by Brit Muscovite
We find it very important to know what do other people think about us. Do you agree? With this purpose I’d like to start today a new theme in this blog - attitude of russian people to different countries and nations. Before you go to Moscow, let you inform about.
Article by Petrova A. www.fom.ru
"Bulgaria Is a Beautiful Country"
Regarded in Soviet times as an "informal member of the Soviet Union", Bulgaria is a country most Russians know little about these days. Yet 67% are sure it is friendly towards Russia, with the opposite opinion held by as few as 10%.
Only 46% of respondents were able to recall the name of the Bulgarian capital, and 43% honestly admitted they didn't know it. The capital cities of other former socialist countries, especially Budapest, were given by 11% of those surveyed.
When asked : "What do you think of first when you hear the word `BULGARIA'?", 45% of those surveyed failed to answer.
Thirteen percent associated Bulgaria with vacations and resorts ("golden sands", «a country of resorts", "seaside vacations"). 12% thought of goods traditionally imported into Russia from Bulgaria ("Bulgarian corn"; "Bulgarian paprika"; "compote"; "grapes, tomatoes"; "»brandy"; "dry wine"; "roses and rose oil").
Nine percent had geographic associations, sometimes vague or even odd ("East Europe"; "the Black Sea shore"; "the Balkan peninsula"; "an island").
People inhabiting Bulgaria were mentioned by 3% of those surveyed: "the Gypsies", "jolly people", "Bulgarians are nice guys".
The friendship between Russia and Bulgaria was also mentioned (6%), along with Slavic brotherhood (4%), and the common socialist past (2%).
Bulgarians who are prominent in very different spheres came to the minds of 2% of those surveyed: "Georgy Dimitrov", "Тоdor Zhivkov", "Biser Kirov"; "Bedros Krikorov".
Only 1% had negative associations, mostly unspecific ones ("the betrayers of the Slavic people").
The Public Opinion Foundation. Russia-wide poll of urban and rural populations. February 15, 2003. 1500 respondents.
WHAT IS THE CAPITAL OF BULGARIA?
IS BULGARIA FRIENDLY OR UNFRIENDLY TO RUSSIA?
OPEN-ENDED QUESTION: WHAT COMES INTO YOUR MIND FIRST WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORD "BULGARIA"?
Article by Petrova A.
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