Pernik, city in western Bulgaria, in the region of Sofia, on the Struma River, near the city of Sofia. A road and rail junction and coal-mining center since 1891, the city is located in an area containing many lignite mines and iron smelters. Industries include the manufacture of machinery, briquettes, electrical equipment, and glass. Ruins of a Byzantine fortress are located there. From 1949 to 1962 the city was called Dimitrovo. Population (1996 estimate) 90,460.
