable conditions for its development. The priority crop in the district is potatoes, followed by legumes and fresh vegetables, with no significant changes in the occupied areas in recent years. A significant part of the vegetables are produced in family gardens, as the produced products are oriented towards satisfying personal needs and are not available on the market. The presence of geothermal springs in Blagoevgrad region is a good prerequisite for the development of greenhouse production of flowers and vegetables. Oilseeds occupy an insignificant share of arable land in Blagoevgrad region and are represented almost entirely by sunflowers. In view of the change in climatic conditions caused by global warming, the production of non-traditional crops for the region, such as oilseeds, has prerequisites for development. Opportunities for diversification of cultivated agricultural products in the area can be sought through the cultivation of medicinal plants and mushrooms. The orchards in Blagoevgrad district are located on an area of 6,546 ha, forming 37.5% of the areas with fruit crops in the South-West planning region and 6.9% of the respective areas in Bulgaria. The vineyards cover 4,705 ha, which means that 72.6% of the vineyards in the South-West region and 4% of those in the country are concentrated on the territory of the district.

Livestock

The development of animal husbandry in Blagoevgrad region is favored by climatic and natural resources. The high relative share of the permanently grassed areas on the territory of the district creates excellent conditions for the development of pasture animal husbandry. Most of the animals in the area are kept in the private sector, as a large part of the animal production is non-commodity and remains to cover the needs of producers and their families. About 35-40% of the milk produced and over 46% of the meat produced are not available on the market. The potential for growth of the sector is related to the opportunities for development of grazing livestock with dominance of the processing sector and production of certified environmentally friendly products. There is a need to promote competitiveness by increasing productivity, increasing the pace of technical renewal and innovation.

Forestry

The forestry on the territory of Blagoevgrad district is relatively well developed. Territorially and structurally, the forests and the territories with forest fund in the South-Western planning region are united in three Regional Forest Departments with a total forest area of 1,050,483 ha. The forest fund in Blagoevgrad district covers 394,648 ha, which amounts to 37.6% of the total forest fund of the Southwestern planning region. The forested area forms 83.8%, and the unforested - only 3.9% of the forest fund of the district.

Total forest fund, hectares

Blagoevgrad district has a pronounced mountainous character. The total area of forests in the district amounts to 394,645 ha or 43.8% of the forest fund of the Southwest Planning Region. Of these, 387,029 ha (98.1%) form the state forest fund, 424 ha (0.1%) are municipal forests, and only 7,192 ha (1.8%) of the forests in the district are privately owned. The predominant state ownership of the forest fund derives from the presence on the territory of Blagoevgrad district of the two national parks - Rila National Park and Pirin National Park. The forests in Blagoevgrad district maintain the biological balance, improve the climate, regulate the water regime, protect agricultural areas, roads and settlements from erosion processes. The importance of forests determines the opportunities for development of a number of municipalities in the district, where the main and additional income of a significant part of the local population comes from logging, wood processing, mushrooming, herbalism and forestry. Although so far the economic importance of the forest fund in the district is mainly related to winter tourism, forest ecosystems create favorable conditions for maintaining sustainable game populations, which is a prerequisite for organizing and developing domestic and international hunting tourism. The economic importance of wood, as a traditional resource in Blagoevgrad district, as well as of preserved soils, waters and oxygen balance will increase in the future, which necessitates the establishment of regimes for integrated use of forests and their optimal reproduction. The town of Blagoevgrad is the administrative center of the region and a locomotive for its socio-economic development, followed by the municipalities of Bansko, Sandanski, Petrich and Gotse Delchev. The population of Blagoevgrad region by habitual residence is 324,110 people (February 1, 2011). This makes 4.4% of the population of Bulgaria. According to the number of permanent population, it is the sixth largest district in the country. The predominant part of the population is in the cities of the district. According to the administrative-territorial structure of the country, the district includes 14 municipalities, 96 mayoralties and 280 settlements. About 1/5 of the population is concentrated in the municipality of Blagoevgrad. The territory of 5500 sq. Km ranks it third in area in the country, after Burgas and Sofia region. Relief The relief of the area is characterized by exceptional diversity - from alpine to hollow. It includes in whole or in part the highest mountains in Bulgaria - Rila, Pirin and Rhodope, which have areas with high mountain, mid-mountain and foothill relief. Although of lower altitude, the parts of the other mountains within the district are also mountainous. Along the valleys of the rivers Struma and Mesta a number of valleys have been formed - Blagoevgrad, Simitli-Oranov, Sandanski-Petrich, Razlog and Gotse Delchev. Climate Depending on the altitude, relief and location, the territories of the district fall into three climatic areas: transitional continental (north), transitional Mediterranean (south) and mountainous area. The specific climatic conditions and relief form the climatic diversity: in the north - an area with a transitional continental climate, in the south - a transitional Mediterranean climate, and in the high parts of the mountains - mountainous. The Mediterranean climatic influence is most pronounced in the valley of the Struma River and less in the Gotse Delchev valley in the valley of the Mesta River. This creates conditions for the development and cultivation of a large number of heat-loving Mediterranean plant species and crops, unlike other regions in the country. The annual distribution of precipitation is typically Mediterranean - with spring and autumn maximum in the valleys and lowlands and winter maximum in the highlands. Characteristic of the area are the summer droughts, which are prolonged in the lower parts. Soils Most of the territory of the district is occupied by cinnamon forest soils, suitable for growing tobacco, vineyards and orchards. Brown forest soils, which are occupied by forests and alluvial and deluvial soils along rivers, which are suitable for vegetable production, are also widespread. The highest parts of the mountains are occupied by mountain-meadow soils, on which rich pastures are developed. Water The water wealth of Blagoevgrad region is formed by the two main river arteries Struma and Mesta and their numerous tributaries - Blagoevgrad Bistritsa, Lebnitsa, Demyanitsa, Pirin Bistritsa, Strumeshnitsa, Belishka River, Glazne, Kanina, Tufcha and many more. etc., from karst springs in Pirin and Slavyanka and over 160 circus lakes in Pirin and Rila. The mineral springs are an exceptional natural wealth. Over 230 hot and cold mineral springs gush in the district. Their total flow represents 40% of the flow of mineral springs in the country. Located in almost every region - Sandanski, Marikostinovo, Rupite, Kresna, Simitli, Blagoevgrad, Ognyanovo, Dobrinishte, Razlog - Katarino, Banya, Eleshnitsa and Yakoruda, they are a great prerequisite for building a network of modern medical and health complexes and swimming bases for the development of tourism in general. Minerals Numerous and diverse are the minerals discovered in the Blagoevgrad region - granites and marbles in Pirin, Slavyanka and the Rhodopes; gneisses, mica shales and sedimentary rocks in Vlahina and Maleshevska mountains; antimony ores in the village of Ribnovo; molybdenum in the village of Babyak; iron ores in the village of Dolen; coal in the village of Oranovo - Simitli coal basin, near the village of Brezhani, near the village of Suhostrel, in the valley of the river Kanina and near the town of Razlog. Kieselguhr is found near the village of Garmen, fluorite - near the village of Palat, asbestos - in the village of Kolarovo, marble - near the villages of Ilindentsi and Petrovo. Forests The forest fund in the district occupies 346739 ha (58% of its territory). Its share is determined by the predominant mountainous character of the relief. Its wealth is formed by coniferous (mainly white and black pine) and deciduous forests (beech, oak, poplar, chestnut, etc.) and pastures. The forest fund extends on the territory of 10 mountains - Rila, Pirin, Rhodope, Vlahina, Maleshevska, Osogovska, Belasitsa, Sturgash, Slavyanka and Kozhuh. Among them are two national parks - "Pirin" and "Rila", one nature park - "Belasitsa", ten nature reserves - "Bayuvi Dupki - Djindjiritsa", "Orelyak", "Tisata" and "Yulen" in Pirin, "Parangalitsa" in Southwestern Rila, "Falcon" in Maleshevska Mountain, "Kongura" in Belasitsa, "Alibotush" in Slavyanka, "Dark Forest" and "Konski Dol" in the Western Rhodopes; 69 natural landmarks and four protected areas. These areas are characterized by rich flora and fauna and picturesque relief. Rare tree and grass species are found in them. The higher plants are about 1400 species, 58 of them are medicinal, 51 species are protected and 101 are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. In addition to the protected areas in the Blagoevgrad region there are 109,402 ha of forests, designated as special purpose forests. The forest cover on the territory of the forest fund is high (52.6%), which is about 1.7 times higher than the national average. In terms of forest cover, the district is in second place in the country after Smolyan district. The rich vegetation and the suitable climatic conditions are a prerequisite for an extremely rich and diverse fauna - insects, reptiles, birds. They are also favorable for the development of populations of different species of game - red deer, roe deer, chamois, mouflon, wild boar, bears, capercaillies and others. The management of the forests in the district, their protection, the design of the events and the control over the activities of the forest joint-stock companies are carried out by the Regional Forestry Board and 17 State Forestries. The forest areas are also subject to the collection of herbs, wild mushrooms and berries. Hunting tourism is also developing in them. Of special interest for international hunting tourism are the forest areas in the lands of Satovcha, Simitli, Razlog and Mesta.Поземлен ресурс Land resources in the area are limited. The arable land occupies only 13.2% of its total area, which is only 2% of the arable land in Bulgaria. Favorable climatic conditions are a prerequisite for growing many heat-loving crops - oriental tobacco, early vegetables, peaches, vines, peanuts, sesame and others. Traditional fruit species, cereals and potatoes are also present in the district / in the mountainous and semi-mountainous regions /. Transport The transport and communication network of the district is well developed. The main road E-79, the international railway, passes through its territory. n. line Sofia - Kulata - Athens, part of the narrow-gauge railway n. line Septemvri - Dobrinishte and highways of I, II, III and IV class. Its structure and development are determined by the relief of the territory. They are divided into main directions - the valleys of Struma and Mesta, with transverse road connections: Simitli - "Predel" - Razlog and Katuntsi - "Popovi Livadi" - Gotse Delchev. There are 4 border checkpoints on the territory of Blagoevgrad region: Stanke Lisichkovo and Zlatarevo - on the border with the Republic of Macedonia, Kulata and Ilinden - on the border with Greece. One of the ten international transport corridors MTK№4 also passes through the district. The main branches in the economy of the district are:

Food industry;
Wine production;
Tobacco industry and production of tobacco products;
Wood processing;
Tourism.

According to data from 2016, the gross domestic product per capita in Blagoevgrad district continues to grow, although in recent years its increase has fluctuated and its value remains significantly below the national average. Economic activity is rising, which is accompanied by significant employment growth and a sharp decline in unemployment. Business and investment activity in the district remains relatively high. Tourism After the Black Sea resorts, the Pirin region has the best developed hotel base. The main tourist locations on the territory of the district are: Sandanski - the most famous spa complex in the country - with the natural and cultural-historical landmarks adjacent to the municipality in Pirin, Rozhen and Melnik; Bansko municipality with the town of Bansko - a ski resort of international importance with the best hotel infrastructure for winter and summer tourism and the town of Dobrinishte - a spa resort of regional importance; Razlog Municipality with Katarino SPA Center, with the villages of Banya and Dobarsko, the reserve "Bayuvi Dupki - Djindjiritsa" and the resort area "Predel", the mountain municipalities of Belitsa and Yakoruda with the resorts "Semkovo" and "Treshtenik"; the region of Gotse Delchev with the architectural reserves Kovachevitsa, Leshten and Dolen and with Ognyanovski mineral baths and the region of Blagoevgrad with the attractive view of the city, with the rich base for cultural, festival and congress tourism, with the mineral water, the ski base in Kartala. and the proximity to the Rila Monastery and the nature reserve "Parangalitsa" Healthcare In the health care system in Blagoevgrad district 11 hospitals have been built and are functioning, including 5 hospitals, 4 dispensaries and 2 specialized hospitals for rehabilitation. In the town of Blagoevgrad, the health care of the population is provided by the multidisciplinary hospital for active treatment, which is of regional importance. There is an emergency medical center attached to it. A hemodialysis center has also been built. Dispensaries (with hospitals) are of regional importance (for pneumo-phthisiological diseases; for oncological; for skin-venereal and mental diseases). The other four hospitals are located in Petrich, Gotse Delchev, Razlog and Sandanski and also serve the municipalities in the district where there are no hospitals. The hospital in Gotse Delchev serves the population of the municipalities of Gotse Delchev, Garmen, Satovcha and Hadjidimovo; the hospital in Razlog - municipalities of Razlog, Bansko, Belitsa and Yakoruda; the hospital in Sandanski - municipalities of Sandanski, Kresna and Strumyani, the hospital in Petrich - the population of the municipality. Petrich. Specialized hospitals are of national importance. They are located in the municipalities of Sandanski, respectively. Sandanski and Petrich (village of Marikostinovo). Their location is related to the specific natural and climatic conditions and resources of the territory. Six of the hospitals in the district apply high-tech methods for diagnosis and treatment, with appropriate high-tech medical equipment available for their application: Magnetic resonance computed tomography - in "MHAT Blagoevgrad" AD and "MHAT Pulse" AD; Computed tomography - "MHAT Blagoevgrad" JSC, "MHAT Pulse" JSC, MHAT "St. Vrach" EOOD, "MHAT Razlog" EOOD, MHAT "Ivan Skenderovg" EOOD, SBALO EOOD; Endovascular treatment - MHAT Blagoevgrad AD, MHAT Pulse AD, MHAT St.Vrach EOOD; radiotherapy - SBALO EOOD; In vitro methods for assisted reproduction - "MHAT Pulse" AD. The health network of the district includes 3 other health facilities located in the district center - Blagoevgrad (regional structures of RIPCHP, Inspectorate for Veterinary and Sanitary Control and a specialized company for disinfection, disinsection and deratization). The home for medical and social care for children in Blagoevgrad has 155 beds. The share of health insured persons for 2017 is 88.4%. Agriculture The natural and climatic conditions on the territory of Blagoevgrad district are favorable for the development of agriculture. It is the main source of income for the population in the villages and for most municipalities in the district. The total amount of used agricultural area (UAA) in Blagoevgrad district is 583 588.5 decares. and occupies 9% of its territory. The best developed in the area is the production of tobacco, potatoes, tomatoes, peaches, grapes. Blagoevgrad District ranks first in Bulgaria in the number of agricultural holdings - 38,467 In the structure of the usable land with the largest relative share are the permanently grassed areas, which is determined by the predominant mountainous relief in the area. The arable land amounts to 155,091 decares. or 27% of the UAA. Agriculture The main cereals grown in the area are corn, wheat, barley and oats. The prerequisites for their cultivation are related to the long vegetation period, unpretentiousness to soil conditions and adaptability to higher mountain areas. The areas occupied with vegetables in Blagoevgrad district amount to 8,146 ha, which represents 33% of the areas with vegetables in the Southwestern region and 19.3% of the vegetable areas in the country. For the most part, vegetable production is concentrated along the Struma River, where soil characteristics and irrigation opportunities create favorable conditions for its development. The priority crop in the district is potatoes, followed by legumes and fresh vegetables, with no significant changes in the occupied areas in recent years. A significant part of the vegetables are produced in family gardens, as the produced products are oriented towards satisfying personal needs and are not available on the market. The presence of geothermal springs in Blagoevgrad region is a good prerequisite for the development of greenhouse production of flowers and vegetables. Oilseeds occupy an insignificant share of arable land in Blagoevgrad region and are represented almost entirely by sunflowers. In view of the change in climatic conditions caused by global warming, the production of non-traditional crops for the region, such as oilseeds, has prerequisites for development. Opportunities for diversification of cultivated agricultural products in the area can be sought through the cultivation of medicinal plants and mushrooms. The orchards in Blagoevgrad district are located on an area of 6,546 ha, forming 37.5% of the areas with fruit crops in the South-West planning region and 6.9% of the respective areas in Bulgaria. The vineyards cover 4,705 ha, which means that 72.6% of the vineyards in the South-West region and 4% of those in the country are concentrated on the territory of the district. Livestock The development of animal husbandry in Blagoevgrad region is favored by climatic and natural resources. The high relative share of the permanently grassed areas on the territory of the district creates excellent conditions for the development of pasture animal husbandry. Most of the animals in the area are kept in the private sector, as a large part of the animal production is non-commodity and remains to cover the needs of producers and their families. About 35-40% of the milk produced and over 46% of the meat produced are not available on the market. The potential for growth of the sector is related to the opportunities for development of grazing livestock with dominance of the processing sector and production of certified environmentally friendly products. There is a need to promote competitiveness by increasing productivity, increasing the pace of technical renewal and innovation. Forestry The forestry on the territory of Blagoevgrad district is relatively well developed. Territorially and structurally, the forests and the territories with forest fund in the South-Western planning region are united in three Regional Forest Departments with a total forest area of 1,050,483 ha. The forest fund in Blagoevgrad district covers 394,648 ha, which amounts to 37.6% of the total forest fund of the Southwestern planning region. The forested area forms 83.8%, and the unforested - only 3.9% of the forest fund of the district. Total forest fund, hectares Blagoevgrad district has a pronounced mountainous character. The total area of forests in the district amounts to 394,645 ha or 43.8% of the forest fund of the Southwest Planning Region. Of these, 387,029 ha (98.1%) form the state forest fund, 424 ha (0.1%) are municipal forests, and only 7,192 ha (1.8%) of the forests in the district are privately owned. The predominant state ownership of the forest fund derives from the presence on the territory of Blagoevgrad district of the two national parks - Rila National Park and Pirin National Park. The forests in Blagoevgrad district maintain the biological balance, improve the climate, regulate the water regime, protect agricultural areas, roads and settlements from erosion processes. The importance of forests determines the opportunities for development of a number of municipalities in the district, where the main and additional income of a significant part of the local population comes from logging, wood processing, mushrooming, herbalism and forestry. Although so far the economic importance of the forest fund in the district is mainly related to winter tourism, forest ecosystems create favorable conditions for maintaining sustainable game populations, which is a prerequisite for organizing and developing domestic and international hunting tourism. The economic importance of wood, as a traditional resource in Blagoevgrad district, as well as of preserved soils, waters and oxygen balance will increase in the future, which necessitates the establishment of regimes for integrated use of forests and their optimal reproduction.

Municipality of Bansko / 462 sq. Km; 13394 g. / Covers the most beautiful part of the majestic Pirin Mountain, part of the Razlog valley, the picturesque gorge Momina Klisura and the Dabrashki part of the Rhodopes. The relief is from flat, in the river valleys, to hilly, in the mountainous and foothill part. The climate is transitional-continental with Mediterranean influence, and in the higher parts of the mountain. Summers are short and cool, and winters are snowy, mild and long. The average January temperatures are -1.9 ° С, the snow cover in the resort lasts about 6 per year, and the summer temperatures are around 25 ° С. Nature is the greatest wealth of the municipality of Bansko. Since 1962, the most beautiful part of the Pirin Mountains has been declared the Vihren National Park. In 1974 it was expanded and renamed Pirin National Park. Since 1999, the park has been re-categorized into the Pirin National Park with an area of 40,332 ha. This small part of paradise includes centuries-old spruce-fir forests, extensive dwarf pine formations, mountain meadows and sharp ridges, deep circuses and emerald lakes. Due to its unique nature, Pirin National Park is recognized as a site of world importance and since 1983 is included in the list of the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of World Natural Heritage. The municipality has 8 settlements with a total population of 12,715 inhabitants / December 15, 2009 /. The municipality includes the following settlements: Gostun; Dobrinishte; Flint; Places; Offensive; Osenovo; Filipovo. The town of Bansko / 9,740 inhabitants / is the administrative, economic and cultural center of the municipality. It is located at 925 m above sea level, in the southwestern part of the Razlog valley, at the foot of the Northern Pirin. It is 150 km from Sofia and Plovdiv and 60 km from Blagoevgrad. It is connected to them by bus. Through the municipality passes g. n. the line Dobrinishte - September. An asphalt road and a modern gondola lift connect the city with the high part of the mountain and the ski area.

Belitsa Municipality is one of the small municipalities in Southwestern Bulgaria, with an area of 382 sq. Km and a population of 9539. It covers parts of the Velichko-Videnishki part of the Western Rhodopes, the valley of the Mesta River and the southern branches of Eastern Rila. It borders the municipalities of Yakoruda, Bansko, Razlog, Rila, Samokov and Velingrad. The town of Belitsa is sheltered in the southern slopes of Rila Mountain, and the constituent villages are picturesquely located in the Rhodopes. This predetermines the unique diversity of nature, folklore and history of the municipality. The relief is predominantly mountainous and semi-mountainous, and the climate is transitional-Mediterranean, with the influence of the mountainous one. The forest fund occupies most of the territory of the municipality - 219445 decares of coniferous and deciduous forests, and between them on the ridges of the mountains - lush pastures. Part of it forms the Belitsa Park section of the Rila National Park, which establishes it as a tourist site and recreation area.

Economy

The economic sector of the municipality is dominated by logging and wood processing. Wooden building materials, furniture, paper and paper products are produced. Sewing workshops of Greek entrepreneurs have also been opened. The production of agricultural products, bread and bakery products is mainly for own needs and for the local market. Agriculture has the potential for development with the introduction of alternative crops, beekeeping, rural tourism and the food industry. The availability of anthropogenic tourist resources, combined with extremely favorable natural resources are serious prerequisites for the development of ecological and sustainable tourism in the municipality.

Blagoevgrad Municipality is the largest in population and the third in territory within Blagoevgrad District (with an area of 621 sq. Km). It is located in southwestern Bulgaria, in the westernmost part of the Rila-Rhodope massif and consists of 26 settlements (with a total of 83,079 inhabitants - data from February 2007). The municipal center of Blagoevgrad is located in the valley of the Struma River, at 360 m above sea level near the southwestern slopes of Rila, on the main road E-79, 100 km south of Sofia. The city is 20 km from the border with the Republic of Macedonia, 100 km from the border with the Hellenic Republic and 250 km from Thessaloniki. The river Blagoevgradska Bistritsa passes through the town. The relief of the municipality is mountainous and hollow, with an average altitude of 959.8 m. Eighty percent of its territory falls in the transitional-continental climate area with a strong influence of warm Mediterranean air invading the valley of the Struma River, which predetermines relatively high average temperatures in winter (+ 3.4oС). The remaining 20%, located at higher altitudes, have a typical mountain climate. The average annual temperature in the municipality is + 12.4oС, and the average summer temperature is + 16.5oС. The average annual rainfall in 2005 was 590 l / m2, with a maximum in autumn and a minimum in summer. A significant part of the territory is occupied by forests, most of which need reconstruction. The river network is dense and is formed mainly by small tributaries of the Struma River. The groundwater is common to the Blagoevgrad valley and covers parts of the neighboring municipalities - Dupnitsa, Boboshevo and Kocherinovo. Near Blagoevgrad, the underground runoff is fed by the Blagoevgradska Bistritsa River. The municipality has 30 hot mineral springs with temperatures up to 550C, whose water is used to treat chronic diseases of the peripheral nervous system, gynecological problems, rheumatism and more.

Settlements and population

There is one town and 25 villages in the municipality with a total of 83,079 inhabitants (according to data from February 5, 2007), 48.5% of whom are men. For comparison, in 1998 the municipality had 81,114 inhabitants, ie an increase of 2.42%. A total of 56,908 people or 68.5% of the total population were of working age. There are 10,963 children and young people under 18, ie 16.21%. On the other hand, according to data from the National Statistical Institute in 2005 the share of the municipality's population over working age is relatively low - 11,178 inhabitants or 14.4% of the total population compared to 21.58% on average in Bulgaria. At the beginning of 2007 Blagoevgrad had 76,760 inhabitants, which represents 92.4% of the total population. This structure is similar to the national average - with a high concentration of population in the municipal center. Twelve of the settlements in the municipality have less than 100 inhabitants and only 5 of the villages have a population of over 500 people. The number of births in 2006 was 8.98 ‰ compared to the national average of 9.2 ‰, while the death rate was 9.42 (- much lower than the national average (14.7 ‰). However, in 2006 the natural increase also had a negative value (-0.52%).

Transport and roads

The municipality of Blagoevgrad is characterized by a favorable geographical location - close to the capital and two international borders - with the Republic of Macedonia and the Hellenic Republic - and developed transport infrastructure. The European transport corridor number 4 (international road E-79, on the route of which the Struma Motorway will pass) passes through the territory of the municipality from Northwestern Europe to Greece and the railway line Sofia-Thessaloniki-Athens, 100 km away is the European corridor number 8 internationally E-80. The project also envisages a high-speed railway section, which will further facilitate the connection with Greece. The nearest airports are in Sofia (110 km) and Thessaloniki (200 km). The length of the fourth-class road network in the municipality is 132 km, which needs maintenance and refreshment. The aim of the administration is to provide priority funds for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads leading to tourist sites. The street network in Blagoevgrad is 134 km long, maintained in relatively good condition by patching and refreshing. Newly built neighborhoods still do not have streets. The administration has developed and is implementing a program for repair and maintenance of the street network, and a special project has been developed for the Varosha neighborhood, for which targeted funding will be sought. The city transport network of Blagoevgrad covers the municipal center and five of the constituent villages. A sufficient number of taxis are also available. The other settlements are served by four transport companies.

Economic development

The economy of the municipality is relatively diverse and well balanced, with a lack of clearly dominant industries. The largest contribution to output and number of jobs is in industry, followed by trade and transport. There were about 6,000 registered and active companies in Blagoevgrad at the beginning of 2004. About 92.5% of them are micro-enterprises with a staff of up to 10 people, 5.5% have a staff of between 11-50 people and about 2 % have more than 50 staff members. Their field of activity is extremely diverse - there is almost no economic activity in the municipality in which at least one company is not active. Over 800 of these companies work in the industrial sector, and most are registered and operating companies in the trade sector.

Agriculture and forests

The area of agricultural land in the municipality of Blagoevgrad is 288,382 decares. The arable land is 187,448 decares or almost 2/3 of the entire agricultural land. There were 236 registered agricultural producers in 2007. The largest share in crop production is occupied by technical crops, represented by tobacco, followed by cereals, vegetable production and perennials. There are 4 large greenhouses in the municipality, where fresh vegetables and strawberries are grown for fresh consumption. In the last 3 years, there has been a significant reduction in the area under tobacco (by 52% in 2006 compared to 2004). Cereal yields - wheat, barley, maize - remained at almost the same levels in 2004, 2005 and 2006. This also applies to the grape harvest. Livestock breeding is also developed in the municipality - mainly cattle breeding and sheep breeding. The existing large pig farm is shrinking its production. The cow's milk farm, which has kept up to 200 animals, will also gradually reduce its activity due to the fall of the second group of milk produced there. Almost all producers in the municipality (90-95%) have received milk quotas, but they are usually small farms with several animals that can not ensure good quality of the delivered products. Processed dairy products are not produced in the region, only raw materials are bought for them. Over 40% of the municipality's territory is occupied by well-managed forests. The forested area is about 85% of the total area; about 25% need reconstruction.

Gotse Delchev Municipality (316 sq. Km; 32,136 inhabitants) covers part of the picturesque valley of the Mesta River, the Gotse Delchev Valley and the southeastern parts of the Pirin Mountain. It includes the municipal center of Gotse Delchev and 10 villages. It borders the municipalities of Bansko, Garmen, Hadjidimovo and Sandanski. Its relief is mountainous and hollow. The climate is transitional Mediterranean, in the high parts of Pirin - mountainous. The forest fund is rich in coniferous, deciduous forests and natural pastures. The scope of the territory includes the most southeastern parts of the Pirin National Park 1823.4 ha, included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List; Orelyak Reserve (850 ha), declared in order to preserve the country's rare standards of primary, typical for Middle and South Pirin beech forests; the natural landmarks "Kupena" and "Pirostiata", "Vodopad - Tufcha" and many ancient trees. The municipality is rich in water. The Mesta River and its right tributaries Tufcha, Nevrokopska and Kamenica flow through it. On its territory are the high mountain Pirin lakes (Breznishki and Kornishki), many artificial reservoirs and mineral springs (Banichanski, Musomishtki, in the locality "Toplika"). The diversity of flora and fauna includes many rare, protected and endemic species, as well as a wealth of medicinal plants, mushrooms and berries, birds and mammals.

Economy

The economy of Gotse Delchev Municipality is developing steadily. Natural conditions favor the development of agriculture. The main tobacco, potatoes, vegetables, technical crops are grown. The number of registered agricultural companies and private farmers is growing. In recent years, the growth of private business initiative is among the highest in Bulgaria, and the unemployment rate is below the national average. Over 90% of the companies are small and medium enterprises in the field of trade and services, manufacturing and tourism. The number of companies with foreign participation is growing. The municipality creates favorable conditions and strives to attract more foreign investment. For years he has been working to promote cross-border cooperation with the Hellenic Republic as a founder of the Euroregion "Places - Nestos" and an active partner of Greek municipalities in the Drama and Kavala regions. The editorial office of the regional newspaper "Chronicle", which is published in Bulgarian and Greek, is based in Gotse Delchev. With the opening of the new Ilinden-Eksohi border checkpoint and the Gotse Delchev-Drama-Kavala road, economic ties and prospects are expanding. Gotse Delchev Municipality has extensive experience in the preparation and implementation of projects and programs funded by the British Know How Fund, the Japanese Government, the Delegation of the European Commission in Bulgaria, PHARE programs, "Beautiful Bulgaria", "Youth" and EXTRA LARGE. A number of implemented projects are dedicated to the revival, development and promotion of traditional crafts, as well as the promotion of alternative forms of tourism. The Gotse Delchev Business Incubator, established in 1998 under the UN Development Program, is an active partner of the municipality in the initiatives for economic development.

Gyrmen Municipality (14705) is located in southwestern Bulgaria, in the bosom of the Western Rhodopes. It covers parts of the valley of the river Mesta and the western slopes of the Dabrashka part of the mountain. It borders with Banska, Gotsedelchevska, Hadjidimovska and Satovchanska municipalities from Blagoevgrad region and Velingrad municipality from Plovdiv region. Gyrmen Municipality is located on 388,479 decares, of which 281,228 decares are forest fund and 70,854 decares - arable land. The forest fund is rich. Coniferous forests predominate. Among it is the reserve "Dark Forest" with ancient trees (over 180 years, height 50-60 m) firs, spruces and beeches, typical of the Western Rhodopes. The climate is transitional Mediterranean, influenced by mountainous in the highlands. The average annual air temperature is 6–11 C, and the average annual amount of precipitation is 650–1,000 mm. The demographic development of the municipality is stable - the population remains. All settlements are landscaped and connected to the municipal center, Blagoevgrad and the country by bus. The village of Gyrmen (1,744 inhabitants) is the administrative, economic and cultural center of the municipality, which includes 15 more villages: Kovachevitsa - 64 inhabitants; Leshten - 9 inhabitants; Gorno Dryanovo - 1,055 inhabitants; Ognyanovo - 1,704 inhabitants; Marchevo - 183 inhabitants; Krushevo - 270 inhabitants; Oreshe - 418 inhabitants; Baldevo - 254 inhabitants; Dabnitsa - 1,735 inhabitants; Dolno Dryanovo - 1,174 inhabitants; Debren - 2,245 inhabitants; Hvostyane - 694 inhabitants; Osikovo - 609 inhabitants; Skrebatno - 325 inhabitants; Ribnovo - 2,601 inhabitants. It is located 7 km northeast of Gotse Delchev, about 550 m above sea level. It is 210 km southeast of Sofia.

Economy

The leading sector in the economy of the municipality is agriculture. It is grown mainly oriental tobacco, and in the mountains - and potatoes. Livestock is small, commodity. The industry is poorly developed - lignite coal is mined near the village of Baldevo, and small sewing workshops have been opened in Gyrmen and some of the larger villages. The source of income in the mountainous part is logging and the collection of wild mushrooms and fruits.

Kresna Municipality / 341 sq. Km, 5948 inhabitants / includes the town of Kresna and 8 villages. It covers part of the valley of the river Struma with the Kresna gorge and parts of the western branches of the Northern Pirin and the Northeastern slopes of Maleshevska Mountain. It borders the municipalities of Simitli, Razlog, Bansko, Strumyani and the Republic of Macedonia. Its relief is mountainous, hilly and valley. The climate is transitional Mediterranean, in the higher parts - mountainous. The Struma River flows through the territory of the municipality, which also receives its tributaries - Vlahinska River, Oshtavska and Breznishka Rivers. Many hot mineral springs gush in the lands of the villages of D. Gradeshnitsa, Oshtava, Stara Kresna, Gorna Breznitsa and Vlahi. The forest fund is rich - mainly coniferous forests in Pirin and deciduous - in Maleshevska mountain, which occupy about 70% of the municipality. In the southern part of the Kresna Gorge / 25 km / is the reserve "Tisza", which preserves the largest natural habitat of juniper trees in Europe. It also contains the typical for the region sub-Mediterranean and Mediterranean plant species - hairy oak, influenza, red juniper, dracaena, shrub rabbit, etc .; Balkan and Bulgarian endemics; white-flowered fat man, Thracian fescue; the rare species of deciduous frost and many etc. The forest fund is rich - mainly coniferous forests in Pirin and deciduous - in Maleshevska mountain, which occupies about 70% of the municipality. In the southern part of the Kresna Gorge / 25 km / is the reserve "Tisza", which preserves the largest natural habitat of juniper trees in Europe. It also contains the typical for the region sub-Mediterranean and Mediterranean plant species - hairy oak, influenza, red juniper, dracaena, shrub rabbit, etc .; Balkan and Bulgarian endemics; white-flowered fat man, Thracian fescue; the rare species of deciduous frost and many etc. The town of Kresna / 4588 inhabitants / is the administrative, economic and cultural center of the municipality. It is located in the southern part of the Kresna Gorge, on both banks of the Struma River, 42 km south of Blagoevgrad and 23 km northwest of Sandanski. The international road E-79 and the railway line Sofia - Kulata - Athens pass through it. Northeast of the city, the Melo sand scree rises like a giant fan.

Economy

The economic development of Kresna municipality is favorably influenced by the warm climate, the rich forest fund, the international road E-79 and the presence of marble in the area. Agriculture specializes in viticulture, greenhouse and early vegetable production, tobacco production. Forests occupy about 70% of the municipality and are important not only for logging and wood processing, but also for the development of tourism, herbalism and mushrooming, hunting tourism and last but not least - for the development of animal husbandry. The industrial production is represented by two enterprises for processing marble, one for extraction and processing of natural stones and a number of sewing workshops. The largest company in the municipality - JSC "Energoremont-Kresna" already has customers not only in the country but also in Germany, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Israel and Belgium. The international road E-79 is a prerequisite for the good development of trade. There are many cozy roadside restaurants and eateries, shops and motels.

Petrich Municipality / 650.13 sq. Km; 61825 inhabitants / is located in Southwestern Bulgaria. It covers the Petrich valley, the larger parts / in Bulgaria / of the Ograzhden and Belasitsa mountains and the southwestern parts of South Pirin. Some of its borders coincide with the state borders of the Republic of Bulgaria with Greece and Macedonia, and the rest divide it from the municipalities of Sandanski and Strumyani. The municipality consists of 57 settlements - the town of Petrich and 56 villages. The majority of the population - 52.2% live in the city. The largest is the village of Parvomay - 3452 inhabitants, and the smallest - Krundzhilitsa - 28. Some of the villages, such as Giurgiu and Zanoga, do not have a permanent population. The climate is clearly transitional Mediterranean. Short and mild winters with little snow and dry and hot summers are typical. Petrich is the sunniest corner of Bulgaria. The early spring warming is specific for the region - in the second half of February the average air temperature remained above 5 ° C. The rivers in the municipality form a whole network: Lebnitsa, Strumeshnitsa with tributaries and Struma, Pirinska Bistritsa, Melnishka River. The forest fund is rich. The climate is clearly transitional Mediterranean. Short and mild winters with little snow and dry and hot summers are typical. Petrich is the sunniest corner of Bulgaria. The early spring warming is specific for the region - in the second half of February the average air temperature remained above 5 ° C. The rivers in the municipality form a whole network: Lebnitsa, Strumeshnitsa with tributaries and Struma, Pirinska Bistritsa, Melnishka River. The forest fund is rich.

Economy

The economy of the municipality shows a steady growth trend. Its development is intensive, regardless of the parallel restructuring processes. The unemployment rate here is one of the lowest in the district. 21.1% of the total number of companies operate on the territory of Petrich municipality. In terms of their number, gross output and income from activities, Petrich is the second economic center of the district after Blagoevgrad. The activity of Petrich municipality is aimed at higher development of the economy and improvement of the living standard of the population. Efforts are being made to create a favorable business climate, to attract foreign investment, to provide and absorb funds from European funds and others. alternative sources of income.

Razlog Municipality / 440314 sq. M / is located in the valley of the same name in Southwestern Bulgaria, between the Pirin, Rila and Rhodope Mountains. It consists of 8 settlements: Razlog and 7 villages. The municipality covers large parts of the National Parks "Rila" and "Pirin", whose beautiful nature abounds in a variety of biological plant and animal species. The forest fund is rich in high-stem coniferous and deciduous forests and occupies 58.5% of its territory. The climate in the municipality is moderately continental with a weak Mediterranean influence, penetrating the valley of the river Mesta. The winter is mild but long, the summer - relatively short and cool. The snow cover in the areas for winter recreation and skiing lasts about 150 days a year. Razlog Municipality is known for its water wealth - many rivers, tributaries of the Mesta River, groundwater, karst and hot mineral springs - in the village of Banya, in the locality "Katarino" near the town, in the locality. Rust ”- the village of Bachevo, in the village of Eleshnitsa. The second-class road Simitli - Razlog - Sadovo passes through the municipality, which connects the region on the one hand with the international road E-79, and on the other - provides a shorter route to Greece through the new Ilinden-Eksohi border checkpoint. The municipality connects with Velingrad through a second-class road, and from there - with the Trakia highway. The narrow-gauge railway also passes through its territory. n. line September - Dobrinishte.

Economy

The municipal economy is a sectoral structure covering a wide range of economic activities. The electronics, wood processing and furniture industries, mechanical engineering, construction, food and clothing industries, trade and services are well developed. The structure and dynamics of the local economy are favorably influenced by investment activity and attracted foreign investment, especially in the furniture and clothing industry. The share of production for foreign markets is increasing.

Sandanski Municipality / 1002 sq. Km; 42475 inhabitants / is the largest in the Blagoevgrad region. It covers 54 settlements - the towns of Sandanski and Melnik and 52 villages. Located among the majestic Pirin and the Slavyanka, Ograzhden and Maleshevska mountains bordering Greece and Macedonia, it occupies a large part of the vast Sandanski-Petrich valley with the picturesque valley of Sredna Struma. The international road E-79 and the international railway line Sofia - Kulata - Athens pass through its territory. The municipality covers parts of the Pirin National Park, included in the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage List. The remarkable forms of the relief in the territory are innumerable - the Railway Valley with many glaciogenic forms, the picturesque gorge of the Pirinska Bistritsa River above the village of Pirin, the pointed peaks Kuklite and Zabat, the vast circuses Golyamo and Malko Spano Pole, Glavnishki and Mandrishte with the beautiful circus lakes known as the "Crystal Eyes of Pirin", the climbing sites - peak "Yalovarnika" and the area "Konska Polyana", the impressive Falcon Rock with the Boilers of Dolenska River, Popinolashki and Kashinsky waterfalls and undoubtedly unique natural natural earth pyramids - natural landmark with protected area /. Part of the Alibotush Reserve / Sq. Slavyanka /, included due to the rich flora and fauna in the list of UNESCO biosphere reserves. The administrative, economic and cultural center of the municipality is the town of Sandanski. It is located 63 km southeast of Blagoevgrad and 160 km from Sofia. It is located on the southwestern slopes of Pirin Mountain, on both banks of the Sandanska Bistritsa River.

Economy

Sandanski Municipality has exceptional conditions for economic development. The beautiful and preserved nature, the unique climate, the mineral springs, the huge cultural and historical heritage and the built infrastructure are a prerequisite for the priority development of tourism in all its varieties. The implementation of projects under EU programs related to ecotourism provides new opportunities for emphasis and the municipality is successfully working in this direction. The development of tourism stimulates the development of trade and services, agriculture and light industry. The municipality successfully defines the strategic goals and priorities of economic and economic development, uses its own resources and attracts foreign investment, works on projects to provide funds from EU funds. Sandanski Municipality is a rapidly developing municipality with a dynamically restructuring economy in the direction of efficiency and competitiveness. An economy that will provide a better quality of life and a higher standard of living for its population.

Municipality of Satovcha / 323 sq. Km; 17576 / covers parts of the valley of the Mesta River and the southeastern part of the Dabrashki part of the Western Rhodopes. It borders Garmen and Hadjidimov municipalities from Blagoevgrad region and Velingrad and Dospat municipalities from Plovdiv region. It includes the municipal center of the village of Satovcha and 13 other villages. The mountainous and semi-mountainous relief prevails on the territory of the municipality. The climate is transitional Mediterranean with a pronounced mountainous influence in the highlands. The forest fund is rich. Coniferous forests of pine, spruce and fir predominate. In the northeastern part of the municipality, in the land of the village of Pletena, is the reserve "Konski dol", declared to preserve the centuries-old spruce-beech-fir forest. The reserve is rich in plant and animal species, many of which are included in the Red Book of Bulgaria. The arable land is mainly in the small inland Satovcha valley and on the deforested mountain hills. Natural and geographical conditions are favorable for the cultivation of tobacco, potatoes, sheep, goats and cattle. All villages in the municipality are connected by second and third class roads with the municipal center, and through it with the town of Gotse Delchev, Blagoevgrad and Sofia. The transport service is performed by regular bus lines. The road from Gotse Delchev to Dospat, Smolyan and Plovdiv also passes through the Satovcha valley. The administrative, economic and cultural center of the municipality is the village of Satovcha, located in the valley of the same name, at about 950 m above sea level. It is located 28 km northeast of the town of Gotse Delchev, on the road Gotse Delchev - Dospat. Nestled in the slopes of the Rhodopes, surrounded by natural birch forest, landscaped and landscaped, the village of Satovcha is cozy in all seasons. Its inhabitants give it a special charm - natural, friendly, hospitable mountaineers, typical Rhodopeans. They sacredly preserve the memory of the historical past and the heroes of the homeland. In the center of the village is a monument with the names of fallen soldiers of the 9th Plovdiv Infantry Regiment for the liberation of Satovcha from the Ottoman yoke and those killed in the war in 1913 -1918, a memorial plaque with the names of volunteers from the village of Dolen in the Russian-Turkish war of liberation. In Satovcha are concentrated the institutions serving administratively and economically the population in the municipality, small companies and workshops for trade and household services. Satovcha is the center of the State Forestry "Dikchan", which carries out activities for the management of forests and game and protection of the natural environment. Cultural activity in the village and the municipality is developed by the National Chitalishte “St. St. Cyril and Methodius ”.

Economy

The economy of Satovcha municipality is poorly developed. The livelihood of the population is concentrated in agriculture. Tobacco and potatoes are mainly grown. The municipality is the largest tobacco producer in the Blagoevgrad region. A large part of the population subsists on private farms, which grow vegetables, fodder crops and domestic animals. Second in importance in the economic development of the municipality are logging and wood processing, due to the rich forest fund / 70% of the total area of the municipality /. In addition to logging, the forestry also develops hunting tourism, which attracts many tourists - Bulgarian and foreign. The collection of wild mushrooms, herbs and berries, which are bought and processed by several companies, also provides income for the population. In the municipality of Satovcha medium and mostly small business is developing. In the villages there are small shoe, textile and carpentry workshops, shops and restaurants. The harsh conditions and difficult livelihoods in recent years have forced some of the municipality's residents to emigrate or look for seasonal work in neighboring Greece. Satovcha Municipality has the resources to overcome the difficulties in its economic development. The rich historical past, natural resources, the unique charm of the Cultural and Historical Reserve "Dolen", preserved traditions, folklore and ethnography are a serious prerequisite for the development of tourism in all its forms - resort, hunting, eco- and rural tourism. It is imperative that efforts in this direction become one of the priorities of its population.

Simitli Municipality / 529 sq. Km; 15531 g. / Is located in the Simitli valley along the middle course of the river Struma, on the slopes of 4 mountains - Rila, Pirin, Vlahina and Maleshevska. It includes the administrative center - the town of Simitli and 17 villages. It borders Blagoevgrad, Razlog and Kresna municipalities and Macedonia. The relief of the municipality is diverse, but the semi-mountainous and mountainous ones predominate. It includes the eastern slopes of the Vlahina and Maleshevska mountains and parts of the Rila National Park and the Pirin National Park with unique natural landscapes. The picturesque river Struma passes through its territory, it made its way between the mountains and formed two of the most beautiful gorges - Oranovo and Kresna. The fault structure of the relief has distinguished the appearance of dozens of mineral springs, which with their healing properties are a real treasure and a prerequisite for the transformation of the municipality into a developing spa center. The climate is transitional-Mediterranean - in the lower parts and mountainous - in the higher. This determines a rich and diverse flora and fauna. The municipal center - the town of Simitli / 7466 inhabitants / is located at the crossroads. From here pass the strategically important for our country and the European Union roads to the Republic of Greece and the Republic of Macedonia. The geographical location and the well-developed infrastructure enable cross-border economic and cultural cooperation and the development of tourism.

Economy

Simitli is of key transport importance. Through it road connections are made in the directions Razlog, Bansko, Gotse Delchev, Drama, Sandanski, Kulata, Thessaloniki, Athens - main European corridors. Mineral water is also actively used for greenhouse production. Simitli has the largest greenhouse base in the region for the production of vegetables and flowers. The profiling industries in which the majority of the working population works are mainly in the mining industry, logging and woodworking, textile industry and agriculture. The traditions of agricultural production in the municipality have been formed under the influence of natural resources in the Middle Strumica region. The main crops - tobacco, vegetables, fruit growing, vineyards and grazing livestock are the most suitable sub-sectors for the municipality and give the appearance of agriculture.

Strumyani Municipality / 366 sq. Km; 6564 g. / Covers parts of the Middle Struma valley, the western slopes of Pirin and the eastern slopes of Maleshevska mountain. It consists of 21 settlements. Of these, only the village of Ilindentsi is located in the bosom of Pirin. It borders the municipalities of Kresna, Sandanski, Bansko, Petrich and the municipality of Berovo / R. Macedonia. The relief of the relatively small area is very diverse, mostly mountainous, which is characterized by picturesque rocks with over 30 caves. The rivers Struma, Lebnitsa, Tsaparevska, Sedelska, Shashka and Zlinska flow through the territory of the municipality. The forest fund is rich. The municipality includes part of the Pirin National Park and the Sokolata Reserve in the Maleshevska Mountain, which preserves a centuries-old (250 years) primary high-stemmed forest of hornbeam and the flora and fauna characteristic of the Maleshevska Mountain region. The climate is transitional Mediterranean, in the high parts of the mountains - mountainous. The natural and geographical conditions in the municipality are favorable for growing heat-loving crops, such as tobacco, fruits, vineyards and all kinds of early and middle-early vegetables, typical for our country. Mild winter allows the cultivation of figs, pomegranates, almonds, olives and more.

Economy

The administrative, economic and cultural center of the municipality is the village of Strumyani. It is located in the northern part of the Sandanski valley, on the left bank of the Struma river. It is located 12 km northwest of the town of Sandanski, along the international road E-79. The designed Struma motorway, part of Eurocorridor №4, also passes through the municipality. The village of Strumyani has a station on the international railway line Vidin - Sofia - Kulata - Thessaloniki - Athens. The international road E-79 favors the development of trade and services, etc. sectors of the economy. On the territory of the municipality were opened four gas stations, two gas stations, two hotel complexes - "Karelia" and "Thessaloniki", a large number of restaurants and eateries, tailoring shops. Minerals also contribute to economic development. The largest fluorite deposit in the Balkans has been discovered near the village of Palat. The deposits of marble in the land of the village of Ilindentsi are also serious. Its extraction and processing are carried out by several large and small companies - Ilindentsi Marble EAD, Bular AD, Cherkezov OOD, Krismar OOD and others. The municipality also has significant reserves of limestone and granite. The two mountains with rich flora and fauna, with picturesque rocks, alpine lakes and pastures offer plenty of opportunities and are a serious prerequisite for the development of tourism and resort business. Foreign investors may be interested in activities related to agriculture, fluorite and marble mining, tailoring, tourism and many more. etc. In order to attract investment, the municipal leadership is ready to provide any support to stakeholders.

Hadjidimovo Municipality is located in southwestern Bulgaria, in the Blagoevgrad district. To the west the municipality borders with the municipality of Sandanski, to the north - with Gotse Delchev and Garmen, to the east - with Satovcha and to the south the municipal border coincides with the state border of Bulgaria with Greece. The territory of the municipality covers the southernmost part of the eastern slopes of Pirin Mountain, part of Slavyanka Mountain, a small part of the southwestern slopes of Dabrashki rid in the Western Rhodopes, and part of the Gotse Delchev valley and the valley of the Mesta River. It has good natural potential and high bioclimatic potential. Hadjidimovo Municipality covers an area of 327.8 km2. Its population is 10,551 (2003). It includes 15 settlements - 1 town (Hadjidimovo) and 14 villages. The center of the municipality - Hadjidimovo, is 115 km from the regional center - Blagoevgrad, 212 km from the capital - Sofia, 161 km from Pazardzhik (via Yakoruda and Yundola), 199 km from Plovdiv and 17 km from the state border with the Hellenic Republic (Ilinden border checkpoint).

Economy

The territorial distribution of economic activities is extremely uneven. The main economic activities are concentrated on the territory of the town of Hadjidimovo, the village of Koprivlen, the village of Ablanitsa and a very small part in the villages of Teplen and Beslen. According to the official statistics in the production and economic complex of Hadjidimovo municipality the industry (processing industry and construction) is of the greatest importance. 26% of the companies operate in the industrial sector, 84% of the production and 69% of the net sales revenues are realized and 89% of the employment in the municipality is provided. The main livelihood of the rural population of Hadjidimovo municipality is related to tobacco production. There are 2200 tobacco producers in the municipality (market farms). Tobacco is the crop that provides the highest income to the population in the municipality and the whole region. The main branch of animal husbandry is cattle breeding.

Yakoruda Municipality / 340 sq. Km; 10771 g. / Is located in the northeastern part of Blagoevgrad region. It covers the southern branches of Eastern Rila, parts of the Veliky Novgorod region of the Western Rhodopes and the valley of the Mesta River. It includes the town of Yakoruda and 7 villages - Avramovo, Bel Kamen, Buntsevo, Konarsko, Smolevo, Cherna Mesta and Yurukovo with their lands. It borders the municipalities of Belitsa, Samokov and Velingrad. The relief in the land is predominantly mountainous and semi-mountainous; the climate is transitional-continental, with a pronounced mountainous influence, in the high parts - mountainous. The forest fund is rich in coniferous and deciduous forests and pastures. Many rivers - Mesta, Bela Mesta, Cherna Mesta, Dreschenets, Chesna, Dzhebre, Yakorushitsa, Gramadina, Gnilo, and Lazarets; alpine lakes and hot mineral springs form the water wealth of the municipality. The largest collecting derivation is located in the Yakoruda region - "Granchar", on the water-power cascade "Belmeken - Sestrimo". Through 61 water intakes, the derivation collects 85.5 million cubic meters of water per year for Belmeken Dam. The scope of the territory of Yakoruda municipality includes part of the Rila National Park with the beautiful forests and alpine lakes and meadows, with a captivating view of the Rhodopes and Pirin; the resort area "Treshtenik"; The waterfall of the river Chesna / natural landmark / and the protected area "Belatsite", declared for protection of centuries-old pine trees. The main transport in the municipality is road. Regular bus lines connect Yakoruda with all settlements in the municipality and the region, with Blagoevgrad, Sofia, Velingrad, Pazardzhik and Plovdiv. Yakoruda and the villages of Avramovo, Smolevo, Cherna Mesta and Yurukovo are stations on the picturesque, filled with countless serpentines and tunnels, narrow-gauge railway line Septemvri - Dobrinishte. The village of Avramovo is the highest station / 1267 m above sea level. height / in the Balkans. The administrative, economic and cultural center of the municipality is the town of Yakoruda / 6300 inhabitants /. It is located on the southern slopes of Rila / 890 m above sea level /, on both banks of the river Mesta, which here serves as a border between Rila and the Rhodopes and at the foot of the Rhodope massif Buntishka. It is 79 km east of Blagoevgrad, 28 km north of Razlog and 40 km from Velingrad. About 2 km southwest of Yakoruda are the mineral springs / 41 ° С; 25 l / sec /.

Economy

Yakoruda Municipality has clearly defined priorities and works purposefully in this direction - creates favorable conditions for the development and promotion of small and medium-sized businesses, to attract larger foreign investors, works on projects to secure European funds. One of the main large investors in the municipality "Karex 2003" makes serious investments in the beautiful areas "Treshtenik" and "Nehtenitsa" - to build a ski area, to build a new hotel complex with spa and holiday village.