Romania — map and facts

Romania is the largest country in South-East Europe by area, known for its varied landscapes, medieval fortresses and the arc of the Carpathian mountains. Its capital is Bucharest, and the country covers roughly 238,000 square kilometres with a population of about 19 million. Romania uses the Romanian leu as its currency.

About Romania

Romania is a democratic republic and a member of the European Union, which it joined in 2007, and NATO. It is geographically diverse, encompassing mountains, the Danube Delta, the Black Sea coast and large agricultural plains. Romania has seen significant economic growth since the end of communist rule in 1989 and is one of the EU's larger economies in the south-east of the continent.

Geography and landscape

Romania borders Ukraine to the north and north-east, Moldova to the east, Bulgaria to the south, Serbia to the south-west, and Hungary to the west. The Carpathian Mountains form a great arc across the centre and north of the country, enclosing the historic Transylvanian plateau. The Danube forms most of the southern border with Bulgaria before fanning out into a wide delta as it reaches the Black Sea. The Danube Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's most important wetland areas.

History

The territories of modern Romania were inhabited by the Dacians before Roman conquest in 106 CE. After Roman withdrawal, the region passed through migrations and developed medieval principalities. The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia maintained a precarious independence between the Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Russian empires. They united in 1859 under Alexandru Ioan Cuza, forming the basis of the modern Romanian state, which gained full independence in 1878. Romania gained substantial territory after the First World War but suffered occupation in the Second. After 1945 it became a communist state under Nicolae Ceau?escu, whose regime was overthrown in a violent revolution in December 1989.

Economy and currency

Romania has one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU, with strengths in manufacturing, information technology, agriculture and energy. Bucharest has developed into a significant business hub for South-East Europe. The currency is the Romanian leu (RON). Romania is an EU member but has not yet adopted the euro.

Culture and language

The official language is Romanian, a Romance language descended from Latin — unusual among its Slavic and Hungarian neighbours. Romania has a rich folk culture of music, embroidery, wooden architecture and Orthodox Christian traditions. The country is widely associated with the legend of Dracula, connected to the fifteenth-century ruler Vlad III of Wallachia. Transylvania's Saxon-built fortified churches and medieval castles attract significant visitor interest.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Romania? The capital of Romania is Bucharest (Bucure?ti), located in the south of the country. It is Romania's largest city and its political and economic centre.

What currency is used in Romania? Romania uses the Romanian leu (RON). It is an EU member but has not adopted the euro.

What is the Danube Delta? The Danube Delta is where the Danube River fans out into a network of channels before reaching the Black Sea. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's largest natural wetland areas.