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Mike Hopkins

Bucharest, Romania (July 2025)

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a lively mix of old and new. Nicknamed the “Little Paris of the East” for its early 20th-century architecture and boulevards, it blends grand Belle Époque buildings with stark Communist-era blocks and modern glass towers. The city is home to the Palace of Parliament, one of the largest buildings in the world, and the charming Old Town (Lipscani) with cobblestone streets, lively cafés, and historic churches. Bucharest also boasts leafy parks, museums, and a vibrant nightlife scene, making it a dynamic gateway to Romanian culture and history.

Basic Facts & Demographics

  • Population (city proper): According to the 2021 census, Bucharest’s population stands at around 1,716,961  .Estimates for 2024–2025 show a slight decline, with figures ranging from 1.72 million to 1.76 million  .
  • Metro Region: The wider Bucharest–Ilfov region, which includes surrounding Ilfov County, had a population of approximately 2,259,665 as of the 2021 census  .
  • Density & Scope: The city covers about 238 km² with a high population density of around 7,200 inhabitants per km²  .
  • Commuters: On some days, Bucharest’s daily population swells to over 3 million, factoring in commuters from surrounding areas  .

Sofia, Bulgaria (July 2025)

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a city where deep history meets modern energy. Nestled in the Sofia Valley at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, it is one of Europe’s oldest cities, with roots going back over 7,000 years. Known in antiquity as Serdica, it has been shaped by Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Bulgarian influences, leaving behind landmarks like the Roman ruins of Serdica, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Ottoman-era mosques.

Today, Sofia is home to about 1.3 million people and serves as the economic, cultural, and political hub of Bulgaria, generating more than 40% of the nation’s GDP. The city blends monumental 19th–20th century architecture with Communist-era blocks and sleek modern towers. With its universities, museums, lively café culture, and proximity to mountain hiking and skiing, Sofia is both a vibrant European capital and a gateway to Bulgaria’s rich history and landscapes.

Sofia – Key Facts & Demographics

  • Country: Bulgaria
  • Status: Capital and largest city of Bulgaria
  • Founded: Settled as early as 7th millennium BCE; became capital in 1879
  • Location: Sofia Valley, at the foot of Vitosha Mountain

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Population

  • City proper (2024 est.): ~1.29 million
  • Urban area: ~1.53 million
  • Metropolitan region: ~1.62 million
  • Density: ~6,400 people per km²
  • Sofia is the 12th largest city in the EU by population within city limits.

📐 Area

  • Total area: ~492 km²

💶 Economy

  • GDP (2023 est.): ~€40.6 billion
  • GDP per capita (PPP, 2023): ~€31,600
  • Contributes ~42% of Bulgaria’s national GDP
  • Economy led by services (finance, IT, trade), followed by industry

🌍 Demographics

  • Ethnic composition (city & metro area):
    • Bulgarians: ~87%
    • Roma: ~2–3%
    • Turks: ~1%
    • Others (Armenians, Greeks, Russians, etc.)
  • Religion: Majority Eastern Orthodox; also Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish minorities
  • Median age: ~42 years
  • Languages: Bulgarian (official); English widely spoken in business & tourism

UltraEurope – Split & Trogir, Croatia (July 2025)

Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, is a vibrant coastal hub on the Adriatic Sea, famed for its mix of ancient history and lively Mediterranean culture. At its core lies Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Roman emperor in the 4th century, around which the modern city grew. Within the palace walls, narrow stone streets bustle with cafés, shops, and markets, blending antiquity with daily life.

Today, Split has about 180,000 residents and serves as the economic and cultural center of Dalmatia. Its harbor makes it a major transport link to the Adriatic islands, while nearby beaches, lively nightlife, and access to national parks make it one of Croatia’s most popular destinations. Split is both a living Roman monument and a modern seaside city, offering a unique balance of history, tradition, and modern coastal charm.

Trogir, Croatia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Located on a small island connected by bridges to the mainland and to Čiovo Island, Trogir has been continuously inhabited for over 2,300 years. Its rich history reflects influences from the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and Austrians.

The town is famous for its Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, with highlights such as the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and the Kamerlengo Fortress. Its narrow stone alleys, charming squares, and seafront promenade create a timeless Mediterranean atmosphere.

Though small (population ~13,000), Trogir is a lively cultural hub and a popular stop for travelers exploring the Dalmatian coast. With its proximity to Split (about 25 km away) and Split Airport, Trogir is both easily accessible and a gateway to nearby islands.

Ultra Europe is one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals, held every July in Split, Croatia. Launched in 2013 as part of the global Ultra Music Festival brand (originating in Miami), it has grown into a massive multi-day event that attracts over 100,000 fans from around the world.

The festival’s main stage is set inside Park Mladeži Stadium in Split, featuring world-class DJs and producers from genres like EDM, house, techno, and trance. Alongside the stadium shows, Ultra Europe also includes “Destination Ultra” events such as yacht parties, beach raves, and after-parties on nearby islands like Hvar, Brač, and Vis, turning the Dalmatian coast into a weeklong electronic music hotspot.

Known for its high-energy atmosphere, cutting-edge stage design, and international crowd, Ultra Europe has become both a premier music event and a tourism magnet, combining festival culture with the stunning backdrop of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline.