GEOGRAPHY, LOCATION AND POPULATION

Gabrovo region is the geographical heart of Bulgaria. It is situated in the Northern foothills of the Middle Balkan Range. The rivers Yantra and Rositsa cross its territory. The relief of the region is mountainous or semi-mountainous. The climate is temperate continental with cold winters and comparatively hot summers. Falls are typically continental. Northern and Northwest winds prevail. The average annual temperatures are about 10° C. Some protected areas of Gabrovo region are included in the National Park “Central Balkan” and Nature Park “Balgarka”. The rich diversity of flora and fauna is a good prerequisite for the development of tourism.

The total area of Gabrovo region is 2 023 km2 and covers 356 settlements, administered in 4 municipalities – Gabrovo, Dryanovo, Sevlievo and Tryavna. It is the smallest Bulgarian region and comprises 1,8% of the country’s territory.

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Gabrovo has good transport communications with the major cities in the country. It is 220 km away from the capital Sofia, 274 km from Varna and 234 from Burgas. The nearest airport is 60 km. away in the town of Gorna Oryahovitsa.