Montana, Bulgaria Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Montana

Монтана

Town

Panoramic view of Montana

Coat of arms

Montana, Bulgaria

Location in Bulgaria

Country

Bulgaria

Province
(Oblast)

Montana

Area

• Total

69.235 km² (26.732 sq mi)

Elevation

135 m (443 ft)

Population

(Census 2021)

• Total

36,455

• Density

526.540/km² (1,363.732/sq mi)

Demonym(s)

Montansko

Time zone

UTC+2 (EET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+3 (EEST)

Postal Code

3400

Area code(s)

096

Website

Official website: http://www.montana.bg/

Montana central square

Street in Montana center

Montana-Bulgaria-church-Cyril-and-Methodius-park

Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius

Montana (pronounced Mon-TAH-na, Bulgarian: Монтана) is a town in northwestern Bulgaria. It is the main city and administrative center of the Montana Province. In 2021, about 36,455 people lived there.

What's in a Name?

Montana has had a few different names over time!

Roman Beginnings

Long ago, the Romans built a military camp here. They called it Castra ad Montanesium. This name means "fortress near the mountains."

Slavic and Ottoman Names

When Slavic people settled here, they called the town Kutlovitsa. Later, during the Ottoman rule, it was known as Kutlofça.

Modern Names

In 1890, the town was renamed Ferdinand. This was to honor Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria.
In 1945, the name changed again to Mihaylovgrad. This was to remember a Communist Party leader named Hristo Mihaylov.
Finally, in 1993, the town got its current name, Montana. This name was chosen because it sounds like the old Roman name.

Exploring Montana's Geography

Montana is located in a beautiful part of Bulgaria.

River and Mountains

The town sits by the Ogosta river. It is also north of the Stara Planina mountains. Uplands surround the town to the south and east.

Weather and Climate

Montana has a temperate continental climate. This means it has cold winters and hot summers.

The average temperature in January is about -1.5°C (29°F).
In July, the average temperature is around 25°C (77°F).
Sometimes in summer, temperatures can even reach 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F).

People of Montana

The number of people living in Montana has changed over the years.

Population Changes

In February 2011, about 43,781 people lived in Montana. The town's population was highest between 1988 and 1991. In 1991, it reached its peak with 57,142 residents.

Ethnic Groups

According to the 2011 census, most people in Montana are Bulgarians. There is also a notable community of Roma people.

Montana
Year	1887	1910	1934	1946	1956	1965	1975	1985	1992	2001	2005	2009	2011	2013
Population	??	??	??	8,049	13,399	27,040	40,197	51,714	52,397	49,176	46,866	45,350	43,324	??
	Highest number 57,142 in 1991
Sources: National Statistical Institute, citypopulation.de, pop-stat.mashke.org, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

Schools in Montana

Town Hall

Montana has several high schools. Two of the most well-known are:

Math and Science High School "St. Kliment Ohridski": This school offers advanced studies. Students can focus on math, biology, geography, and foreign languages.
Foreign Language High School "Petar Bogdan": This school focuses on teaching English and German. Its students are known for their great academic achievements.

A Look at Montana's History

Roman Times

Around 160 AD, the Roman military camp here became a city. It was called Civitas Montanensium. This city grew and became very important in the Roman province of Upper Moesia. A fortress, public buildings, temples, and theaters were built. Montana was a typical Roman settlement. People from Italy and Anatolia lived alongside the local Romanized population. The economy was based on large farms and gold mining in the Ogosta river valley.

Middle Ages

Between 440 and 490 AD, the area was attacked by groups like the Huns and Goths. Later, the Slavs and Avars also came. The Slavs who settled here called the town Kutlovitsa. During the First and Second Bulgarian Empires, the town recovered. It became an important religious center.

Ottoman Rule

When the Ottomans took over, the town was destroyed and left empty for a while. They renamed it "Kutlofça." From 1450 to 1688, the town was resettled by Turks. It grew again as an Oriental town. A mosque, fountains, and other new buildings were built.

Modern History

After Bulgaria gained its freedom from Ottoman rule, many people moved to Kutlovitsa. The town began to grow and thrive.

An electricity station, a railway station, a post office, and a hospital were built.
A fair and a community center were also created.
The local football team, FC Montana, was started in 1921. They still play in the Bulgarian First League today.

Famous People from Montana

Many talented people have come from Montana:

Yordanka Blagoeva (born 1947) - A world champion and record holder in high jump.
Stiliyan Petrov (born 1979) - A famous football player for Bulgaria's national team. He also played for Celtic and Aston Villa.
Nelly Rangelova (born 1958) - A popular Bulgarian pop singer.
Yordan Radichkov (1929–2004) - A well-known writer and playwright.