Political Overview 

Romania is a semi-presidential republic with a multi-party system, governed under the Constitution adopted in 1991. The head of state is the President, currently Klaus Iohannis, while executive power is shared with the Prime Minister, who leads the government. The country’s capital and largest city is Bucharest, an important political, cultural, and economic hub in Southeastern Europe. Since joining NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007, Romania has steadily consolidated its democratic institutions and pursued deeper integration with Western Europe.

Cultural Heritage and Identity

Steeped in centuries-old traditions, Romania’s cultural identity blends Dacian, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian influences. Folk music, dance, and crafts remain vibrant, especially in the regions of Maramureș and Bucovina, where wooden monasteries and painted churches are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country is globally recognized for the medieval region of Transylvania famed as the setting of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and for producing world-renowned figures like gymnast Nadia Comăneci. Romania’s rich tapestry of customs, from Easter egg painting to traditional shepherd festivals, continues to attract cultural tourism from around the world.

Geographical Landscape, Area and Climate

Covering approximately 238,395 square kilometers, Romania spans diverse terrains from the rugged Carpathian Mountains in the north and center to the fertile Wallachian Plain in the south and the Danube Delta on the Black Sea coast. The Danube Delta, Europe’s second-largest river delta, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve celebrated for its birdlife and wetland ecosystems, making it a prime destination for eco-tourists. Romania experiences a temperate-continental climate, with cold winters in the mountains and hot, humid summers on the plains and coast, offering both winter sports and summer seaside tourism.