Dobrich
The town of Dobrich is situated almost in the center of the Dobrudzha plateau, 50km to the north of Varna. It came to be in the 15th century under the name of Hadjioglu Pazardjik. In 1882 it was named Dobrich after Dobtotich, a former ruler in Dobrudzha in the past. Some of the sights in Dobrich are the museum of Yordan Yovkov, the ruins of a Middle Ages settlement, the ancient necropolis, and a large number of monuments. The town bore the name of the Soviet Marshal Tolbouhin for several decades during Communist rule. The name Dobrich was restored with a decree from the President in 19.09.1990.
Now, the town of Dobrich is the second largest economic center in Northeastern Bulgaria and one of the ten largest towns in Bulgaria – an important cultural, economic and administrative centre in the northeast economic region of the country.
History
The battle of Dobrich, also known as the Battle of Bazargic or the Dobrich epopee (Bulgarian: Добричка епопея), took place between 5 and 7 September 1916 between the armies of Bulgaria and Romania, Serbia and the Russian Empire. Despite being outnumbered, the Bulgarian Third Army was victorious and took Southern Dobruja, pushing the Russian and Romanian forces further north and defeating them once again at the Lake Oltina – Kara Omer – Mangalia line.
Тhe Capital of Golden Dobrudzha
Dobrich is a town which, for hundreds of years now, has combined age-old traditions and a dramatic past with a hectic present. This is a town whose destiny is forever linked with the destiny of the country, and will remain a symbol of Bulgaria’s eternal existence.
Looking far into the future, today Dobrich is building up its image of a modern, fast growing European city, making a name as a centre of innovation, creative energy, and beauty.
Dobrich is racing along the road to economic prosperity and welfare. This is largely due to its most valuable resource – its people – those who, with initiative and care, are creating the future of their hometown. They are doing this with love and responsibility, well aware that the present day is that small step which will lead Dobrich to its merited place in the history of Bulgaria and the world.
From its rich past to the modern day ferment, Dobrich can offer everything that you may want to experience.
Ecology
In the municipality of Dobrich, the quality of atmospheric air is monitored by the mobile station for emission control of the Regional Inspectorate for the Environment and Water Resources (RIEWR) – Varna. The station is equipped with automatic monitoring devices measuring the quantities of carbon oxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulphuric dioxide, and fine dust particles. The municipality is implementing a program for decreasing the quantities of dust particles, which was adopted by the municipal council in 2003.
Water resources
Surface water resources are insufficient in the region. The town is supplied with water from drill wells and water catchment areas located near the town. Eight pumping stations provide bacteria-free drinking water which does not even need further treatment. The water sources are in constant operation. A security area surrounds each source, and the water distribution is controlled by computers. The municipality boasts a complete water supply network.
Green areas
City Park “St. George”
The municipal Green System Plan examines the status of the existing urban and suburban green areas, as well as the variety of the plant species. The Green System includes the following categories of green areas: public parks and gardens, special parks and gardens, sanitary/protective greening, transportation greening (streets and roads), and limited-usage greening.
Economy
The general condition of Dobrich District cannot be described as fantastically good. GDP per capita is only 69% of the national average of BGN 9,359. Unemployment remains relatively high despite the marked revitalisation of the labour market in 2012. Household incomes are rising, but companies show no optimism for the future. The district has one of the most developed agricultural sectors in the country, generating nearly a quarter of all company revenues in the district. Mostly grain is grown, which also brings some negatives. Grain production does not create many jobs, and to some extent is the cause of nitrate pollution. The population in the district has been decreasing at a faster rate than the national average, but still maintains a relatively positive structure. Education and health are inadequate. The rate of enrolment in schools has declined, while the number of dropouts is still high. In terms of medical services, there is a pressing need for specialists. Nearly 40% of those in need of treatment in the past 12 months have sought such treatment outside the district. The district has potential for development, but there is a need for bolder reforms in the business environment.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the most developed branch of the economy. The main reason for this is the environment – climate, soils and clean land. 81% of all the land in Dobrich is agricultural, almost 4,000,000 decares. More than 70% of it is cultivated, which makes Dobrich №1 cultivated region in the country. Farming, plant-growing and stock-breeding are the most important part of the economy in Dobrich. Dobrudja territory, called the “granary of Bulgaria” is part of the district. Some of the end products made in Dobrich are: bread and flour products, all kinds of sausages, milk and dairy products, poultry products, margarine and vegetable oils, wine, soft drinks. The biggest bird-farm is located in the district. Other factories of great importance are the milk factory (one of the biggest factories in Bulgaria), the bread factory (one of the biggest factories in Bulgaria). Additional important products from other industries are cement, electric appliances, clothes, confectionery, furniture, car batteries, containers and there are many other factories from the food and beverage industry.
Gasification
The municipal strategy provides that the household, utility and industrial sectors be supplied with gas under a project for gasification. The network of gas pipelines has been extended to 43,808 metres. Currently we are working on the gasification of the residential areas. All municipal establishments from the educational, administrative, healthcare and social service sectors have already been covered by the gas supply network. Communications Dobrich has six offices for postal services. They cover the whole territory of the town thus meeting the needs of the community for such services. The municipality of Dobrich is wired by two local landline telecommunication networks which operate four analogue and one digital exchanges.
Population
In January 2012, Dobrich was inhabited by 90 375 people within the city limits, while along with the legally affiliated adjacent villages the population was 112 203 inhabitants. The number of the residents of the city (not the municipality) reached its peak in the period 1986-1991 when it exceeded 110,000.
