I catch a reference to Bulgaria now and then in the media and it always peaks my interest.  I do agree with the generalized ignorance regarding where Bulgaria  is, though.  Just after my Bulgarian-born son came home at age 2 1/2, we were in an insurance office and the receptionist spoke to him.  He just looked blankly at her so I explained that he didn't yet speak English.  She smiled and asked, "OH! So do you speak Spanish??"

What could I say?  "Gee, thanks for the racial profiling...but no, he's Bulgarian."  lol