Note: Vratsa is a town in northwestern Bulgaria, situated in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, near an ancient Thracian site. The original Bulgarian fortress there was destroyed by Turks, then moved to a nearby site. Vratsa is located on routes traversing Europe, and flourished as a trade center under the Turks. It declined after Bulgarian liberation in 1878. However, the post-World War II era saw much industrial development, including the establishment of a huge chemical plant. It is also an important railroad junction. The 2003 estimated population was 68,900.
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