location

The district is situated in the South-western part of Bulgaria and borders Greece, Macedonia and four other districts - Kustendil, Pazardzhik, Smolyan and Sofia. It consists of fourteen municipalities - Bansko, Belitsa, Blagoevgrad, Gotse Delchev, Garmen, Kresna, Strumyani, Hadzhidimovo, Yakoruda.

climate

The climate varies from temperate continental to Mediterranean in the most southern parts. The regions includes the mountains, or parts of Rila, Pirin, Ograzhden, Vlahinska, Rodopi and Belasitsa. The population is concentrated along the valleys of the major two rivers - Struma and Mesta. The region features with beauty, greenery and wonderful places for mountain tourism. A number of national parks and protected territories bring the variety of the flora and fauna.

transport

The international transport corridor number 4 passes through the territory (Germany - The Czech Republic - Slovakia - Hungary - Romania - Bulgaria - Greece/ Turkey). There are four checkpoints in the district (two at the Greek border and two at the Macedonian one). The railway has international importance.

economy

The region is characterized with diversified branch structure. The main industries are food and tobacco processing, textile, timber and furniture, iron processing and machinery, construction materials, etc.

education and healthcare

The South-western University and the American University in Bulgaria are situated in Blagoevgrad. Annually the city drawns about 10 000 students from the country and abroad. The number of the schools in the district is 182.

There are 14 medical establishments, including four major hospitals.

culture and entertainment

A theatre, a library and an opera house are situated in the district centre. There are art galleries in Bansko, Blagoevgrad and Sandanski. Ten museums preserve the rich historical, ethnographic and archaeological heritage in the region. Cultural events include the Theatre Festival in Blagoevgrad, Jazz Festival in Bansko and the Melnik Evenings of Poetry.

There is a stadium, swimming pools, sport complex with dormitory, athletics, baseball and tennis facilities. Bansko is a popular skiing centre with modern facilities constructed.

Sources: The official site of region Blagoevgrad and Wikipedia.