History

This Order was conferred upon Bulgarian and foreign civil servants, Diplomats, Statesmen and Ministers in recognition of contributions to the creation and maintenance of strong international relationships with the nation.

The Order is equal in precedence with the Order of Georgi Dimitrov and the Order of 13 Centuries of Bulgaria.

The I Class and II Class grades were awarded to both civil and military personnel. Thus the I Class and II Class grades were awarded with a rearing lion suspension for civilian recipients, and with crossed swords under the lion suspension for military recipients.

This Order was designed by Professor Valentin Starchev and Krum Damianov.

The Order is also known as the Order of the Balkan Mountains.