Vratsa with nearly 70000 inhabitants is situated 390 m above sea level along the two banks of Leva River, in the northern foots of the Vratsa Balkan. It is 115 km north of Sofia, 40 km south-east of Montana, and 20 km north-west of Botevgrad and Mezdra. Vraca is one of the main towns in Northwestern Bulgaria and an administrative centre.