One of the smallest republics in the world, lying between France and Spain.
Its independence dates from Charlemagne, in 790. France and the Spanish
Bishop of Urgel have jointly a nominal interest in its government. A
permanent delegate has charge of the interests of France in the republic.
Area, 175 square miles. Population, 5,800. Climate healthful, but too cold
to produce grain. It possesses rich iron mines, and one of lead.
Inhabitants principally shepherds. {25}
BULGARIA. B[)o][)o]l-g[=a]'re-a.
A principality under the suzerainty of Turkey. Governed by a Prince elected
by the National Assembly, with popular legislature and constitution. Area,
24,360 square miles. Population, 1881, 2,007,919. Capital of principality,
Sophia; pop., 20,501. Three towns of over 20,000 inhabitants; 20 of over
2,000.
Most of the territory belongs to the basin of the Danube; traversed by many
streams. Soil in general very productive; agriculture is the chief pursuit
of the inhabitants. Principal exports: grain, wool, skins and timber. About
1,500,000 tons of corn are exported per year. Total imports in 1882 valued
at $8,312,700; exports, $6,844,395.
One line of railway, 140 miles in length, extends from Rustchuk to Varna.
In 1883 there were in Bulgaria 1,325 miles of state telegraph lines.
Military service is obligatory. Peace strength of the army, 17,670 men; war
strength, 52,000.
SERVIA. Ser've-a.
The independence of this country from Turkey was established in 1878. By
the constitution adopted 1869, the executive power is vested in the King
and a Council of 8 ministers; the legislative, in the King and a National
Assembly. Area, 18,800 square miles. Population, 1,865,683. Capital,
Belgrade; population, 37,500.
The surface of the country is generally mountainous. Vegetation is vigorous
in all districts. The climate is mild in the lower and level portions, but
extremely rigorous in the mountainous districts. Of the total area,
one-third is under cultivation, corn and wheat being the chief products.
There are 1,750,000 persons engaged in agriculture. Latest reports of
livestock give: swine, 1,067,940; horses, 122,500; cattle, 826,550; sheep,
3,620,750; goats, 725,700.
The imports are estimated at about $10,000,000, and the exports a little
below that amount. In 1884 there were 200 miles of railway. Number miles of
telegraph, 1,410. The state religion is the Orthodox Greek. There is a
university of 158 students. Other schools number about 650, with about
45,000 pupils.
RUMANIA. Roo-m[=a]'ne-a.
A kingdom of Europe, formerly a part of Turkey. Though under the protection
of Russia since 1830, it was nominally subject to Turkey until 1878. In
1881 it was raised to a kingdom. Constitution adopted 1866, modified 1879
and 1884. Government vested in the King, an Executive Council, Senate and
Chamber of Deputies. Area, 48,307 square miles. Estimated population,
5,376,000. Capital, Bukharest; population, 221,805.
The soil is fertile, and of the total population, 70 per cent. is devoted
to agriculture. Number of freehold proprietors, 654,000. Of the area, 68
per cent. is productive; 29 per cent. under cultivation. Grain, oil-seed
and wine are the leading products. Average production of cereals, 150,000
tons. Cattle and sheep are extensively reared. Total value of exports,
1883, $44,130,055; imports, $71,981,435. Value of leading exports: cereals,
$34,511,400; animals, $2,328,490. Imports: textiles, $23,530,315; metals,
$14,632,880; skins and leather, $8,748,370.
Education is free and compulsory. Number of primary schools, 2,743; high
schools, 54; normal, 8; universities, 2. The majority of the people belong
to the Orthodox Greek Church. In 1884 Rumania had 850 miles of state
railway; non-state lines numbered about 150 miles. There were about 3,000
miles of telegraph. {26}