Romania

1290 (March 12, Friday): Formation of the Kingdom of Romania under the rule of the first major Romanian prince

1859 (January 24, Thursday): United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia form the foundation of modern Romania

1916 (August 27, Sunday): Romania enters World War I on the side of the Allies

1947 (December 30, Tuesday): King Michael I abdicates, and Romania becomes a People’s Republic under Soviet influence

1989 (December 22, Thursday): Romanian Revolution: Dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu is overthrown and executed

2004 (April 2, Friday): Romania joins NATO

2007 (January 1, Monday): Romania joins the European Union

2014 (October 16, Thursday): Romania’s first female Prime Minister, Viorica Dăncilă, takes office

2016 (August 30, Tuesday): Severe floods devastate large parts of Romania, particularly in the south

2019 (November 24, Sunday): Severe snowfall disrupts the transport network across Romania

2020 (March 25, Wednesday): COVID-19 Pandemic: Romania imposes nationwide lockdown

2023 (April 10, Monday): Earthquake in Vrancea region causes minor damage and injuries

Continent: Europe
Location: Southeastern Europe, on the western shore of the Black Sea, bordered by Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary
Capital: Bucharest
Language: Romanian (official)
Currency: Romanian leu (RON)
Population: ~19.3 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET) / Eastern European Summer Time (EEST)

Borders: Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary
Landscape: Carpathian Mountains, Transylvanian Plateau, and the Danube River
Major Rivers: Danube River, Mureș River, Olt River, Prut River
Major Mountains: Carpathian Mountains (Făgăraș Mountains, Bucegi Mountains), and the Transylvanian Alps
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake Snagov, Lake Razelm, Lake Bicaz
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Moldoveanu Peak (2,544 m / 8,343 ft)
Lowest Point: Danube River (sea level)
Climate: Continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters
Geological Features: The Carpathian Mountains, Transylvanian Plateau, and the Danube Delta (UNESCO World Heritage site)

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Romanian (88%), Hungarian (6%), Roma (3%), other (3%)
Religion: Eastern Orthodox Christianity (approx. 86%), Protestant (approx. 5%), Roman Catholic (approx. 4%), other (approx. 5%)
Urban Population: ~55% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~19% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Dracula myth, medieval castles, Orthodox monasteries, and cultural traditions
Cuisine: Mămăligă (cornmeal), sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled sausages), țuică (plum brandy), and pastries like cozonac
Arts: Medieval architecture, Byzantine art, music (Mihail Jora, George Enescu)
Sports: Football (soccer), handball, gymnastics, rugby

Economy Type: Upper-middle-income, mixed economy
GDP: Approx. $320 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Automobiles, electronics, textiles, food processing, chemicals, energy
Key Exports: Machinery, vehicles, electrical machinery, mineral fuels, cereals, agricultural products
Unemployment Rate: ~4.9% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Industrialized regions (southern and western Romania), agricultural regions (eastern and southern Romania)

Government Type: Semi-presidential republic
Head of State: President Klaus Iohannis (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (Senate and Chamber of Deputies)
Constitution: In effect since 1991

Bucharest: Palace of the Parliament, Romanian Athenaeum, Old Town
Brașov: Black Church, Council Square, medieval architecture
Transylvania: Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), Peles Castle, fortified churches
Sibiu: Old Town, Brukenthal Museum, medieval fortifications
Danube Delta: UNESCO World Heritage site, rich biodiversity, boat tours
Mărginimea Sibiului: Traditional Romanian village culture, rural landscapes