Botevgrad, Bulgaria

Botevgrad
Data
Oblast:	Sofia
Population:	24,015 (15.12.2004)
Altitude:	395 m
Postal code:	2140
Area code:	0723
Geographic coordinates:	42° 54' north 23° 47' east
Mayor
Georgi Georgiev

Botevgrad (Bulgarian Ботевград) is a town in Western Bulgaria. It is located in Sofia oblast and is close to Pravets. Botevgrad is situated at a 47-km-distance from Sofia.

Botevgrad and its hinterland are located in a picturesque elliptical valley with a total area of 506.6 sq. km. The municipality covers parts of the Western Stara Planina mountain - Razhana, Mourgash, Billo and Golyama Planina and some parts of the Northern Balkan. Prohoda Vitinya or Vitinya Pass connecting Northern Bulgaria with Southern Bulgaria and the proximity of the capital contribute to its strategic location. Botevgrad municipality borders the following municipalities: Pravets, Etropoleh, Gorna Malina, Elin Pelin, Svogeh, Mezdra and Roman.

The region of Botevgrad municipality is quite rich in natural resources. The relief is remarkable for its outstanding variety. The municipality covers the following geographic parts: a part of Botevgradska Kotlovina (the valley of Botevgrad), some parts of Botevgradski Predbalkan mountain and four of the Balkan shoulders - Razhana, Golyama Planina, Mourgash and Billo. Kotlovinata Zhleba - Fillet Hollow is situated between the main Balkan Range and the Northern Balkan.

The bottom of the hollow is the acumulative river terrace of Bebresh river and its tributaries. The low oval hills inside the hollow contribute to the countryside variety. Mount Mourgash - 1687 m tall is the highest point of the highest mountain range to the south and south-west. Many rivulets run down the slopes of the heights. Prohoda Vitinya or Vitinya Pass connecting South Bulgaria with North Bulgaria is located on the territory of Botevgrad municipality.