Bulgaria is a parliamentary democracy and covers a territory of 110,994 square kilometres (42,855 sq mi) with an estimated population of 6.9 million inhabitants. After joining the EU in 2007 urban mobility has been driven by the implementation of several EU projects at municipal, regional and national level. However, the SUMP concept is still new in Bulgaria and it is not required by law. Municipalities are responsible for policy and decision-making related to spatial and urban planning.