Romania has been a member of the European Union since January 1, 1997, after a past marked by the Ceausescu regime, which left the country impoverished yet determined to align itself with European standards.
Located in Southeastern Europe, Romania borders Ukraine and Moldova to the northeast, Hungary and Serbia to the west, Bulgaria to the south, and has 224 kilometers of coastline along the Black Sea.
This coastal region is known for its rich wildlife, especially birds. The country is also endowed with abundant natural resources such as natural gas, coal, oil, iron, copper, and bauxite, which are crucial to its petrochemical and metallurgical industries. The main cities in Romania are Bucharest, Iaşi, and Braşov, with the Danube River playing a central role. The population is predominantly Romanian, with Hungarian and Roma minorities.
The most legendary and mysterious region in Romania is Transylvania, famous as the homeland of Count Dracula, or Vlad III Dracula of Romania, also known as Vlad Ţepeş. Myths, legends, mysteries, and breathtaking nature: Transylvania is a land of lakes, the Carpathian Mountains, spas, and ski resorts—just a few of the top attractions and places to visit in Romania.
Romania at a Glance
- Country: Romania
- Area: 237,500 km²
- Capital: Bucharest
- Population: 22 million inhabitants
- Language: Romanian
- Religion: Catholic and Protestant. Romanian Orthodox Church is the main religion
- Government: parliamentary republic
- Main cities: Bucharest, Brasov, Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Constanta, Sibiu, Galatzzi
Useful Information for Travelers to Romania
- Currency: Romanian Leu (1 euro = 36,000 lei)
- International code: +40
- International plate: RO
- Driving side: right
- Entry documents: Identity Card or Passport
- Vaccinations required: NN
- Electrical voltage: 220V
- Measurement units: metric system
- Time zone: +1 hour from Italy
- Fixed-date holidays: January 1: New Year’s Day; March-April: Easter; May 1: Labour Day; December 1: National Day; December 24: Christmas Eve; December 25: Christmas
- Climate: Typically continental, with cold winters even in lowlands, relatively short springs, hot summers with frequent thunderstorms, and cool, rainy autumns.
- Average temperatures: annual national average ranges from -10°C to 22°C.
- Transport: National airline Tarom and several others: Alitalia, Carpatair, MyAir, Blue Air, Club Air, etc. Trains: CFR, Trenitalia,
- Airports: Otopeni and Baneasa (Bucharest), and airports in Timisoara, Arad, Oradea, Cluj Napoca, Constanta, Baia Mare, Tirgu Mures, Suceava, Iasi.
