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Sofia ( Bulgarian: София, [sɔˈfi.jɐ]) is the capital city of Bulgaria and the country’s largest city, located in the western part of the country. The city has a long history, dating back to the 8th century when it was founded by the Bulgars, a semi-nomadic people from Central Asia. Sofia has been an important city throughout its history, serving as a key junction between East and West and playing host to a number of empires including the Byzantine Empire, Ottoman Empire, and Soviet Union. Today, Sofia is a modern metropolis with a population of over 1.5 million people. The city is home to many universities and museums as well as numerous architectural landmarks such as St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Vitosha Mountain.