The Rila National Park is located within five administrative regions, centered respectively around the cities of Blagoevgrad, Sofia, Kyustendil, and Pazardjik, and covers parts of eleven municipalities: Blagoevgrad, Simitli, Razlog, Belitsa, Yakoruda, Belovo, Kostenets, Dolna Banya, Samokov, Sapareva Banya, and Dupnitsa. It also lies, in part, within the lands of 24 townships, villages, and smaller communities.

The population of all these communities is closely linked to the mountain with its history and culture. The Park protects their natural heritage while providing sources for their livelihood, and stimulates the economic development of the entire nation. The Park also offers rich opportunities for scientific research and educational activities.

The Park contains some of the primary drinking water sources for both the surrounding communities and the rest of the country. The mountain is an important natural resource depot for the local population. One in every two local inhabitants collects medicinal plants, mushrooms, and/or wild fruit in the Park, thus supplementing their income. These resources can be preserved for future generations as long as certain rules, prescribed by the Management Plan, are observed. The Park Directorate issues the necessary permits for gathering and extracting natural resources from Rila National Park.

The National Park is also a source of employment. The Park Directorate and Section offices create jobs for local residents, while local subcontractors are preferentially commissioned to build the infrastructure and implement projects initiated by the Park administration.

The economic development of the entire region and the well being of its population depend on the joint efforts of the Park and the local communities. The Rila National Park territory and its environs offer excellent opportunities for the development of tourism and ecotourism: majestic natural scenery, a variety of local arts and crafts, traditional cuisine, and well-preserved cultural monuments.

For more information, please refer to the Management Plan in the Management section.