Yes, the .bg top-level domain (TLD) that you brought up is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) in the Domain Name System of the Internet for Bulgaria. These ccTLDs are utilized or reserved for a country, sovereign state, or dependent territory identified with a country code.
The organization responsible for registering and establishing the .bg domain policies is the Register.bg, a non-profit organization that has been managing the .bg domain since 1991. The rules for registration of .bg domains are fairly strict when compared to generic TLDs. They require that an applicant must be a legal entity that is registered in Bulgaria if they want to purchase a .bg domain. Individuals are not allowed to register for a .bg domain unless they have permanent residence in Bulgaria.
It’s worth noting that the .bg domain registration process mirrors Bulgaria’s commitment to internet safety and security. The domain name application process enforces stringent guidelines to ensure proper identity checks, which helps prevent the proliferation of malicious sites and protects the online security of its users.
Being an ISO 3166 code, .bg is internationally recognized as the digital signage speaking of the Bulgarian web territory, similar to .us for the United States, .uk for the United Kingdom, etc. Hence, for businesses or individuals who have a significant market in Bulgaria, investing in a .bg could help support their online identity and help improve local SEO. A case in point would be “www.government.bg”, the official site for the Government of Bulgaria.
In essence, .bg is more than just another domain – it carries cultural and strategic significance for entities operating or expanding to Bulgaria.
In conclusion, the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) .bg is affiliated with Bulgaria, and is managed by Register.bg. It offers all the perks that come with owning a ccTLD, given the applicant fulfills the rigorous application criteria.
Sources used :
1. Register.bg – the official site for domain registration in Bulgaria. (https://www.register.bg/user/static/rules/en/index.html)
2. ISO 3166 Maintenance agency by the International Organization for Standardization. (https://www.iso.org/iso-3166-country-codes.html)
3. Government.bg – the official website of The Bulgarian Government. (https://www.government.bg/)
4. Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) databases. (https://data.iana.org)
