Romania

Romania is a country in Southeast and Central Europe. It lies on the lower course of the Danube, north of the Balkan Peninsula, and on the northwestern shore of the Black Sea. It borders Ukraine to the north and east, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, Bulgaria to the south, Moldova to the east, and the Black Sea to the southeast. Romania is the twelfth-largest country in Europe by area, covering 238,397 km² (92,046 mi²), and has 19 million inhabitants.

The modern Romanian state was formed in 1859 with the unification of Moldavia and Wallachia. After World War I, Romania grew larger, but lost some lands during World War II. In 1989, the country moved from a socialist republic to a liberal democracy.

Today, Romania is a developed country with a high-income economy. It is known for its fast-growing technology sector and is a net exporter of automotive and vehicle parts worldwide. Romania is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a member of important groups like the European Union and NATO.

Etymology

Main article: Name of Romania

The name "Romania" comes from the word that people there use for themselves, român. This word comes from a Latin word, romanus, which means "Roman" or "of Rome". People started using this name in the 1500s when Italian travelers visited places like Transylvania, Moldavia, and Wallachia. One old letter from 1521, called the "Letter of Neacșu from Câmpulung," is special because 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 and the twelfth-largest in all of Europe, covering 238,397 square kilometres. It is shaped a bit like a goldfish! 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 is home to many different plants and animals. The Danube River flows along its border and creates a huge, important delta that is a great home for wildlife. The country also has large areas of 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 and active public involvement. The President, chosen by voters, leads the country in international affairs, protects constitutional order, and serves as the top leader of the Romanian Armed Forces. The Prime Minister, selected by the President and approved by Parliament, manages the executive branch, puts into action domestic and foreign policies, and oversees public administration. Legislative authority lies with a bicameral Parliament, made up of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, whose members are voted in through a proportional representation system. The judiciary works independently, with the High Court of Cassation and Justice as the highest court.

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, specifically the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The judiciary operates separately from the executive and legislative branches. Leaders are elected by the public for up to two five-year terms and choose the prime minister, who then selects the Council of Ministers. The Parliament, located in the Palace of the Parliament, includes two chambers (Senate and Chamber of Deputies) with members elected every four years by simple plurality.

The justice system is separate from other government parts and includes a hierarchy of courts, with the High Court of Cassation and Justice as the top court. Romania joined the EU in 2007, which has helped shape its laws, including judicial reforms and efforts to work closely with other EU nations. The Economist Intelligence Unit described Romania as a "hybrid regime" in 2024.

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, though it has limited relations involving nearby areas. It became a NATO member on 29 March 2004 and joined the EU on 1 January 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, like Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia, 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. In 2025, relations with the United States faced some challenges.

Relations with Moldova are unique because the two countries share the same language and common history. In the early 1990s, there was a movement to unite Moldova and Romania, but this faded when Moldova chose to stay independent. After events in Moldova in 2009, the two countries improved their relationship.

Military

The Romanian Armed Forces include land, air, and naval forces led by a Commander-in-chief under the Ministry of National Defence, with the president serving as the top leader during wartime. The forces include about 55,000 reservists and 71,500 active members—35,800 in land forces, 10,700 in air, 6,600 in naval forces, and 16,500 in other areas. In 2023, defence spending was 2.44% of the country’s total economy, about US$8.48 billion, with plans to spend $9 billion by 2026 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 IAR 330 and IAR 316 helicopters. Plans are underway to get F-35 fifth-generation fighters. The Naval Forces operate three frigates, including two Type 22 frigates from the British Royal Navy, and four corvettes. The River Flotilla uses Mihail Kogălniceanu and Smârdan-class river monitors.

Romania sent troops to support international efforts in Afghanistan starting in 2002, with up to 1,600 troops in 2010. Their combat role there ended in 2014. Romanian forces also took part in the occupation of Iraq, with numbers reaching 730 before slowly decreasing to 350. Romania finished its mission in Iraq and withdrew the last troops on 24 July 2009. The frigate the Regele Ferdinand was part of the 2011 military intervention in Libya.

In December 2011, Romania agreed to allow the United States to place a land-based ballistic missile defence system as part of NATO’s plan for a continental missile shield. The Aegis Ashore system at Deveslu became active in 2016.

In 2024, work began to expand the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base (RoAF 57th Air Base). This air base is planned to become the largest NATO base in Europe after a 20-year project.

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 for local issues and a prefect for national matters, appointed by the central government and not part of any political party. Counties are further divided into cities and communes, each with their own leader and local council. There are 320 cities and 2,861 communes in Romania.^: 17  Out of these, 103 larger cities have municipality status, giving them more control over local issues. 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, with no current NUTS-4 levels. The NUTS-1 (four macroregions) and NUTS-2 (eight development regions) divisions exist but do not have administrative powers; they are used for regional development projects and statistics.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Romania

In 2024, Romania had a large economy with a GDP (PPP) of about $894 billion. The amount each person makes, called GDP per capita, was around $47,203. This shows that Romania is a high-income country and has been growing quickly in the European Union.

Romania makes many things people buy around the world, like cars, computer programs, clothes, and machines. The country’s biggest buyers are Germany, Italy, and France. Romania also has a big farming industry and produces fruits, vegetables, and flowers for export. The country has been attracting more money from other countries to build new factories and businesses.

Demographics

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

Romania has a population of about 19 million people. The country has a slowly shrinking population because fewer babies are being born and many people move to other countries to live. 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, which most people speak. 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 and varied culture shaped by its history and location. The country’s literature, music, and art have grown and changed over many years. Famous Romanian writers like Mihai Eminescu are known for their beautiful 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.