Romania, officially the Romanian Republic (Romanian: România), is situated at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeast Europe. It borders Ukraine to the north and east, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, Bulgaria to the south, Moldova to the east, and has a southeastern coastline along the Black Sea. The country spans an area of 238,397 km² (92,046 sq mi), making it the twelfth-largest in Europe and the sixth-most populous member state of the European Union. Its capital and largest city is Bucharest, with other significant cities being Iași, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Constanța, Craiova, Brașov, and Galați.
The Danube River, Europe’s second-longest, flows through Romania and into the Black Sea, forming the extensive Danube Delta. The Carpathian Mountains traverse the center of Romania, featuring peaks like Moldoveanu Peak at 2,544 meters (8,346 feet). The terrain is diverse, with the Transylvanian Plateau, Wallachian plains, and hilly landscapes contributing to the country’s topography.
Demographics
As of January 2023, Romania’s population stands at approximately 19.05 million. The country’s population is predominantly Romanian, making up 89.3% of the populace, with significant minorities including Hungarians (6%) and Romani people (3.4%). The Romanian Orthodox Church is the largest religious denomination, followed by Protestantism and Catholicism.
Romania’s population is aging, with a median age of about 41.6 years, and it faces challenges similar to other European nations, such as a low total fertility rate, which was estimated at 1.36 children per woman in 2018. As a result, the population is expected to decline due to sub-replacement fertility rates and negative net migration.
History and Culture
Romania has a rich history that dates back to the Lower Paleolithic era, with significant periods including Roman rule and the Dacian kingdoms. The modern state emerged in the 19th century through the unification of Moldavia and Wallachia. Romania has a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from the Romans, Hungarians, Germans, and Slavs, among others.
Today, Romania is a unitary semi-presidential republic, known for its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cultural life. It is a member of the European Union, United Nations, and NATO, and plays a significant role in regional affairs.