Romania, officially known as the ‘Romanian Republic’, is a country in Eastern Europe that shares borders with Hungary, Serbia, Ukraine, and Moldova. This diverse nation is home to a unique blend of Eastern-European, Ottoman, and Central-European cultural influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Expat destinations in Romania
Demographics of Romania:
Ethnic groups
Romanians: 89.5% Hungarians: 6.1% Gypsies: 2.5%
Languages
Romanian (official): 86.7% Hungarian: 6.1% Gypsy: 2.5% Ukrainian: 0.5% Jewish: 0.1% Other: 4.1%
Religion Overview
Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the largest religion in Romania, followed by Oriental Orthodox Christianity, Roman Catholicism, and Pentecostalism.
Major Religions
Climate
Romania has a temperate-continental climate with distinct seasons. Winters are cold, with snowfall, while summers are warm and dry. Autumn and spring are mild and beautiful.
Economy Overview
Romania is a rapidly developing economy with a high GDP growth rate in recent years. Its economy has diversified from traditional industries such as agriculture and mining to modern industries such as information technology, renewable energy, and engineering.
Key Industries
- Information technology
- Renewable energy
- Engineering
Major Companies
- Romanian Post (RPost)
- Societe Generale
- Erste Bank
Culture and Language Overview
Romania has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by the Roman Empire, Ottoman Empire, and Central-European powers. Traditional music, dance, festivals, and crafts like pottery, weaving, and embroidery are prominent.
Cultural Highlights
- Merry Cemetery in Sapanta
- Painted monasteries of Bucovina
- The Bacau Traditional Festival
- The Horez Woodcarving Center
Geography and Landmarks Overview
Romania is a predominantly mountainous and forested country with several national parks, reserves, and scenic natural wonders such as caves, gorges, and canyons.
Notable Landmarks
- Carlsbad Cave Complex
- Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve
- Transfagarasan Highway
- Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
- The Carpathian Mountains
National Holidays
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- St. Nicholas Day (December 6)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- New Year's Eve (December 31)
- Epiphany (January 6)
- Workers' Day (May 1)
- International Children's Day (June 1)
- St. Peter and Paul Day (June 29)
- Assumption Day (August 15)
- National Day (December 1)
- Theodor Reyter's Day (December 7)
Political Stability
Romania has a stable parliamentary democracy and a market-oriented economy. It is a member of the European Union, NATO, and other international organizations.
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