By Harvey Morris, International Herald Tribune
How many Danish krone to the Bulgarian lev? Give up? Well, for the benefit of any Danes who might be planning a trip to Bulgaria, it is a little over 3.8 to 1. For now, that is.
Denmark and Bulgaria are among 10 members of the 27-member European Union that do not use the euro. You might be tempted to think the outsiders would be feeling quite smug right now, as they contemplate from afar the anguish of the single currency.
Close to 84% of the income of Bulgarians is being spent in covering basic consumer needs, according to official statistics revealed Saturday.
The future Sofia Ring Mall – which is to become Bulgaria's largest retail and entertainment destination together with the closely located store of IKEA Bulgaria – is to be completed by July 2013.


