Romania

Romania is a country in Southeast and Central Europe. It is located near the Danube River, close to the Balkan Peninsula and the Black Sea. It shares borders with Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Moldova.

Romania is the twelfth-largest country in Europe by area, covering 238,397 km² (92,046 mi²), and has 19 million people living there.

The modern Romanian state began in 1859 when Moldavia and Wallachia joined together. After World War I, Romania grew larger but lost some land during World War II. In 1989, the country changed from a socialist government to a liberal democracy.

Today, Romania is a developed country with a strong economy. It is known for its growing technology industry and makes many car parts that are sold around the world. Romania has several important places listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also part of groups such as the European Union and NATO.

Etymology

Main article: Name of Romania

The name "Romania" comes from the word român, which people there use for themselves. This word comes from a Latin word, romanus, meaning "Roman" or "of Rome". People began using this name in the 1500s. Italian travelers visited places like Transylvania, Moldavia, and Wallachia. An old letter from 1521, called the "Letter of Neacșu from Câmpulung," is important. It is the first known writing in the Romanian language and mentions the name "Wallachia" as Țara Rumânească.

History

Main article: History of Romania

Further information: Timeline of Romanian history and Origin of the Romanians

Prehistory

Human remains found in Peștera cu Oase ("Cave with Bones") are the oldest known examples of early humans in Europe, dating back around 40,000 years. Agriculture began to spread after people from Thessaly arrived in the 6th millennium BC. Early salt production started between the 5th and 4th millennium BC near a salt spring at Lunca. The first permanent settlements grew into larger communities, and the Cucuteni–Trypillia culture thrived in parts of what is now Romania during the 3rd millennium BC.

Antiquity

See also: Legacy of the Roman Empire

Greek colonies on the Black Sea coast became important trading centers. Local tribes included the Getae, Agathyrsi, and Syginnae. The Dacians, led by Burebista, united these tribes and expanded their influence. The Romans conquered the region, turning parts of it into the province of Roman Dacia. Though Roman rule brought peace and prosperity, invasions from neighboring tribes eventually led to the province’s abandonment in the 270s.

Middle Ages

After the Roman period, various groups such as the Goths, Huns, and Avars moved through the area. The Bulgars and Magyars also influenced the region. The first Romanian principalities, Wallachia and Moldavia, formed in the 14th century. They often faced threats from nearby powers but managed to maintain their independence for many years.

Early modern times and national awakening

The Ottoman Empire controlled parts of Romania, but local leaders sometimes resisted. The Reformation brought new religious ideas to the area. In the 17th century, a leader named Michael the Brave briefly united Romanian lands. Later, Romanian leaders worked to reduce foreign control and promote their culture and identity.

Unification and the Kingdom of Romania

Main articles: Unification of Moldavia and Wallachia, United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia, and Kingdom of Romania

From the Little Union to the Great War

Romania became a modern nation when Moldavia and Wallachia united in 1859 under Alexandru Ioan Cuza. Carol I of Romania became the first king in 1866, and Romania declared its independence in 1877. The country gained more land after the Second Balkan War in 1913.

World War I and the Great Union

Romania joined World War I in 1916 on the side of the Allies. By the war’s end, regions like Bessarabia, Bukovina, and parts of Transylvania united with Romania, greatly expanding its size.

Interwar period

After World War I, Romania faced political changes. King Carol II returned to the throne in 1930 and took on more power, influencing the country’s policies.

World War II

Romania initially allied with Nazi Germany but later switched sides to join the Allies after a coup in 1944 led by King Mihai I.

Socialist Romania (1947–1989)

Main article: Socialist Republic of Romania

After World War II, Romania became a communist state under Soviet influence. The regime focused on industrialization and strict control. In the 1960s, Romania began to act more independently from the Soviet Union but kept strict internal policies.

Romania since 1989

In 1989, protests led to the end of communist rule. Romania held its first free elections in 1990. Since then, the country has worked to build a democratic government and improve its economy, though it has faced challenges like corruption and economic changes.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Romania

Romania is the largest country in Southeastern Europe. It covers 238,397 square kilometres. The land is split evenly between mountains, hills, and plains. The Carpathian Mountains run through the center, with the highest peak being Moldoveanu at over 2,500 meters tall.

Romania has many plants and animals. The Danube River flows along its border and creates a large delta that is a great home for wildlife. The country also has big forests and many protected natural spaces.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Romania

Romania is a unitary semi-presidential representative democratic republic with a clear system of leadership. The President, chosen by voters, leads the country in international affairs and protects constitutional order. The Prime Minister, selected by the President and approved by Parliament, manages the executive branch and puts into action domestic and foreign policies. Legislative authority lies with a bicameral Parliament, made up of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The judiciary works independently.

Romania does well in many areas of democracy, especially in voting rights and having elected leaders.

Government

Main article: Government of Romania

Romania has a democratic, multi-party system, where legislative power is held by the government and the two chambers of Parliament. The judiciary operates separately from the other parts of government. Leaders are elected by the public and choose the prime minister, who then selects the Council of Ministers. The Parliament includes two chambers (Senate and Chamber of Deputies).

The justice system is separate from other government parts. Romania joined the EU in 2007, which has helped shape its laws.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Romania

Since 1989, Romania has focused on building stronger ties with Western countries, especially the United States and the EU. It became a NATO member in 2004 and joined the EU in 2007. Romania also joined the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in 1972 and is a founding member of the World Trade Organization. Romania is seen as a middle power because of its military strength and active role in world affairs.

Recent leaders have aimed to help other countries join the West more fully. Romania supports NATO and EU membership for democratic nations in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. Romania became part of the Schengen Area in 2025.

Relations with Moldova are unique because the two countries share the same language and common history.

Military

The Romanian Armed Forces include land, air, and naval forces led by a Commander-in-chief under the Ministry of National Defence. The forces include reservists and active members. In 2023, defence spending was a part of the country’s total economy, with plans to spend more to update and get new equipment. Conscription ended in 2007, and Romania now has a volunteer army.

The Air Force uses F-16AM/BM MLU fighters, C-27J Spartan and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, along with helicopters. Plans are underway to get F-35 fifth-generation fighters. The Naval Forces operate frigates and corvettes. The River Flotilla uses river monitors.

In December 2011, Romania agreed to allow the United States to place a land-based ballistic missile defence system.

In 2024, work began to expand the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base (RoAF 57th Air Base).

Administrative divisions

Main article: Administrative divisions of Romania

Romania is split into 41 counties (județe) and the city of Bucharest. Each county has a county council and a prefect for national matters. Counties are further divided into cities and communes, each with their own leader and local council. Bucharest is special, having the same status as a county. It is divided into six sectors^: 6  and has a prefect, a general mayor (primar general), and a general city council.

The NUTS-3 level divisions of the EU match Romania’s administrative structure, corresponding to the 41 counties plus Bucharest. Cities and communes are NUTS-5 level divisions. The NUTS-1 (four macroregions) and NUTS-2 (eight development regions) divisions exist but do not have administrative powers.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Romania

Romania has a big economy. In 2024, its total economy was about $894 billion. Each person in Romania makes around $47,203 a year. This makes Romania a high-income country that is growing fast in the European Union.

Romania makes many things that people buy around the world, such as cars, computer programs, clothes, and machines. Other countries like Germany, Italy, and France buy a lot from Romania. Romania also grows lots of fruits, vegetables, and flowers to sell to other countries. The country has been getting more money from other places to build new factories and businesses.

Demographics

See also: Demographic history of Romania, Immigration to Romania, and Minorities in Romania

Romania has about 19 million people. The number of people is getting smaller because fewer babies are being born and many people move to other countries. Most people in Romania are Romanian, but there are also Hungarians, Roma, and smaller groups like Ukrainians, Germans, and Turks.

The official language is Romanian, and most people speak it. Hungarian and Roma languages are also spoken by some groups. Romania is mostly Christian, with many people belonging to the Romanian Orthodox Church. Other religions include Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Muslim groups, as well as some people who do not follow any religion.

Main articles: List of cities and towns in Romania and Metropolitan areas in Romania

Main article: Education in Romania

Main article: Healthcare in Romania

Culture

Main articles: Culture of Romania and National symbols of Romania

Romania has a rich culture shaped by its history and location. The country’s literature, music, and art have grown over many years. Famous Romanian writers like Mihai Eminescu are known for their poetry. In art, Constantin Brâncuși created famous sculptures, and many talented painters have come from Romania.

Romanian music includes classical composers such as Ciprian Porumbescu and George Enescu, whose festival is held every year in Bucharest. Today, Romanian musicians also perform pop and other styles, and some have become well-known around the world.

Holidays, traditions, and cuisine

See also: Romanian dress, Folklore of Romania, and Romanian cuisine

Romania celebrates many special days and holidays. One of the most important is Great Union Day on December 1, remembering when different parts of the country joined together. Winter brings Christmas and New Year celebrations with special dances, games, and beautiful traditional clothing worn for ceremonies.

Romanian food is flavorful and influenced by nearby countries. Popular dishes include sour soups called ciorbă, mititei (small grilled meatballs), and mămăligă (a cornmeal dish). Meals often feature pork, chicken, or beef, and there are many tasty recipes connected to holidays. Traditional drinks include strong plum brandy called țuică, as well as wine and beer.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Romania

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Romania, with many players and teams taking part. Romania’s national team has played in several World Cups and had great success in the 1990s. Other popular sports include tennis, handball, gymnastics, and boxing. Romanian athletes have won many medals in the Olympics, especially in gymnastics.