Background



Bulgaria earned its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. Having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, however, Bulgaria fell under the influence of the Soviet Union and became a People's Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first multi-party election since World War II. Bulgaria has changed rapidly over the last decade, thanks to the end of Communism. Though a struggle at times (Bulgarians reportedly resorted to digging up their streets to pull copper from the telephone wires so they could then sell the copper), Bulgarians today remain a friendly and hospitable people – even when faced with economic chaos – while they strive to maintain democracy.


In 2004, Americans adopted 110 children from Bulgaria. The children of Bulgaria are often of mixed ancestry and many times are of Gypsy (Roma) heritage with olive skin, brown eyes, and dark hair. Bulgarian children available for international adoption reside in orphanages and are most often between the ages of 2 and 12 years. Currently, Bulgarian adoptions are directed by the orphanage supervisor and finalized by a Bulgarian attorney. Until recently, only childless couples were allowed to adopt children under three years of age from Bulgaria. However, the Bulgarian Supreme Court has recently thrown out this requirement. Now all interested families can apply to adopt younger children from Bulgaria. Most children who are adopted from Bulgaria are available for international adoption because of the severe poverty in that country.

Credits: The International Adoption Guidebook, © Mary M. Strickert