# Romania
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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romania
> Source revision: 1356971818
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{{Short description|Country in Southeast and Central Europe}}
{{About|the country}}
{{Protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2026}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Romania
| native_name = {{lang|ro|România}}
| image_flag = Flag of Romania.svg
| image_coat = Coat of arms of Romania.svg
| coa_size = 70
| national_anthem = {{lang|ro|[Deșteaptă-te, române!](/source/De%C8%99teapt%C4%83-te%2C_rom%C3%A2ne!)}}
"Awaken Thee, Romanian!"File:Desteapta-te, romane!.ogg
| image_map = {{Switcher|frameless|Show globe|upright=1.15|frameless|Show map of Europe|default=1}}
| capital = [Bucharest](/source/Bucharest)
| coordinates = {{Coord|44|25|N|26|06|E|type:city_region:RO-B}}
| largest_city = capital
| official_languages = [Romanian](/source/Romanian_language)
| ethnic_groups = {{unbulleted list
|89.3% [Romanians](/source/Romanians)
|6.0% [Hungarians](/source/Hungarians_in_Romania)
|3.4% [Roma](/source/Romani_people_in_Romania)
|1.2% [others](/source/Minorities_in_Romania)
}}
| ethnic_groups_year = 2021
| ethnic_groups_ref =[{{cite web |url=https://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tabel-2.02.1-si-Tabel-2.02.2.xlsx |title=Populaţia rezidentă după etnie (Recensământ 2021) |publisher=INS |website=www.insse.ro |access-date=21 September 2023 |language=ro |archive-date=2 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702045135/https://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tabel-2.02.1-si-Tabel-2.02.2.xlsx |url-status=live }}]
| demonym = Romanian
| religion = {{ublist |item_style=white-space;
|{{Tree list}}
* 84.7% [Christianity](/source/Christianity)
** 73.6% [Romanian Orthodoxy](/source/Romanian_Orthodoxy)
** 6.4% [Protestantism](/source/Protestantism)
** 4.4% [Catholicism](/source/Catholic_Church_in_Romania)
** 0.2% other [Christian](/source/List_of_Christian_denominations)
{{Tree list/end}}
|0.8% [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_Romania)
|0.4% [other](/source/Religion_in_Romania)
|13.9% unanswered
}}
| religion_year = 2021
| religion_ref =[{{cite web |url=https://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tabel-2.04.1-si-Tabel-2.04.2.xlsx |title=Populaţia rezidentă după religie (Recensământ 2021) |publisher=INS |website=www.insse.ro |access-date=21 September 2023 |language=ro |archive-date=4 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804110637/https://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tabel-2.04.1-si-Tabel-2.04.2.xlsx |url-status=live }}]
| government_type = Unitary [semi-presidential republic](/source/semi-presidential_republic)
| leader_title1 = [President](/source/President_of_Romania)
| leader_name1 = [Nicușor Dan](/source/Nicu%C8%99or_Dan)
| leader_title2 = [Prime Minister](/source/Prime_Minister_of_Romania)
| leader_name2 = [Ilie Bolojan](/source/Ilie_Bolojan)
| leader_title3 = [President of the Senate](/source/President_of_the_Senate_of_Romania)
| leader_name3 = [Mircea Abrudean](/source/Mircea_Abrudean)
| leader_title4 = [President of the Chamber of Deputies](/source/President_of_the_Chamber_of_Deputies_of_Romania)
| leader_name4 = [Sorin Grindeanu](/source/Sorin_Grindeanu)
| legislature = [Parliament](/source/Parliament_of_Romania)
| upper_house = [Senate](/source/Senate_of_Romania)
| lower_house = [Chamber of Deputies](/source/Chamber_of_Deputies_(Romania))
| sovereignty_type = [History](/source/History_of_Romania)
| established_event1 = [Principality of Wallachia](/source/Principality_of_Wallachia)
| established_date1 = 1330–1862
| established_event2 = [Principality of Moldavia](/source/Principality_of_Moldavia)
| established_date2 = 1346–1862
| established_event3 = [United Principalities](/source/United_Principalities)
| established_date3 = 1859–1881
| established_event4 = [Independence](/source/Romanian_War_of_Independence) from the [Ottoman Empire](/source/Ottoman_Empire)
| established_date4 = 10 May 1877
| established_event5 = [Kingdom of Romania](/source/Kingdom_of_Romania)
| established_date5 = 1881–1947
| established_event6 = [Great Union](/source/Great_Union)
| established_date6 = 1 December 1918
| established_event7 = [Socialist Romania](/source/Socialist_Romania)
| established_date7 = 1947–1989
| established_event8 = [Current constitution](/source/Constitution_of_Romania)
| established_date8 = 8 December 1991
| area_km2 = 238,397
| area_footnote =[{{Cite web |url=https://insse.ro/cms/sites/default/files/field/publicatii/anuarul_statistic_al_romaniei_carte_ed_2023-ro.pdf |title=Romanian Statistical Yearbook (2023) – 1.8 Administrative organisation of Romanian territory, on December 31, 2022 (pg.17) |publisher=[INS](/source/National_Institute_of_Statistics_(Romania)) |website=www.insse.ro |date=19 February 2024}}]
| area_rank = 81st
| area_sq_mi = 92,046
| percent_water = 3
| population_estimate = {{DecreaseNeutral}} 19,043,151[{{cite web |url=https://insse.ro/cms/sites/default/files/com_presa/com_pdf/poprez_ian2025e-def.pdf |title=The usually resident population decreasing as of January 1st 2025 while the international migration balance remained positive in 2024 |publisher= [INS](/source/National_Institute_of_Statistics_(Romania)) |website=www.insse.ro |date=14 January 2026 |access-date=15 January 2026}}]
| population_estimate_rank = 65th
| population_estimate_year = 2025
| population_census = {{decreaseNeutral}} 19,053,815[{{cite web |url=https://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tabel-2.01.xls |title=Populația după etnie la recensămintele din perioada 1930–2021 |publisher=[INS](/source/National_Institute_of_Statistics_(Romania)) |website=www.insse.ro |access-date=4 March 2024 |language=ro |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928063329/https://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tabel-2.01.xls |url-status=live }}]
| population_census_year = 2021
| population_density_km2 = 83
| population_density_sq_mi = 210
| population_density_rank = 132nd
| GDP_PPP = {{increase}} $950.384 billion[{{cite web |url=https://data.imf.org/en/Data-Explorer?datasetUrn=IMF.RES:WEO(9.0.0) |title=World Economic Outlook Database (April 2026 Edition) |publisher=[International Monetary Fund](/source/International_Monetary_Fund) |website=www.imf.org |date=14 April 2026 |access-date=19 April 2026}}]
| GDP_PPP_rank = 37th
| GDP_PPP_year = 2026
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = {{increase}} $50,783[{{cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tessi190/default/table?lang=en |title=Gini coefficient of equivalised disposable income – EU-SILC survey |publisher=[Eurostat](/source/Eurostat) |access-date=1 April 2025 |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009091832/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tessi190/default/table?lang=en |url-status=live }}]
| Gini_rank =
| HDI = 0.845
| HDI_rank = 55th
| HDI_year = 2023
| HDI_change = increase
| HDI_ref =[{{Cite web |date=6 May 2025 |title=Human Development Report 2025 |url=https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2025reporten.pdf|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250506051232/https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2025reporten.pdf |archive-date=6 May 2025 |access-date=6 May 2025 |publisher=[United Nations Development Programme](/source/United_Nations_Development_Programme)}}]
| currency = [Romanian leu](/source/Romanian_leu)
| currency_code = RON
| time_zone = [EET](/source/Eastern_European_Time)
| utc_offset = +2
| time_zone_DST = [EEST](/source/EEST)
| utc_offset_DST = +3
| date_format = dd.mm.yyyy ([CE](/source/Common_Era))
| iso3166code = RO
| calling_code = [+40](/source/%2B40)
| cctld = [.ro](/source/.ro)
}}
'''Romania'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|r|oʊ|ˈ|m|eɪ|n|i|ə|audio=en-us-Romania.ogg}} {{respell|roh|MAY|nee|ə}}; {{langx|ro|România}} {{IPA|ro|romɨˈni.a||audio=Ro-România.ogg}}}} is a country in [Southeast](/source/Southeast_Europe) and [Central Europe](/source/Central_Europe). It lies on the lower course of the [Danube](/source/Danube), north of the [Balkan Peninsula](/source/Balkan_Peninsula), and on the northwestern shore of the [Black Sea](/source/Black_Sea). It borders [Ukraine](/source/Ukraine) to the north and east, [Hungary](/source/Hungary) to the west, [Serbia](/source/Serbia) to the southwest, [Bulgaria](/source/Bulgaria) to the south, [Moldova](/source/Moldova) to the east, and the Black Sea to the southeast. It is the [twelfth-largest country in Europe by area](/source/List_of_European_countries_by_area), covering {{convert|238397|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}, and the sixth-most populous [member state of the European Union](/source/member_state_of_the_European_Union), with 19 million inhabitants. The capital, [largest city](/source/List_of_cities_and_towns_in_Romania) and [economic centre](/source/Economy_of_Romania) is [Bucharest](/source/Bucharest). Other major cities include [Cluj-Napoca](/source/Cluj-Napoca), [Iași](/source/Ia%C8%99i), [Constanța](/source/Constan%C8%9Ba), [Timișoara](/source/Timi%C8%99oara) and [Brașov](/source/Bra%C8%99ov).
Romania was settled during the [Lower Paleolithic](/source/Lower_Paleolithic), later becoming [Dacia](/source/Dacia) before [Trajan's Dacian Wars](/source/Trajan's_Dacian_Wars) and [Romanisation](/source/Romanization_(cultural)). The modern Romanian state was formed in 1859 with the [unification of Moldavia and Wallachia](/source/unification_of_Moldavia_and_Wallachia) under [Alexandru Ioan Cuza](/source/Alexandru_Ioan_Cuza), becoming the [Kingdom of Romania](/source/Kingdom_of_Romania) in 1881 under [Carol I of Romania](/source/Carol_I_of_Romania). Romania [gained independence](/source/Romanian_War_of_Independence) from the [Ottoman Empire](/source/Ottoman_Empire) in 1877, formalised by the [Treaty of Berlin](/source/Treaty_of_Berlin_(1878)). After [World War I](/source/World_War_I), [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania), [Banat](/source/Banat), [Bukovina](/source/Bukovina), and [Bessarabia](/source/Bessarabia) joined the [Old Kingdom](/source/Romanian_Old_Kingdom), forming [Greater Romania](/source/Greater_Romania), which reached its largest territorial extent. In 1940, under [Axis](/source/Axis_powers) pressure, Romania lost territories to [Hungary](/source/Kingdom_of_Hungary), [Bulgaria](/source/Kingdom_of_Bulgaria), and the [Soviet Union](/source/Soviet_Union). Following the [Act of 23 August](/source/1944_Romanian_coup_d'%C3%A9tat), Romania switched sides to join [the Allies](/source/Allies_of_World_War_II). After [World War II](/source/World_War_II), it regained [Northern Transylvania](/source/Northern_Transylvania) through the [Paris Peace Treaties](/source/Paris_Peace_Treaties). Under [Soviet occupation](/source/Soviet_occupation_of_Romania), [King Michael I](/source/King_Michael_I) was [forced to abdicate](/source/Michael_I_of_Romania), and Romania became a [socialist republic](/source/Socialist_Republic_of_Romania) and [Warsaw Pact](/source/Warsaw_Pact) member. After the [fall of communism](/source/fall_of_communism) and the [Romanian revolution](/source/Romanian_revolution) in 1989, Romania transitioned to [liberal democracy](/source/liberal_democracy).
Romania is a [developed country](/source/developed_country) with a [high-income economy](/source/high-income_economy) and is widely regarded as a [middle power](/source/middle_power) in [international relations](/source/Foreign_relations_of_Romania). The country possesses [11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites](/source/List_of_World_Heritage_Sites_in_Romania). Romania is a [global net exporter of automotive parts](/source/List_of_countries_by_vehicle_exports) and is an increasingly prominent [technology centre](/source/List_of_technology_centers) with some of the [fastest internet speeds in the world](/source/List_of_countries_by_Internet_connection_speeds). Romania is a member of several [international organisations](/source/international_organisations), including the [European Union](/source/European_Union), [NATO](/source/NATO), and the [BSEC](/source/BSEC).
==Etymology==
{{Main|Name of Romania}}
''Romania'' derives from the local name for Romanian ({{langx|ro|român}}), which in turn derives from [Latin](/source/Latin) ''romanus'', meaning "[Roman](/source/Roman_people)" or "of [Rome](/source/Ancient_Rome)".[{{cite web |url=http://dexonline.ro/search.php?cuv=rom%C3%A2n |title=''Explanatory Dictionary of the Romanian Language'', 1998; ''New Explanatory Dictionary of the Romanian Language'', 2002 |publisher=Dexonline.ro |access-date=25 September 2010 |language=ro |url-status=live |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160517200517/http://dexonline.ro/search.php?cuv%3Drom%25C3%25A2n |archive-date=17 May 2016 }}] This ethnonym for Romanians is first attested in the sixteenth century by Italian humanists travelling in [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania), [Moldavia](/source/Moldavia), and [Wallachia](/source/Wallachia).[{{Cite journal |author=Cl. Isopescu |year=1929 |title=Notizie intorno ai romeni nella letteratura geografica italiana del Cinquecento |journal=Bulletin de la Section Historique |volume=XVI |pages=1–90 |quote={{lang|it|... si dimandano in lingua loro Romei ... se alcuno dimanda se sano parlare in la lingua valacca, dicono a questo in questo modo: Sti Rominest ? Che vol dire: Sai tu Romano, ...}} |trans-quote=}}][{{Cite book |last=Holban |first=Maria |title=Călători străini despre Țările Române |publisher=Ed. Științifică și Enciclopedică |year=1983 |volume=II |pages=158–161 |language=ro |trans-title=In fact, they are called Romanesci, and many believe that those who were sent here were people condemned to extract metals |quote={{lang|it|Anzi essi si chiamano romanesci, e vogliono molti che erano mandati quì quei che erano dannati a cavar metalli ...}}}}][{{Cite journal |last=Cernovodeanu |first=Paul |year=1960 |title=Voyage fait par moy, Pierre Lescalopier l'an 1574 de Venise a Constantinople, fol 48 |journal=Studii și Materiale de Istorie Medievală |language=ro |volume=IV |page=444 |quote={{lang|fr|Tout ce pays la Wallachie et Moldavie et la plus part de la Transilvanie a eté peuplé des colonies romaines du temps de Traian l'empereur ... Ceux du pays se disent vrais successeurs des Romains et nomment leur parler romanechte, c'est-à-dire romain ...}} |trans-quote=All this land—Wallachia, Moldavia, and most of Transylvania—was populated by Roman colonies in the time of Emperor Trajan. … The people of the country consider themselves true successors of the Romans and call their language romanechte, that is, Roman}}] The oldest known surviving document written in [Romanian](/source/Romanian_language) that can be precisely dated, a 1521 letter known as the "[Letter of Neacșu from Câmpulung](/source/Neac%C8%99u's_letter)",[{{Citation |last=Iliescu |first=Maria |title=History of the Romanian Lexicon |date=26 May 2021 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199384655.013.471 |encyclopedia=Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Linguistics |access-date=22 August 2023 |publisher=Oxford University Press |doi=10.1093/acrefore/9780199384655.013.471 |isbn=978-0-19-938465-5 |archive-date=18 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618235208/https://oxfordre.com/linguistics/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780199384655.001.0001/acrefore-9780199384655-e-471 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}] is notable for including the first documented occurrence of ''Romanian'' in a country name: Wallachia is mentioned as {{lang|ro|Țara Rumânească}}.
==History==
{{Main|History of Romania}}
{{Further|Timeline of Romanian history|Origin of the Romanians}}
===Prehistory===
Human remains found in [Peștera cu Oase](/source/Pe%C8%99tera_cu_Oase) ("Cave with Bones"), radiocarbon date from circa 40,000 years ago, and represent the oldest known ''[Homo sapiens](/source/Homo_sapiens)'' in Europe.{{sfn|Price|2013|pp=60–61}} [Neolithic](/source/Neolithic) agriculture spread after the arrival of a mixed group of people from [Thessaly](/source/Thessaly) in the 6th millennium BC.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|pp=1–2}}{{sfn|Price|2013|pp=125–127}} Excavations at the [Poiana Slatinei](/source/Poiana_Slatinei) site near a [salt spring](/source/salt_spring) next to [Lunca](/source/V%C3%A2n%C4%83tori-Neam%C8%9B), Neamț yielded the earliest evidence for salt exploitation in Europe; here salt production began between the 5th and 4th millennium BC.[{{cite web|first=Patrick |last=Gibbs |url=http://antiquity.ac.uk/projgall/weller/ |title=Antiquity Vol 79 No 306 December 2005 The earliest salt production in the world: an early Neolithic exploitation in Poiana Slatinei-Lunca, Romania Olivier Weller & Gheorghe Dumitroaia |publisher=Antiquity.ac.uk |access-date=12 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430145935/http://antiquity.ac.uk/ProjGall/weller/ |archive-date=30 April 2011 }}] The first permanent settlements developed into "proto-cities",{{sfn|Price|2013|p=149}} which were larger than {{convert|800|acre|ha|order=flip}}.[{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/science/01arch.html?pagewanted=all |title=A Lost European Culture, Pulled From Obscurity |author= John Noble Wilford |publisher= [The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) (30 November 2009)|date=1 December 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170423023342/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/science/01arch.html?pagewanted=all |archive-date= 23 April 2017 }}]{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=2}} The [Cucuteni–Trypillia culture](/source/Cucuteni%E2%80%93Trypillia_culture)—the best known [archaeological culture](/source/archaeological_culture) of [Old Europe](/source/Old_Europe_(archaeology))—flourished in [Muntenia](/source/Muntenia), southeastern Transylvania and northeastern Moldavia in the 3rd millennium BC.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=2}}
The first fortified settlements appeared around 1800 BC, showing the militant character of [Bronze Age](/source/Bronze_Age) societies.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=2}}
===Antiquity===
{{Main|Romania in Antiquity}}
{{See also|Legacy of the Roman Empire}}
[[File:Dacia 82 vChr.png|thumb|Maximum territorial extent of the [Kingdom of Dacia](/source/Dacia) during [Burebista](/source/Burebista)'s reign (early 40s BC)]]
Greek colonies established on the [Black Sea](/source/Black_Sea) coast in the 7th century BC became important centres of commerce with the local tribes.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=3}}{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=3}} Among the native peoples, [Herodotus](/source/Herodotus) listed the [Getae](/source/Getae) of the Lower Danube region, the [Agathyrsi](/source/Agathyrsi) of Transylvania and the [Syginnae](/source/Syginnae) of the plains along the river [Tisza](/source/Tisza) at the beginning of the 5th century BC.{{sfn|Rustoiu|2005|pp=32, 35–36}} Centuries later, [Strabo](/source/Strabo) associated the Getae with the [Dacians](/source/Dacians) who dominated the lands along the southern [Carpathian Mountains](/source/Carpathian_Mountains) in the 1st century BC.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=7}} [Burebista](/source/Burebista) was the first Dacian ruler to unite the local tribes.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=7}}{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=14}} He also conquered the Greek colonies in [Dobruja](/source/Dobruja) and the neighbouring peoples as far as the Middle Danube and the [Balkan Mountains](/source/Balkan_Mountains) between around 55 and 44 BC.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=7}}{{sfn|Pop|1999|pp=14–15}} After Burebista was murdered in 44 BC, his kingdom collapsed.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=7}}{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=4}}
The Romans reached [Dacia](/source/Dacia) during Burebista's reign and conquered Dobruja in 46 AD.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=4}} Dacia was again united under [Decebalus](/source/Decebalus) around 85 AD.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=7}}{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=15}} He resisted the Romans for decades, but the Roman army defeated his troops in 106 AD.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|pp=9–10}} Emperor [Trajan](/source/Trajan) transformed [Banat](/source/Banat), [Oltenia](/source/Oltenia) and the greater part of Transylvania into a new [province](/source/Roman_province) called [Roman Dacia](/source/Roman_Dacia), but Dacian, [Germanic](/source/Germanic_peoples) and [Sarmatian](/source/Sarmatian) tribes continued to dominate the lands along the Roman frontiers.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=6}}{{sfn|Opreanu|2005|pp=68–69, 97–98}} The Romans pursued an organised colonisation policy, and the provincials enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity in the 2nd century.{{sfn|Pop|1999|pp=22–23}}{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|pp=13–14}} Scholars accepting the Daco-Roman continuity theory—one of the main theories about the [origin of the Romanians](/source/origin_of_the_Romanians)—say that the cohabitation of the native [Dacians](/source/Dacians) and the [Roman](/source/Roman_Empire) colonists in Roman Dacia was the first phase of the Romanians' [ethnogenesis](/source/ethnogenesis).{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=10}}{{sfn|Pop|1999|pp=19–20}} The [Carpians](/source/Carpians), [Goths](/source/Goths) and other neighbouring tribes made regular raids against Dacia from the 210s.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=14}} The Romans could not resist, and Emperor [Aurelian](/source/Aurelian) ordered the evacuation of the province [Dacia Trajana](/source/Dacia_Trajana) in the 270s.{{sfn|Opreanu|2005|pp=105–107}} Scholars supporting the continuity theory are convinced that most Latin-speaking commoners stayed behind when the army and civil administration was withdrawn.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|pp=8, 10}} The Romans did not abandon their fortresses along the northern banks of the [Lower Danube](/source/Danube) for decades, and [Dobruja](/source/Dobruja) (known as [Scythia Minor](/source/Scythia_Minor)) remained an integral part of the Roman Empire until the early 7th century.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=10}}{{sfn|Opreanu|2005|p=108, 110–111}}
=== Middle Ages ===
{{Main|Romania in the Early Middle Ages|Romania in the Middle Ages|Founding of Wallachia|Founding of Moldavia}}
[[File:Gutthiuda.jpg|thumb|Gutthiuda, or the land of the [Gothic](/source/Gothic_language)-speaking [Thervingi](/source/Thervingi), and the neighbouring tribes (370s AD)]]
The Goths were expanding towards the Lower Danube from the 230s, forcing the native peoples to flee to the [Roman Empire](/source/Roman_Empire) or to accept their [suzerainty](/source/suzerainty).{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=16}}{{sfn|Heather|2010|pp=116–117, 165}}{{sfn|Opreanu|2005|pp=117–118}} The Goths' rule ended abruptly when the [Huns](/source/Huns) invaded their territory in 376, causing new waves of migrations.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=16}}{{sfn|Opreanu|2005|pp=117–118}}{{sfn|Heather|2010|p=151}} The Huns forced the remnants of the local population into submission, but their empire collapsed in 454.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=16}}{{sfn|Heather|2010|pp=151, 207–208}} The [Gepids](/source/Gepids) took possession of the former Dacia province.{{sfn|Bóna|1994|pp=66–67}}{{sfn|Curta|2006|p=54}} Place names that are of [Slavic](/source/Slavic_languages) origin abound in Romania, indicating that a significant Slavic-speaking population lived in the territory.{{sfn|Opreanu|2005|p=131}} The first [Slavic](/source/Early_Slavs) groups settled in [Moldavia](/source/Moldavia) and [Wallachia](/source/Wallachia) in the 6th century,{{sfn|Heather|2010|pp=395–397}} in Transylvania around 600.{{sfn|Bóna|1994|pp=97–99}} The nomadic [Avars](/source/Pannonian_Avars) defeated the Gepids and established a powerful empire around 570.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=16}}{{sfn|Curta|2006|pp=62–63}} The [Bulgars](/source/Bulgars), who also came from the European [Pontic steppe](/source/Pontic_steppe), occupied the [Lower Danube](/source/Danube) region in 680.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=16}}
[[File:Balkans850.png|thumb| [First Bulgarian Empire](/source/First_Bulgarian_Empire) (681–1018) around 850]]
After the [Avar Khaganate](/source/Avar_Khaganate) collapsed in the 790s, the [First Bulgarian Empire](/source/First_Bulgarian_Empire) became the dominant power of the region, occupying lands as far as the river [Tisa](/source/Tisa).{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=16}} The First Bulgarian Empire had a mixed population consisting of the [Bulgar](/source/Bulgars) conquerors, [Slavs](/source/Slavs) and [Vlachs](/source/Vlachs) (or Romanians) but the [Slavicisation](/source/Slavicisation) of the Bulgar elite had already begun in the 9th century. Following the conquest of southern [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania) around 830, people from the Bulgar Empire mined salt at the local salt mines.[{{cite book |last=Bóna |first=István |editor1-last=Köpeczi |editor1-first=Béla |editor2-last=Barta |editor2-first=Gábor |editor3-last=Bóna |editor3-first=István |editor4-last=Makkai |editor4-first=László |editor5-last=Szász |editor5-first=Zoltán |editor6-last=Borus |editor6-first=Judit |title=History of Transylvania |publisher=Akadémiai Kiadó |year=2001 |chapter=Southern Transylvania under Bulgar Rule |isbn=0-88033-479-7 |url=https://mek.oszk.hu/03400/03407/html/49.html}}] The [Council of Preslav](/source/Council_of_Preslav) declared [Old Church Slavonic](/source/Old_Church_Slavonic) the language of liturgy in the country in 893.{{sfn|Curta|2006|pp=168, 177}} The Vlachs also adopted Old Church Slavonic as their liturgical language.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=37}}
The [Magyars](/source/Magyars) (or [Hungarians](/source/Hungarians)) took control of the steppes north of the Lower Danube in the 830s, but the [Bulgarians](/source/Bulgarians) and the [Pechenegs](/source/Pechenegs) jointly forced them to abandon this region for the [lowlands along the Middle Danube](/source/Great_Hungarian_Plain) around 894.{{sfn|Curta|2006|pp=123, 178}} Centuries later, the ''[Gesta Hungarorum](/source/Gesta_Hungarorum)'' wrote of the invading Magyars' wars against three dukes—[Glad](/source/Glad_(duke)), [Menumorut](/source/Menumorut) and the Vlach [Gelou](/source/Gelou)—for [Banat](/source/Banat), [Crișana](/source/Cri%C8%99ana) and [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania).{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=20}}{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|pp=14–15}} The ''Gesta'' also listed many peoples—[Slavs](/source/Slavs), Bulgarians, [Vlachs](/source/Vlachs), [Khazars](/source/Khazars), and [Székelys](/source/Sz%C3%A9kelys)—inhabiting the same regions.{{sfn|Sălăgean|2005|p=140}}{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=36}} The reliability of the ''Gesta'' is debated. Some scholars regard it as a basically accurate account, others describe it as a literary work filled with invented details.{{sfn|Curta|2006|pp=15–16 (note 41)}}{{sfn|Sălăgean|2005|pp=140–141}}{{sfn|Bóna|1994|p=111}} The Pechenegs seized the lowlands abandoned by the Hungarians to the east of the [Carpathians](/source/Carpathian_Mountains).{{sfn|Curta|2006|pp=182–183}}
[Byzantine](/source/Byzantine) missionaries proselytised in the lands east of the Tisa from the 940s{{sfn|Curta|2006|pp=189–190}} and [Byzantine](/source/Byzantine_Empire) troops occupied [Dobruja](/source/Dobruja) in the 970s.{{sfn|Sălăgean|2005|p=152}} The first [king of Hungary](/source/king_of_Hungary), [Stephen I](/source/Stephen_I_of_Hungary), who supported [Western European](/source/Western_Europe) missionaries, defeated the local chieftains and established [Roman Catholic bishoprics](/source/Catholic_Church_in_Romania) (office of a bishop) in [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania) and [Banat](/source/Banat) in the early 11th century.{{sfn|Curta|2006|pp=248–250}}{{sfn|Pop|1999|pp=40–41}} Significant Pecheneg groups fled to the Byzantine Empire in the 1040s; the [Oghuz Turks](/source/Oghuz_Turks) followed them, and the nomadic [Cumans](/source/Cumans) became the dominant power of the steppes in the 1060s.{{sfn|Curta|2006|pp=304–305}} Cooperation between the Cumans and the [Vlachs](/source/Vlachs) against the Byzantine Empire is well documented from the end of the 11th century.{{sfn|Sălăgean|2005|p=157}} Scholars who reject the [Daco-Roman](/source/Daco-Roman) continuity theory say that the first Vlach groups left their [Balkan](/source/Balkan) homeland for the mountain pastures of the eastern and southern Carpathians in the 11th century, establishing the Romanians' presence in the lands to the north of the Lower Danube.{{sfn|Bóna|1994|p=183}}
[[File:Vlad_Tepes_002.jpg|thumb|[Vlad III of Wallachia](/source/Vlad_III_of_Wallachia) (also known as Vlad the Impaler), medieval ruler of Wallachia]]
Exposed to nomadic incursions, Transylvania developed into an important border province of the [Kingdom of Hungary](/source/Kingdom_of_Hungary).{{sfn|Sălăgean|2005|pp=158–159}}{{sfn|Bóna|1994|pp=144–145}} The Székelys—a community of free warriors—settled in [central Transylvania](/source/Transylvania) around 1100 and moved to the easternmost regions around 1200.{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=43}} Colonists from the [Holy Roman Empire](/source/Holy_Roman_Empire)—the [Transylvanian Saxons](/source/Transylvanian_Saxons)' ancestors—came to the province in the 1150s.{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=43}}{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=21}} A high-ranking royal official, styled [voivode](/source/Voivode_of_Transylvania), ruled the Transylvanian [counties](/source/Counties_of_Hungary_(before_1920)) from the 1170s, but the [Székely](/source/Sz%C3%A9kely_Land) and [Saxon](/source/Saxons) [seats](/source/Seat_(territorial_administrative_unit)) (or districts) were not subject to the voivodes' authority.{{sfn|Pop|1999|pp=41–43}} Royal charters wrote of the "[Vlachs](/source/Vlachs)' land" in southern Transylvania in the early 13th century, indicating the existence of [autonomous Romanian communities](/source/Romanian_district).{{sfn|Bóna|1994|p=189}} Papal correspondence mentions the activities of Orthodox prelates among the Romanians in [Muntenia](/source/Muntenia) in the 1230s.{{sfn|Curta|2006|p=408}} Also in the 13th century, the [Republic of Genoa](/source/Republic_of_Genoa) started establishing [colonies](/source/Genoese_colonies) on the [Black Sea](/source/Black_Sea), including [Calafat](/source/Calafat), and [Constanța](/source/Constan%C8%9Ba).[{{Cite book|last=Heyd|first=Guglielmo|title=Le Colonie Commerciali Degli Italiani in Oriente Nel Medio Evo|publisher=HardPress Publishing|pages=97|language=it}}][{{Cite book|last=Iliescu|first=Octavian|title=Revue Roumaine d'Histoire (Contributions à l'histoire des colonies génoises en Roumanie aux XIIIe – XVe siècles)|publisher=Editions de l'Académie de la République socialiste de Roumanie|pages=25–52}}]
The [Mongols](/source/Mongols) destroyed large territories during [their invasion of Eastern and Central Europe](/source/Mongol_invasion_of_Europe) in 1241 and 1242.{{sfn|Pop|1999|pp=43–44}} The Mongols' [Golden Horde](/source/Golden_Horde) emerged as the dominant power of Eastern Europe, but [Béla IV](/source/B%C3%A9la%26nbsp%3BIV) of [Hungary's](/source/Hungary) land grant to the [Knights Hospitallers](/source/Knights_Hospitallers) in [Oltenia](/source/Oltenia) and [Muntenia](/source/Muntenia) shows that the local [Vlach](/source/Vlach) rulers were subject to the king's authority in 1247.{{sfn|Curta|2006|pp=407, 414}}{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=44}} [Basarab I of Wallachia](/source/Basarab%26nbsp%3BI_of_Wallachia) united the Romanian polities between the southern [Carpathians](/source/Carpathian_Mountains) and the [Lower Danube](/source/Danube) in the 1310s.{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=45}} He defeated the Hungarian royal army in the [Battle of Posada](/source/Battle_of_Posada) and secured the independence of [Wallachia](/source/Wallachia) in 1330.{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=46}}{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=17}} The second Romanian principality, [Moldavia](/source/Moldavia), achieved full autonomy during the reign of [Bogdan I](/source/Bogdan_I_of_Moldavia) around 1360.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=17}} A local dynasty ruled the [Despotate of Dobruja](/source/Despotate_of_Dobruja) in the second half of the 14th century, but the [Ottoman Empire](/source/Ottoman_Empire) took possession of the territory after 1388.{{sfn|Sălăgean|2005|p=202}}
Princes [Mircea I](/source/Mircea_I_of_Wallachia) and [Vlad III of Wallachia](/source/Vlad_the_Impaler), and [Stephen III of Moldavia](/source/Stephen_the_Great) defended their countries' independence against the Ottomans. Most [Wallachian](/source/Wallachia) and [Moldavian](/source/Moldavian) princes paid a regular tribute to the [Ottoman sultans](/source/List_of_sultans_of_the_Ottoman_Empire) from 1417 and 1456, respectively.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|pp=26–29}}{{sfn|Pop|1999|pp=60–61, 63–66}} [John Hunyadi](/source/John_Hunyadi), organised the defence of the [Kingdom of Hungary](/source/Kingdom_of_Hungary) and [anti-Ottoman campaigns](/source/Hungarian%E2%80%93Ottoman_Wars) from 1440 until his death in 1456.{{sfn|Pop|1999|pp=61–62}} Increasing taxes outraged the [Transylvanian peasants](/source/Transylvanian_peasant_revolt), and they rose up in an open rebellion in 1437, but the [Hungarian nobles](/source/Hungarian_nobility) and the heads of the [Saxon](/source/Saxons) and [Székely](/source/Sz%C3%A9kely_Land) communities jointly suppressed their revolt.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|pp=30–31}} The formal alliance of the [Hungarian](/source/Hungarians), Saxon, and Székely leaders, known as the [Union of the Three Nations](/source/Unio_Trium_Nationum), became an important element of the self-government of [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania).{{sfn|Pop|1999|pp=52–53}} The Orthodox Romanian ''[knezes](/source/Knez_(Vlach_leader))'' ("chiefs") were excluded from the Union.{{sfn|Pop|1999|pp=52–53}}
=== Early modern times and national awakening ===
{{Main|Early Modern Romania|Romanian War of Independence}}
{{multiple image
| perrow = 2
| total_width = 280
| image1 = Mihai 1600.png
| image2 = MihaiViteazul.jpg
| footer = During the [Long Turkish War](/source/Long_Turkish_War), [Wallachian Prince](/source/List_of_rulers_of_Wallachia) [Michael the Brave](/source/Michael_the_Brave) (''portrayed'') briefly reigned over the three medieval principalities of [Wallachia](/source/Wallachia), [Moldavia](/source/Moldavia), and [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania), covering most of the present-day territory of Romania
}}
The [Kingdom of Hungary](/source/Kingdom_of_Hungary) collapsed, and the [Ottomans](/source/Ottoman_Turks) occupied parts of [Banat](/source/Banat) and [Crișana](/source/Cri%C8%99ana) in 1541.{{sfn|Pop|1999|pp=52–53}} Transylvania and [Maramureș](/source/Maramure%C8%99), along with the rest of Banat and Crișana, developed into a new state under Ottoman suzerainty, the [Principality of Transylvania](/source/Principality_of_Transylvania_(1570%E2%80%931711)).{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=41}} The [Reformation](/source/Reformation), initiated in [Germany](/source/Germany) by [Martin Luther](/source/Martin_Luther) in 1517, encouraged the spread of [Protestantism](/source/Protestantism) across the region; by 1568, the [Edict of Torda](/source/Edict_of_Torda) formally granted local communities the right to choose their own preachers, sanctioning the existence of four "received" religions ([Catholicism](/source/Catholicism), [Lutheranism](/source/Lutheranism), [Calvinism](/source/Calvinism), and [Unitarianism](/source/Unitarian_Church_of_Transylvania)).{{Who|date=March 2025}}{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=69}} The Romanians' Orthodox faith remained only tolerated,{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=69}} although they made up more than one-third of the population, according to 17th-century estimates.{{sfn|Trócsányi|Miskolczy|1994|p=419}}{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=71}} In June 1609, [Gabriel Báthory](/source/Gabriel_B%C3%A1thory) freed the Romanian Orthodox clergy from both taxation and service demands.{{sfn|Nagy|1988|p=290}}
The princes of [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania), [Wallachia](/source/Wallachia), and [Moldavia](/source/Moldavia) joined the [Holy League](/source/Holy_League_(1594)) against the [Ottoman Empire](/source/Ottoman_Empire) in 1594.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=54}} The Wallachian prince, [Michael the Brave](/source/Michael_the_Brave), united the three principalities under his rule in May 1600.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=35}}{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|pp=55–56}} The neighbouring powers forced him to abdicate in September, but he became a symbol of the unification of the Romanian lands in the 19th century.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=35}} Although the rulers of the three principalities continued to pay tribute to the [Ottomans](/source/Ottoman_Turks), the most talented princes—[Gabriel Bethlen](/source/Gabriel_Bethlen) of Transylvania, [Matei Basarab](/source/Matei_Basarab) of Wallachia, and [Vasile Lupu](/source/Vasile_Lupu) of Moldavia—strengthened their autonomy.{{sfn|Pop|1999|pp=75–76}}
The united armies of the [Holy League](/source/Holy_League_(1684)) expelled the Ottoman troops from [Central Europe](/source/Central_Europe) between 1684 and 1699, and the [Principality of Transylvania](/source/Principality_of_Transylvania_(1570%E2%80%931711)) was integrated into the [Habsburg monarchy](/source/Habsburg_monarchy).{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=79}} The [Habsburgs](/source/House_of_Habsburg) supported the Catholic clergy and persuaded the Orthodox Romanian prelates to accept the [union with the Roman Catholic Church](/source/church_union) in 1699.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|p=42}} In the 18th century, [Moldavia](/source/Moldavia) and [Wallachia](/source/Wallachia) maintained their internal autonomy, but in 1711 and 1716, respectively, the period of the [Phanariots](/source/Phanariots) began, with rulers appointed directly by the Porte from among the noble families of [Greek](/source/Greeks) origin in [Constantinople](/source/Constantinople). With the signing of the [Ausgleich](/source/Ausgleich) in 1867, [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania) quickly lost its remaining political autonomy, being politically and administratively incorporated into the [Kingdom of Hungary](/source/Kingdom_of_Hungary).[Anton Dörner, "Administrarea Transilvaniei în perioada anilor 1867–1876", Institutul de Istorie „George Barițiu" din Cluj-Napoca – Retrieved 2 May 2009.] The Church Union strengthened the Romanian intellectuals' devotion to their Roman heritage.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=60}} The Orthodox Church was restored in Transylvania only after Orthodox monks stirred up revolts in 1744 and 1759.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=61}} The organisation of the [Transylvanian Military Frontier](/source/Transylvanian_Military_Frontier) caused further disturbances, [especially among the Székelys in 1764](/source/Siculicidium).{{sfn|Trócsányi|Miskolczy|1994|pp=432–434}}
Princes [Dimitrie Cantemir](/source/Dimitrie_Cantemir) of Moldavia and [Constantin Brâncoveanu](/source/Constantin_Br%C3%A2ncoveanu) of [Wallachia](/source/Wallachia) concluded alliances with the [Habsburg Monarchy](/source/Habsburg_monarchy) and [Russia](/source/Russia) against the [Ottomans](/source/Ottoman_Turks), but they were dethroned in 1711 and 1714, respectively.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|pp=44–45}} The sultans lost confidence in the native princes and appointed Orthodox merchants from the [Phanar](/source/Phanar) district of [Istanbul](/source/Istanbul) to rule [Moldavia](/source/Moldavia) and Wallachia.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|pp=55–56}}{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|pp=73–74}} The [Phanariot](/source/Phanariot) princes pursued oppressive fiscal policies and dissolved the army.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|pp=74–75, 78}} The neighbouring powers took advantage of the situation: the Habsburg Monarchy annexed the northwestern part of Moldavia, or [Bukovina](/source/Bukovina), in 1775, and the [Russian Empire](/source/Russian_Empire) seized the eastern half of Moldavia, or [Bessarabia](/source/Bessarabia), in 1812.{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=92}}{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|pp=75–76}}
A census revealed that the Romanians were more numerous than any other ethnic group in [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania) in 1733, but legislation continued to use contemptuous adjectives (such as "tolerated" and "admitted") when referring to them.{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=87}}{{sfn|Trócsányi|Miskolczy|1994|pp=427–428}} The [Uniate bishop](/source/Romanian_Greek_Catholic_Church), [Inocențiu Micu-Klein](/source/Inocen%C8%9Biu_Micu-Klein), who demanded recognition of the Romanians as the fourth privileged nation, was forced into exile.{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|pp=89–90}}{{sfn|Trócsányi|Miskolczy|1994|pp=427–428}} Uniate and Orthodox clerics and laymen jointly signed a [plea for the Transylvanian Romanians' emancipation](/source/Supplex_Libellus_Valachorum) in 1791, but the monarch and the local authorities refused to grant their requests.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|pp=73–74}}{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=87}}
[[File:RomaniaBorderHistoryAnnimation 1859-2010.gif|thumb|right|Animated map depicting the territorial changes of Romania from [1859](/source/Unification_of_Moldavia_and_Wallachia) to [2010](/source/Maritime_Delimitation_in_the_Black_Sea_case)]]
The [Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca](/source/Treaty_of_K%C3%BC%C3%A7%C3%BCk_Kaynarca) authorised the Russian ambassador in [Istanbul](/source/Istanbul) to defend the autonomy of Moldavia and Wallachia (known as the [Danubian Principalities](/source/Danubian_Principalities)) in 1774.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=68}} Taking advantage of the [Greek War of Independence](/source/Greek_War_of_Independence), a Wallachian lesser nobleman, [Tudor Vladimirescu](/source/Tudor_Vladimirescu), stirred up a revolt against the Ottomans in January 1821, but he was murdered in June by [Phanariot Greeks](/source/Phanariots).{{sfn|Georgescu|1991|pp=103–104}} After a [new Russo-Turkish War](/source/Russo-Turkish_War_(1828%E2%80%9329)), the [Treaty of Adrianople](/source/Treaty_of_Adrianople_(1829)) strengthened the autonomy of the Danubian Principalities in 1829, although it also acknowledged the sultan's right to confirm the election of the princes.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=81}}
[Mihail Kogălniceanu](/source/Mihail_Kog%C4%83lniceanu), [Nicolae Bălcescu](/source/Nicolae_B%C4%83lcescu) and other leaders of the [1848 revolutions in Moldavia](/source/Moldavian_Revolution_of_1848) and [Wallachia](/source/Wallachian_Revolution_of_1848) demanded the emancipation of the peasants and the union of the two principalities, but Russian and Ottoman troops crushed their revolt.{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=99}}{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|pp=96–97}} The Wallachian revolutionaries were the first to adopt the blue, yellow and red [tricolour](/source/tricolour) as the [national flag](/source/Flag_of_Romania), which included the motto "Justice, Fraternity" (''Dreptate, Frăție'') to symbolise the bond between Wallachians and Moldavians.{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=100}} In Transylvania, most Romanians supported the imperial government against the [Hungarian revolutionaries](/source/Hungarian_Revolution_of_1848) after the Diet passed a law concerning the union of [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania) and [Hungary](/source/Hungary).{{sfn|Pop|1999|p=100}} Bishop [Andrei Șaguna](/source/Andrei_%C8%98aguna) proposed the unification of the Romanians of the Habsburg Monarchy in a separate duchy, but the central government refused to change the internal borders.{{sfn|Hitchins|2014|p=99}}
=== Unification and the Kingdom of Romania ===
{{Main|Unification of Moldavia and Wallachia|United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia|Kingdom of Romania}}
[[File:King_Carol_I_of_Romania_with_his_nephew_and_great_nephew.jpg|right|thumb|upright|[King Carol I](/source/King_Carol_I) with his nephew [Ferdinand](/source/Ferdinand_I_of_Romania) and his son, [Carol II](/source/Carol_II)]]
====From the Little Union to the Great War====
The modern Romanian state was created through the [unification of the principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia](/source/Unification_of_the_Romanian_Principalities), accepted as a federative structure by the [Great Powers](/source/European_balance_of_power) following the [Paris Convention](/source/Paris_Convention) of 1858, and later cemented by the simultaneous election as ruler of both states of the unionist [Alexandru Ioan Cuza](/source/Alexandru_Ioan_Cuza).[[https://jurnalul.ro/special-jurnalul/150-de-ani-de-la-unirea-principatelor-romane-142961.html 150 de ani de la Unirea Principatelor Române] , 24 January 2009, ''Jurnalul Național'', accessed 6 July 2012][[http://www.mnir.ro/ro/ExpozitiiTemporare/Expozitie.aspx?IDExpozitieTemp=68 National Museum of Romanian History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226155145/http://www.mnir.ro/ro/ExpozitiiTemporare/Expozitie.aspx?IDExpozitieTemp=68 |date=26 February 2009 }} – Unirea Principatelor Române, 150 de ani – Accessed 15 March 2009][{{cite book|last=Bobango|first=Gerald J|title=The emergence of the Romanian national State|publisher=Boulder|year=1979|location=New York|isbn=9780914710516}}] After carrying out numerous reforms that laid the foundations for the modernisation of the state, he was forced in 1866 by a broad coalition of the political parties of the time, also known as the "[Monstrous coalition](/source/Monstrous_coalition)", to abdicate and leave the country.[Constantiniu, Florin: ''A Sincere History of the Romanian People'', Bucharest, Editura Univers Enciclopedic, 1997 – ISBN 973-9243-07-X]
The union was at one time in peril, but the political leaders of the era succeeded in placing on the princely throne [Carol I of Romania](/source/Carol_I_of_Romania), who accepted the Constitution and took the oath on 10 May 1866. Eleven years later, on 10 May 1877, Romania proclaimed its independence—achieved on the battlefield—and in 1881, on the same day of the year, Carol was crowned as [King of Romania](/source/King_of_Romania). In 1913, Romania entered the [Second Balkan War](/source/Second_Balkan_War) against [Bulgaria](/source/Bulgaria), at the end of which it obtained [Southern Dobruja](/source/Southern_Dobruja).[[http://www.rri.ro/arh-art.shtml?lang=2&sec=40&art=8410 Radio România Internațional] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819013509/http://www.rri.ro/arh-art.shtml?lang=2&sec=40&art=8410 |date=19 August 2011 }} – Romania in the Balkan Wars – Accessed 15 March 2009]["On 27 June/10 July 1913, Romania summoned its ambassador from Sofia and, via an ultimative diplomatic note, announced to Bulgaria that, if it did not cease its aggressive actions against Greece and Serbia, the Romanian Army would take action." – Lieutenant-Colonel drd. Rizescu Alexandru – ''[http://www.armyacademy.ro/buletin/2_2001/art9.html Aspects of Romania’s Security Policy in Southeastern Europe at the Beginning of the 20th Century]'' – Accessed 15 March 2009][{{cite book|last1=Anderson|first1=Frank Maloy|last2=Hershey|first2=Amos Shartle|title=Handbook for the Diplomatic History of Europe, Asia, and Africa 1870–1914|publisher=Government Printing Office|year=1918|location=Washington D.C.}}] In 1914, [King Carol I](/source/King_Carol_I) died, and his nephew, [Ferdinand I](/source/Ferdinand_I_of_Romania), succeeded him on the throne.[[http://www.casaromana.org/istoria/r_secolulxx.html Casa Română] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322072343/http://www.casaromana.org/istoria/r_secolulxx.html |date=22 March 2009 }} – The History of the Romanians – Accessed 15 March 2009] Although the Romanian forces did not perform well militarily, by the end of the war the [Austrian](/source/Austrian_Empire) and [Russian Empires](/source/Russian_Empire) had disintegrated; the [National Assembly](/source/Great_National_Assembly_of_Alba_Iulia) in [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania), and the [Sfatul Țării](/source/Sfatul_%C8%9A%C4%83rii) in [Bessarabia](/source/Bessarabia) and [Bukovina](/source/Bukovina) proclaimed their union with Romania, and [King Ferdinand I](/source/Ferdinand_I_of_Romania) and [Queen Maria](/source/Queen_Maria_of_Romania) were crowned sovereign of all Romanians in [Alba Iulia](/source/Alba_Iulia) on 15 October 1922.[[http://www.familiaregala.ro/?lng=&id2=010103 The Romanian Royal Family] – Ferdinand – Accessed 15 March 2009]
After [World War I](/source/World_War_I), the union of [Bukovina](/source/Bukovina) with Romania was ratified in 1919 by the [Treaty of Saint Germain](/source/Treaty_of_Saint_Germain). Most of the territories claimed by Romania from the [Kingdom of Hungary](/source/Kingdom_of_Hungary)—[Crișana](/source/Cri%C8%99ana), [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania) and parts of [Banat](/source/Banat) and [Maramureș](/source/Maramure%C8%99)—were annexed to the [Kingdom of Romania](/source/Kingdom_of_Romania). This act was ratified in 1920 by the [Treaty of Trianon](/source/Treaty_of_Trianon), which defined the new border between [Hungary](/source/Hungary) and Romania.
====Interwar period====
After having left the country and renounced his claim to the throne in 1925, [Carol II](/source/Carol_II) returned in 1930 and usurped his son's throne; influenced by his inner circle—referred to by historians as the "Royal Camarilla"—he gradually undermined the democratic system, and in 1938 he assumed dictatorial powers. Although he was pro-Western (especially Anglophile), Carol attempted to appease extreme centrifugal forces by appointing nationalist governments that adopted anti-Semitic measures, such as the [Goga cabinet](/source/Goga_cabinet) and the one led by the Orthodox Patriarch [Miron Cristea](/source/Miron_Cristea).
====World War II====
{{Main|Romania in World War II}}
[[File:PérdidasTerritorialesRumanas1940-ro.svg|thumb|right|Romania's territorial losses in the summer of 1940. Of these territories, only [Northern Transylvania](/source/Northern_Transylvania) was [regained](/source/Paris_Peace_Treaties%2C_1947) after the end of World War II]]
Following the [Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact](/source/Molotov%E2%80%93Ribbentrop_Pact) of 1939, in June 1940 Romania accepted the loss of [Bessarabia](/source/Bessarabia), [Northern Bukovina](/source/Northern_Bukovina) and the [Hertsa](/source/Hertsa) region in favour of the [USSR](/source/USSR) (as stipulated in the Soviet ultimatum of 28 June 1940). Unaware of the details of the Soviet–German pact, Carol attempted to secure an alliance with [Nazi Germany](/source/Nazi_Germany), and appointed [Ion Gigurtu](/source/Ion_Gigurtu) as President of the Council of Ministers, who declared that he would pursue a [Nazi](/source/Nazism) pro-Axis ([Berlin](/source/Berlin)–[Rome](/source/Rome)) policy that was anti-Semitic and fascist-totalitarian in nature.[''Le Figaro'', 6 July 1940, p. 2.][''Le Figaro'', 9 July 1940, p. 1.][''New York Times'', 5 July 1940; ''New York Times'', 7 July 1940; ''New York Times'', 30 July 1940; ''New York Times'', 9 August 1940.] Between 4 July and 4 September 1940, by accepting [Hitler's arbitration](/source/Second_Vienna_Award) over [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania) (after Gigurtu declared on radio that Romania must make territorial sacrifices to justify its Nazi orientation and full adherence to the Berlin–Rome Axis), Romania ceded [Northern Transylvania](/source/Northern_Transylvania)—including the city of [Cluj](/source/Cluj)—to Hungary.[''Le Figaro'', 9 August 1940; ''New York Times'', 9 August 1940.][Constantiniu, Florin: ''Between Hitler and Stalin; Romania and the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact'', Bucharest, Editura Danubius, 1991.][Constantiniu, Florin: ''Hitler, Stalin and Romania – Romania and the Genesis of Operation “Barbarossa”'', Bucharest, Editura Univers Enciclopedic, 2002.] The vast territories in Transylvania ceded by Ion Gigurtu to Hungary contained important natural resources, including gold mines.[''Le Figaro'', 4 September 1940.] Ion Gigurtu also initiated negotiations to cede 8,000 km2 of [Southern Dobruja](/source/Southern_Dobruja) to [Bulgaria](/source/Bulgaria),[''Le Figaro'', 23 August 1940.] these negotiations were interrupted by Antonescu's unconditional acceptance of the territorial cession.[{{Citation | url=https://romanialibera.ro/special/documentare/75-de-ani-de-la-pierderea-cadrilaterului---mica-bijuterie-a-coroanei-romaniei-391941 | title=PHOTO. 75 Years since the Loss of the Quadrilateral – the Small Jewel of the Romanian Crown | newspaper=România liberă | date=7 September 2015 | first=Mihai | last=Diac | access-date=4 July 2018}}]
In response to the chaotic withdrawal from [Bessarabia](/source/Bessarabia), the territorial cessions, public discontent, and protests from political leaders, [King Carol II](/source/Carol_II_of_Romania) suspended the [1938 Constitution of Romania](/source/1938_Constitution_of_Romania) and appointed General [Ion Antonescu](/source/Ion_Antonescu) as Prime Minister. This measure, supported by the [Iron Guard](/source/Iron_Guard), demanded that the king abdicate in favour of his son, [Mihai](/source/Mihai_I_of_Romania). Subsequently, Antonescu assumed dictatorial powers and became President of the Council of Ministers, as the self-titled "Leader" of the state.[Constantiniu, Florin: ''Hitler, Stalin and Romania – Romania and the Genesis of Operation “Barbarossa”'', Bucharest, Univers Enciclopedic, 2002][“[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761559516_9/Romania.html History of Romania] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091030124558/http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761559516_9/Romania.html |date=2009-10-30 }}". Encarta. Accessed 14 March 2009.]
In 1941, as an ally of [Nazi Germany](/source/Nazi_Germany), Romania entered [World War II](/source/World_War%26nbsp%3BII) by declaring war on the [Soviet Union](/source/Soviet_Union).[[http://www.revista.memoria.ro/?location=view_article&id=386 ''Memoria''], Eugen Denize. Accessed 15 March 2009.] Following Antonescu's outright refusal, King Mihai I ordered the dismissal and arrest of the marshal, and Romania switched sides to join the Allies.[Cioroianu, p. 489.][Liiceanu, p. xviii.][Tismăneanu, p. 241]]]
Less than three years after the [Soviet occupation of Romania](/source/Soviet_occupation_of_Romania), in 1947, [King Michael I](/source/King_Michael_I) was forced to abdicate[[http://www.adevarul.ro/articole/2005/abdicarea-regelui-mihai-i.html "The Abdication of King Michael I"]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, ''[Adevărul](/source/Adev%C4%83rul)''. Accessed 15 March 2009.] and the [People's Republic of Romania](/source/People's_Republic_of_Romania)—a state of "popular democracy"—was proclaimed. The newly established communist regime, led by the [Romanian Workers' Party](/source/Romanian_Workers'_Party), consolidated its power through a Stalinist-type policy aimed at suppressing any political opposition and transforming the economic and social structures of the old bourgeois regime.[[http://www.presidency.ro/static/ordine/RAPORT_FINAL_CPADCR.pdf Final Report of the Presidential Commission for the Analysis of the Communist Dictatorship in Romania]. Accessed 16 August 2010.][{{cite book |first=Dennis |last=Deletant |title=Romania under Communist Rule |publisher=Editura Fundației Academia Civică |edition=third |isbn=978-973-8214-52-1 |location=Bucharest |year=2010 |pages=85–97}}]
In the early 1960s, the Romanian government began asserting a certain degree of independence from the [Soviet Union](/source/Soviet_Union) in its foreign policy,[[http://romania.ici.ro/ro/istorie/index.html History], ICI. Accessed 15 March 2009. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414102009/http://romania.ici.ro/ro/istorie/index.html |date=14 April 2011 }}] although it did not abandon its repressive policies (which it labelled "revolutionary conquests") in domestic affairs.[[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/508461/Romania/42878/Communist-Romania "History » Communist Romania"], ''[Encyclopaedia Britannica](/source/Encyclopaedia_Britannica)''. Accessed 15 March 2009.] After a brief power struggle, [Nicolae Ceaușescu](/source/Nicolae_Ceau%C8%99escu) emerged as the head of the communist party,[[http://www.learnromanian.ro/romana/Romania-istorie.php History of Romania] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101215818/http://www.learnromanian.ro/romana/Romania-istorie.php |date=1 November 2012 }} – Learn Romanian – Accessed 15 March 2009]
An interim council composed of figures from civil society and former communist officials assumed control of the government, and [Ion Iliescu](/source/Ion_Iliescu) became the provisional president of the country. The new government reversed many of the authoritarian communist policies[{{cite web|last=Carothers|first=Thomas|title=Romania: The Political Background|url=http://www.idea.int/publications/country/upload/Romania,%20The%20Political%20Background.pdf|quote="This seven-year period can be characterized as a gradualistic, often ambiguous transition away from communist rule towards democracy."|access-date=31 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404122649/http://www.idea.int/publications/country/upload/Romania,%20The%20Political%20Background.pdf|archive-date=4 April 2017|url-status=live}}][{{cite journal|last=Hellman|first=Joel|title=Winners Take All: The Politics of Partial Reform in Postcommunist Transitions|journal=Transitions World Politics|volume=50|issue=2|year=1998|pages=203–234|doi=10.1017/S0043887100008091 }}][[http://www.infoghidromania.com/istoriaromaniei.html Info Ghid Romania] – History – Accessed 15 March 2009] and dismissed several leaders of the former regime, although still influenced by members of the former regime (the basis for the [Golaniad](/source/Golaniad)'','' and [Mineriads](/source/Mineriads)).
In [May 1990](/source/1990_Romanian_general_election), the first free elections in Romania since the [1937](/source/1937_Romanian_general_election) elections were held, with Iliescu of the [National Salvation Front](/source/National_Salvation_Front_(Romania)) winning the presidency with 85% of the vote. In [1992](/source/1992_Romanian_general_election), he was reelected in the first election after the adoption of [a permanent constitution](/source/Constitution_of_Romania) via [a referendum](/source/1991_Romanian_constitutional_referendum) held the previous year. [Illiescu](/source/Ion_Iliescu) lost the [1996 election](/source/1996_Romanian_general_election) to [Emil Constantinescu](/source/Emil_Constantinescu), but returned to power in [2000](/source/2000_Romanian_general_election). [Traian Băsescu](/source/Traian_B%C4%83sescu) was elected president in [2004](/source/2004_Romanian_general_election) and [2009](/source/2009_Romanian_presidential_election), serving until [2014](/source/2014_Romanian_presidential_election) at which point [Klaus Iohannis](/source/Klaus_Iohannis) succeeded him, being re-elected in [2019](/source/2019_Romanian_presidential_election) and serving until [2025](/source/2025_Romanian_presidential_election). During these years several events occurred. In 2009, the country was bailed out by the [International Monetary Fund](/source/International_Monetary_Fund) as result of the [Great Recession in Europe](/source/Great_Recession_in_Europe) following the [2008 financial crisis](/source/2008_financial_crisis).[{{cite news|last1=Reguly|first1=Eric|title=In Gold Blood|url=https://www.newsweek.com/gold-blood-251438|publisher=Newsweek|date=20 May 2014|access-date=21 March 2021|archive-date=21 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421213916/https://www.newsweek.com/gold-blood-251438|url-status=live}}]
The post-1989 period has been characterised by the privatisation and closure of several former industrial and economic enterprises from the [communist period](/source/Socialist_Republic_of_Romania),[{{cite web|url=http://rtsa.ro/tras/index.php/tras/article/download/97/93|title=Deindustrialization and Urban Shrinkage in Romania. What Lessons for the Spatial Policy?|first=Claudia|last=Popescu|access-date=8 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231182636/http://rtsa.ro/tras/index.php/tras/article/download/97/93|archive-date=31 December 2016 }}] while [corruption](/source/Corruption_in_Romania) has been a major issue in contemporary politics.[{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-romania-corruption-mayors/romanias-powerful-mayors-tumble-in-corruption-crackdown-idUKKCN0RV3IO20151001|title=Romania's powerful mayors tumble in corruption crackdown|first=Luiza|last=Ilie|newspaper=[Reuters](/source/Reuters)|date=October 2015|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-date=16 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816025624/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-romania-corruption-mayors/romanias-powerful-mayors-tumble-in-corruption-crackdown-idUKKCN0RV3IO20151001|url-status=live}}]
A [National Anticorruption Directorate](/source/National_Anticorruption_Directorate) was formed in the country in 2002.[{{Cite web |title=Direcția Națională Anticorupție |url=http://www.pna.ro/about_us.xhtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502100056/https://www.pna.ro/about_us.xhtml |archive-date=2 May 2023 |access-date=5 September 2023}}] During the 2000s, Romania had one of the [highest economic growth rates](/source/Economy_of_Romania) in [Europe](/source/Europe) and has been referred at times as "the Tiger of Eastern Europe".[{{cite web |title=Adevarul |url=http://www.adevarul.ro/articole/romania-tigrul-estului/354061 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920030429/http://www.adevarul.ro/articole/romania-tigrul-estului/354061 |archive-date=20 September 2008 |access-date=25 September 2010 |publisher=Adevarul.ro}}] This has been accompanied by a significant improvement in [living standards](/source/Standard_of_living) as the country successfully reduced domestic [poverty](/source/poverty) and established a functional democratic state.[[http://hdrstats.undp.org/en/countries/country_fact_sheets/cty_fs_ROM.html Human Development Report 2009 – Country Fact Sheets – Romania] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101131652/http://hdrstats.undp.org/en/countries/country_fact_sheets/cty_fs_ROM.html|date=1 November 2013}}. Hdrstats.undp.org. Retrieved on 21 August 2010.][[http://www.mdgmonitor.org/factsheets_00.cfm?c=ROM&cd=642# Tracking the Millennium Development Goal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126063611/http://www.mdgmonitor.org/factsheets_00.cfm?c=ROM&cd=642|date=26 November 2013}}. MDG Monitor. Retrieved on 21 August 2010.] However, Romania's development suffered a major setback during the [late 2000s' recession](/source/Great_Recession) leading to a large [gross domestic product](/source/gross_domestic_product) contraction and a budget deficit in 2009.[{{cite news |author=Joe Parkinson |date=4 December 2009 |title=Romania Faces Crucial Vote |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB125988241065975639 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710033758/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB125988241065975639 |archive-date=10 July 2017 |newspaper=[The Wall Street Journal](/source/The_Wall_Street_Journal)}}] This led to Romania borrowing from the [International Monetary Fund](/source/International_Monetary_Fund).[{{cite web |title=Romania and the IMF |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Countries/ROU |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409084621/https://www.imf.org/external/country/ROU/index.htm |archive-date=9 April 2015 |website=IMF}}] Worsening economic conditions led to [unrest](/source/2012_Romanian_constitutional_crisis) and triggered a political crisis in 2012.[{{cite web |author1=Gheorghe Stoica |author2=Lavinia Stan |title=Romanian Politics in 2012: Intra-Cabinet Coexistence and Political Instability |url=http://www.seejps.ro/volume-i-number-iii-ideologies-and-patterns-of-democracy/38-romanian-politics-in-2012-intra-cabinet-coexistence-and-political-instability.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224152657/http://www.seejps.ro/volume-i-number-iii-ideologies-and-patterns-of-democracy/38-romanian-politics-in-2012-intra-cabinet-coexistence-and-political-instability.html |archive-date=24 February 2014 |work=South-East European Journal of Political Science}}]
Since 2014, Romania launched an anti-corruption effort that led to the prosecution of medium- and high-level political, judicial and administrative offences by the [National Anticorruption Directorate](/source/National_Anticorruption_Directorate).[{{cite web |title=2015 Investment Climate Statement – Romania |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/e/eb/rls/othr/ics/2015/241712.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205183454/https://2009-2017.state.gov/e/eb/rls/othr/ics/2015/241712.htm |archive-date=5 December 2022 |access-date=17 August 2015 |work=The US Department of State}}] In 2015, massive [anti-corruption protests](/source/2015_Romanian_protests) which developed in the wake of the [Colectiv nightclub fire](/source/Colectiv_nightclub_fire) led to the resignation of prime minister [Victor Ponta](/source/Victor_Ponta).["[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34720183 Romania PM Ponta resigns over Bucharest nightclub fire] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115091112/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34720183|date=15 November 2015}}". [BBC News](/source/BBC_News). 4 November 2015.] During 2017–2019, in response to measures which were perceived to weaken the fight against [corruption](/source/corruption), some of the [biggest post-1989 protests](/source/2017%E2%80%932019_Romanian_protests) took place in Romania, with over 500,000 people protesting nationwide.[{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38876134|title=Huge Romania rally despite decree repeal|date=6 February 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-date=12 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812033239/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38876134|url-status=live}}][{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-romania-protests/thousands-of-romanians-rally-against-ruling-partys-judicial-overhaul-idUSKBN1DQ0T3|title=Thousands of Romanians rally against ruling party's judicial overhaul|first=Radu-Sorin|last=Marinas|newspaper=Reuters|date=26 November 2017|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-date=16 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816061556/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-romania-protests/thousands-of-romanians-rally-against-ruling-partys-judicial-overhaul-idUSKBN1DQ0T3|url-status=live}}][{{Cite web |last=Sirbu |first=Laurentiu |date=20 February 2023 |title=PNL și PSD împing România către un regim autoritar. Amendamentul surpriză din legea anti-ONG, folosit împotriva presei. "Ne ducem într-o direcție foarte periculoasă" |trans-title=PNL and PSD are pushing Romania toward an authoritarian regime. The surprise amendment in the anti-NGO law is being used against the press. ‘We are heading in a very dangerous direction' |url=https://www.fanatik.ro/pnl-si-psd-imping-romania-catre-un-regim-autoritar-amendamentul-surpriza-din-legea-anti-ong-folosit-impotriva-presei-ne-ducem-intr-o-directie-foarte-periculoasa-20316603 |access-date=14 April 2023 |language=ro}}][{{Cite web |date=29 June 2022 |title=Degradare accelerată și fără precedent a democrației în regimul Iohannis-Ciucă. România e redusă la tăcere, PNL se PSD-izează rapid |trans-title=Accelerated and unprecedented degradation of democracy under the Iohannis–Ciucă regime. Romania is being silenced, and the PNL is rapidly becoming like the PSD |url=https://www.g4media.ro/degradare-accelerata-si-fara-precedent-a-democratiei-in-regimul-iohannis-ciuca-romania-e-redusa-la-tacere-pnl-se-psd-izeaza-rapid.html |access-date=14 April 2023 |website=G4Media.ro |language=ro}}][{{Cite web |last=Andrei |first=Cristian |date=1 August 2022 |title=Analiză | Riscul democrației iliberale în România. Umbra serviciilor, plagiat, presă plătită de partide și proiecte secrete |trans-title=Analysis {{!}} The risk of illiberal democracy in Romania. The shadow of the intelligence services, plagiarism, party-funded media, and secret projects |url=https://romania.europalibera.org/a/riscul-democrației-iliberale-in-romania-modelul-ungariei/31965186.html |access-date=14 April 2023 |work=Europa Liberă România |language=ro |via=romania.europalibera.org}}][{{Cite web |date=7 December 2021 |title=România iliberală? Va aduce coaliția PSD-PNL-UDMR reformele necesare sau se va îngriji doar de clientela politică? |trans-title=Illiberal Romania? Will the PSD–PNL–UDMR coalition bring the necessary reforms, or will it merely serve its political clientele? |url=https://www.bihon.ro/stirile-judetului-bihor/romania-iliberala-va-aduce-coalitia-psd-pnl-udmr-reformele-necesare-sau-se-va-ingriji-doar-de-clientela-politica-3868914/ |access-date=14 April 2023 |language=ro}}] as well as an increased [corruption](/source/Corruption_in_Romania). Around this time, Romania was also hit by the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic_in_Romania). In the [2024 presidential election](/source/2024_Romanian_presidential_election), Independent candidate [Călin Georgescu](/source/C%C4%83lin_Georgescu) achieved a surprise win in the first round. However, the [Constitutional Court](/source/Constitutional_Court_of_Romania) annulled the election results, citing [Russian meddling](/source/Accusations_of_Russian_interference_in_the_2024_Romanian_presidential_election). The cancellation led to [far-right protests](/source/2024%E2%80%932025_Romanian_election_annulment_protests), [criticism](/source/2025_JD_Vance_speech_at_the_Munich_Security_Conference) by the [Trump administration](/source/Second_presidency_of_Donald_Trump), and [Ilie Bolojan](/source/Ilie_Bolojan) becoming acting president in February 2025 as Iohannis resigned to political pressure.[{{Cite news |last1=Chao-Fong |first1=Léonie |last2=Krupa |first2=Jakub |last3=Chao-Fong |first3=Léonie |last4=Krupa |first4=Jakub |date=14 February 2025 |title=Zelenskyy demands 'real security guarantees' before peace talks; Vance accused of 'trying to pick a fight' with EU – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/feb/14/russia-ukraine-war-peace-vladimir-putin-volodymyr-zelenskyy-donald-trump-munich-security-conference-europe-news?page=with:block-67af4b688f08101b5631d57f&filterKeyEvents=false#liveblog-navigation |access-date=15 February 2025 |work=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian) |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}] In the subsequent [2025 Romanian presidential election](/source/2025_Romanian_presidential_election), [Bucharest Mayor](/source/Mayor_of_Bucharest) [Nicușor Dan](/source/Nicu%C8%99or_Dan) was elected [president](/source/President_of_Romania).
==Geography==
{{Main|Geography of Romania}}
thumb|right|upright=1.35|Topographic map of Romania
Romania is the largest country in [Southeastern Europe](/source/Southeast_Europe) and the [twelfth-largest](/source/List_of_European_countries_by_area) in [Europe](/source/Europe), having an area of {{convert|238397|km2|sqmi}}.[{{cite report|publisher=National Institute of Statistics (Romania)|url=http://www.insse.ro/cms/sites/default/files/field/publicatii/anuarul_statistic_al_romaniei_carte_en.pdf|access-date=7 June 2018|title=Romanian Statistical Yearbook 2017|date=2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142659/http://www.insse.ro/cms/sites/default/files/field/publicatii/anuarul_statistic_al_romaniei_carte_en.pdf|url-status=live}}]{{rp|17}} It lies between latitudes [43°](/source/43rd_parallel_north) and [49° N](/source/49%C2%B0_N) and longitudes [20°](/source/20th_meridian_east) and [30° E](/source/30th_meridian_east). The terrain is distributed roughly equally between [mountains](/source/Mountain), [hills](/source/Hill), and [plains](/source/Plain). The [Carpathian Mountains](/source/Carpathian_Mountains) dominate the centre of Romania, with [14 mountain ranges](/source/List_of_mountain_peaks_in_Romania) reaching above {{convert|2000|m|ft|disp=or|abbr=on}}—the highest is [Moldoveanu Peak](/source/Moldoveanu_Peak) at {{convert|2544|m|ft|disp=or|abbr=on}}.[{{cite journal|last1=Dinerstein|first1=Eric|last2=Olson|first2=David|last3=Joshi|first3=Anup|last4=Vynne|first4=Carly|last5=Burgess|first5=Neil D.|last6=Wikramanayake|first6=Eric|last7=Hahn|first7=Nathan|last8=Palminteri|first8=Suzanne|last9=Hedao|first9=Prashant|last10=Noss|first10=Reed|last11=Hansen|first11=Matt|last12=Locke|first12=Harvey|last13=Ellis|first13=Erle C|last14=Jones|first14=Benjamin|last15=Barber|first15=Charles Victor|last16=Hayes|first16=Randy|last17=Kormos|first17=Cyril|last18=Martin|first18=Vance|last19=Crist|first19=Eileen|last20=Sechrest|first20=Wes|last21=Price|first21=Lori|last22=Baillie|first22=Jonathan E. M.|last23=Weeden|first23=Don|last24=Suckling|first24=Kierán|last25=Davis|first25=Crystal|last26=Sizer|first26=Nigel|last27=Moore|first27=Rebecca|last28=Thau|first28=David|last29=Birch|first29=Tanya|last30=Potapov|first30=Peter|last31=Turubanova|first31=Svetlana|last32=Tyukavina|first32=Alexandra|last33=de Souza|first33=Nadia|last34=Pintea|first34=Lilian|last35=Brito|first35=José C.|last36=Llewellyn|first36=Othman A.|last37=Miller|first37=Anthony G.|last38=Patzelt|first38=Annette|last39=Ghazanfar|first39=Shahina A.|last40=Timberlake|first40=Jonathan|last41=Klöser|first41=Heinz|last42=Shennan-Farpón|first42=Yara|last43=Kindt|first43=Roeland|last44=Lillesø|first44=Jens-Peter Barnekow|last45=van Breugel|first45=Paulo|last46=Graudal|first46=Lars|last47=Voge|first47=Maianna|last48=Al-Shammari|first48=Khalaf F.|last49=Saleem|first49=Muhammad|display-authors=1|title=An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm|journal=BioScience|volume=67|issue=6|year=2017|pages=534–545|issn=0006-3568|doi=10.1093/biosci/bix014|pmid=28608869|pmc=5451287|doi-access=free}}] Natural and semi-natural ecosystems cover about 47% of the country's land area.[{{cite web|url=http://enrin.grida.no/biodiv/biodiv/national/romania/robiodiv.htm|title=Romania's Biodiversity|publisher=Ministry of Waters, Forests and Environmental Protection of Romania (via enrin.grida.no)|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210141053/http://enrin.grida.no/biodiv/biodiv/national/romania/robiodiv.htm|archive-date=10 February 2008}}] There are almost {{convert|10000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} (about 5% of the total area) of [protected areas in Romania](/source/protected_areas_in_Romania) covering 13 [national park](/source/national_park)s and three [biosphere](/source/biosphere) reserves.[{{cite web|url=http://www.envir.ee/programmid/pharecd/soes/romania/html/biodiversity/ariiprot/protarea.htm|title=Protected Areas in Romania|publisher=Romanian Ministry of Waters, Forests and Environmental Protection (via envir.ee)|access-date=10 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117061753/http://www.envir.ee/programmid/pharecd/soes/romania/html/biodiversity/ariiprot/protarea.htm|archive-date=17 November 2007}}] The [Danube](/source/Danube) river forms a large part of the border with [Serbia](/source/Serbia) and [Bulgaria](/source/Bulgaria), and flows into the [Black Sea](/source/Black_Sea), forming the Danube Delta, which is the second-largest and best-preserved delta in Europe, and a [biosphere reserve](/source/biosphere_reserve) and a biodiversity [World Heritage Site](/source/World_Heritage_Site).[{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/588 |title=Danube Delta |publisher=UNESCO's World Heritage Centre |access-date=9 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080127014732/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/588 |archive-date=27 January 2008 }}] At {{convert|5800|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}},[{{cite web|title=Danube Delta Reserve Biosphere |publisher=Romanian Ministry of Waters, Forests and Environmental Protection (via envir.ee) |url=http://www.envir.ee/programmid/pharecd/soes/romania/html/biodiversity/ariiprot/delta.htm |access-date=10 January 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20050426231510/http://www.envir.ee/programmid/pharecd/soes/romania/html/biodiversity/ariiprot/delta.htm |archive-date=26 April 2005}}] the [Danube Delta](/source/Danube_Delta) is the largest continuous marshland in [Europe](/source/Europe),[{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/588 |title=Danube Delta |publisher=UNESCO's World Heritage Centre |access-date=10 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080127014732/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/588 |archive-date=27 January 2008 }}] and supports 1,688 different [plant species](/source/Flora) alone.[{{cite book|last=Wohl|first=Ellen|title=A World of Rivers: Environmental Change on Ten of the World's Great Rivers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ji1cApN3NogC&pg=PA130|year=2010|publisher=[University of Chicago Press](/source/University_of_Chicago_Press)|isbn=978-0-226-90480-1|page=130|access-date=7 September 2015|archive-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122065109/https://books.google.com/books?id=Ji1cApN3NogC&pg=PA130|url-status=live}}]
Romania has one of the largest areas of undisturbed forest in Europe, covering almost 27% of its territory.[{{cite web |url=http://www.fao.org/docrep/w3722e/w3722e23.htm |title=Romania |publisher=Fao.org |access-date=15 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810072102/http://www.fao.org/docrep/w3722e/w3722e23.htm |archive-date=10 August 2014 }}] The country had a 2019 [Forest Landscape Integrity Index](/source/Forest_Landscape_Integrity_Index) mean score of 5.95/10, ranking it 90th globally out of 172 countries.[{{cite journal|last1=Grantham|first1=H. S.|last2=Duncan|first2=A.|last3=Evans|first3=T. D.|last4=Jones|first4=K. R.|last5=Beyer|first5=H. L.|last6=Schuster|first6=R.|last7=Walston|first7=J.|last8=Ray|first8=J. C.|last9=Robinson|first9=J. G.|last10=Callow|first10=M.|last11=Clements|first11=T.|last12=Costa|first12=H. M.|last13=DeGemmis|first13=A.|last14=Elsen|first14=P. R.|last15=Ervin|first15=J.|last16=Franco|first16=P.|last17=Goldman|first17=E.|last18=Goetz|first18=S.|last19=Hansen|first19=A.|last20=Hofsvang|first20=E.|last21=Jantz|first21=P.|last22=Jupiter|first22=S.|last23=Kang|first23=A.|last24=Langhammer|first24=P.|last25=Laurance|first25=W. F.|last26=Lieberman|first26=S.|last27=Linkie|first27=M.|last28=Malhi|first28=Y.|last29=Maxwell|first29=S.|last30=Mendez|first30=M.|last31=Mittermeier|first31=R.|last32=Murray|first32=N. J.|last33=Possingham|first33=H.|last34=Radachowsky|first34=J.|last35=Saatchi|first35=S.|last36=Samper|first36=C.|last37=Silverman|first37=J.|last38=Shapiro|first38=A.|last39=Strassburg|first39=B.|last40=Stevens|first40=T.|last41=Stokes|first41=E.|last42=Taylor|first42=R.|last43=Tear|first43=T.|last44=Tizard|first44=R.|last45=Venter|first45=O.|last46=Visconti|first46=P.|last47=Wang|first47=S.|last48=Watson|first48=J. E. M.|display-authors=1|title=Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity – Supplementary Material|journal=Nature Communications|volume=11|issue=1|year=2020|page=5978|issn=2041-1723|doi=10.1038/s41467-020-19493-3|pmid=33293507|pmc=7723057|bibcode=2020NatCo..11.5978G |doi-access=free}}] Some 3,700 [plant species](/source/plant_species) have been identified in the country, from which to date 23 have been declared [natural monument](/source/natural_monument)s, 74 extinct, 39 endangered, 171 vulnerable, and 1,253 rare.[{{cite web|url=http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/romania/soe2000/rom/cap5/ff.htm |title=Flora si fauna salbatica |publisher=enrin.grida.no |language=ro |access-date=7 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223142209/http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/romania/soe2000/rom/cap5/ff.htm |archive-date=23 February 2009 }}]
The [fauna of Romania](/source/fauna_of_Romania) consists of 33,792 species of animals, 33,085 [invertebrate](/source/invertebrate) and 707 [vertebrate](/source/vertebrate),[{{cite web |url=http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/bio_cou_642.pdf |title=EarthTrends: Biodiversity and Protected Areas – Romania |access-date=10 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070926191841/http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/bio_cou_642.pdf |archive-date=26 September 2007}}] including about 50% of Europe's (excluding Russia) [brown bear](/source/brown_bear)s[{{cite web|url=http://www.carnivoreconservation.org/files/actionplans/bears.pdf|title=Bears. Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan.|access-date=2 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923200609/http://www.carnivoreconservation.org/files/actionplans/bears.pdf|archive-date=23 September 2015}}] and 20% of its [wolves](/source/wolves).[{{cite web |url=http://www.carnivoreconservation.org/files/actionplans/canids.pdf |title=Canids: Foxes, Wolves, Jackals and Dogs. Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan |publisher=IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group |access-date=2 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923200655/http://www.carnivoreconservation.org/files/actionplans/canids.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2015 }}]
Romania is often seen by most as having the shape resembling one of a goldfish.
===Climate===
{{Main|Climate of Romania}}
thumb|right|upright=1.3|Romania map of Köppen climate classification, according with ''Clima României'' from the ''Administrația Națională de Meteorologie'', Bucharest 2008
Owing to its distance from open sea and its position on the southeastern portion of the European continent, Romania has a climate that is [continental](/source/continental_climate), with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is {{convert|11|°C}} in the south and {{convert|8|°C}} in the north.[{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/romania/34.htm|title=Romania: Climate|publisher=U.S. Library of Congress|access-date=10 January 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060923055354/http://countrystudies.us/romania/34.htm|archive-date=23 September 2006}}] In summer, average maximum temperatures in Bucharest rise to {{convert|28|°C}}, and temperatures over {{convert|35|°C}} are fairly common in the lower-lying areas of the country.[{{cite web|url=http://clic.npolar.no/disc/disc_datasets_metadata.php?s=0&desc=1&table=Datasets&id=DISC_GCMD_GGD30&tag=All&Category=&WCRP=&Location=All&stype=phrase&limit=10&q=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516104422/http://clic.npolar.no/disc/disc_datasets_metadata.php?s=0&desc=1&table=Datasets&id=DISC_GCMD_GGD30&tag=All&Category=&WCRP=&Location=All&stype=phrase&limit=10&q=|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 May 2011|title=Permafrost Monitoring and Prediction in Southern Carpathians, Romania|publisher=CliC International Project Office (CIPO)|date=22 December 2004|access-date=31 August 2008}}] In winter, the average maximum temperature is below {{convert|2|°C}}.[{{Cite web|url=http://www.meteoromania.ro/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122145308/http://www.meteoromania.ro/anm/?page_id=114|url-status=dead|title=Meteo Romania | Site-ul Administratiei Nationale de Meteorologie|archive-date=22 January 2016}}]
==Politics==
{{Main|Politics of Romania}}
Romania is a [unitary](/source/Unitary_state) [semi-presidential](/source/semi-presidential) [representative democratic](/source/representative_democratic) republic with a structured system of governance and an active civil society. The [President](/source/President_of_Romania), elected by popular vote, serves as the [head of state](/source/head_of_state), representing the country in [international affairs](/source/Foreign_relations_of_Romania), safeguarding [constitutional order](/source/Constitution_of_Romania), and acting as [supreme commander](/source/Commander-in-chief) of the [Romanian Armed Forces](/source/Romanian_Armed_Forces). The [Prime Minister](/source/Prime_Minister_of_Romania), appointed by the President and confirmed by the [Parliament](/source/Parliament_of_Romania), acts as the [head of government](/source/head_of_government), responsible for overseeing the [executive branch](/source/Government_of_Romania), implementing domestic and foreign policies, and managing [public administration](/source/public_administration). [Legislative authority](/source/Legislative) is vested in a [bicameral](/source/bicameral) Parliament, consisting of the [Chamber of Deputies](/source/Chamber_of_Deputies_of_Romania) and the [Senate](/source/Senate_of_Romania), whose members are elected through a [proportional representation](/source/proportional_representation) system. The [judiciary](/source/Judiciary_of_Romania) operates [independently](/source/Judicial_independence), with the [High Court of Cassation and Justice](/source/High_Court_of_Cassation_and_Justice) as the highest court of appeal.
According to [International IDEA](/source/International_IDEA)’s Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices and Democracy Tracker, Romania performs in the mid- range on overall democratic measures, with particular strengths in inclusive suffrage and elected government.[{{Cite web |title=Romania {{!}} The Global State of Democracy |url=https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/country/romania |access-date=6 October 2025 |website=www.idea.int |language=en}}][{{Cite web |title=Global State of Democracy Indices {{!}} The Global State of Democracy |url=https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/gsod-indices |access-date=6 October 2025 |website=www.idea.int}}][{{Cite web |title=Home {{!}} The Global State of Democracy |url=https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/ |access-date=6 October 2025 |website=www.idea.int}}]
===Government===
{{Main|Government of Romania}}
{{Multiple image
| direction = horizontal
| align = right
| caption_align = center
| total_width = 340
| image1 = Nicușor Dan - Eastern Flank Summit 16 December 2025 (cropped).jpg
| image2 = Ilie Bolojan - 6 March 2025 (cropped).jpg
| caption1 = [Nicușor Dan](/source/Nicu%C8%99or_Dan)
[President](/source/President_of_Romania) since 2025
| caption2 = [Ilie Bolojan](/source/Ilie_Bolojan)
[Prime Minister](/source/Prime_Minister_of_Romania) since 2025
| alt1 =
| alt2 =
}}
Romania has a democratic, [multi-party system](/source/multi-party_system), with [legislative power](/source/legislative_power) vested in the government and the [two chambers](/source/Bicameralism) of the [Parliament](/source/Parliament_of_Romania), more specifically the [Chamber of Deputies](/source/Chamber_of_Deputies_(Romania)) and the [Senate](/source/Senate_of_Romania). The [judiciary](/source/judiciary) is [independent](/source/Judicial_independence) of the executive and the legislature. The latter is elected by popular vote for a maximum of two terms of five years and appoints the prime minister who in turn appoints the [Council of Ministers](/source/Romanian_Cabinet). The legislative branch of the government, collectively known as the Parliament (residing at the [Palace of the Parliament](/source/Palace_of_the_Parliament)), consists of two chambers (Senate and Chamber of Deputies) whose members are elected every four years by [simple plurality](/source/Plurality_voting_system).[{{cite web |url=http://www.antena3.ro/politica/se-schimba-sistemul-de-vot-deputatii-au-adoptat-noua-lege-electorala-propusa-de-usl-168053.html |title=Se schimbă sistemul de vot. Deputații au adoptat noua Lege Electorală propusă de USL |publisher=Antena3.ro |access-date=12 October 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031132827/http://www.antena3.ro/politica/se-schimba-sistemul-de-vot-deputatii-au-adoptat-noua-lege-electorala-propusa-de-usl-168053.html |archive-date=31 October 2012 }}]
The justice system is independent of the other branches of government and is made up of a hierarchical system of courts with the [High Court of Cassation and Justice](/source/High_Court_of_Cassation_and_Justice) being the supreme court of Romania.[{{cite web |url=http://www.scj.ro/monogr_en.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126213928/http://www.scj.ro/monogr_en.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 November 2013 |publisher=[High Court of Cassation and Justice](/source/High_Court_of_Cassation_and_Justice) -—Romania |title=Presentation |access-date=31 August 2008 }}] There are also courts of appeal, county courts and local courts. The Romanian judicial system is strongly influenced by the [French model](/source/French_law), is based on [civil law](/source/Civil_law_(legal_system)) and is [inquisitorial](/source/inquisitorial) in nature. The [Constitutional Court](/source/Curtea_Constitu%C8%9Bional%C4%83) (''Curtea Constituțională'') is responsible for judging the compliance of laws and other state regulations with the constitution, which is the fundamental law of the country and can be amended only through a [public referendum](/source/Referendum).[{{cite web|url=http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps35389/2000//legal_system.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125081126/http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps35389/2000/legal_system.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 January 2008 |title=Romanian Legal system |publisher=CIA Factbook |year=2000 |access-date=11 January 2008 }}] Romania's 2007 entry into the EU has been a significant influence on its domestic policy, and including [judicial reform](/source/judicial_reform)s, increased judicial cooperation with other member states, and measures to combat corruption.[{{Cite journal |url=https://www.cairn.info/revue-l-europe-en-formation-2012-2-page-243.htm |title=Post-Accession (Anti-)Corruption Record in Romania and Bulgaria |journal=L'Europe en Formation |volume=364 |issue=2 |last1=Tanasoiu |first1=Cosmina |last2=Racovita |first2=Mihaela |date=2012 |pages=243–263 |doi=10.3917/eufor.364.0243 |access-date=15 April 2020 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190529/https://www.cairn.info/revue-l-europe-en-formation-2012-2-page-243.htm |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}] The [Economist Intelligence Unit](/source/Economist_Intelligence_Unit) rated Romania as a "[hybrid regime](/source/hybrid_regime)" in 2024.[{{Cite web |title=Democracy Index 2023 |url=https://www.eiu.com/n/campaigns/democracy-index-2023/ |access-date=5 July 2024 |website=Economist Intelligence Unit |language=en-GB}}]
===Foreign relations===
{{Main|Foreign relations of Romania}}
[[File:Diplomatic missions of Romania.PNG|right|thumb|upright=1.3|[Diplomatic missions of Romania](/source/Diplomatic_missions_of_Romania)
{{resizediv|95%|{{legend|#2f3699|Countries that host a Romanian Embassy}}
{{legend|#b4b4b4|Countries that do not host Romanian diplomatic missions}}
{{legend|#ED2324|Romania}}}}]]
Since December 1989, Romania has pursued a policy of strengthening relations with the West in general, more specifically with the [United States](/source/United_States) and the [EU](/source/European_Union), albeit with limited [relations involving](/source/Romania%E2%80%93Russia_relations) the [Russian Federation](/source/Russia). It joined [NATO](/source/NATO) on 29 March 2004, the EU on 1 January 2007, while it joined the [International Monetary Fund](/source/International_Monetary_Fund) and the [World Bank](/source/World_Bank_Group) in 1972, and is a founding member of the [World Trade Organization](/source/World_Trade_Organization).[{{cite web |url=http://www.wto.org/English/thewto_e/whatis_e/tif_e/org6_e.htm |title=Understanding the WTO – members |publisher=WTO |access-date=29 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091229021759/http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/tif_e/org6_e.htm |archive-date=29 December 2009 }}] Romania is recognised as a [middle power](/source/middle_power) for its [military capabilities](/source/List_of_countries_by_level_of_military_equipment), as well as its active diplomatic engagement on the global stage.[{{cite web|url=https://www.hcss.nl/pub/2018/strategic-monitor-2018-2019/a-balancing-act/|title=A Balancing Act: The Role of Middle Powers in Contemporary Diplomacy|publisher=The Hague Center for Strategic Studies|access-date=8 February 2020|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610112410/https://www.hcss.nl/pub/2018/strategic-monitor-2018-2019/a-balancing-act/|url-status=dead}}][{{cite book|last=Taylor|first=Ian|date=2001|title=Stuck in Middle GEAR: South Africa's Post-apartheid Foreign Relations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3tfjkiq0b7sC&q=romania+middle+power&pg=PA19|location=London|publisher=[Greenwood Publishing Group](/source/Greenwood_Publishing_Group)|page= 19|isbn=9780275972752}}]
Recent governments have stated that their goals include strengthening ties with and helping other countries (in particular [Moldova](/source/Moldova), [Ukraine](/source/Ukraine), and [Georgia](/source/Georgia_(country))) with better integration with the rest of the [West](/source/West_European_Politics).[{{cite web|title=Foreign Policy Priorities of Romania for 2008|language=ro|url=http://www.mae.ro/index.php?unde=doc&id=35181&idlnk=1&cat=3|publisher=Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs|access-date=28 August 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914103728/http://www.mae.ro/index.php?unde=doc&id=35181&idlnk=1&cat=3|archive-date=14 September 2008}}] Romania has also made clear since the late 1990s that it supports NATO and EU membership for the democratic former [Soviet republics](/source/Republics_of_the_Soviet_Union) in [Eastern Europe](/source/Eastern_Europe) and the [Caucasus](/source/Caucasus).
Romania applied to join to the [Schengen Area](/source/Schengen_Area) in 2007, acquiring full membership in 2025 along with Bulgaria.[{{cite web |last=Desku |first=Arta |date=1 January 2025 |title=Romania & Bulgaria Celebrate Full Schengen Accession Starting Today |url=https://schengen.news/romania-bulgaria-celebrate-full-schengen-accession-starting-today-2/ |website=schengen.news}}][{{Cite web |date=14 May 2019 |title=Romania's Schengen Accession in Jeopardy Over Rule of Law |url=https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/romanias-schengen-accession-in-jeopardy-over-rule-of-law/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813134551/https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/romanias-schengen-accession-in-jeopardy-over-rule-of-law/ |archive-date=13 August 2019 |access-date=13 August 2019 |website=Schengen Visa Info}}] In December 2005, President [Traian Băsescu](/source/Traian_B%C4%83sescu) and [United States Secretary of State](/source/United_States_Secretary_of_State) [Condoleezza Rice](/source/Condoleezza_Rice) signed an agreement that would allow a U.S. military presence at several Romanian facilities primarily in the eastern part of the country.[{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35722.htm|publisher=U.S. Department of State|title=Background Note: Romania – U.S.-Romanian Relations|access-date=21 May 2019|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604191232/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35722.htm|url-status=live}}] In 2009, US Secretary of State [Hillary Clinton](/source/Hillary_Clinton) referred to Romania as "one of the most trustworthy and respectable" US allies".[{{Cite web |title=Bucharest Herald Resources & Information |url=http://www.bucharestherald.com/politics/34-politics/3116-hillary-clinton-romania-one-of-the-most-trustworthy-and-respectable-partners-of-the-usa- |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090512144240/http://www.bucharestherald.com/politics/34-politics/3116-hillary-clinton-romania-one-of-the-most-trustworthy-and-respectable-partners-of-the-usa- |archive-date=12 May 2009 |website=www.bucharestherald.com}}] However, by 2025, relations had worsen, with US vice president [JD Vance](/source/JD_Vance) in February [scolding](/source/2025_JD_Vance_speech_at_the_Munich_Security_Conference) "[flimsy suspicions](/source/Accusations_of_Russian_interference_in_the_2024_Romanian_presidential_election)" and "enormous pressure from its continental neighbours" for causing the annulment of the [2024 Romanian presidential](/source/2024_Romanian_presidential_election) election in which [Călin Georgescu](/source/C%C4%83lin_Georgescu) won the first round.
[Relations with Moldova](/source/Romanian-Moldovan_relations) are a special case given that the two countries share the same language and a [common history](/source/History_of_Moldavia).[{{cite journal|url=http://studint.ong.ro/moldova.htm |title=Romania'S Relations with the Republic of Moldova |author1=Gabriel Andreescu |author2=Valentin Stan |author3=Renate Weber |journal=[International Studies](/source/International_Studies_(journal)) |publisher=Centre for International Studies |date=30 October 1994 |access-date=31 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223003657/http://studint.ong.ro/moldova.htm |archive-date=23 February 2008 }}] but lost ground in the mid-1990s when a new Moldovan government pursued an agenda towards preserving a Moldovan republic independent of Romania.[{{cite web|url=http://www.desk.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/download/es_5_Ihrig.pdf|title=Rediscovering History, Rediscovering Ultimate Truth|first=Stefan|last=Ihrig|access-date=17 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001165700/http://www.desk.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/download/es_5_Ihrig.pdf|archive-date=1 October 2008}}] After the [2009 protests in Moldova](/source/2009_Moldovan_protests) and the subsequent removal of Communists from power, relations between the two countries have improved considerably.[{{Cite news|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90853/6967255.html|title=Moldova, Romania open new chapter in bilateral relations|work=[People's Daily](/source/People's_Daily)|access-date=11 August 2011|date=29 April 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518022407/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90853/6967255.html|archive-date=18 May 2013}}]
===Military===
{{Main|Romanian Armed Forces|Military history of Romania}}
[[File:Romanian soldiers at the Saber Guardian 23 opening.jpg|thumb|Romanian soldiers at the Saber Guardian 23 exercise opening ceremony in [Smârdan, Galați](/source/Sm%C3%A2rdan%2C_Gala%C8%9Bi)]]
250px|thumb|right|An TR-85 M1 tank at the 2007 Romanian military parade for national day, with the Arch of Triumph in the background
The Romanian Armed Forces consist of [land](/source/Romanian_Land_Forces), [air](/source/Romanian_Air_Force), and [naval forces](/source/Romanian_Naval_Forces) led by a [Commander-in-chief](/source/Chief_of_the_Romanian_General_Staff) under the supervision of the [Ministry of National Defence](/source/Ministry_of_National_Defence_(Romania)), and by the [president](/source/President_of_Romania) as the Supreme Commander during wartime. The Armed Forces consist of approximately 55,000 reservists and 71,500 active military personnel—35,800 for land, 10,700 for air, 6,600 for naval forces, and 16,500 in other fields.[{{cite book|title=The Military Balance 2022|author=[International Institute for Strategic Studies](/source/International_Institute_for_Strategic_Studies)|publisher=[Routledge](/source/Routledge)|pages=140–141|date=February 2022|isbn=978-1032279008}}] Total defence spending in 2023 accounted for 2.44% of total national GDP, or approximately US$8.48 billion,[{{cite web|title=Defence Expenditure of NATO Countries (2014-2023)|url=https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2023/7/pdf/230707-def-exp-2023-en.pdf|date=7 July 2023|publisher=NATO|access-date=12 July 2023|archive-date=15 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715092752/https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2023/7/pdf/230707-def-exp-2023-en.pdf|url-status=live}}] with a total of $9 billion intended to be spent until 2026 for modernisation and acquisition of new equipment.[{{cite web|url=https://seenews.com/news/romania-intends-to-buy-f35-fighter-jets-president-771818|title=Romania intends to buy F35 fighter jets – president|website=SeeNews |date=3 February 2022 |access-date=12 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205040215/https://seenews.com/news/romania-intends-to-buy-f35-fighter-jets-president-771818|archive-date=5 February 2022|url-status=live}}] Conscription stopped in 2007, when Romania switched to a volunteer army.
The Air Force operates [F-16AM/BM MLU](/source/General_Dynamics_F-16_Fighting_Falcon_variants) fighters,[{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2013-10-18/romania-finally-settles-portuguese-f-16s|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806190518/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2013-10-18/romania-finally-settles-portuguese-f-16s|url-status=dead|title=Romania Finally Settles On Portuguese F-16s|first=David|last=Donald|archive-date=6 August 2016|website=Aviation International News}}] [C-27J Spartan](/source/C-27J_Spartan) and [C-130 Hercules](/source/C-130_Hercules) [transport aircraft](/source/Military_transport_aircraft), as well as [IAR 330](/source/IAR_330) and [IAR 316](/source/IAR_316) helicopters.[{{cite news|last= |first= |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688|title= World Air Forces 2023|newspaper= Flight Global|publisher= Flightglobal Insight|year= 2022|doi= |access-date= 12 January 2023|archive-date= 7 December 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221207224755/https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688|url-status= live}}] A [procurement programme](/source/Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II_procurement) for [F-35](/source/F-35) [fifth-generation fighter](/source/fifth-generation_fighter)s is also currently being carried out.[{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/08/10/romania-eyes-32-f-35s-under-65-billion-deal/|title=Romania eyes 32 F-35s under $6.5 billion deal|author=Jaroslaw Adamowski|website=defensenews.com|date=10 August 2023|access-date=21 August 2023|archive-date=18 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618235041/https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/08/10/romania-eyes-32-f-35s-under-65-billion-deal/|url-status=live}}] The Naval Forces operate three frigates, of which two are [Type 22 frigate](/source/Type_22_frigate)s acquired from the British [Royal Navy](/source/Royal_Navy),[{{cite magazine|title=Spartan Order|magazine=[Aviation Week & Space Technology](/source/Aviation_Week_%26_Space_Technology)|date=11 December 2006}}] as well as four corvettes. The [River Flotilla](/source/Romanian_Danube_Flotilla) operates [Mihail Kogălniceanu](/source/Mihail_Kog%C4%83lniceanu-class_river_monitor) and [Smârdan-class river monitor](/source/Sm%C3%A2rdan-class_river_monitor)s.[{{cite news |title = Romania: 2 soldiers killed, 1 injured in Afghanistan |date = 7 May 2016 |agency = Associated Press |newspaper = [Colorado Springs Gazette](/source/Colorado_Springs_Gazette) |url = http://gazette.com/romania-2-soldiers-killed-1-injured-in-afghanistan/article/feed/346495 |access-date = 7 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160817042701/http://gazette.com/romania-2-soldiers-killed-1-injured-in-afghanistan/article/feed/346495 |archive-date = 17 August 2016 |df = dmy-all }}] with a peak deployment of 1,600 troops in 2010 (which was the 4th largest contribution according to the US).[{{cite web|url=https://washington.mae.ro/en/local-news/1554|title=Joint Press Conference of the President of Romania Klaus Iohannis and US President Donald Trump, Rose Garden, White House – Embassy of Romania to the United States of America|website=washington.mae.ro|access-date=13 January 2019|archive-date=13 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113182241/https://washington.mae.ro/en/local-news/1554|url-status=live}}][{{cite news |title = Romania To Send 450 More Troops To Afghanistan |date = 21 December 2014 |agency = Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |url = https://www.rferl.org/a/romania-troops-afghanistan/26755040.html |access-date = 7 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160919065348/http://www.rferl.org/content/romania-troops-afghanistan/26755040.html |archive-date = 19 September 2016 |df = dmy-all }}] Its combat mission in the country concluded in 2014.[{{cite news |title = Romania ends combat mission in Afghanistan with visit from Prime Minister |date = 30 June 2014 |agency = [Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press) |url = http://www.rs.nato.int/article/isaf-news/romania-ends-combat-mission-in-afghanistan-with-visit-from-prime-minister.html |access-date = 7 July 2016 |df = dmy-all }}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}] Romanian troops participated in the [occupation of Iraq](/source/History_of_Iraq_(2003%E2%80%932011)), reaching a peak of 730 soldiers before being slowly drawn down to 350 soldiers. Romania terminated its mission in [Iraq](/source/Iraq) and withdrew its last troops on 24 July 2009, among the last countries to do so. The frigate the ''[Regele Ferdinand](/source/Regele_Ferdinand_frigate)'' participated in the [2011 military intervention in Libya](/source/2011_military_intervention_in_Libya).[{{cite web |date=22 March 2011 |title=''Traian Basescu: Romania va trimite fregata Regele Ferdinand cu 205 militari in Mediterana pentru operatiuni de blocare a oricarei nave suspecte ca transporta armament'' |trans-title=Traian Băsescu: Romania will send the frigate Regele Ferdinand with 205 troops to the Mediterranean for operations to block any ship suspected of transporting weapons |url=http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-politic-8423876-traian-basescu-sustine-declaratie-presa-ora-21-00-dupa-sedinta-csat.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110325033747/http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-politic-8423876-traian-basescu-sustine-declaratie-presa-ora-21-00-dupa-sedinta-csat.htm |archive-date=25 March 2011 |access-date=22 March 2011 |publisher=HotNews.ro |language=ro}}]
In December 2011, the [Romanian Senate](/source/Senate_of_Romania) unanimously adopted the draft law ratifying the [Romania-United States agreement](/source/Romania%E2%80%93United_States_relations) signed in September of the same year that would allow the establishment and operation of a US land-based [ballistic missile defence system](/source/Aegis_Ballistic_Missile_Defense_System) in Romania as part of NATO's efforts to build a continental [missile shield](/source/NATO_missile_defence_system).[{{cite web |url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Romania_ratifies_US_missile_shield_agreement_999.html |title=Romania ratifies US missile shield agreement |publisher=SpaceWar |date=6 December 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904013520/http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Romania_ratifies_US_missile_shield_agreement_999.html |archive-date=4 September 2015}}] The [Aegis Ashore](/source/Aegis_Ashore) missile system based at [Deveslu](/source/Deveselu_Military_Base) became operational in 2016.[{{cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2016/05/12/aegis-ashore-site-in-romania-declared-operational|title=Aegis Ashore Site in Romania Declared Operational|first=Sam|last=LaGrone|website=news.usni.org|date=12 May 2016|access-date=2 June 2020|archive-date=9 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609082649/https://news.usni.org/2016/05/12/aegis-ashore-site-in-romania-declared-operational|url-status=live}}]
In 2024, construction work started on expanding the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base ([RoAF 57th Air Base](/source/RoAF_57th_Air_Base)). The air base is set to become the largest [NATO](/source/NATO) base in [Europe](/source/Europe) after the implementation of a project spanning 20 years.[{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c977wggg4pgo|title=Romanian village set to become Nato's biggest airbase in Europe|first=Nick|last=Thorpe|author-link=Nick Thorpe|work=[BBC](/source/BBC)|date=22 June 2024|access-date=23 June 2024}}][{{cite web|url=https://ac.nato.int/archive/2023/NATO_Infra_eAP_ROU|title=Allied Air Forces work together to improve Romanian Air Base|website=ac.nato.int|author=Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office|date=3 January 2023}}]
===Administrative divisions===
{{Main|Administrative divisions of Romania}}
Romania is divided into 41 [counties](/source/Counties_of_Romania) (''județe'') and the municipality of [Bucharest](/source/Bucharest). Each county is administered by a county council, responsible for local affairs, as well as a [prefect](/source/Prefect_(Romania)) responsible for the administration of national affairs at the county level. The prefect is appointed by the central government but cannot be a member of any political party.[{{cite web|url=http://www.descopera.net/romania_geografie.html |title=Geografia Romaniei |publisher=descopera.net |language=ro |access-date=7 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219224756/http://descopera.net/romania_geografie.html |archive-date=19 February 2009 }}] Each county is subdivided further into [cities](/source/cities_of_Romania) and [communes](/source/Communes_of_Romania), which have their own mayor and local council. There are a total of 320 cities and 2,861 communes in Romania.[{{cite web|title=LEGE nr. 151 din 15 iulie 1998|url=http://www.cdep.ro/pls/legis/legis_pck.htp_act_text?idt=17411|language=ro|access-date=1 July 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202235242/http://www.cdep.ro/pls/legis/legis_pck.htp_act_text?idt=17411|archive-date=2 December 2013}}] (eight [development regions](/source/Development_regions_of_Romania)) divisions exist but have no administrative capacity and are used instead for coordinating regional development projects and statistical purposes.[{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/comm/eurostat/ramon/nuts/codelist_en.cfm?list=nuts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118234301/http://ec.europa.eu/comm/eurostat/ramon/nuts/codelist_en.cfm?list=nuts |archive-date=18 January 2008 |title=Hierarchical list of the Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics – NUTS and the Statistical regions of Europe |access-date=31 August 2008 |url-status=dead }}]
{{Romanian counties map |Map=Regiuni de dezvoltare.svg}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Area (km2)[{{cite web | url = http://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sR_TAB_3.xlsx | title = Population at 20 October 2011 | date = 5 July 2013 | access-date = 5 July 2013 | publisher = [INS](/source/National_Institute_of_Statistics_(Romania)) | language = ro}}{{dead link|date=June 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}]
|- style="text-align:center;"
|style="background:#a1e0a1; color:#000;"|[Nord-Vest](/source/Nord-Vest)
|34,152
|2,521,793
|[Cluj-Napoca](/source/Cluj-Napoca_metropolitan_area) (411,379)
|- style="text-align:center;"
|style="background:#dedfde; color:#000;"|[Centru](/source/Centru_(development_region))
|34,097
|2,271,067
|[Brașov](/source/Bra%C8%99ov_metropolitan_area) (369,896)
|- style="text-align:center;"
|style="background:#f9e185; color:#000;"|[Nord-Est](/source/Nord-Est_(development_region))
|36,853
|3,226,436
|[Iași](/source/Ia%C8%99i_metropolitan_area) (382,484)
|- style="text-align:center;"
|style="background:#d296de; color:#000;"|[Sud-Est](/source/Sud-Est_(development_region))
|35,774
|2,367,987
|[Constanța](/source/Constan%C8%9Ba_metropolitan_area) (425,916)
|- style="text-align:center;"
|style="background:#fab485; color:#000;"|[Sud – Muntenia](/source/Sud_-_Muntenia_(development_region))
|34,469
|2,864,339
|[Ploiești](/source/Ploie%C8%99ti_metropolitan_area) (276,279)
|- style="text-align:center;"
|style="background:#e4d59e; color:#000;"|[București - Ilfov](/source/Bucure%C8%99ti_-_Ilfov)
|1,803
|2,259,665
|[Bucharest](/source/Bucharest_metropolitan_area) (2,272,163)
|- style="text-align:center;"
|style="background:#a3c5f8; color:#000;"|[Sud-Vest Oltenia](/source/Sud-Vest_Oltenia)
|29,207
|1,873,607
|[Craiova](/source/Craiova_metropolitan_area) (356,544)
|- style="text-align:center;"
|style="background:#fab1b1; color:#000;"|[Vest](/source/Vest_(development_region))
|32,042
|1,668,921
|[Timișoara](/source/Timi%C8%99oara_metropolitan_area) (384,809)
|}
{{Clear}}
==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Romania}}
[[File:Salariu net județele României 2024.jpg|thumb|Map of [net wages](/source/Wage) in Romania ([lei](/source/Romanian_leu)) at the end of 2024 and changes since 2015, by [county](/source/Counties_of_Romania)]]
In 2024, Romania had a [GDP](/source/Gross_domestic_product) (PPP) of around $894 billion and a [GDP per capita](/source/List_of_countries_by_GDP_per_capita_(PPP)) ([PPP](/source/purchasing_power_parity)) of $47,203.[{{cite web |url=https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups |title=World Bank Country and Lending Groups |publisher=[World Bank](/source/World_Bank) |website=datahelpdesk.worldbank.org |access-date=19 March 2024 |archive-date=28 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028223324/https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups |url-status=live }}] According to [Eurostat](/source/Eurostat), Romania's GDP per capita (PPS) was 77% of the EU average (100%) in 2022, an increase from 44% in 2007 (the year of Romania's accession to the EU), making Romania one of the [fastest growing economies](/source/List_of_countries_by_real_GDP_growth_rate) in the [EU](/source/European_Union).[{{cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/PRC_PPP_IND__custom_7358921/default/table?lang=en |title=GDP per capita in PPS |publisher=[Eurostat](/source/Eurostat) |website=ec.europa.eu/eurostat |access-date=4 September 2023 |archive-date=4 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904172547/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/PRC_PPP_IND__custom_7358921/default/table?lang=en |url-status=live }}]
The [Bucharest Stock Exchange](/source/Bucharest_Stock_Exchange) (BVB) is the [stock exchange](/source/stock_exchange) of Romania, located in [Bucharest](/source/Bucharest). In 2024, the BVB boasted a $74 billion [market capitalisation](/source/market_capitalisation) and a [trading volume](/source/trading_volume) of $7.2 billion.[{{Cite web|title=General statistics|url=https://bvb.ro/TradingAndStatistics/Statistics/GeneralStatistics|access-date=16 November 2024|website=www.bvb.ro}}] As of 2024, 86 companies were listed on the exchange.[{{Cite web|url=https://research.ftserussell.com/products/downloads/FTSE-Country-Classification-Update_latest.pdf|title=FTSE Equity Country Classification September 2020 Annual Announcement}}]
[[File:Bucharest Business District.jpg|left|thumb|[Floreasca](/source/Floreasca) business district, as seen from [Lake Herăstrău](/source/Lake_Her%C4%83str%C4%83u)]]
After 1989 the country experienced a decade of economic instability and decline, led in part by an obsolete [industrial base](/source/Manufacturing) and a lack of [structural reform](/source/Non-reformist_reform). From 2000 onwards, however, the Romanian economy was transformed into one of relative [macroeconomic](/source/macroeconomic) stability, characterised by [high growth](/source/Economic_growth), low [unemployment](/source/unemployment) and declining [inflation](/source/inflation). In 2006, according to the [Romanian Statistics Office](/source/National_Institute_of_Statistics_(Romania)), GDP growth in real terms was recorded at 7.7%, one of the highest rates in [Europe](/source/Europe).[{{cite web|language=ro|url=http://www.insse.ro/cms/files/statistici/comunicate/pib/pibr06.pdf|title=GDP in 2006|publisher=Romanian National Institute of Statistics|access-date=10 January 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216015144/http://www.insse.ro/cms/files/statistici/comunicate/pib/pibr06.pdf|archive-date=16 February 2008}}] However, the [Great Recession](/source/Great_Recession) forced the government to borrow externally, including an [IMF](/source/IMF) €20 billion bailout programme.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/02/business/global/02romecon.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721190547/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/02/business/global/02romecon.html|url-status=dead|title=Romania to Get Next Installment of Bailout|date=1 November 2010|archive-date=21 July 2016|via=The New York Times}}] According to [The World Bank](/source/The_World_Bank), GDP per capita in [purchasing power parity](/source/purchasing_power_parity) grew from $13,703 in 2007 to $47,903 in 2023.[{{cite web |title=GDP per capita, PPP (current international $) – Romania |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.PP.CD?locations=RO&name_desc=false |website=data.worldbank.org |publisher=[World Bank](/source/World_Bank) |access-date=23 January 2020 |archive-date=22 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922222037/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.PP.CD?locations=RO&name_desc=false |url-status=live }}]
Romania's main exports are [vehicles](/source/vehicles), software, clothing and textiles, [industrial machinery](/source/Machine_industry), [electrical](/source/Electrical_device) and [electronic equipment](/source/electronic_equipment), [metallurgic products](/source/Metallurgy), [raw materials](/source/raw_materials), [military equipment](/source/military_equipment), [pharmaceuticals](/source/pharmaceuticals), [fine chemicals](/source/fine_chemicals), and [agricultural products](/source/Agriculture) ([fruits](/source/Fruit), [vegetables](/source/Vegetable), and [flowers](/source/Flower)). Trade is mostly centred on the member states of the [EU](/source/European_Union), with [Germany](/source/Germany), [Italy](/source/Italy) and [France](/source/France) being the country's single largest [trading partners](/source/International_trade).
In 2005, the government replaced Romania's [progressive tax](/source/progressive_tax) system with a [flat tax](/source/flat_tax) of 16% for both [personal income](/source/personal_income) and [corporate profit](/source/Profiteering), among the lowest rates in the EU.[{{cite report|url=http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/PGP_PRD_CAT_PREREL/PGE_CAT_PREREL_YEAR_2007/PGE_CAT_PREREL_YEAR_2007_MONTH_06/2-26062007-EN-AP.PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070628064604/http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/PGP_PRD_CAT_PREREL/PGE_CAT_PREREL_YEAR_2007/PGE_CAT_PREREL_YEAR_2007_MONTH_06/2-26062007-EN-AP.PDF|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 June 2007|title=Taxation trends in the EU|publisher=[Eurostat](/source/Eurostat)|date=26 June 2007|access-date=31 August 2008}}] The economy is based predominantly on [services](/source/Service_(economics)), which account for 56.2% of the country's total GDP as of 2017, with [industry](/source/Industry_in_Romania) and [agriculture](/source/agriculture) accounting for 30% and 4.4% respectively.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/373136/share-of-economic-sectors-in-the-gdp-in-romania/|title=Romania – share of economic sectors in the gross domestic product 2018|website=Statista|access-date=10 September 2019|archive-date=22 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922050619/https://www.statista.com/statistics/373136/share-of-economic-sectors-in-the-gdp-in-romania/|url-status=live}}]
Approximately 25.8% of the Romanian workforce is employed in agriculture, one of the highest rates in [Europe](/source/Europe).[{{Cite web|archive-date=15 June 2018|title=Farmers in the EU – statistics – Statistics Explained|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Farmers_in_the_EU_-_statistics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615181335/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Farmers_in_the_EU_-_statistics|access-date=26 March 2021|url-status=dead|website=ec.europa.eu}}]
[[File:Dacia Logan 2023 Front 2.jpg|thumb|right|Romania is home to automobile company [Dacia](/source/Automobile_Dacia)]]
Romania has attracted increasing amounts of foreign investment following the end of [communism](/source/communism), with the stock of [foreign direct investment](/source/foreign_direct_investment) (FDI) in Romania rising to €83.8 billion in June 2019.[{{Cite web|url=https://business-review.eu/investments/fdi-stock-in-romania-approaches-eur-84-bln-204468|title=FDI stock in Romania approaches EUR 84 bln|date=5 September 2019|access-date=10 September 2019|archive-date=9 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909013551/https://business-review.eu/investments/fdi-stock-in-romania-approaches-eur-84-bln-204468|url-status=live}}] Romania's FDI outward stock (an external or foreign business either investing in or purchasing the stock of a local economy) amounted to $745 million in December 2018, the lowest value among the 28 [EU member states](/source/Member_state_of_the_European_Union).[{{Cite web|title=Banca Națională a României – "The History of the Romanian Leu" Exhibition|url=https://www.bnr.ro/%e2%80%9cThe-History-of-the-Romanian-Leu%e2%80%9d-Exhibition-13837-Mobile.aspx|website=www.bnr.ro|access-date=1 May 2020|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728111204/https://www.bnr.ro/%e2%80%9cThe-History-of-the-Romanian-Leu%e2%80%9d-Exhibition-13837-Mobile.aspx|url-status=live}}] As it joined the EU in 2007, Romania plans to adopt the [euro](/source/euro) in 2029.[{{cite web | url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/romania-wants-to-push-euro-adoption-by-2026/ | title=Romania wants to push euro adoption by 2026 | date=20 March 2023 | access-date=4 May 2023 | archive-date=12 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412033726/https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/romania-wants-to-push-euro-adoption-by-2026/ | url-status=live }}]
===Infrastructure===
{{Main|Transport in Romania|Energy in Romania}}
[[File:Romania-drumuri.svg|thumb|Romania's [road network](/source/Roads_in_Romania)]]
thumb|Graph depicting Romania's electricity supply mix as of 2015
According to the [Romania's National Institute of Statistics](/source/National_Institute_of_Statistics_(Romania)) (INS), Romania's total road network was estimated in 2015 at {{convert|86080|km|0|abbr=out}}.[{{cite web |url=http://www.insse.ro/cms/sites/default/files/com_presa/com_pdf/lung_cailor_transp15r_1.pdf |title=Length of roads in Romania 2015 |publisher=[INS](/source/National_Institute_of_Statistics_(Romania)) |access-date=16 March 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113231241/http://www.insse.ro/cms/sites/default/files/com_presa/com_pdf/lung_cailor_transp15r_1.pdf |archive-date=13 November 2016 }}] The [World Bank](/source/World_Bank_Group) estimates the railway network at {{convert|22298|km}} of track, the fourth-largest [railway network](/source/Rail_transport_in_Romania) in [Europe](/source/Europe).[{{cite web|url=http://www.cfr.ro/jf/romana/0208/retea.htm|title=Reteaua feroviara |language=ro |publisher=cfr.to |access-date=6 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608211134/http://www.cfr.ro/jf/romana/0208/retea.htm |archive-date=8 June 2009}}] Romania's [rail transport](/source/C%C4%83ile_Ferate_Rom%C3%A2ne) experienced a dramatic decline after 1989 and was estimated at 99 million passenger journeys in 2004, but has experienced a recent (2013) revival due to infrastructure improvements and partial privatisation of lines,[{{Cite encyclopedia|encyclopedia=The Europa World Year Book|year=2007|volume=2|edition=48|publisher=[Routledge](/source/Routledge)|location=London and New York|title=Romania|pages=3734–3759|isbn=978-1-85743-412-5}}] accounting for 45% of all [passenger](/source/passenger) and [freight](/source/Cargo) movements in the country.[{{Cite web |title=Metroul București |url=https://metroulbucuresti.com/ |access-date=25 June 2024 |website=Metroul București |language=ro-RO}}] There are [sixteen international commercial airports](/source/List_of_airports_in_Romania) in service today. Over 12.8 million passengers flew through Bucharest's [Henri Coandă International Airport](/source/Henri_Coand%C4%83_International_Airport) in 2017.[{{Cite web|url=http://www.anna.aero/wp-content/uploads/european-airports.xls|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326185002/http://www.anna.aero/wp-content/uploads/european-airports.xls|title=Ann. aero database|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 March 2017}}]
Romania is a net exporter of electrical energy and is 52nd worldwide in terms of consumption of [electric energy](/source/Electrical_energy).[{{Cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2233rank.html |title=Country Comparison-Electricity Consumptiom |website=cia.gov |access-date=25 March 2020 |archive-date=7 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307234309/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2233rank.html |url-status=dead }}] Around a third of the produced energy comes from [renewable sources](/source/Renewable_resource), mostly as [hydroelectric power](/source/Hydroelectricity).[{{cite web |date=2010 |title=Planul Național de Acțiune în Domeniul Energiei din Surse Regenerabile (PNAER) |trans-title=National Action Plan for Renewable Energy Sources (PNAER) |url=http://www.minind.ro/energie/PNAER_final.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211040927/https://www.minind.ro/energie/PNAER_final.pdf |archive-date=11 December 2015 |access-date=9 August 2014 |language=ro}}] It has one of the largest [refining capacities](/source/Refining) in [Eastern Europe](/source/Eastern_Europe), even though [oil](/source/oil) and [natural gas](/source/natural_gas) production has been decreasing for more than a decade.[{{Cite web |url=http://www.upg-bulletin-se.ro/archive/2015-4/4.Lazar_Lazar.pdf |title=Economic Insights – Trends and Challenges Vol.IV(LXVII) No. 4/2015 37 – 44Romanian Oil Industry Decline |last=Lazar |first=Cornel and Mirela |website=upg-bulletin-so.ro |url-status=dead |access-date=26 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421143536/http://www.upg-bulletin-se.ro/archive/2015-4/4.Lazar_Lazar.pdf |archive-date=21 April 2018 }}] With one of the largest reserves of [crude oil](/source/crude_oil) and [shale gas](/source/shale_gas) in Europe[{{Cite web |url=https://www.eia.gov/analysis/studies/worldshalegas/ |title=World Shale Resource Assessments |website=eia.gov |access-date=26 March 2020 |archive-date=1 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701171451/https://www.eia.gov/analysis/studies/worldshalegas/ |url-status=live }}] it is among the most energy-independent countries in the EU,[{{cite web |author=Ana Hontz-Ward |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/romania-expects-energy-independence-despite-ukraine-crisis/1956837.html |title=Romania Expects to be Energy Independent Despite Ukraine Crisis |date=14 July 2014 |publisher=Voice of America |access-date=15 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818030644/http://www.voanews.com/content/romania-expects-energy-independence-despite-ukraine-crisis/1956837.html |archive-date=18 August 2014 }}] and is looking to expand its [nuclear power plant](/source/nuclear_power_plant) at [Cernavodă](/source/Cernavod%C4%83_Nuclear_Power_Plant) further.[{{cite web |date=17 January 2014 |title=Contractul pentru unitățile 3 și 4 de la centrala nucleară Cernavodă se va parafa în mai. Chinezii vor avea 51% din acțiuni – Nicolae Moga (PSD) – Energie – HotNews.ro |trans-title=The contract for Units 3 and 4 at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant will be signed in May. The Chinese will hold 51% of the shares |url=http://economie.hotnews.ro/stiri-energie-16428344-contractul-pentru-unitatile-3-4-centrala-nucleara-cernavoda-parafa-mai-chinezii-vor-avea-51-din-actiuni-nicolae-moga-psd.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090341/http://economie.hotnews.ro/stiri-energie-16428344-contractul-pentru-unitatile-3-4-centrala-nucleara-cernavoda-parafa-mai-chinezii-vor-avea-51-din-actiuni-nicolae-moga-psd.htm |archive-date=19 August 2014 |access-date=15 August 2014 |publisher=Economie.hotnews.ro |language=ro}}]
There were almost 18.3 million connections to the [Internet](/source/Internet) in June 2014.[{{cite news |date=4 December 2014 |title=Numărul conexiunilor la internet a crescut cu 22,8%. Câte milioane de români au acces la internet |trans-title=The number of internet connections increased by 22.8%. How many millions of Romanians have internet access? |url=http://www.gandul.info/it-c/numarul-conexiunilor-la-internet-a-crescut-cu-22-8-cate-milioane-de-romani-au-acces-la-internet-13701212 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409080533/http://www.gandul.info/it-c/numarul-conexiunilor-la-internet-a-crescut-cu-22-8-cate-milioane-de-romani-au-acces-la-internet-13701212 |archive-date=9 April 2015 |access-date=4 April 2015 |newspaper=[Gândul](/source/G%C3%A2ndul) |language=ro}}] According to [Bloomberg](/source/Bloomberg_L.P.), in 2013 Romania ranked fifth in the world, and according to ''[The Independent](/source/The_Independent)'', it ranks number one in [Europe at Internet speeds](/source/Internet-speed_development),[{{Cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/chart/3348/europes-fastest-downloaders/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222110431/https://www.statista.com/chart/3348/europes-fastest-downloaders/|url-status=dead|title=• Chart: Blistering broadband: Europe's fastest downloaders | Statista|archive-date=22 February 2017|website=www.statista.com}}][{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/slideshow/2013-01-23/top-10-countries-with-the-fastest-internet.html#slide7|title=Top 10: Where to Find the World's Fastest Internet|publisher=[Bloomberg](/source/Bloomberg_L.P.)|date=23 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628104937/http://www.bloomberg.com/slideshow/2013-01-23/top-10-countries-with-the-fastest-internet.html#slide7|archive-date=28 June 2016}}] with [Timișoara](/source/Timi%C8%99oara) ranked among the highest in the world.[{{cite web|url=http://www.romania-insider.com/romanian-city-comes-out-first-in-the-world-in-internet-download-speed-ranking/103102/|title=Romanian city comes out first in the world in Internet download speed ranking|publisher=Net Index|date=3 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706191940/http://www.romania-insider.com/romanian-city-comes-out-first-in-the-world-in-internet-download-speed-ranking/103102/|archive-date=6 July 2013}}]
=== Tourism ===
{{Main|Tourism in Romania|List of World Heritage Sites in Romania}}
{{See also|Seven Natural Wonders of Romania|Seven Wonders of Romania}}
{{multiple image
| perrow = 2
| align = right
| total_width = 300
| image1 = Manastirea putna1.jpg
| caption1 = [Putna Monastery](/source/Putna_Monastery) in [Bukovina](/source/Bukovina), one of the [medieval churches of Moldavia](/source/Churches_of_Moldavia)
| image2 = Pelicani din Delta Dunarii.PNG
| caption2 = The [Danube Delta](/source/Danube_Delta) with its wildlife
| image3 = Castelul Bran2.jpg
| caption3 = [Bran Castle](/source/Bran_Castle)
| image4 = Black Sea beach in Mamaia (6117712232).jpg
| caption4 = [Mamaia Black Sea resort](/source/Romanian_Black_Sea_resorts)
}}
Tourism is a significant contributor to the Romanian economy, generating around 5% of GDP.[{{cite web|url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TravelTourismCompetitiveness_Report_2008.pdf|publisher=[World Economic Forum](/source/World_Economic_Forum)|title=Country/Economy Profiles: Romania, Page 329 Travel&Tourism|access-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405043639/http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TravelTourismCompetitiveness_Report_2008.pdf|archive-date=5 April 2013}}] The number of tourists has been rising steadily, reaching 9.33 million foreign tourists in 2016, according to the [Worldbank](/source/World_Bank_Group).[{{cite web |url=http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/ST.INT.ARVL?locations=RO |title=Worldbank Tourism in Romania |website=worldbank.org |access-date=5 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825191802/http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/ST.INT.ARVL?locations=RO |archive-date=25 August 2017 }}] Tourism in Romania attracted €400 million in investments in 2005.[{{cite web|language=ro |url=http://www.gandul.info/social/turismul-atras-2005-investitii-400-milioane-euro.html?3932;255059 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809114100/http://www.gandul.info/social/turismul-atras-2005-investitii-400-milioane-euro.html?3932;255059 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 August 2018 |publisher=Gandul Newspaper |title=Tourism attracted in 2005 investments worth €400 million |access-date=11 January 2008 }}] More than 60% of the foreign visitors in 2007 were from other EU countries.[{{cite report|url=http://www.insse.ro/cms/files/statistici/comunicate/turism/a07/turism09e07.pdf|title=Report from Romanian National Institute of Statistics|quote=for the first 9 months of 2007 an increase from the previous year of 8.7% to 16.5 million tourists; of these 94.0% came from European countries and 61.7% from EU|access-date=11 January 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216015139/http://www.insse.ro/cms/files/statistici/comunicate/turism/a07/turism09e07.pdf|archive-date=16 February 2008}}] The popular summer attractions of [Mamaia](/source/Mamaia) and other [Black Sea Resorts](/source/Romanian_Black_Sea_resorts) attracted 1.3 million tourists in 2009.[{{Cite web |url=http://jurnalul.ro/stire-economic/criza-ne-strica-vacanta-548967.html |title=Criza ne strică vacanţa |trans-title=The crisis is ruining our vacation |work=jurnalul.ro |access-date=3 January 2018 |archive-date=2 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102104448/http://jurnalul.ro/stire-economic/criza-ne-strica-vacanta-548967.html |url-status=live }}, 9 July 2010, jurnalul.ro, accessed on 21 August 2010.][{{cite web|url=http://www.unseenromania.com/places-to-go-romania/tan-and-fun-at-the-black-sea.html |title=Tan and fun at the Black Sea |publisher=UnseenRomania |access-date=10 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011041935/http://unseenromania.com/places-to-go-romania/tan-and-fun-at-the-black-sea.html |archive-date=11 October 2007 |url-status=dead }}]
Among Romania's [spa town](/source/spa_town)s and [resort](/source/resort)s are [Buziaș](/source/Buzia%C8%99), [Băile Călacea](/source/Or%C8%9Bi%C8%99oara), [Moneasa](/source/Moneasa), [Băile Lipova](/source/Lipova%2C_Arad), [Călimănești](/source/C%C4%83lim%C4%83ne%C8%99ti), [Amara](/source/Amara%2C_Romania), and [Geoagiu-Băi](/source/Geoagiu).[{{Cite web |title=Ministerul Economiei, Antreprenoriatului și Turismului |url=https://turism.gov.ro/web/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241105121043/https://turism.gov.ro/web/ |archive-date=5 November 2024 |access-date=2026-05-13 |website=Ministerul Economiei, Antreprenoriatului și Turismului |language=en-US |url-status=live }}] At the same time, [seaside resorts](/source/Seaside_resort) such as [Eforie](/source/Eforie), [Mangalia](/source/Mangalia), [Saturn](/source/Saturn%2C_Romania), [Venus](/source/Venus%2C_Romania), [Neptun](/source/Neptun%2C_Romania), [Olimp](/source/Olimp%2C_Romania), and [Mamaia](/source/Mamaia) (sometimes also called [the Romanian Riviera](/source/Romanian_Black_Sea_resorts)) are among the main tourist attractions during the [summer](/source/summer). Most popular [skiing resorts](/source/Ski_resort) are along the [Valea Prahovei](/source/Valea_Prahovei), [Muntele Mic](/source/%C8%9Aarcu_Mountains), [Semenic](/source/Banat_Mountains), [Straja](/source/Straja) and [Poiana Brașov](/source/Poiana_Bra%C8%99ov). [Wine tourism](/source/Wine_tourism) is represented by areas such as [Recaș](/source/Reca%C8%99), Silagiu, [Odobești](/source/Odobe%C8%99ti), [Drăgășani](/source/Dr%C4%83g%C4%83%C8%99ani), and Podgoria Aradului.[{{Cite web |title=Turismul viticol: viziteaza cele mai frumoase crame din Romania |url=https://www.edenred.ro/ro/blog/timp-liber/cele-mai-frumoase-crame-de-vizitat-romania |access-date=2026-05-13 |website=www.edenred.ro}}]
[Castles, fortifications, or strongholds](/source/List_of_castles_in_Romania) as well as preserved medieval Transylvanian cities or towns such as [Timișoara](/source/Timi%C8%99oara), [Cluj-Napoca](/source/Cluj-Napoca), [Sibiu](/source/Sibiu), [Brașov](/source/Bra%C8%99ov), [Alba Iulia](/source/Alba_Iulia), [Baia Mare](/source/Baia_Mare), [Bistrița](/source/Bistri%C8%9Ba), [Mediaș](/source/Media%C8%99), [Cisnădie](/source/Cisn%C4%83die), [Sebeș](/source/Sebe%C8%99), or [Sighișoara](/source/Sighi%C8%99oara) also attract a large number of tourists. [Bran Castle](/source/Bran_Castle), near Brașov, is one of the most famous attractions in Romania, drawing hundreds of thousands of tourists every year as it is often (falsely) advertised as being [Dracula](/source/Dracula_in_popular_culture)'s Castle.[{{cite web|author=Amy Alipio|title=Visit 'Dracula's Castle' in Transylvania, Romania|website=National Geographic|publisher=[National Geographic Society](/source/National_Geographic_Society)|location=Washington, D.C.|date=28 September 2018|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/dracula-castle-things-to-do-brasov-transylvania|access-date=29 May 2025}}] Other attractions include the [Danube Delta](/source/Danube_Delta) or the [Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brâncuși at Târgu Jiu](/source/Sculptural_Ensemble_of_Constantin_Br%C3%A2ncu%C8%99i_at_T%C3%A2rgu_Jiu).[{{cite web |title=Turism in Romania |url=http://www.turism.ro/statiuni.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902060849/http://turism.ro/statiuni.php |archive-date=2 September 2011 |access-date=29 August 2011 |publisher=Turism.ro}}][{{cite web |date=16 March 1957 |title=Ansamblul sculptural Constantin Brancusi din Targu Jiu |trans-title=Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brâncuși in Târgu Jiu |url=http://www.romaniaturistica.com/obiective-turistice/ansamblul-sculptural-constantin-brancusi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001025648/http://www.romaniaturistica.com/obiective-turistice/ansamblul-sculptural-constantin-brancusi.html |archive-date=1 October 2025 |access-date=29 August 2011 |publisher=Romaniaturistica.com |language=ro }}]
[Rural tourism](/source/Rural_tourism), focusing on getting visitors acquainted with local [folklore](/source/folklore) and [customs](/source/Tradition), has become an important alternative,[{{Cite news |date=5 July 2008 |title=Turismul renaste la tara |trans-title=Tourism is being reborn in the countryside |url=http://www.romanialibera.ro/a128995/turismul-renaste-la-tara.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080802065943/http://www.romanialibera.ro/a128995/turismul-renaste-la-tara.html |archive-date=2 August 2008 |access-date=28 August 2008 |publisher=Romania Libera |language=ro}}] and is targeted to promote such sites as [Bran](/source/Bran%2C_Bra%C8%99ov) and its Dracula's Castle, the [painted churches of northern Moldavia](/source/painted_churches_of_northern_Moldavia), and the [wooden churches of Maramureș](/source/wooden_churches_of_Maramure%C8%99), or the [villages with fortified churches in Transylvania](/source/villages_with_fortified_churches_in_Transylvania).[{{cite web |title=Bine ati venit pe site-ul de promovare a pensiunilor agroturistice din Romania !!! |trans-title=Welcome to the website promoting agritourism guesthouses in Romania !!! |url=http://www.ruraltourism.ro/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914053130/http://www.ruraltourism.ro/ |archive-date=14 September 2008 |access-date=28 August 2008 |publisher=RuralTourism.ro |language=ro}}] The [Via Transilvanica](/source/Via_Transilvanica) long-distance hiking and cycling [trail](/source/trail), which crosses 10 counties in the [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania), [Banat](/source/Banat) and [Bukovina](/source/Bukovina) regions of the country further promotes rural [slow tourism](/source/slow_tourism).[{{Cite web |title=Concept – Via Transilvanica |url=https://www.viatransilvanica.com/en/concept/ |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=www.viatransilvanica.com |language=en |archive-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812144441/https://www.viatransilvanica.com/en/concept/ |url-status=live }}]
In 2014, Romania had 32,500 companies active in the hotel and restaurant industry, with a total turnover of €2.6 billion.[{{Cite web|url=http://www.romania-insider.com/how-important-is-tourism-in-romanias-economy/158787/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106064035/http://www.romania-insider.com/how-important-is-tourism-in-romanias-economy/158787/|url-status=dead|title=How important is tourism in Romania's economy?|publisher=romania-insider.com|archive-date=6 November 2015}}] More than 1.9 million foreign tourists visited Romania in 2014, 12% more than in 2013.[{{Cite web|url=http://www.romania-insider.com/over-1-9-million-tourists-visit-romania-where-do-they-come-from/141244/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204055850/http://www.romania-insider.com/over-1-9-million-tourists-visit-romania-where-do-they-come-from/141244/|url-status=dead|title=Over 1.9 million tourists visit Romania, where do they come from – Romania Insider|archive-date=4 February 2015}}] According to the country's [National Statistics Institute](/source/National_Institute_of_Statistics_(Romania)), some 77% came from [Europe](/source/Europe) (particularly from [Germany](/source/Germany), [Italy](/source/Italy), and [France](/source/France)), 12% from [Asia](/source/Asia), and less than 7% from [North America](/source/North_America).[{{cite web|url=http://www.biblacad.ro/Vuiaeng.htm|title=Traian Vuia in a Century of Aviation|publisher=Romanian Academy Library|page=1|access-date=7 August 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310224335/http://www.biblacad.ro/Vuiaeng.htm|archive-date=10 March 2012}}] and [Aurel Vlaicu](/source/Aurel_Vlaicu) built and flew some of the earliest successful aircraft,[{{Cite web|url=http://www2.rosa.ro/index.php/en/rosa-home/history-menu/784-aurel-vlaicu|title=AUREL VLAICU|website=www2.rosa.ro|access-date=15 April 2020|archive-date=26 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926114207/http://www2.rosa.ro/index.php/en/rosa-home/history-menu/784-aurel-vlaicu|url-status=dead}}] while [Henri Coandă](/source/Henri_Coand%C4%83) discovered the [Coandă effect](/source/Coand%C4%83_effect) of fluidics.[{{Cite web|url=http://www2.rosa.ro/index.php/en/rosa-home/history-menu/125-henri-coanda|title=Henri Coandă|website=www2.rosa.ro|access-date=15 April 2020|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031095740/http://www2.rosa.ro/index.php/en/rosa-home/history-menu/125-henri-coanda|url-status=dead}}] [Victor Babeș](/source/Victor_Babe%C8%99) discovered more than 50 types of bacteria;[{{Cite web |date=27 November 2017 |title=Victor Babeș, savantul român care a descoperit 50 de noi tipuri de microbi și un vaccin împotriva turbării |trans-title=Victor Babeș, the Romanian scientist who discovered 50 new types of microbes and a vaccine against rabies |url=https://adevarul.ro/locale/targu-jiu/victor-babes-savantul-roman-descoperit-50-tipuri-microbi-vaccin-turbarii-1_5a1ab5795ab6550cb88d1818/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308021912/https://adevarul.ro/locale/targu-jiu/victor-babes-savantul-roman-descoperit-50-tipuri-microbi-vaccin-turbarii-1_5a1ab5795ab6550cb88d1818/index.html |archive-date=8 March 2021 |access-date=15 April 2020 |website=adevarul.ro |language=ro}}] biologist [Nicolae Paulescu](/source/Nicolae_Paulescu) developed an extract of the pancreas and showed that it lowers blood sugar in diabetic dogs, thus being significant in the history of [insulin](/source/insulin);[{{Cite web|url=https://www.diabetes.co.uk/pioneers/nicolae-paulescu.html|title=Nicolae Paulescu was a Romanian scientist who claimed to have been the first person to discover insulin, which he called pancreine.|date=15 January 2019|website=Diabetes|language=en-GB|access-date=15 April 2020|archive-date=19 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319083512/https://www.diabetes.co.uk/pioneers/nicolae-paulescu.html|url-status=live}}] while [Emil Palade](/source/Emil_Palade) received the [Nobel Prize](/source/Nobel_Prize) for his contributions to [cell biology](/source/cell_biology).[{{Cite web|url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1974/palade/facts/|title=The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1974|website=NobelPrize.org|language=en-US|access-date=15 April 2020|archive-date=18 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518192113/https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1974/palade/facts/|url-status=live}}] [Lazăr Edeleanu](/source/Laz%C4%83r_Edeleanu) was the first chemist to synthesise [amphetamine](/source/amphetamine), and he also invented the procedure of separating valuable petroleum components with selective solvents.[{{Cite book|last=Moore|first=Elaine A.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6vfMjBwzpIgC&q=Laz%C4%83r+Edeleanu+was+the+first+chemist+to+synthesise+amphetamine&pg=PA20|title=The Amphetamine Debate: The Use of Adderall, Ritalin and Related Drugs for Behavior Modification, Neuroenhancement and Anti-Aging Purposes|date=10 January 2014|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-8012-8|language=en|access-date=20 November 2020|archive-date=18 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618235041/https://books.google.com/books?id=6vfMjBwzpIgC&q=Laz%C4%83r+Edeleanu+was+the+first+chemist+to+synthesise+amphetamine&pg=PA20#v=snippet&q=Laz%C4%83r%20Edeleanu%20was%20the%20first%20chemist%20to%20synthesise%20amphetamine&f=false|url-status=live}}]
During the 1990s and 2000s, the development of research was hampered by several factors, including [corruption](/source/corruption), low [funding](/source/funding), and a considerable [brain drain](/source/brain_drain).[{{cite web |url=http://www.ad-astra.ro/journal/2/editorial_en.pdf |title=Science in post-communist Romania: The future is not inviting |access-date=9 February 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510003910/http://www.ad-astra.ro/journal/2/editorial_en.pdf |archive-date=10 May 2011 }}] In recent years, Romania has ranked the lowest or second-lowest in the EU by [research and development](/source/research_and_development) spending as a percentage of GDP, standing at roughly 0.5% in 2016 and 2017, substantially below the EU average of just over 2%.[{{cite press release|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/8493770/9-01122017-AP-EN.pdf/94cc03d5-693b-4c1d-b5ca-8d32703591e7|title=R&D expenditure in the EU remained stable in 2016 at just over 2% of GDP|date=1 December 2017|publisher=[Eurostat](/source/Eurostat)|access-date=8 July 2019|archive-date=14 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614062039/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/8493770/9-01122017-AP-EN.pdf/94cc03d5-693b-4c1d-b5ca-8d32703591e7|url-status=live}}][{{cite news|url=https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-last-in-the-eu-on-rd-expenditure|title=Romania, last in the EU on R&D expenditure|publisher=Romania Insider|date=10 January 2019|access-date=8 July 2019|archive-date=8 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708205458/https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-last-in-the-eu-on-rd-expenditure|url-status=live}}] The country joined the [European Space Agency](/source/European_Space_Agency) (ESA) in 2011,[{{cite press release|url=https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Welcome_to_ESA/Romania_accedes_to_ESA_Convention|title=Romania accedes to ESA Convention|publisher=European Space Agency|date=20 January 2011|access-date=8 July 2019|archive-date=8 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708185009/https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Welcome_to_ESA/Romania_accedes_to_ESA_Convention|url-status=live}}] and [CERN](/source/CERN) in 2016.[{{cite press release|url=https://home.cern/news/press-release/cern/cern-welcomes-romania-its-twenty-second-member-state|publisher=CERN|date=5 September 2016|title=CERN welcomes Romania as its twenty-second Member State|access-date=8 July 2019|archive-date=8 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708185006/https://home.cern/news/press-release/cern/cern-welcomes-romania-its-twenty-second-member-state|url-status=live}}] In 2018, however, Romania lost its voting rights in the ESA due to a failure to pay €56.8 million in membership contributions to the agency.[{{cite web|title=Romania loses voting right at European Space Agency due to unpaid debts|url=https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-loses-voting-right-european-space-agency|work=Romania Insider|date=3 October 2018|access-date=8 July 2019|archive-date=8 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708185004/https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-loses-voting-right-european-space-agency|url-status=live}}]
In the early 2010s, the situation for science in Romania was characterised as "rapidly improving" albeit from a low base.[{{cite journal |last1=Abbott |first1=Alison |title=Romania's high hopes for science |journal=Nature |date=12 January 2011 |doi=10.1038/news.2011.8 |doi-access=free }}] In January 2011, Parliament passed a law that enforces "strict quality control on universities and introduces tough rules for funding evaluation and peer review".[{{cite journal |last1=Abbott |first1=Alison |title=Science fortunes of Balkan neighbours diverge |journal=Nature |date=12 January 2011 |volume=469 |issue=7329 |pages=142–143 |doi=10.1038/469142a |pmid=21228844 |bibcode=2011Natur.469..142A |doi-access=free |ref=AbbottBalkans }}] Romania was ranked 49th in the [Global Innovation Index](/source/Global_Innovation_Index) in 2025.[{{Cite web |title=GII Innovation Ecosystems & Data Explorer 2025 |url=https://www.wipo.int/gii-ranking/en/romania |access-date=16 October 2025 |website=WIPO}}][{{Cite book |last1=Dutta |first1=Soumitra |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2025/en/index.html |title=Global Innovation Index 2025: Innovation at a Crossroads |last2=Lanvin |first2=Bruno |publisher=[World Intellectual Property Organization](/source/World_Intellectual_Property_Organization) |year=2025 |isbn=978-92-805-3797-0 |page=19 |language=en |doi=10.34667/tind.58864 |access-date=17 October 2025}}]
The [nuclear physics](/source/nuclear_physics) facility of the EU's proposed [Extreme Light Infrastructure](/source/Extreme_Light_Infrastructure) (ELI) [laser](/source/laser) will be built in Romania.[{{cite web |url=http://www.eli-np.ro/ |title=ELI-NP | Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics |publisher=Eli-np.ro |access-date=29 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906022342/http://www.eli-np.ro/ |archive-date=6 September 2011 }}] In early 2012, Romania launched its first [satellite](/source/Goliat) from the [Centre Spatial Guyanais](/source/Centre_Spatial_Guyanais) in French Guiana.[{{cite web |url=http://english.hotnews.ro/stiri-top_news-11498074-video-romania-39-first-satellite-goliat-successfully-launch-from-kourou-base-french-guyana.htm |title=VIDEO Romania's first satellite Goliat successfully launch from Kourou base in French Guyana – Top News |date=13 February 2012 |publisher=HotNews.ro |access-date=4 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406215026/http://english.hotnews.ro/stiri-top_news-11498074-video-romania-39-first-satellite-goliat-successfully-launch-from-kourou-base-french-guyana.htm |archive-date=6 April 2014 }}] Starting in December 2014, Romania became a co-owner of the [International Space Station](/source/International_Space_Station).[{{cite web |url=http://www.rosa.ro/index.php/en/news-menu/stiri/787-romania-va-detine-o-parte-din-statia-spatiala-internationala-si-va-contribui-la-dezvoltarea-celei-mai-noi-rachete-europene-ariane-6 |title=Romania will own a part of the International Space Station and will contribute to the development of the latest European rocket, Ariane 6 |work=Romanian Space Agency |date=3 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208052247/http://www.rosa.ro/index.php/en/news-menu/stiri/787-romania-va-detine-o-parte-din-statia-spatiala-internationala-si-va-contribui-la-dezvoltarea-celei-mai-noi-rachete-europene-ariane-6 |archive-date=8 December 2014 }}]
==Demographics==
{{Main|Demographics of Romania|Romanians}}
{{See also|Demographic history of Romania|Immigration to Romania|Minorities in Romania}}
thumb|Romanians by counties (Ethnic maps 1930–2021)
According to the [2021 Romanian census](/source/2021_Romanian_census), Romania's population was 19,053,815.[{{Cite web |title=Romii din România |url=http://www.edrc.ro/docs/docs/Romii_din_Romania.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115213848/http://www.edrc.ro/docs/docs/Romii_din_Romania.pdf |archive-date=15 November 2013 |access-date=5 November 2007}}] International sources give higher figures for Roma than the official census.[{{Cite web |url=http://europeandcis.undp.org/uploads/public/File/rbec_web/vgr/chapter1.1.pdf |title=Roma in the Balkan context |access-date=5 November 2007 |archive-date=1 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101141449/http://europeandcis.undp.org/uploads/public/File/rbec_web/vgr/chapter1.1.pdf |url-status=dead }}][{{cite web |title=International Association for Official Statistics |url=http://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/publications/msd/journal/issue25/25-pages154-164.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226202154/http://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/publications/msd/journal/issue25/25-pages154-164.pdf |archive-date=26 February 2008}}][{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-02-01-roma-europe_x.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123192809/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-02-01-roma-europe_x.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 January 2008 |publisher=usatoday |title=European effort spotlights plight of the Roma |access-date=31 August 2008 |date=10 February 2005 }}] According to the [Council of Europe](/source/Council_of_Europe), the Roma make up 8.32% of the population;[{{Cite web |title=Funding, strategy, facts and figures and contact details for national Roma contact points in Romania |url=https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/roma-eu/roma-equality-inclusion-and-participation-eu-country/romania_en |access-date=5 July 2023 |archive-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204105430/https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/roma-eu/roma-equality-inclusion-and-participation-eu-country/romania_en |url-status=live }}] this figure is difficult to verify due to the mobility of Roma and the reluctance of some of them to disclose their ethnicity.[{{cite thesis|url=https://oda.oslomet.no/oda-xmlui/bitstream/handle/11250/3172263/no.oslomet%3Ainspera%3A290307405%3A124714310.pdf|title=Inclusive Education for Roma Students in Bucharest|first=Meryem Nur|last=Karagöz|publisher=[Oslo Metropolitan University](/source/Oslo_Metropolitan_University)|degree=Master's degree|page=1|year=2024|archive-date=21 August 2025|access-date=21 August 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821192552/https://oda.oslomet.no/oda-xmlui/bitstream/handle/11250/3172263/no.oslomet%3Ainspera%3A290307405%3A124714310.pdf|url-status=dead}}] Hungarians constitute a majority in the counties of [Harghita](/source/Harghita) and [Covasna](/source/Covasna_County). Other minorities include [Ukrainians](/source/Ukrainians_of_Romania), [Germans](/source/Germans_of_Romania), [Turks](/source/Turks_of_Romania), [Lipovans](/source/Lipovans), [Aromanians](/source/Aromanians_in_Romania), [Tatars](/source/Tatars_of_Romania), and [Serbs](/source/Serbs_of_Romania).[{{cite report|url=http://www.recensamantromania.ro/rezultate-2/ |title=Official site of the results of the 2002 Census |language=ro |access-date=31 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205002157/http://www.recensamantromania.ro/rezultate-2 |archive-date=5 February 2012 }}] In 1930, there were 745,421 Germans living in Romania,[{{cite web|url=http://www.hungarian-history.hu/lib/minor/min02.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070817040031/http://www.hungarian-history.hu/lib/minor/min02.htm |archive-date=17 August 2007 |title=German Population of Romania, 1930–1948 |publisher=hungarian-history.hu |access-date=7 September 2009 |url-status=dead }}] but only about 36,000 remained in the country to this day.[{{citation|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/romania/|title=World Factbook EUROPE : Romania|work=[The World Factbook](/source/The_World_Factbook)|date=12 July 2018|access-date=23 January 2021|archive-date=8 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308163845/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/romania/|url-status=dead}}{{PD-notice}}] it remains considerably below the high of 5.82 children born per woman in 1912.[{{citation|url=https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/children-born-per-woman?year=1945&country=ROU|title=Total Fertility Rate around the world over the last centuries|author=Max Roser|date=2014|work=[Our World in Data](/source/Our_World_in_Data), [Gapminder Foundation](/source/Gapminder_Foundation)|access-date=8 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180302/https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/children-born-per-woman?year=1945&country=ROU|archive-date=9 February 2019|url-status=dead}}] In 2014, 31.2% of births were to unmarried women.[{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&plugin=1&language=en&pcode=tps00018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527142604/http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&plugin=1&language=en&pcode=tps00018|url-status=dead|title=Eurostat – Tables, Graphs and Maps Interface (TGM) table|archive-date=27 May 2016|website=ec.europa.eu}}]
The [birth rate](/source/birth_rate) (9.49‰, 2012) is much lower than the [mortality rate](/source/mortality_rate) (11.84‰, 2012), resulting in a shrinking (−0.26% per year, 2012) and aging population (median age: 41.6 years, 2018), one of the oldest populations in the world,[{{cite web |first=Graeme |last=Villeret |url=http://www.populationdata.net/index2.php?option=pays&pid=180&nom=roumanie |title=Roumanie |publisher=PopulationData.net |access-date=29 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315064345/http://www.populationdata.net/index2.php?option=pays&pid=180&nom=roumanie |archive-date=15 March 2016 }}][{{cite web |url=http://www.indexmundi.com/romania/demographics_profile.html |title=Romania demographics profile (2011) |publisher=Indexmundi.com |date=12 July 2011 |access-date=29 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108032354/http://www.indexmundi.com/romania/demographics_profile.html |archive-date=8 November 2011 }}] The life expectancy in 2015 was estimated at 74.92 years (71.46 years male, 78.59 years female).[{{Cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/romania/|title=Europe :: Romania — The World Factbook – Central Intelligence Agency|website=www.cia.gov|date=29 September 2021|access-date=23 January 2021|archive-date=8 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308163845/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/romania/|url-status=dead}}]
The number of Romanians and individuals with ancestors born in Romania living abroad is estimated at 12 million.[{{cite web |location=Germany |url=http://www.focus-migration.de/index.php?id=2515&L=1 |title=Romania |access-date=28 August 2008 |publisher=focus-migration.de |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207131655/http://focus-migration.de/index.php?id=2515&L=1 |archive-date=7 February 2009 }}] After the [Romanian Revolution of 1989](/source/Romanian_Revolution_of_1989), a significant number of Romanians emigrated to other [European countries](/source/List_of_sovereign_states_and_dependent_territories_in_Europe), [North America](/source/North_America) or [Australia](/source/Australia).[{{Cite web|url=http://focus-migration.hwwi.de/Romania.2515.0.html?&L=1|title=Focus-Migration: Romania|website=focus-migration.hwwi.de|language=de|access-date=2 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720111251/http://focus-migration.hwwi.de/Romania.2515.0.html?&L=1|archive-date=20 July 2017}}] For example, in 1990, 96,919 Romanians permanently settled abroad.[[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/workingpapers/libe/104/romania_en.htm MIGRATION AND ASYLUM IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916021316/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/workingpapers/libe/104/romania_en.htm |date=16 September 2015 }} European Parliament]
=== Languages ===
{{Main|Romanian language|Languages of Romania}}
thumb|Map highlighting the use of the Romanian language worldwide, both as a native and as a foreign language
The official language is Romanian, a [Romance language](/source/Romance_language) (the most widely spoken of the [Eastern Romance branch](/source/Eastern_Romance_languages)), which presents a consistent degree of similarity to [Aromanian](/source/Aromanian_language), [Megleno-Romanian](/source/Megleno-Romanian_language), and [Istro-Romanian](/source/Istro-Romanian_language), but shares many features equally with the rest of the [Western Romance languages](/source/Western_Romance_languages), specifically [Italian](/source/Italian_language), [French](/source/French_language), [Spanish](/source/Spanish_language), [Portuguese](/source/Portuguese_language), and [Catalan](/source/Catalan_language).[{{Cite web|url=https://www.parolando.it/en/translations/romanian-language/|title=Romanian Translation {{!}} Romanian, Italian, English & French translations|website=Parolando|language=en|access-date=27 April 2020|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728111211/https://www.parolando.it/en/translations/romanian-language/|url-status=live}}] The [Romanian alphabet](/source/Romanian_alphabet) contains the same 26 letters of the standard Latin alphabet, as well as five additional ones (namely ''ă'', ''â'', ''î'', ''ț'', and ''ș''), totalling 31.[{{Citation| url=http://infomm.ro/ro/detalii/in-maramures-aproape-31-000-ucraineni-petrec-sarbatorile-de-iarna| title=Iarna Ucraineană – Află care sunt localitățile din Maramureș în care se prăznuiesc sărbătorile de iarnă după rit vechi| trans-title=Ukrainian winter: find out in which communes of Maramureș are the Winter holidays celebrated by the old calendar| newspaper=Infomm.ro| access-date=5 May 2015| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518065900/http://infomm.ro/ro/detalii/in-maramures-aproape-31-000-ucraineni-petrec-sarbatorile-de-iarna| archive-date=18 May 2015| df=dmy-all}}] 17,101 native speakers of [Turkish](/source/Turkish_language), 15,943 native speakers of [German](/source/German_language), and 14,414 native speakers of [Russian](/source/Russian_language) living in Romania.[{{cite web |title=Populaţia rezidentă după limba maternă (Recensământ 2021) |trans-title=Resident population by mother tongue (2021 Census) |url=https://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tabel-2.03.1-si-Tabel-2.03.2.xlsx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701100337/https://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tabel-2.03.1-si-Tabel-2.03.2.xlsx |archive-date=1 July 2023 |access-date=21 September 2023 |website=www.insse.ro |publisher=INS |language=ro}}][{{cite web|url=http://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sR_TAB_9.xls|format=xls|title=2011 census results by native language|publisher=www.recensamantromania.ro, website of the Romanian Institute of Statistics|access-date=5 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924085451/http://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sR_TAB_9.xls|archive-date=24 September 2015}}]
According to the Constitution, local councils ensure linguistic rights to all minorities. In localities with ethnic minorities of over 20%, that minority's language can be used in the public administration, justice system, and education. Foreign citizens and stateless persons who live in Romania have access to justice and education in their own language.[{{cite web |url=http://www.cdep.ro/pls/dic/site.page?den=act2_1&par1=1 |title=Constitutia României |publisher=Cdep.ro |access-date=29 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907004110/http://www.cdep.ro/pls/dic/site.page?den=act2_1&par1=1 |archive-date=7 September 2011 }}] [English](/source/English_language) and [French](/source/French_language) are the main foreign languages taught in schools.[{{cite web|url=http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_PUBLIC/3-26092013-AP/EN/3-26092013-AP-EN.PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926220947/http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_PUBLIC/3-26092013-AP/EN/3-26092013-AP-EN.PDF|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 September 2013|title=Two-thirds of working age adults in the EU28 in 2011 state they know a foreign language|date=26 September 2013|access-date=21 August 2014|publisher=Eurostat}}] In 2010, the {{Lang|fr|[Organisation internationale de la Francophonie](/source/Organisation_internationale_de_la_Francophonie)|italic=no}} identified 4,756,100 French speakers in the country.[{{cite web|url=http://www.francophonie.org/Roumanie.html|title=Roumanie – Organisation internationale de la Francophonie|work=francophonie.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314190615/http://www.francophonie.org/Roumanie.html|archive-date=14 March 2017|access-date=2 November 2014}}] According to the 2012 [Eurobarometer](/source/Eurobarometer), English is spoken by 31% of Romanians, French is spoken by 17%, and [Italian](/source/Italian_language) and [German](/source/German_language), each by 7%.[{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_386_en.pdf |title=EUROPEANS AND THEIR LANGUAGES, REPORT |date=2012 |access-date=21 August 2014 |publisher=Eurostat |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106183351/http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_386_en.pdf |archive-date= 6 January 2016 }}]
===Religion===
{{Main|Religion in Romania|Romanian Orthodox Church}}
[[File:Catedrala Mântuirii Neamului (Octombrie 2025).jpg|thumb|[The People's Salvation Cathedral](/source/National_Cathedral_of_Romania) in [Bucharest](/source/Bucharest) is the [tallest](/source/List_of_tallest_Eastern_Orthodox_church_buildings) and [largest Eastern Orthodox church building](/source/List_of_largest_church_buildings){{efn|[Saint Isaac's Cathedral](/source/Saint_Isaac's_Cathedral) in [Saint Petersburg](/source/Saint_Petersburg) although larger in gross area (7,000 m2 the building including colonnades and 7,600 m2 with stairway), has a smaller area excluding colonnades (5,000 m2). Since 1931 it has been converted into a [Russian state museum](/source/Russian_Museum).[{{Cite journal |url=https://www.geocasehistoriesjournal.org/pub/article/download/IJGCH_4_2_3/pdf_22 |title= St. Isaac Cathedral (St. Petersburg, Russia): A Case History [pg.3 – total area of 7,600 m2 and total weight including the basement of 3155 MN (321.7 thousand tons)] |journal=International Journal of Geoengineering Case Histories |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=113–133 |last1= Anna |first1= Shidlovskaya |last2= Jean-Louis |first2= Briaud |last3=Mehdi |first3=Mohammadrajabi |publisher=[International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering](/source/International_Society_for_Soil_Mechanics_and_Geotechnical_Engineering) (ISSMGE) |date=3 November 2017 |doi=10.4417/IJGCH-04-02-03}}]|name=Isaac.Cathedral}} in the world[{{Cite web |date=21 May 2020 |title=The People's Salvation Cathedral is the tallest and largest Orthodox church in the world by volume |work=Marcegaglia Buildtech |url=https://www.marcegagliabuildtech.com/news/# |access-date=30 August 2020 }}]]]
Romania is a [secular state](/source/secular_state) and has no [state religion](/source/state_religion). An overwhelming majority of the population identify themselves as Christians. At the country's 2021 census,[{{cite web|url=https://www.pewforum.org/2017/11/08/orthodox-christianitys-geographic-center-remains-in-central-and-eastern-europe/|title=Orthodox Christianity in the 21st Century|date=8 November 2017|website=pewforum.org|access-date=25 March 2020|archive-date=25 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225000348/http://www.pewforum.org/2017/11/08/orthodox-christianitys-geographic-center-remains-in-central-and-eastern-europe/|url-status=live}}] and unlike other Orthodox churches, it functions within a [Latin](/source/Latin) culture and uses a [Romance](/source/Romance_languages) liturgical language.[[http://www.cnewa.org/default.aspx?ID=3643&pagetypeID=4&sitecode=HQ&pageno=1 Profiles of the Eastern Churches] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229100346/http://www.cnewa.org/default.aspx?ID=3643&pagetypeID=4&sitecode=HQ&pageno=1 |date=29 December 2016 }} at cnewa.org] Its canonical jurisdiction covers the territories of Romania and [Moldova](/source/Moldova).[{{Cite web|url=http://www.uio.no/studier/emner/jus/humanrights/HUMR5508/v14/teaching-material/case-of-metropolitan-church-of-bessarabia.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230001948/http://www.uio.no/studier/emner/jus/humanrights/HUMR5508/v14/teaching-material/case-of-metropolitan-church-of-bessarabia.pdf|url-status=dead|title=European Court of Human Rights – Case of Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia|archive-date=30 December 2016}}] Romania has the [world's third-largest Eastern Orthodox population](/source/Eastern_Orthodoxy_by_country).[{{cite web|title=Religious Belief and National Belonging in Central and Eastern Europe|url=http://www.pewforum.org/2017/05/10/religious-belief-and-national-belonging-in-central-and-eastern-europe/|website=Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project|date=10 May 2017|access-date=21 November 2020|archive-date=10 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510190714/http://www.pewforum.org/2017/05/10/religious-belief-and-national-belonging-in-central-and-eastern-europe/|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|title=Orthodox Christianity in the 21st Century|url=https://www.pewforum.org/2017/11/08/orthodox-christianity-in-the-21st-century/|website=Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project|date=10 November 2017|access-date=21 November 2020|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125010533/https://www.pewforum.org/2017/11/08/orthodox-christianity-in-the-21st-century/|url-status=live}}]
===Urbanisation===
{{Main|List of cities and towns in Romania|Metropolitan areas in Romania}}
Although 54.0% of the population lived in [urban areas](/source/urban_areas) in 2011,[{{cite web|url=http://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/REZULTATE-DEFINITIVE-RPL_2011.pdf|title=Romanian 2011 census (final results)|publisher=INS|access-date=28 August 2012|language=ro|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717125951/http://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/REZULTATE-DEFINITIVE-RPL_2011.pdf|archive-date=17 July 2013}}] this percentage has been declining since 1996.[{{cite web|url=http://businessday.ro/07/2011/urbanizarea-romaniei-cum-a-crescut-populatia-urbana-de-la-37-milioane-locuitori-in-1948-la-12-milioane-in-1989/ |title=Urbanization of Romania: how urban population increased from 3.7 million in 1948 to 12 million in 1989 |publisher=Businessday.ro |access-date=24 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422110128/http://businessday.ro/07/2011/urbanizarea-romaniei-cum-a-crescut-populatia-urbana-de-la-37-milioane-locuitori-in-1948-la-12-milioane-in-1989/ |archive-date=22 April 2014 }}] Counties with over {{frac|2|3}} urban population are [Hunedoara](/source/Hunedoara_County), [Brașov](/source/Bra%C8%99ov_County) and [Constanța](/source/Constan%C8%9Ba_County), while those with less than a third are [Dâmbovița](/source/D%C3%A2mbovi%C8%9Ba_County) (30.06%) and [Giurgiu](/source/Giurgiu_County) and [Teleorman](/source/Teleorman_County).[{{cite web |date=31 May 2023 |title=Populaţia rezidentă după grupa de vârstă, pe județe și municipii, orașe, comune, la 1 decembrie 2021 |trans-title=Resident population by age group, by counties and municipalities, towns, and communes, as of December 1st, 2021 |url=https://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tabel-1.03_1.3.1-si-1.03.2.xls |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626052140/https://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tabel-1.03_1.3.1-si-1.03.2.xls |archive-date=26 June 2023 |access-date=10 June 2023 |publisher=[INS](/source/National_Institute_of_Statistics_(Romania)) |language=ro}}] Its [larger urban zone](/source/larger_urban_zone) has a population of almost 2.2 million,[{{cite web|url=http://www.urbanaudit.org/index.aspx |title=Urban Audit |publisher=Urban Audit |access-date=29 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531065821/http://www.urbanaudit.org/index.aspx |archive-date=31 May 2013 }}] which are planned to be included into a [metropolitan area](/source/Bucharest_metropolitan_area) up to 20 times the area of the [city proper](/source/city_proper).[{{cite web |url=http://www.zmb.ro/ |title=Proiect – Zona metropolitana Bucuresti |publisher=Zmb.ro |access-date=29 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902073229/http://www.zmb.ro/ |archive-date=2 September 2011 }}][{{Cite news|url=http://www.romanialibera.ro/a94321/zona-metropolitana-bucuresti-va-fi-gata-peste-10-ani.html|title=Metropolitan Zone of Bucharest will be ready in 10 years|publisher=Romania Libera|language=ro|access-date=31 August 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403230850/http://www.romanialibera.ro/a94321/zona-metropolitana-bucuresti-va-fi-gata-peste-10-ani.html|archive-date=3 April 2008}}][{{cite web|language=ro|url=http://www.zmb.ro/main.php|title=Official site of Metropolitan Zone of Bucharest Project|access-date=31 August 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080902224547/http://www.zmb.ro/main.php|archive-date=2 September 2008}}]
Another 17 cities have a population of over 100,000, with Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Constanța and Timișoara having more than 250,000 inhabitants, and Craiova, Brașov and Galați with over 200,000 inhabitants.[{{cite report|publisher=UNESCO|url=http://www.unesco.org/education/wef/countryreports/romania/rapport_1.html|title=The Romanian Educational Policy in Transition|access-date=31 August 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002165335/http://www.unesco.org/education/wef/countryreports/romania/rapport_1.html|archive-date=2 October 2008}}] In 2004, some 4.4 million individuals were enrolled in [school](/source/school). Of these, 650,000 were in [kindergarten](/source/kindergarten) (three-six years), 3.11 million in [primary](/source/Primary_school) and [secondary](/source/Secondary_school) level, and 650,000 in tertiary level ([universities](/source/University)).[{{cite web|url=http://www.insse.ro/cms/files/pdf/ro/cap8.pdf|title=Romanian Institute of Statistics Yearbook – Chapter 8|language=ro|access-date=31 August 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827223322/http://www.insse.ro/cms/files/pdf/ro/cap8.pdf|archive-date=27 August 2008}}] In 2018, the adult [literacy rate](/source/Literacy) was 98.8%.[{{cite web|url=https://www.indexmundi.com/romania/literacy.html|title=Romania Literacy|publisher=indexmundi.com|access-date=22 January 2019|language=ro|archive-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122195528/https://www.indexmundi.com/romania/literacy.html|url-status=live}}] Kindergarten is optional between three and five years. Since 2020, [compulsory schooling](/source/Compulsory_education) starts at age 5 with the last year of kindergarten (grupa mare) and is compulsory until twelfth grade.[{{cite news |date=4 July 2020 |title=14 ani de școală obligatoriu începând din toamnă! Reguli pentru înscrierea la clasa pregătitoare |trans-title=14 years of compulsory schooling starting this fall! Rules for enrolling in the preparatory grade |url=https://bittv.info/14-ani-de-scoala-obligatoriu-incepand-din-toamna-reguli-pentru-inscrierea-la-clasa-pregatitoare/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012132814/https://bittv.info/14-ani-de-scoala-obligatoriu-incepand-din-toamna-reguli-pentru-inscrierea-la-clasa-pregatitoare/ |archive-date=12 October 2020 |newspaper=BitTV.Info |language=ro}}][{{cite news |date=10 May 2020 |title=Ministrul Educației: Grupa mare la grădiniță devine obligatorie. Altminteri nu mai poți fi înscris la pregătitoare |trans-title=Minister of Education: The final kindergarten year becomes mandatory. Otherwise, you can no longer enroll in preparatory grade |url=https://www.edupedu.ro/ministrul-educatiei-grupa-mare-la-gradinita-devine-obligatorie-altminteri-nu-mai-poti-fi-inscris-la-pregatitoare/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928025531/https://www.edupedu.ro/ministrul-educatiei-grupa-mare-la-gradinita-devine-obligatorie-altminteri-nu-mai-poti-fi-inscris-la-pregatitoare/ |archive-date=28 September 2020 |newspaper=EduPedu |language=ro}}] Primary and secondary education is divided into 12 or 13 grades. There is also a semi-legal, informal [private tutoring](/source/Tutoring) system used mostly during secondary school, which prospered during the [Communist regime](/source/Communist_state).[{{cite web|url=http://www.genderomania.ro/book_gender_post/part1/Anca_Gheaus.pdf |title=Limited relevants. What feminists can learn from the eastern experience |access-date=25 August 2008 |publisher=genderomania.ro |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080904004658/http://www.genderomania.ro/book_gender_post/part1/Anca_Gheaus.pdf |archive-date=4 September 2008 }}]
As of 2025, [Babeș-Bolyai University](/source/Babe%C8%99-Bolyai_University) of [Cluj-Napoca](/source/Cluj-Napoca) and the [University of Bucharest](/source/University_of_Bucharest) are included in the [QS World University Rankings](/source/QS_World_University_Rankings)' top 800.[{{Cite web |date=28 October 2025 |title=QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?countries=ro |access-date=28 October 2025 |website=Topuniversities.com}}]
Romania ranks fifth in the all-time medal count at the [International Mathematical Olympiad](/source/International_Mathematical_Olympiad) with 316 total medals, dating back to 1959. [Ciprian Manolescu](/source/Ciprian_Manolescu) managed to write a perfect paper (42 points) for a [gold medal](/source/gold_medal) more times than anybody else in the history of the competition, in 1995, 1996 and 1997.[{{cite web|url=http://www.unl.edu/amc/e-exams/e9-imo/imoteamrecord.shtml|title=IMO team record|access-date=5 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220172111/http://www.unl.edu/amc/e-exams/e9-imo/imoteamrecord.shtml|archive-date=20 February 2008|url-status=dead}}] Romania has achieved the highest team score in the competition, after [China](/source/China), [Russia](/source/Russia), the [United States](/source/United_States) and [Hungary](/source/Hungary). Romania also ranks sixth in the all-time medal count at the [International Olympiad in Informatics](/source/International_Olympiad_in_Informatics) with 107 total medals, dating back to 1989.[{{cite web|url=http://www.romania-insider.com/romanias-brains-rank-first-in-europe-10th-in-the-world-after-math-olympiad/60686/|title=Romania's brains rank first in Europe, 10th in the world after Math Olympiad|publisher=romania-insider.com|date=16 July 2012|language=ro|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718081702/http://www.romania-insider.com/romanias-brains-rank-first-in-europe-10th-in-the-world-after-math-olympiad/60686/|archive-date=18 July 2012}}][{{cite web|url=http://business-review.eu/featured/romanian-students-win-four-medals-two-gold-at-the-european-girls-mathematical-olympiad-60542|title=Romanian students win four medals, two gold, at the European Girls Mathematical Olympiad|publisher=business-review.eu|date=16 April 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409190820/http://business-review.eu/featured/romanian-students-win-four-medals-two-gold-at-the-european-girls-mathematical-olympiad-60542|archive-date=9 April 2015}}][{{cite web|url=http://www.agerpres.ro/english/2014/03/11/romanian-students-win-32-medals-at-seemous-international-mathematical-olympiad-10-34-49|title=Romanian students win 32 medals at SEEMOUS International Mathematical Olympiad|publisher=[AGERPRES](/source/AGERPRES)|date=11 March 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408223234/http://www.agerpres.ro/english/2014/03/11/romanian-students-win-32-medals-at-seemous-international-mathematical-olympiad-10-34-49|archive-date=8 April 2015}}]
===Healthcare===
{{Main|Healthcare in Romania}}
[[File:Bucharest - Colțea Hospital.jpg|thumb|The Colțea Hospital in Bucharest completed a $90 million renovation in 2011[{{cite web |date=25 January 2011 |title=Galerie foto: Cum arată noul spital Colţea, după o investiţie de 90 de milioane de dolari |trans-title=Photo gallery: What the new Colțea Hospital looks like after a 90-million-dollar investment |url=https://romanialibera.ro/special/reportaje/galerie-foto--cum-arata-noul-spital-coltea--dupa-o-investitie-de-90-de-milioane-de-dolari-214509 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123010232/https://romanialibera.ro/special/reportaje/galerie-foto--cum-arata-noul-spital-coltea--dupa-o-investitie-de-90-de-milioane-de-dolari-214509 |archive-date=23 January 2019 |access-date=22 January 2019 |publisher=[România Liberă](/source/Rom%C3%A2nia_Liber%C4%83) |language=ro}}]]]
Healthcare in Romania is mainly provided by the public sector, which runs most hospitals and offers national health insurance to nearly all citizens. In 2021, healthcare costs were US$16. 7 billion, or US$2,385 per person, making up €5.69 of GDP. Government spending is higher than in markets like [Bulgaria](/source/Bulgaria) but lower than [Hungary](/source/Hungary). Spending is expected to rise by 7. US$5 billion (+37. 68%) from 2024 to 2028, reaching 27. US$3 billion by 2028.[{{cite web | title=Healthcare | website=International Trade Administration | date=27 July 2022 | url=https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/romania-healthcare | access-date=13 January 2025}}]
The [Romanian National Institute of Statistics](/source/National_Institute_of_Statistics_(Romania)) reports over 65,000 health units in Romania, with 53,000 in [urban areas](/source/Urban_area) and 12,000 in [rural areas](/source/Rural_area). There are 543 [hospitals](/source/Hospital), including 488 in urban and 55 in rural areas, along with 160 other hospital-like establishments. Nearly 50% of these are large facilities with over 100 beds, while 39% are small with fewer than 50 beds. The total number of inpatient beds is 135,085, allocated mainly to [psychiatry](/source/psychiatry), [surgery](/source/surgery), and [internal medicine](/source/internal_medicine) among other specialties.[{{cite journal | last1=Petre | first1=Ion | last2=Barna | first2=Flavia | last3=Gurgus | first3=Daniela | last4=Tomescu | first4=Laurentiu Cezar | last5=Apostol | first5=Adrian | last6=Petre | first6=Izabella | last7=Furau | first7=Cristian | last8=Năchescu | first8=Miruna Lucia | last9=Bordianu | first9=Anca | title=Analysis of the Healthcare System in Romania: A Brief Review | journal=Healthcare | publisher=MDPI AG | volume=11 | issue=14 | date=19 July 2023 | issn=2227-9032 | doi=10.3390/healthcare11142069 | doi-access=free | page=2069| pmid=37510510 | pmc=10379121 }}]
==Culture==
{{Main|Culture of Romania|National symbols of Romania}}
=== Arts and monuments ===
{{Main|Romanian literature|Cinema of Romania|Music of Romania|List of World Heritage Sites in Romania}}
{{See also|List of films shot in Romania}}'''Architecture'''[[File:Sibiuphoto.jpg|thumb|upright=1|[Sibiu](/source/Sibiu) was the 2007 [European Capital of Culture](/source/European_Capital_of_Culture) and the 2019 [European Region of Gastronomy](/source/European_Region_of_Gastronomy).]]
The topic of the origin of [Romanian culture](/source/Culture_of_Romania) began to be discussed by the end of the 18th century among the [Transylvanian School](/source/Transylvanian_School) scholars.[{{cite web|url=http://www.ici.ro/romania/en/cultura/cultural_aspects.html |title=Cultural aspects |publisher=National Institute for Research & Development in Informatics, Romania |access-date=28 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307182620/http://www.ici.ro/romania/en/cultura/cultural_aspects.html |archive-date= 7 March 2008 |url-status=dead }}] Several writers rose to prominence in the 19th century, including: [George Coșbuc](/source/George_Co%C8%99buc), [Ioan Slavici](/source/Ioan_Slavici), [Mihail Kogălniceanu](/source/Mihail_Kog%C4%83lniceanu), [Vasile Alecsandri](/source/Vasile_Alecsandri), [Nicolae Bălcescu](/source/Nicolae_B%C4%83lcescu), [Ion Luca Caragiale](/source/Ion_Luca_Caragiale), [Ion Creangă](/source/Ion_Creang%C4%83), and [Mihai Eminescu](/source/Mihai_Eminescu), the later being considered the greatest and most influential Romanian poet, particularly for the poem ''[Luceafărul](/source/Luceaf%C4%83rul_(poem))''.[{{cite web|language=ro |url=http://www.ici.ro/romania/en/cultura/l_eminescu.html |title=Mihai Eminescu |publisher=National Institute for Research & Development in Informatics, Romania |access-date=20 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071231163537/http://www.ici.ro/romania/en/cultura/l_eminescu.html |archive-date=31 December 2007 |url-status=dead }}]
In the 20th century, a number of Romanian artists and writers achieved international acclaim, including: [Tristan Tzara](/source/Tristan_Tzara), [Marcel Janco](/source/Marcel_Janco),[Tom Sandqvist, ''DADA EAST: The Romanians of Cabaret Voltaire'', London [MIT Press](/source/MIT_Press), 2006.] [Mircea Eliade](/source/Mircea_Eliade), [Nicolae Grigorescu](/source/Nicolae_Grigorescu), [Marin Preda](/source/Marin_Preda), [Liviu Rebreanu](/source/Liviu_Rebreanu),[{{Cite book|last=Ștefănescu|first=Alex.|title=Nichita Stănescu, The Angel with a Book in His Hands|language=ro|publisher=Mașina de scris|year=1999|page=8|isbn=978-973-99297-4-5}}] [Eugène Ionesco](/source/Eug%C3%A8ne_Ionesco), [Emil Cioran](/source/Emil_Cioran), and [Constantin Brâncuși](/source/Constantin_Br%C3%A2ncu%C8%99i). Brâncuși has a sculptural ensemble in [Târgu Jiu](/source/T%C3%A2rgu_Jiu), while his sculpture ''[Bird in Space](/source/Bird_in_Space)'', was auctioned in 2005 for $27.5 million.[{{cite web|url=http://antiquesandthearts.com/AW-2005-05-10-12-15-39p1.htm |title=Brancusi's 'Bird in Space' Sets World Auction Record for Sculpture at $27,456,000 |publisher=Antiques and the Arts Online |access-date=20 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060213032919/http://www.antiquesandthearts.com/AW-2005-05-10-12-15-39p1.htm |archive-date=13 February 2006 }}][{{cite web|url=http://crib.mae.ro/index.php?lang=en&id=31&s=15441&arhiva=true |publisher=Romanian Information Center in Brussels |title=November 9, The price record for a Brancusi masterpiece was set up in 2005 when "Bird in Space" was sold for USD 27.5 M |access-date=20 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514223741/http://crib.mae.ro/index.php?lang=en&id=31&s=15441&arhiva=true |archive-date=14 May 2011 }}] Romanian-born [Holocaust](/source/The_Holocaust) survivor [Elie Wiesel](/source/Elie_Wiesel) received the [Nobel Peace Prize](/source/Nobel_Peace_Prize) in 1986, while [Banat Swabian](/source/Banat_Swabian) writer [Herta Müller](/source/Herta_M%C3%BCller) received the 2009 [Nobel Prize in Literature](/source/Nobel_Prize_in_Literature).[{{Cite web|url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/2009/muller/facts/|title=The Nobel Prize in Literature 2009|website=NobelPrize.org|language=en-US|access-date=15 April 2020|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808075646/https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/2009/muller/facts/|url-status=live}}]
[[File:Universitatea Politehnica Timisoara - Rectorat.jpg|upright=1|thumb|right|[Timișoara](/source/Timi%C8%99oara) was designated the [European Capital of Culture](/source/European_Capital_of_Culture) in 2021 and held this title in 2023 due to [COVID-19](/source/COVID-19_pandemic) postponement.]]
Prominent Romanian painters include: [Nicolae Grigorescu](/source/Nicolae_Grigorescu), [Ștefan Luchian](/source/%C8%98tefan_Luchian), [Ion Andreescu](/source/Ion_Andreescu) [Nicolae Tonitza](/source/Nicolae_Tonitza), and [Theodor Aman](/source/Theodor_Aman). Notable Romanian classical composers of the 19th and 20th centuries include: [Ciprian Porumbescu](/source/Ciprian_Porumbescu), [Anton Pann](/source/Anton_Pann), [Eduard Caudella](/source/Eduard_Caudella), [Mihail Jora](/source/Mihail_Jora), [Dinu Lipatti](/source/Dinu_Lipatti), and especially [George Enescu](/source/George_Enescu). The annual [George Enescu Festival](/source/George_Enescu_Festival) is held in Bucharest in honour of the 20th-century composer.[{{cite web|url=http://www.enescusociety.org/georgeenescu.php|title=George Enescu, the composer|publisher=International Enescu Society|access-date=20 January 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071019234345/http://enescusociety.org/georgeenescu.php|archive-date=19 October 2007}}]
Contemporary musicians like [Angela Gheorghiu](/source/Angela_Gheorghiu), [Gheorghe Zamfir](/source/Gheorghe_Zamfir),[{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/insite/SOUNDS_LIKE_CANADA/2006/1/17.html |date=17 January 2006 |publisher=CBC Radio |title=Sounds Like Canada feat. Gheorghe Zamfir |access-date=31 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080428050304/http://www.cbc.ca/insite/SOUNDS_LIKE_CANADA/2006/1/17.html |archive-date=28 April 2008 |url-status=dead }}][{{cite web|url=http://www.gheorghe-zamfir.com/English/diskographie-e.htm|publisher=Gheorghe Zamfir, Official Homepage|title=Gheorghe Zamfir, master of the pan pipe|access-date=20 January 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030182752/http://www.gheorghe-zamfir.com/English/diskographie-e.htm|archive-date=30 October 2007}}] [Inna](/source/Inna),[{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/99efca32-eea1-45fb-92cb-8798976a9769|title=Inna Biography|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605041033/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/99efca32-eea1-45fb-92cb-8798976a9769|archive-date=5 June 2013}}] [Alexandra Stan](/source/Alexandra_Stan),[{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.in/music/features/list/10-one-hit-wonders/alexandra-stan-mr-saxobeat |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313115304/http://www.vh1.in/music/features/list/10-one-hit-wonders/alexandra-stan-mr-saxobeat |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 March 2014 |title=10 One-Hit Wonders to Be or Not to Be? |publisher=vh1.i |date=7 March 2014 }}] and many others have achieved various levels of international acclaim. From the late 2000s through the early 2010s, the Romanian [popcorn](/source/Popcorn_(Romanian_music_style)) music style had established itself in the [international mainstream](/source/Mainstream_media).[{{cite news|url=https://ziare.com/vedete/vedete-romanesti/de-ce-muzica-popcorn-a-cucerit-romania-si-rockul-clasic-a-fost-uitat-interviu-1246635|title=De ce muzica popcorn a cucerit Romania si rockul clasic a fost uitat?|trans-title=Why did popcorn music conquer Romania and classic rock got forgotten?|publisher=[Ziare.com](/source/%3Aro%3AZiare.com)|language=Romanian|author=Ghinea, Andreea|access-date=23 April 2024|date=18 July 2013|archive-date=17 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417165234/https://ziare.com/vedete/vedete-romanesti/de-ce-muzica-popcorn-a-cucerit-romania-si-rockul-clasic-a-fost-uitat-interviu-1246635|url-status=live}}][{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/amp/idUKTRE65B0EE20100612/|title=Romanian dance beats prove a hit throughout Europe|date=12 June 2010|access-date=21 March 2024|publisher=[Reuters](/source/Reuters)|author=Smith, Gary|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509073326/https://www.reuters.com/article/amp/idUKTRE65B0EE20100612|url-status=live}}] At the [Eurovision Song Contest](/source/Eurovision_Song_Contest) Romanian singers achieved third place in 2005 and 2010.[{{cite web |last=Arsenie |first=Dan |title=Paula Seling despre rezultatul la Eurovision 2010: "Mai bine de atât nu se putea!" |trans-title=Paula Seling about the result at Eurovision 2010: 'It couldn’t have been better!' |url=http://www.evz.ro/detalii/stiri/eurovision-2010-romania-bronz-germania-locul-intai-896221.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828160313/http://www.evz.ro/detalii/stiri/eurovision-2010-romania-bronz-germania-locul-intai-896221.html |archive-date=28 August 2011 |access-date=29 August 2011 |publisher=EVZ.ro |language=ro}}]
In cinema, several movies of the [Romanian New Wave](/source/Romanian_New_Wave) have achieved international acclaim. At the [Cannes Film Festival](/source/Cannes_Film_Festival), ''[The Death of Mr. Lazarescu](/source/The_Death_of_Mr._Lazarescu)'' by [Cristi Puiu](/source/Cristi_Puiu) won the {{lang|fr|[Prix Un Certain Regard](/source/Un_Certain_Regard)}} in 2005,[{{cite web|title=Moartea Domnului Lazarescu|url=https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/films/moartea-domnului-lazarescu|website=[Festival de Cannes](/source/Festival_de_Cannes)|publisher=Association Française du Festival International du Film|access-date=28 November 2018|archive-date=28 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128164522/https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/films/moartea-domnului-lazarescu|url-status=live}}] while ''[4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days](/source/4%26nbsp%3BMonths%2C_3%26nbsp%3BWeeks_and_2%26nbsp%3BDays)'' by [Cristian Mungiu](/source/Cristian_Mungiu) won the festival's top prize, the {{Lang|fr|[Palme d'Or](/source/Palme_d'Or)}}, in 2007.[{{cite web|url=http://www.altfg.com/blog/film-festivals/cannes-2007-winners/|title=Cannes 2007 Winners|date=27 May 2007 |publisher=Alternative Film Guide|access-date=31 August 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704025549/http://www.altfg.com/blog/film-festivals/cannes-2007-winners/|archive-date=4 July 2008}}] At the [Berlin International Film Festival](/source/Berlin_International_Film_Festival), ''[Child's Pose](/source/Child's_Pose_(film))'' by [Călin Peter Netzer](/source/C%C4%83lin_Peter_Netzer) won the [Golden Bear](/source/Golden_Bear) in 2013.[{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-berlin-idUSBRE91F09P20130216|title=Romanian film "Child's Pose" wins Berlin Golden Bear|work=[Reuters](/source/Reuters)|author=Mike Collett-White|date=16 February 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924175514/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/16/us-berlin-idUSBRE91F09P20130216|archive-date=24 September 2015}}]
The list of [World Heritage Sites](/source/World_Heritage_Site) includes [six cultural sites](/source/List_of_World_Heritage_Sites_in_Romania) located within Romania, including eight [painted churches of northern Moldavia](/source/painted_churches_of_northern_Moldavia), eight wooden churches of [Maramureș](/source/Maramure%C8%99), seven villages with fortified churches in [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania), the [Horezu Monastery](/source/Horezu_Monastery), and the [Historic Centre of Sighișoara](/source/Historic_Centre_of_Sighi%C8%99oara).[{{cite web|url=http://www.worldheritagesite.org/countries/romania.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041031080733/http://www.worldheritagesite.org/countries/romania.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 October 2004 |title=World Heritage Site – Romania |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=31 January 2008 }}] The city of Sibiu, with its [Brukenthal National Museum](/source/Brukenthal_National_Museum), was selected as the 2007 [European Capital of Culture](/source/European_Capital_of_Culture) and the 2019 [European Region of Gastronomy](/source/European_Region_of_Gastronomy).[{{cite web|publisher=The Selection Panel for the European Capital of Culture (ECOC) 2007|title=Report on the Nominations from Luxembourg and Romania for the European Capital of Culture 2007|date=5 April 2004|url=http://ec.europa.eu/culture/pdf/doc670_en.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080904005053/http://ec.europa.eu/culture/pdf/doc670_en.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 September 2008|access-date=31 August 2008}}][{{cite web |url=https://www.europeanregionofgastronomy.org/platform/sibiu-2019/ |title=Sibiu 2019 |author= |date= |website=europeanregionofgastronomy.org |publisher=International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism |access-date=10 June 2021 |quote= |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610133716/https://www.europeanregionofgastronomy.org/platform/sibiu-2019/ |url-status=live }}] Multiple castles exist in Romania, including the popular tourist attractions of [Peleș Castle](/source/Pele%C8%99_Castle),[{{cite web |url=http://peles.ro/ |title=Muzeul National Peles | Site-ul oficial al castelelor Peles si Pelisor |publisher=Peles.ro |access-date=29 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828061821/http://peles.ro/ |archive-date=28 August 2011 }}] [Corvin Castle](/source/Corvin_Castle), and [Bran Castle](/source/Bran_Castle) or "Dracula's Castle".[{{cite web |url=http://www.viaromania.eu/atractii.cfm/2-castelul_bran.html |title=Castelul Bran |publisher=Viaromania.eu |access-date=29 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008083620/http://www.viaromania.eu/atractii.cfm/2-castelul_bran.html |archive-date=8 October 2011 }}]
=== Holidays, traditions, and cuisine ===
{{See also|Romanian dress|Folklore of Romania|Romanian cuisine}}
[[File:Sibiu Christmas Market opening 2008.JPG|thumb|right|The Christmas market in [Sibiu](/source/Sibiu) is one of the most famous in Europe.]]
There are 12 non-working public holidays, including the [Great Union Day](/source/Great_Union_Day), celebrated on 1 December in commemoration of the 1918 union of [Transylvania](/source/Transylvania) with Romania.[[http://www.codulmuncii.ro/titlul_3/capitolul_2/sectiunea_3_1.html "Public holidays enacted by labour code"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618111421/http://www.codulmuncii.ro/titlul_3/capitolul_2/sectiunea_3_1.html |date=18 June 2017 }}, Labor code, 22 March 2017] [Winter holidays](/source/Christmas_and_holiday_season) include the [Christmas](/source/Christmas) and [New Year](/source/New_Year) festivities during which various unique [folklore dances](/source/Folklore) and [games](/source/Game) are common: ''[plugușorul](/source/plugu%C8%99orul)'', ''[sorcova](/source/sorcova)'', ''ursul'', and ''capra''.[{{cite web |author=Improve It Grup S.R.L |title=Traditii si obiceiuri romanesti. Artizanat traditional romanesc. Arta populara |trans-title=Romanian traditions and customs. Traditional Romanian handicrafts. Folk art |url=http://www.traditii.ro/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903100510/http://www.traditii.ro/ |archive-date=3 September 2011 |access-date=29 August 2011 |publisher=Traditii.ro |language=ro}}][{{cite web |last=Insider |first=Romania |url=http://www.romania-insider.com/winter-holidays-and-christmas-traditions-in-romania-the-bear-dance-the-masked-carolers-and-the-goat/71966/ |title=Winter holidays and Christmas traditions in Romania: the Bear dance, the Masked carolers and the Goat |publisher=Romania-Insider.com |date=21 December 2012 |access-date=15 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812205257/http://www.romania-insider.com/winter-holidays-and-christmas-traditions-in-romania-the-bear-dance-the-masked-carolers-and-the-goat/71966/ |archive-date=12 August 2014 }}] The traditional [Romanian dress](/source/Romanian_dress) that otherwise has largely fallen out of use during the 20th century, is a popular ceremonial vestment worn on these [festivities](/source/Festival), especially in [rural areas](/source/Rural_area).[{{cite web |url=http://romaniatourism.com/traditions-folklore.html |title=ROMANIA – Traditions and Folklore – Official Travel and Tourism Information |publisher=Romaniatourism.com |access-date=15 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723010711/http://romaniatourism.com/traditions-folklore.html |archive-date=23 July 2014 }}] There are sacrifices of live [pigs](/source/Pig) during Christmas and lambs during [Easter](/source/Easter) that has required a special exemption from [EU](/source/European_Union) law after 2007.[{{cite web |date=11 August 2014 |title=Ministrul Agriculturii: UE accepta ca mieii de Pasti si porcii de Craciun sa fie sacrificati in mod traditional – Actualitate |trans-title=Minister of Agriculture: The EU allows Easter lambs and Christmas pigs to be slaughtered in the traditional way |url=http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-2158404-ministrul-agriculturii-accepta-mieii-pasti-porcii-craciun-fie-sacrificati-mod-traditional.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812210220/http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-2158404-ministrul-agriculturii-accepta-mieii-pasti-porcii-craciun-fie-sacrificati-mod-traditional.htm |archive-date=12 August 2014 |access-date=15 August 2014 |publisher=HotNews.ro |language=ro}}] In the Easter, traditions such as [painting the eggs](/source/Easter_egg) are very common. On 1 March ''{{lang|ro|[mărțișor](/source/m%C4%83r%C8%9Bi%C8%99or)}}'' gifting is featured, which is a [tradition](/source/tradition) whereby females are gifted with a type of [talisman](/source/talisman) that is given for [good luck](/source/Luck).[{{cite web |author=Martisor, a Spring celebration for Eastern Europeans |url=http://www.foreignersinuk.co.uk/community_news-community-martisor_a_spring_celebration_for_eastern_europeans_3823.html |title=Martisor, a Spring celebration for Eastern Europeans |publisher=Foreigners in Uk |date=29 June 2014 |access-date=15 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812210746/http://www.foreignersinuk.co.uk/community_news-community-martisor_a_spring_celebration_for_eastern_europeans_3823.html |archive-date=12 August 2014 }}]
[Romanian cuisine](/source/Romanian_cuisine) has been influenced by [Austrian](/source/Austrian_cuisine) and [German cuisine](/source/German_cuisine) (especially in the historical regions that had been formerly administered by the [Habsburg monarchy](/source/Habsburg_monarchy)), but also shares some similarities with other cuisines in the [Balkan region](/source/Balkans) such as [Greek](/source/Greek_cuisine), [Bulgarian](/source/Bulgarian_cuisine), and [Serbian cuisine](/source/Serbian_cuisine).[{{cite web |url=http://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/aeer/article/view/362/437 |title=Christina Bradatan, Cuisine and Cultural Identity in Balkans |publisher=Scholarworks.iu.edu |access-date=15 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812210757/http://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/aeer/article/view/362/437 |archive-date=12 August 2014 }}] ''[Ciorbă](/source/Ciorb%C4%83)'' includes a wide range of [sour soup](/source/sour_soup)s, while ''{{lang|ro|[mititei](/source/mititei)}}'', ''{{lang|ro|[mămăligă](/source/m%C4%83m%C4%83lig%C4%83)}}'' (similar to [polenta](/source/polenta)), and ''[sarmale](/source/Sarma_(food))'' are featured commonly in [main courses](/source/Main_course).[{{Cite web|url=http://www.gourmet-european-recipes.com/romanian-recipes.html|title=Romanian Recipes – like mom used to make|last=Recipes|first=Gourmet European|website=www.gourmet-european-recipes.com-gb|access-date=2 May 2017|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221024611/http://www.gourmet-european-recipes.com/romanian-recipes.html|archive-date=21 December 2016}}]
[Pork](/source/Pork), [chicken](/source/chicken), and [beef](/source/beef) are the preferred types of [meat](/source/meat), but [lamb](/source/Lamb_and_mutton) and [fish](/source/fish) are also quite popular.[{{Cite web|url=http://onejive.com/28-romanian-foods-the-whole-world-should-know/|title=28 Romanian Foods The Whole World Should Know – oneJive|website=onejive.com-US|date=5 March 2014|access-date=2 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812062847/http://onejive.com/28-romanian-foods-the-whole-world-should-know/|archive-date=12 August 2017}}][{{cite web |date=15 December 2008 |title=Retete traditionale Moldova: retete peste sau cu carne de porc. |trans-title=Traditional Moldavian recipes: fish recipes or pork-based recipes |url=http://www.bucataras.ro/retete-traditionale/140/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105071413/http://www.bucataras.ro/retete-traditionale/140/ |archive-date=5 January 2011 |access-date=29 August 2011 |publisher=Bucataras.ro |language=ro}}] Certain traditional recipes are made in direct connection with the [holidays](/source/Holiday): ''{{lang|ro|[chiftele](/source/Kofta)}}'', ''{{lang|ro|[tobă](/source/tob%C4%83)}}'' and ''{{lang|ro|[tochitură](/source/tochitur%C4%83)}}'' at Christmas; ''{{lang|ro|[drob](/source/drob)}}'', ''{{lang|ro|[pască](/source/Paska_(bread))}}'' and ''{{lang|ro|[cozonac](/source/cozonac)}}'' at Easter and other Romanian holidays.[{{cite web|url=http://gastronomie.ele.ro/Bucatarie_romaneasca_--a304.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070430044201/http://gastronomie.ele.ro/Bucatarie_romaneasca_--a304.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 April 2007 |title=Bucatarie romaneasca – Cultura si retete – Articole |publisher=Gastronomie.ele.ro |access-date=29 August 2011 }}] ''[Țuică](/source/%C8%9Auic%C4%83)'' is a strong plum [brandy](/source/brandy) reaching a 70% alcohol content which is the country's traditional [alcoholic beverage](/source/alcoholic_beverage), taking as much as 75% of the national crop (Romania is one of the [largest plum producers in the world](/source/List_of_countries_by_plum_production)).[{{cite web |url=http://www.regard-est.com/home/breve_contenu.php?id=868 |title=Țuica production consumed 75% of Romanian plums in 2003 |publisher=Regard-est.com |access-date=29 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929192047/http://www.regard-est.com/home/breve_contenu.php?id=868 |archive-date=29 September 2011 }}][{{cite web |url=http://www.educations.com/Study_in_Romania__d2929.html |title=Study in Romania |publisher=Educations.com |date=5 February 2008 |access-date=14 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228090407/http://www.educations.com/Study_in_Romania__d2929.html |archive-date=28 December 2010 }}] Traditional alcoholic beverages also include [wine](/source/Romanian_wine), ''[rachiu](/source/rachiu)'', ''[palincă](/source/palinc%C4%83)'' and ''[vișinată](/source/vi%C8%99inat%C4%83)'', but [beer](/source/Beer_in_Romania) consumption has increased dramatically over recent years.[{{cite web |url=https://www.kirinholdings.com/en/newsroom/release/2009/1221_01.html#table3 |title=Beer consumption per capita in 2008 |publisher=kirinholdings.co.jp |access-date=7 February 2023 }}] In 2019, Romania became the country with the [highest alcohol consumption per capita](/source/List_of_countries_by_alcohol_consumption_per_capita).
===Media===
{{main|Media of Romania}}
=== Sports ===
{{Main|Sport in Romania}}
[[File:Stamps of Romania, 2011-75.jpg|thumb|[Arena Națională](/source/Arena_Na%C8%9Bional%C4%83), opened in 2011, the national stadium of Romania, as seen on a Romanian stamp (2011)]]
[Football](/source/Association_football) is the most popular sport in Romania with over 219,000 registered players {{As of|2018|lc=y}}. The market for professional football in Romania was roughly €740 million in 2018 according to [UEFA](/source/UEFA).[{{Cite web|url=http://business-review.eu/news/football-impact-calculated-by-frf-reach-eur-740-million-anually-182339|title=Football's impact in the Romanian economy reaches EUR 740 million annually, FRF estimates show|date=28 August 2018}}]
The governing body is the [Romanian Football Federation](/source/Romanian_Football_Federation), which belongs to UEFA. The [Romania national football team](/source/Romania_national_football_team) played its first match in 1922 and is one of only four national teams to have taken part in the first three [FIFA World Cup](/source/FIFA_World_Cup)s, the other three being [Brazil](/source/Brazil), [France](/source/France), and [Belgium](/source/Belgium). Overall, it has played in seven World Cups and had its most successful period during the 1990s, when it finished 6th at the [1994 FIFA World Cup](/source/1994_FIFA_World_Cup), eventually being ranked 3rd by [FIFA](/source/FIFA) in 1997.[{{Cite web|url=http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/associations/association=rou/men/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219140951/http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/associations/association=rou/men/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 February 2015|title=The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking – Associations – Romania – Men's|website=FIFA.com}}]
The most successful club is [Steaua București](/source/CSA_Steaua_Bucure%C8%99ti_(football)), who were the first Eastern European team to win the [UEFA Champions League](/source/UEFA_Champions_League) in 1986, and were runners-up in 1989.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/champions-league-once-feared-across-europe-chelsea-opponents-steaua-bucharest-went-the-way-of-the-wall-8849808.html|title=Champions League: Once feared across Europe, Chelsea opponents Steaua Bucharest went the way of the Wall |work=The Independent }}] [Dinamo București](/source/FC_Dinamo_Bucure%C8%99ti) reached the UEFA Champions League semi-final in 1984 and the [UEFA Cup Winners' Cup](/source/UEFA_Cup_Winners'_Cup) semi-final in [1990](/source/1989%E2%80%9390_European_Cup_Winners'_Cup).[{{Cite web |date=10 March 2011 |title=Cum putea Dinamo domina Europa, în viziunea lui Lucescu! Ce strategie ar trebui să aplice! |trans-title=How Dinamo could have dominated Europe, in Lucescu's vision! What strategy they should apply! |url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-extern/campionate-externe/cum-putea-dinamo-domina-europa-in-viziunea-lui-lucescu-ce-strategie-ar-trebui-sa-aplice-8049036 |website=ProSport |language=ro}}] Other important Romanian football clubs are [Rapid București](/source/FC_Rapid_Bucure%C8%99ti),[{{Cite web|url=https://fr.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=405244.html|title=Bucharest back to 1980s best|website=[UEFA](/source/UEFA)}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}] [UTA Arad](/source/UTA_Arad),[{{Cite web|url=https://realitateadearad.net/index.php/2019/04/17/arad-batrana-doamna-uta-arad-implineste-joi-74-de-ani-lansare-de-carte-si-o-inedita-expozitie-care-este-povestea-campioanei-provinciei/|title=Arad: "Bătrâna Doamnă", UTA Arad, împlinește, joi, 74 de ani. Lansare de carte și o inedită expoziție. Care este povestea "Campioanei Provinciei"|first=Boitiu|last=Ciprian|date=17 April 2019|access-date=22 July 2019|archive-date=16 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016074233/https://realitateadearad.net/index.php/2019/04/17/arad-batrana-doamna-uta-arad-implineste-joi-74-de-ani-lansare-de-carte-si-o-inedita-expozitie-care-este-povestea-campioanei-provinciei/|url-status=dead}}] [Universitatea Craiova](/source/CS_Universitatea_Craiova),[{{Cite web|url=http://stiri.tvr.ro/istoria-unei-legende-stadionul-central-din-craiova-a-gazduit-multe-partide-memorabile_824557.html|title=Video Istoria unei legende|website=Stiriletvr.ro|date=10 November 2017|access-date=22 July 2019|archive-date=23 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823153414/http://stiri.tvr.ro/istoria-unei-legende-stadionul-central-din-craiova-a-gazduit-multe-partide-memorabile_824557.html|url-status=dead}}] [Petrolul Ploiești](/source/Petrolul_Ploie%C8%99ti),[{{Cite web|url=https://fcpetrolul.ro/fc-petrolul-uta-arad-duelul-celor-zece-titluri/|title=FC Petrolul – UTA Arad/Duelul celor zece titluri! – FC Petrolul Ploiești|website=fcpetrolul.ro|date=13 August 2023 }}] [CFR Cluj](/source/CFR_Cluj),[{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/20522181|title=Man Utd 0–1 CFR Cluj|date=5 December 2012|work=BBC Sport}}] [Astra Giurgiu](/source/Astra_Giurgiu),[{{Cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/95424/el-roma-and-astra-giurgiu-celebrate|title=EL: Roma and Astra Giurgiu celebrate | Football Italia|website=www.football-italia.net|date=8 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603023154/https://www.football-italia.net/95424/el-roma-and-astra-giurgiu-celebrate|archive-date=3 June 2017|access-date=22 July 2019|url-status=live}}] and [Viitorul Constanța](/source/Viitorul_Constan%C8%9Ba)[{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/viitorul-confirmed-as-romanian-champions-after-row-over-rules_sto6251972/story.shtml|title=Viitorul confirmed as Romanian champions after row over rules|date=13 July 2017|website=Eurosport}}] (the latter having recently merged with [FCV Farul Constanța](/source/FCV_Farul_Constan%C8%9Ba)).[{{cite web|url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/fuziunea-farul-viitorul-anuntata-oficial-gica-hagi-revine-pe-banca-ce-nume-va-avea-noua-echipa-1152789|title=Fuziunea Farul – Viitorul, anunțată oficial! Gică Hagi revine pe bancă. Ce nume va avea noua echipă|trans-title=The Farul – Viitorul merger, officially announced! Gica Hagi returns to the bench. What name will the new team have |publisher=digisport.ro|language=ro|date=21 June 2021|access-date=21 June 2021}}]
Tennis is the second most popular sport.[{{Cite web |date=13 June 2014 |title=Studiu IRES: Fotbalul, cel mai iubit sport in Romania; Simona Halep, locul patru in clasamentul celor mai mari sportivi romani ai tuturor timpurilor – Fotbal – HotNews.ro |trans-title=IRES Study: Football, the most beloved sport in Romania; Simona Halep ranks fourth in the list of the greatest Romanian athletes of all time |url=https://sport.hotnews.ro/stiri-fotbal-17477396-studiu-ires-fotbalul-cel-mai-iubit-sport-romania-simona-halep-locul-patru-clasamentul-celor-mai-mari-sportivi-romani-tuturor-timpurilor.htm |website=sport.hotnews.ro |language=ro}}] Romania reached the [Davis Cup](/source/Davis_Cup) finals three times in 1969, 1971 and 1972.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.daviscup.com/en/teams/team.aspx?id=ROU|title=Davis Cup – Teams|website=www.daviscup.com}}] The second most popular [team sport](/source/team_sport) is [handball](/source/handball).[{{Cite web|title=Handball World Mourns the Loss of Icon, Friend & Teacher|url=https://archive.ihf.info/en-us/mediacentre/news/newsdetails.aspx?ID=3000|access-date=9 July 2020|website=archive.ihf.info|language=en-US}}] In women's handball, powerhouse [CSM București](/source/CSM_Bucure%C8%99ti_(women's_handball)) lifted the [EHF Champions League](/source/Women's_EHF_Champions_League) trophy in 2016.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.romaniajournal.ro/sports/womens-handball-csm-bucharest-wins-champions-league-trophy/|title=Women's handball: CSM Bucharest wins Champions League trophy!|date=8 May 2016 }}]
Popular [individual sport](/source/individual_sport)s include [combat sport](/source/combat_sport)s,[ martial arts,][ and swimming.][ In [professional boxing](/source/professional_boxing), Romania has produced many world champions across the weight divisions internationally recognised by governing bodies.][{{Cite web |title=Jo Jo Dan le poate calca pe urme lui Leu, Doroftei, Bute si Diaconu saptamana viitoare: "Sunt crescut in Rahova, asta spune tot" |trans-title=Jo Jo Dan could follow in the footsteps of Leu, Doroftei, Bute, and Diaconu next week: 'I was raised in Rahova, that says it all |url=https://www.sport.ro/box/jo-jo-dan-le-poate-calca-pe-urme-lui-leu-doroftei-bute-si-diaconu-saptamana-viitoare-sunt-crescut-in-rahova.html |website=Sport.ro |language=ro}}] Another popular combat sport is [professional kickboxing](/source/professional_kickboxing), which has produced prominent practitioners including.[{{cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/5/20/5734956/kickboxings-top-heavyweights-ghita-and-verhoeven-go-to-war-on-twitter|title=Ghita vs. Verhoeven: Kickboxing's top heavyweights go to war on Twitter|publisher=[Bloodyelbow.com](/source/SB_Nation)|date=20 May 2014|access-date=22 July 2019|archive-date=21 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521033810/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/5/20/5734956/kickboxings-top-heavyweights-ghita-and-verhoeven-go-to-war-on-twitter|url-status=dead}}][{{Cite web|url=https://fightbreak.com/news/k1-boxing/adegbuyi-ill-show-wilnis-why-im-ranked-1-at-heavyweight/|title=Adegbuyi: 'I'll show Wilnis why I'm ranked #1 at Heavyweight'|website=Fight Site|access-date=22 July 2019|archive-date=6 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706075540/http://fightbreak.com/news/k1-boxing/adegbuyi-ill-show-wilnis-why-im-ranked-1-at-heavyweight/|url-status=dead}}]
Romania's 306 [all-time Summer Olympics medals](/source/All-time_Olympic_Games_medal_table) would rank 12th most among all countries, while its 89 [gold medals](/source/Gold_medal) would be 14th most. The [1984 Summer Olympics](/source/1984_Summer_Olympics) was their most successful run, where they won 53 medals in total, 20 of them gold, ultimately placing 2nd to the hosts [United States](/source/United_States) in the [medal rankings](/source/1984_Summer_Olympics_medal_table). Amongst countries who have never hosted the event themselves, they are second in the total number of medals earned.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.olympiandatabase.com/index.php?id=28796&L=1|title=Romanian Results and Medals in the Olympic Games|website=www.olympiandatabase.com}}] [Gymnastics](/source/Artistic_gymnastics) is the country's major medal-producing sport.[{{Cite web|url=http://www.romaniangymnastics.ro/tokyo-2020.html|title=Tokyo 2020 >> Romaniangymnastics.ro|website=www.romaniangymnastics.ro|access-date=15 April 2020}}]
==See also==
{{Portal|Romania|Countries|Europe|European Union|Geography
}}
* [Outline of Romania](/source/Outline_of_Romania)
{{Clear}}
==Notes==
{{Notelist}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
===Sources===
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* ''[https://archive.org/details/ancienthistoryh00herogoog/page/n236 The Ancient History of Herodotus]'' (Translated by William Beloe) (1859). Derby & Jackson.
* ''[http://www.ccel.org/p/pearse/morefathers/eutropius_breviarium_2_text.htm Eutropius, Abridgment of Roman History]'' (Translated by John Selby Watson) (1886). George Bell and Sons.
* {{cite book |last=Bóna |first=István |editor1-last=Köpeczi |editor1-first=Béla |editor2-last=Barta |editor2-first=Gábor |editor3-last=Bóna |editor3-first=István |editor4-last=Makkai |editor4-first=László |editor5-last=Szász |editor5-first=Zoltán |editor6-last=Borus |editor6-first=Judit |title=History of Transylvania |publisher=Akadémiai Kiadó |year=1994 |pages=62–177 |chapter=From Dacia to Transylvania: The Period of the Great Migrations (271–895); The Hungarian–Slav Period (895–1172) |isbn=963-05-6703-2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Curta |first=Florin |author-link=Florin Curta |title=Southeastern Europe in the Middle Ages, 500–1250 |year=2006 |publisher=[Cambridge University Press](/source/Cambridge_University_Press)}}
* {{cite book |last=Georgescu |first=Vlad |author-link=Vlad Georgescu |year=1991 |title=The Romanians: A History |publisher=[Ohio State University Press](/source/Ohio_State_University_Press) |isbn=978-0-8142-0511-2}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Gyóni |first1=Mátyás |editor1-last=Elekes |editor1-first=Lajos |title=A legrégibb vélemény a román nép eredetéről |journal=Századok |date=1944 |volume=78 |url=http://real-j.mtak.hu/13695/1/Szazadok_1944.pdf |trans-title=The oldeest opinion of the origin of the Romanian people |location=[Budapest](/source/Budapest) |language=hu}}
* {{Cite book |last=Heather |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Heather |year=2010 |title=Empires and Barbarians: The Fall of Rome and the Birth of Europe |publisher=[Oxford University Press](/source/Oxford_University_Press) |isbn=978-0-19-973560-0}}
* {{cite book |last=Hitchins |first=Keith |author-link=Keith Hitchins |year=2014 |title=A Concise History of Romania |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-69413-1}} [https://www.amazon.com/Concise-History-Romania-Cambridge-Histories/dp/0521694132/ excerpt]
* Hitchins, Keith. ''Rumania 1866-1947'' (1994) (Oxford History of Modern Europe) [https://www.amazon.com/Rumania-1866-1947-Oxford-History-Modern/dp/0198221266/ excerpt]
*{{cite book |last1=Illyés |first1=Elemér |title=Ethnic continuity in the Carpatho-Danubian area |publisher=Struktura Press |edition=2nd |location=[Hamilton](/source/Hamilton%2C_Ontario) |year=1992 |isbn=0-88033-146-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Köpeczi |first=Béla |editor1-last=Köpeczi |editor1-first=Béla |editor2-last=Barta |editor2-first=Gábor |editor3-last=Bóna |editor3-first=István |editor4-last=Makkai |editor4-first=László |editor5-last=Szász |editor5-first=Zoltán |editor6-last=Borus |editor6-first=Judit |title=History of Transylvania |publisher=Akadémiai Kiadó |year=1994 |pages=663–692 |chapter=Transylvania under the Habsburg Empire |isbn=963-05-6703-2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Kristó |first=Gyula |year=2003 |title=Early Transylvania (895-1324) |publisher=Lucidus Kiadó |isbn=978-963-9465-12-1}}
* {{Cite book |last=Madgearu |first=Alexandru |year=2005a |title=The Romanians in the Anonymous'' Gesta Hungarorum'': Truth and Fiction |publisher=Romanian Cultural Institute, Center for Transylvanian Studies |isbn=978-973-7784-01-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Opreanu |first=Coriolan Horațiu |editor1-last=Pop|editor1-first=Ioan-Aurel |editor2-last=Bolovan |editor2-first=Ioan | title=History of Romania: Compendium |publisher=Romanian Cultural Institute (Center for Transylvanian Studies) |year=2005 |pages=59–132 |chapter=The North-Danube Regions from the Roman Province of Dacia to the Emergence of the Romanian Language (2nd–8th Centuries AD) |isbn=978-973-7784-12-4}}
* {{cite book|last=Pohl |first=Walter |author-link=Walter Pohl |editor1-last=Geary |editor1-first=Patrick J. |editor2-last=Klaniczay |editor2-first=Gábor |title=Manufacturing Middle Ages: Entangled History of Medievalism in Nineteenth-Century Europe |publisher=[BRILL](/source/BRILL) |year=2013 |pages=13–50 |chapter=''National origin narratives in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy'' |isbn=978-90-04-24487-0}}
* {{Cite book |last=Pop |first=Ioan-Aurel |year=1999 |title=Romanians and Romania: A Brief History |publisher=Boulder |isbn=978-0-88033-440-2}}
* {{cite book |last=Price |first=T. Douglas |year=2013 |title= Europe Before Rome: A Site-by-Site Tour of the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-991470-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Rustoiu |first=Aurel |editor1-last=Pop |editor1-first=Ioan-Aurel |editor2-last=Bolovan |editor2-first=Ioan | title=History of Romania: Compendium |publisher=Romanian Cultural Institute (Center for Transylvanian Studies) |year=2005 |pages=31–58 |chapter=Dacia before the Romans |isbn=978-973-7784-12-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Sălăgean |first=Tudor |editor1-last=Pop|editor1-first=Ioan-Aurel |editor2-last=Bolovan |editor2-first=Ioan | title=History of Romania: Compendium |publisher=Romanian Cultural Institute (Center for Transylvanian Studies) |year=2005 |pages=133–207 |chapter=Romanian Society in the Early Middle Ages (9th–14th Centuries AD) |isbn=978-973-7784-12-4}}
* {{Cite book |last=Schramm |first=Gottfried |year=1997 |title=Ein Damm bricht. Die römische Donaugrenze und die Invasionen des 5-7. Jahrhunderts in Lichte der Namen und Wörter ''[=A Dam Breaks: The Roman Danube frontier and the Invasions of the 5th–7th Centuries in the Light of Names and Words]'' |publisher=R. Oldenbourg Verlag |isbn=978-3-486-56262-0 |language=de}}
* {{Cite book |last=Spinei |first=Victor |year=2009 |title=The Romanians and the Turkic Nomads North of the Danube Delta from the Tenth to the Mid-Thirteenth century |publisher=Koninklijke Brill NV |isbn=978-90-04-17536-5}}
* Stavrianos, L.S. '' The Balkans Since 1453'' (1958), major scholarly history; [https://archive.org/details/balkanssince145300lsst online free to borrow]
* {{cite book |last1=Trócsányi |first1=Zsolt |last2=Miskolczy |first2=Ambrus |editor1-last=Köpeczi |editor1-first=Béla |editor2-last=Barta |editor2-first=Gábor |editor3-last=Bóna |editor3-first=István |editor4-last=Makkai |editor4-first=László |editor5-last=Szász |editor5-first=Zoltán |editor6-last=Borus |editor6-first=Judit |title=History of Transylvania |publisher=Akadémiai Kiadó |year=1994 |pages=413–523 |chapter=Transylvania under the Habsburg Empire |isbn=963-05-6703-2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Vékony |first=Gábor |year=2000 |title=Dacians, Romans, Romanians |publisher=Matthias Corvinus Publishing |isbn=978-1-882785-13-1 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/daciansromansrom0000veko}}
* {{cite book |last=Nagy |first=László |year=1988 |title=Tündérkert fejedelme: Báthory Gábor ''[Prince of the Pixies' Garden: Gabriel Gáthory]'' |publisher=Zrínyi Kiadó |isbn=963-326-947-4 }}
{{Refend}}
==External links==
{{Sister project links|collapsible=collapsed|Romania|voy=Romania}}
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/country_profiles/1057466.stm Country Profile] from [BBC News](/source/BBC_News).
* [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/508461/Romania Romania Article and Country Profile] from [Encyclopædia Britannica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica)
* [http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/counrty-profile-romania Romania Profile] from [Balkan Insight](/source/Balkan_Insight).
* [https://insse.ro/cms/files/evenimente/RoCentenar/ROCentenar.pdf România Un Secol de Istorie – statistical data] from [INS](/source/National_Institute_of_Statistics_(Romania))
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20260115042138/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/romania/ Romania]. ''[The World Factbook](/source/The_World_Factbook)''. [Central Intelligence Agency](/source/Central_Intelligence_Agency).
'''Government'''
* [http://www.presidency.ro/ Romanian Presidency]
* [http://www.parlament.ro/index_en.html Romanian Parliament] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061228063121/http://www.parlament.ro/index_en.html |date=28 December 2006 }}
'''Culture and history'''
* [http://www.theeuropeanlibrary.org/portal/libraries/Libraries.php?launch=1&language=en&page=Treasures&country=Romania Treasures of the national library of Romania]
* [http://historo.wordpress.com/ Historic Houses of Romania]
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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Romania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romania) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romania?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.