CAPITAL: Bucharest CAPITAL: Bucharest

• This name was adopted in 1862, after the formation of the national state by the union of the two Romanian Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia in 1859

• This name was adopted in 1862, after the formation of the national state by the union of the two Romanian Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia in 1859

• (proportion 3/2) three equal vertical stripes red, yellow, and blue (near to the staff).

• In December 1989 the emblem on the yellow stripe was removed.

• (proportion 3/2) three equal vertical stripes red, yellow, and blue (near to the staff).

• In December 1989 the emblem on the yellow stripe was removed.

•238,391 sq. km (4.8% of Europe), 11th place in Europe, and 79th in the world. •Total length of the borders: 3,149.9 km. •The terrestrial border is 1,085.5 km in length, while the river and marine borders are 2,064.4 km in length.•The surface of Romania is divided into 41 administrative units, 40 of them counties. •Bucharest city is a distinct unit.

•238,391 sq. km (4.8% of Europe), 11th place in Europe, and 79th in the world. •Total length of the borders: 3,149.9 km. •The terrestrial border is 1,085.5 km in length, while the river and marine borders are 2,064.4 km in length.•The surface of Romania is divided into 41 administrative units, 40 of them counties. •Bucharest city is a distinct unit.

SURFACESURFACE LOCATION•Country located in the southeast of Europe, in the northern part of the Balkanic peninsula, inside the Danube river basin opening on the Black Sea. •Romania is positioned almost equidistant (from 2,700 to 2,900 km) of the Atlantic Ocean (towards the west), Arctic Ocean (towards the north), and Ural Mountains (towards the east). •It is located 1,050 km north of the Mediterranean Sea.

LOCATION•Country located in the southeast of Europe, in the northern part of the Balkanic peninsula, inside the Danube river basin opening on the Black Sea. •Romania is positioned almost equidistant (from 2,700 to 2,900 km) of the Atlantic Ocean (towards the west), Arctic Ocean (towards the north), and Ural Mountains (towards the east). •It is located 1,050 km north of the Mediterranean Sea.

FORM OF GOVERNMENTFORM OF GOVERNMENT

NATIONAL DAY NATIONAL DAY December 1 was adopted as National Day in 1990, being the day of celebration of the Great Assembly of Alba Iulia which voted for the union of Transylvania with Romania

December 1 was adopted as National Day in 1990, being the day of celebration of the Great Assembly of Alba Iulia which voted for the union of Transylvania with Romania

LEGAL HOLIDAYS LEGAL HOLIDAYS 1 and 2 January (The New Year), Easter Monday, May Day, 1 December, 25 and 26 December (Christmas).

1 and 2 January (The New Year), Easter Monday, May Day, 1 December, 25 and 26 December (Christmas).

Republic with two Houses of Parliament. The President, Senators and Deputies are elected through universal, equal, direct, secret and freely expressed vote.

Republic with two Houses of Parliament. The President, Senators and Deputies are elected through universal, equal, direct, secret and freely expressed vote.

STATE ANTHEM(since 1990)

STATE ANTHEM(since 1990)

Awake, Ye, Romanian, from your lethargic sleep / In which your barbarous tyrants have sunken you so deep. Lyrics: Andrei Muresanu, Music: Anton Pann. The song was popular during the 1848

Awake, Ye, Romanian, from your lethargic sleep / In which your barbarous tyrants have sunken you so deep. Lyrics: Andrei Muresanu, Music: Anton Pann. The song was popular during the 1848

THE ROMANIANLANGUAGE

THE ROMANIANLANGUAGE

The Romanian language, which is the mother tongue of around 90% of the country's population. The easternmost representative of the family of Romance languages, Romanian descends directly from the Latin.

The Romanian language, which is the mother tongue of around 90% of the country's population. The easternmost representative of the family of Romance languages, Romanian descends directly from the Latin.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

The main foreign language used in Romania are: English, French, German. From the mid-19th century to the 1960s, the main foreign language used in Romania was French, to a certain extend, German.

The main foreign language used in Romania are: English, French, German. From the mid-19th century to the 1960s, the main foreign language used in Romania was French, to a certain extend, German.

STANDARD TIME STANDARD TIME

East European zone lime (GMT + 2 hours). As of 1979, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September, Daylight Saving Time (GMT + 3 hours). Romania lies in the same time zone with the Republic of Moldova, Finland, Greece, Israel, Egypt and the Republic of South Africa.

East European zone lime (GMT + 2 hours). As of 1979, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September, Daylight Saving Time (GMT + 3 hours). Romania lies in the same time zone with the Republic of Moldova, Finland, Greece, Israel, Egypt and the Republic of South Africa.

WEIGHTS AND

MEASURES

WEIGHTS AND

MEASURES

The metric system, in force since 1866. The metric system, in force since 1866.

CURRENCY CURRENCY

1 leu (plural - lei) = 100 bani (singular ban). The dormestic convertibility of the leu was introduced in November 1991

1 leu (plural - lei) = 100 bani (singular ban). The dormestic convertibility of the leu was introduced in November 1991

RELIGIONOrthodox: 18,806,428 (86.7%); Roman Catholic: 1,028,401 (4.7%); Protestant: 698,550 (3.2%); Pentecostal: 330,486 (1.5%); Greek Catholic: 195,481 (0.9%); Baptist: 129,937 (0.6%); the 7th-day Adventists: 97,041 (0.4%);Unitarian: 66,846 (0.3%); Muslim: 67,566 (0.3%); Christians by Gospel: 46,029 (0.2%);Old-rite Christians: 39,485 (0.2%);Mosaic: 6,197.

RELIGIONOrthodox: 18,806,428 (86.7%); Roman Catholic: 1,028,401 (4.7%); Protestant: 698,550 (3.2%); Pentecostal: 330,486 (1.5%); Greek Catholic: 195,481 (0.9%); Baptist: 129,937 (0.6%); the 7th-day Adventists: 97,041 (0.4%);Unitarian: 66,846 (0.3%); Muslim: 67,566 (0.3%); Christians by Gospel: 46,029 (0.2%);Old-rite Christians: 39,485 (0.2%);Mosaic: 6,197.

POPULATION

Total: 21,698,181 inhabitants. Romanians: 19,409,400 (89.5%); Magyars: 1,434,377 (6.6%); Rroms (gypsies): 535,250 (2.5%); Germans: 60,088 (0.3%); Ukrainians («Ruteni»): 61,353 (0.3%); Russians («Lipoveni»): 36.397 (0.2%); Turks: 32,596 (0.2%); Tartars: 24,137 (0.1%); Serbians: 22,518 (0.1%); Slovaks: 17,199 (0.1%).Other nationalities: 39,981 (0.25%)

POPULATION

Total: 21,698,181 inhabitants. Romanians: 19,409,400 (89.5%); Magyars: 1,434,377 (6.6%); Rroms (gypsies): 535,250 (2.5%); Germans: 60,088 (0.3%); Ukrainians («Ruteni»): 61,353 (0.3%); Russians («Lipoveni»): 36.397 (0.2%); Turks: 32,596 (0.2%); Tartars: 24,137 (0.1%); Serbians: 22,518 (0.1%); Slovaks: 17,199 (0.1%).Other nationalities: 39,981 (0.25%)

MILITARY SERVICE MILITARY SERVICE

Compulsory, for an average period of 12 months, for men over 20 years old (except for the cases stipulated by law)

Compulsory, for an average period of 12 months, for men over 20 years old (except for the cases stipulated by law)

NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS

An eagle holding a cross in its beak and a sword and a sceptre in its claws

as well as the symbols of the five historical provinces: Wallachia,

Moldavia, Transylvania (with Crisana and Maramures), Banat and Dobrudja

NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS

An eagle holding a cross in its beak and a sword and a sceptre in its claws

as well as the symbols of the five historical provinces: Wallachia,

Moldavia, Transylvania (with Crisana and Maramures), Banat and Dobrudja

NATIONAL SEAL NATIONAL SEAL

Romania Geographical Position in EuropeRomania Geographical Position in Europe

• State situated in SE Central Europe, north of the Balkan Peninsula, on the Lower Danube and bordering on the Black Sea. • Romania lies between 43°37'07" and 48°15'06" Latitude North and 20°15'44" and 29°41'24" Longitude East. • Parallel 45 (midway between the Equator and the North Pole) crosses Romania 70 km north of its capital and meridian 25 Longitude East (midway between the Atlantic coast and the Urals) runs 90 km west of Bucharest.

• State situated in SE Central Europe, north of the Balkan Peninsula, on the Lower Danube and bordering on the Black Sea. • Romania lies between 43°37'07" and 48°15'06" Latitude North and 20°15'44" and 29°41'24" Longitude East. • Parallel 45 (midway between the Equator and the North Pole) crosses Romania 70 km north of its capital and meridian 25 Longitude East (midway between the Atlantic coast and the Urals) runs 90 km west of Bucharest.

ROMANIA BOUNDARIESROMANIA BOUNDARIES

Romania borders to the east and north on the Republic of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, to the west on Hungary, to the southwest on

Yugoslavia, to the south on Bulgaria and to the southeast on the Black Sea. Two thirds of the frontiers follow the courses of rivers (the Danube, the Prut,

the Tisza) and the seashore (the Black Sea) and one third is traced on the land.

Romania borders to the east and north on the Republic of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, to the west on Hungary, to the southwest on

Yugoslavia, to the south on Bulgaria and to the southeast on the Black Sea. Two thirds of the frontiers follow the courses of rivers (the Danube, the Prut,

the Tisza) and the seashore (the Black Sea) and one third is traced on the land.

Borders Total length

Terestre Fluvial Maritime

Total 3149.9 1085.5 1817.0 247.4

Bulgaria 631.3 139.1 470.0 22.2

Yugoslavia 546.4 256.8 289.6 -

Republic of Moldova

681.3 - 681.3 -

Ukraine 649.4 273.8 343.9 31.7

Hungary 448.0 415.8 32.2 -

Black Sea 193.5 - - 193.5

RELIEF RELIEF

Nature has been particularly generous with the land of Romania, a country whose relief is not only varied but also harmoniously distributed. There are three major, well-differentiated relief steps: the highest is represented by the Carpathian Mountains, the middle by the Sub-Carpathians, the hils and the tablelands, and the low one by the plains, the river meadows and the Danube Delta.

Nature has been particularly generous with the land of Romania, a country whose relief is not only varied but also harmoniously distributed. There are three major, well-differentiated relief steps: the highest is represented by the Carpathian Mountains, the middle by the Sub-Carpathians, the hils and the tablelands, and the low one by the plains, the river meadows and the Danube Delta.

The mountains treching in the shape of an arch in the central part cover 31% of the country's area, the hills and the tableands which descend from them occupy 36%, and the plains, extending towards the southern and western borders, take up 33%. Encircling like a crown the Transylvanian Tableand (400-600 m altitude), the Carpathian Moldoveanu Peak in the Fagaras Massif - 2,544 m.

The mountains treching in the shape of an arch in the central part cover 31% of the country's area, the hills and the tableands which descend from them occupy 36%, and the plains, extending towards the southern and western borders, take up 33%. Encircling like a crown the Transylvanian Tableand (400-600 m altitude), the Carpathian Moldoveanu Peak in the Fagaras Massif - 2,544 m.

To the east and south the Carpathians are continued by the Sub-Carpathians with a similar genesis, but having lower altitudes (1,00 - 500 m), and to the west by the Western Hills. To the east and south-east lie the two plateaux - the Moldavian Tableland and the Dobrudja Tableland with altitudes of 400 - 600m.

To the east and south the Carpathians are continued by the Sub-Carpathians with a similar genesis, but having lower altitudes (1,00 - 500 m), and to the west by the Western Hills. To the east and south-east lie the two plateaux - the Moldavian Tableland and the Dobrudja Tableland with altitudes of 400 - 600m.

Ceahlau Mountains Ceahlau Mountains

Mehedinti Tableland Mehedinti Tableland

Western Plain Western Plain

The plains - formerly sea and lake bottoms - cover the southeern and western parts of the country and are low and extremely flat. Between the Carpathians and the Danube lies the Romanian Plain, the principal granary of the country, and to the west stretches the Western Plain, which is crossed by many rivers.

The plains - formerly sea and lake bottoms - cover the southeern and western parts of the country and are low and extremely flat. Between the Carpathians and the Danube lies the Romanian Plain, the principal granary of the country, and to the west stretches the Western Plain, which is crossed by many rivers.

RIVERS AND LAKES RIVERS AND LAKES

The network of rivers is radial-shaped, with 98% of the rivers springing from the Carpathian Mountains and being collected directly or through tributaries by the Danube. • The Danube, the second longest river in Europe (2,860 km), flows on Romania's territory along 1,075 km and empties into the Black Sea through three arms (Chilia, Sulina, Sfântu Gheorghe) which form a delta.• The main rivers are: the Mures, the Prut, the Olt, the Siret, the Ialomita, the Somes, the Arges.

The network of rivers is radial-shaped, with 98% of the rivers springing from the Carpathian Mountains and being collected directly or through tributaries by the Danube. • The Danube, the second longest river in Europe (2,860 km), flows on Romania's territory along 1,075 km and empties into the Black Sea through three arms (Chilia, Sulina, Sfântu Gheorghe) which form a delta.• The main rivers are: the Mures, the Prut, the Olt, the Siret, the Ialomita, the Somes, the Arges.

There are around 3,500 lakes, but only 0.9% of them have an area exceeding 1 sq.km More important are the lagoons and the Black sea coast lakes (Razim and Sinoe) and the lakes along the Danuble bank.• Glacial lakes are mostly spread in the Carpathian Mountains (Lake Bucura, is the largest of them). • Out of the man-made lakes, the most importants storage lakes for power generation are those on the Danube, at the Hydro-Power Plants of Iron Gates II (40,000 ha) and Iron Gates I, and also the storage lakes of Stânca-Costesti on the Prut and Izvoru Muntelui on the Bicaz river.

There are around 3,500 lakes, but only 0.9% of them have an area exceeding 1 sq.km More important are the lagoons and the Black sea coast lakes (Razim and Sinoe) and the lakes along the Danuble bank.• Glacial lakes are mostly spread in the Carpathian Mountains (Lake Bucura, is the largest of them). • Out of the man-made lakes, the most importants storage lakes for power generation are those on the Danube, at the Hydro-Power Plants of Iron Gates II (40,000 ha) and Iron Gates I, and also the storage lakes of Stânca-Costesti on the Prut and Izvoru Muntelui on the Bicaz river.

Rivers.Rivers.

Lakes.Lakes.

CLIMATE CLIMATE • Romania has a temperate - continental climate of transitional type, specific to Central Europe, with four clearly defined seasons. • The mean annual temperatures is 11°C in the south of the country and 8°C in the north of the country. • The absolute minimum temperature registered was - 38.5°C at Bod in the Brasov Depression, and the absolute maximum temperature was + 44.5°C (at Ion Sion in the Baragan Plain).

• Romania has a temperate - continental climate of transitional type, specific to Central Europe, with four clearly defined seasons. • The mean annual temperatures is 11°C in the south of the country and 8°C in the north of the country. • The absolute minimum temperature registered was - 38.5°C at Bod in the Brasov Depression, and the absolute maximum temperature was + 44.5°C (at Ion Sion in the Baragan Plain).

Climate Map Climate Map

VEGETATIONVEGETATION

• The forests, which in ancient times and during the Middle Ages used to cover almost the entire area of Romania (except for its southeast), gradually made room for farming land. • Nowadays forests account for 26.2% of the country's area, consisting of beech, common oak and evergreen oak, coniferous trees, hornbeam, elm, ashtree, lime-tree and other species . • Alpine pastures cover extensive areas at altitudes higher than 1,800 m and are used mainly for sheep breeding.

• The forests, which in ancient times and during the Middle Ages used to cover almost the entire area of Romania (except for its southeast), gradually made room for farming land. • Nowadays forests account for 26.2% of the country's area, consisting of beech, common oak and evergreen oak, coniferous trees, hornbeam, elm, ashtree, lime-tree and other species . • Alpine pastures cover extensive areas at altitudes higher than 1,800 m and are used mainly for sheep breeding.

• Romania's fauna was and still is one of the richest and most varied in Europa, boasting some rare and even unique species on the continent.• Chamois, brown bears, Carpathian deer, wolves, lynx, martens, capercaillies populate the mountains, while hares, foxes, wild boars, roes, partridges and quails are typical of the hills and plains. • The Danube Delta with an area of 5,050 sq.km. (of which 4,340 sq.km. on Romania's territory) remains a sanctuary of native and migrating waterfowl and of fish (carp, sheat fish, pike, zander, etc.). • Sturgeons (producing the caviar) can be found in the lower course of the Danube and dolphins, herrings, horse mackerels, grey mullets etc. in the Black Sea.

• Romania's fauna was and still is one of the richest and most varied in Europa, boasting some rare and even unique species on the continent.• Chamois, brown bears, Carpathian deer, wolves, lynx, martens, capercaillies populate the mountains, while hares, foxes, wild boars, roes, partridges and quails are typical of the hills and plains. • The Danube Delta with an area of 5,050 sq.km. (of which 4,340 sq.km. on Romania's territory) remains a sanctuary of native and migrating waterfowl and of fish (carp, sheat fish, pike, zander, etc.). • Sturgeons (producing the caviar) can be found in the lower course of the Danube and dolphins, herrings, horse mackerels, grey mullets etc. in the Black Sea.

FAUNA FAUNA

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

At present there are about 630 protected zones across Romania, covering 1,200,000 ha. Out of them - three biosphere reserves, 14 national parks and 362 nature reserves. • The Retezat National Park (f. 1935 - the Southern Carpathians);• The Rodna National Park (f. 1990 - the Eastern Carpathians); • The Danube Delta (f. 1938) have been included by UNESCO, as biosphere reserves, on its list of protected nature monuments.

At present there are about 630 protected zones across Romania, covering 1,200,000 ha. Out of them - three biosphere reserves, 14 national parks and 362 nature reserves. • The Retezat National Park (f. 1935 - the Southern Carpathians);• The Rodna National Park (f. 1990 - the Eastern Carpathians); • The Danube Delta (f. 1938) have been included by UNESCO, as biosphere reserves, on its list of protected nature monuments.

Image from Retezat National ParkImage from Retezat National Park Images from Danube Delta Images from Danube Delta

TRADITIONAL PROVINCES

From a historical point of view, 3 great traditional provinces are known: Valahia (including Oltenia, Muntenia and Dobrogea regions), Moldova and Transilvania (including Banat and Transilvania regions)

TRADITIONAL PROVINCES

From a historical point of view, 3 great traditional provinces are known: Valahia (including Oltenia, Muntenia and Dobrogea regions), Moldova and Transilvania (including Banat and Transilvania regions)

ROMANIA ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION: COUNTY, TOWN, COMMUNE. According to Art. 3 of the Constitution, Romanias' territory is divided from an administrative point of view into comune (communes), cities (towns and cities) and judete (counties).

ROMANIA ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION: COUNTY, TOWN, COMMUNE. According to Art. 3 of the Constitution, Romanias' territory is divided from an administrative point of view into comune (communes), cities (towns and cities) and judete (counties).

AIRPORTS AND PORTS AIRPORTS AND PORTS AIRPORTS: The main international airport is Bucharest-Otopeni (opened in 1970), located 18 km from the central part of Bucharest (it took over the external flights from the oldest civilian airport in the town: Bucharest-Baneasa). 15 towns have airports: Constanta - Mihail Kogalniceanu, Timisoara, Arad, Sibiu, Suceava, Bacau, Baia Mare, Caransebes, Cluj-Napoca, Craiova, Iasi, Oradea, Satu Mare, Târgu Mures, Tulcea.

AIRPORTS: The main international airport is Bucharest-Otopeni (opened in 1970), located 18 km from the central part of Bucharest (it took over the external flights from the oldest civilian airport in the town: Bucharest-Baneasa). 15 towns have airports: Constanta - Mihail Kogalniceanu, Timisoara, Arad, Sibiu, Suceava, Bacau, Baia Mare, Caransebes, Cluj-Napoca, Craiova, Iasi, Oradea, Satu Mare, Târgu Mures, Tulcea.

PORTS: The largest port of Romania and also the largest Black Sea port with a traffic of over 80 million tons per year but which can also receive ships up to 150,000 dwt is Constanta. Other ports on the Black Sea are: Mangalia (the ancient Greek colony of Callatis, founded in the sixth century BC) and Sulina. The main ports on the Danube, most of them active since Roman antiquity, are Orsova, Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Turnu Magurele, Giurgiu, Oltenita, Calaras, Cernavoda. Three ports - Braila, Galati and Tulcea

PORTS: The largest port of Romania and also the largest Black Sea port with a traffic of over 80 million tons per year but which can also receive ships up to 150,000 dwt is Constanta. Other ports on the Black Sea are: Mangalia (the ancient Greek colony of Callatis, founded in the sixth century BC) and Sulina. The main ports on the Danube, most of them active since Roman antiquity, are Orsova, Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Turnu Magurele, Giurgiu, Oltenita, Calaras, Cernavoda. Three ports - Braila, Galati and Tulcea

THE DANUBE - BLACK SEA CANAL: Built between 1975 and 1984, the canal links the Danube (south of the town of Cernavoda) with the Black Sea (at Agigea - Constanta South) and shortens the shipping route to Constanta by about 400 km. The canal, which can be used for two-way river traffic, is 64.2 km long, 110-140 m wide and 7-8.5 m deep, and can receive ships with a draught of up to 5.5 m.

THE DANUBE - BLACK SEA CANAL: Built between 1975 and 1984, the canal links the Danube (south of the town of Cernavoda) with the Black Sea (at Agigea - Constanta South) and shortens the shipping route to Constanta by about 400 km. The canal, which can be used for two-way river traffic, is 64.2 km long, 110-140 m wide and 7-8.5 m deep, and can receive ships with a draught of up to 5.5 m.

HISTORYHISTORY

prince of Wallahia, Transylvania and Moldavia, the first carried out the union of the Romanian countries (1600). His European resounding victories contributed to the consolidating of the union and the defence of the whole christendom.

prince of Wallahia, Transylvania and Moldavia, the first carried out the union of the Romanian countries (1600). His European resounding victories contributed to the consolidating of the union and the defence of the whole christendom.

Romanian Territory during the Epoch of Mihai Viteazul Romanian Territory during the Epoch of Mihai Viteazul

Legend:Legend:

Wallahia and the Countries Conquered by MihaiWallahia and the Countries Conquered by Mihai

Turk EmpireTurk Empire

MoldaviaMoldavia

Commercial Roads Commercial Roads

MIHAI VITEAZUL (1593-1601)MIHAI VITEAZUL (1593-1601)

voivode, prince of Moldavia (1457-1504). His reign almost half a century includes everlasting pages in the struggle for the country independence and development and implicitly for the reconstruction of the antiottoman front of the Romanians.

voivode, prince of Moldavia (1457-1504). His reign almost half a century includes everlasting pages in the struggle for the country independence and development and implicitly for the reconstruction of the antiottoman front of the Romanians.

Romanian Territory during the Epoch of Stefan cel Mare Romanian Territory during the Epoch of Stefan cel Mare

Wallahia (Tara Romaneasca)Wallahia (Tara Romaneasca)

Hungarian KingdomHungarian Kingdom

Turk Empire Turk Empire

Moldavia and its PossessionsMoldavia and its Possessions

Polish KingdomPolish Kingdom

Commercial Roads Commercial Roads

Legend:Legend:

Stefan cel MareStefan cel Mare

Vlad Dracula's portrait Vlad Dracula's portrait

The Romanians whose word stock is mainly Latin, nicknamed him Dracul - Dracula (from the Latin Draco-Onis). In Romanian Drac means Devil. This nickname turned into a surname for his descendants, Vlad, his second son being known as such. He spend his childhood in Sighisoara, was taken hostage by Turks, then went to his uncle Iancu de Hunedoara, a Romanian nobleman (whose daughter Vlad later married) becoming prince of Wallachia on August 22, 1456).

The Romanians whose word stock is mainly Latin, nicknamed him Dracul - Dracula (from the Latin Draco-Onis). In Romanian Drac means Devil. This nickname turned into a surname for his descendants, Vlad, his second son being known as such. He spend his childhood in Sighisoara, was taken hostage by Turks, then went to his uncle Iancu de Hunedoara, a Romanian nobleman (whose daughter Vlad later married) becoming prince of Wallachia on August 22, 1456).

VLAD THE IMPALER - DRACULA VLAD THE IMPALER - DRACULA

Known as one of the most dreaded enemies of the Ottoman Empire, Vlad Dracula started organizing the state, the army, the law, applying death penalty by impaling all those he considered enemies: highwaymen, robbers, beggars, cunning priests, treacherous noblemen, usurper Saxons, who tried to replace him either by his cousin Dan cel Tanar (Dan the Young) or by his natural brother Vlad Calugarul (Vlad the Monk).

Known as one of the most dreaded enemies of the Ottoman Empire, Vlad Dracula started organizing the state, the army, the law, applying death penalty by impaling all those he considered enemies: highwaymen, robbers, beggars, cunning priests, treacherous noblemen, usurper Saxons, who tried to replace him either by his cousin Dan cel Tanar (Dan the Young) or by his natural brother Vlad Calugarul (Vlad the Monk).

The Ottoman historians nicknamed him Vlad Tepes, as he came to be known in Romanian historiography, but he used to sign with his father's name, Dracula. This is testified in Bucharest's first documentary mentioning, dated September 20, 1459 and in the portrait of Odhsenbach Stambuch from Stuttgart.

The Ottoman historians nicknamed him Vlad Tepes, as he came to be known in Romanian historiography, but he used to sign with his father's name, Dracula. This is testified in Bucharest's first documentary mentioning, dated September 20, 1459 and in the portrait of Odhsenbach Stambuch from Stuttgart.

CARPATI MOUNTAINS CARPATI MOUNTAINS Nature has been particularly generous with the land of Romania, a county whose relief is characterized by variety, proportion and harmony and is distributed almost equally: - mountains (over 800 m altitude) take up 31 per cent; - hills ans tableland (with altitudes ranging between 200 and 800) - 33 per cent; - plains (under 200 m altitutde) - 36 per cent.

Nature has been particularly generous with the land of Romania, a county whose relief is characterized by variety, proportion and harmony and is distributed almost equally: - mountains (over 800 m altitude) take up 31 per cent; - hills ans tableland (with altitudes ranging between 200 and 800) - 33 per cent; - plains (under 200 m altitutde) - 36 per cent.

Carpathian Mountains are divided into three big groups: Carpathian Mountains are divided into three big groups:

Eastern CarpathiansEastern CarpathiansStretching from the N-NW border of the country down to the Prahova Valley, are made up of volcanic rocks, Mezozoical-crystalline rocks and flysch, the highest elevation being of 2,303 m (the Pietrosu Peak in the Rodna Mountains); their inner rim is formed of the longest chain of volcanic mountains in Europe

Stretching from the N-NW border of the country down to the Prahova Valley, are made up of volcanic rocks, Mezozoical-crystalline rocks and flysch, the highest elevation being of 2,303 m (the Pietrosu Peak in the Rodna Mountains); their inner rim is formed of the longest chain of volcanic mountains in Europe

Southern CarpathiansSouthern CarpathiansStanding between the Prahova Valley and the Timis-Cerna and Bistra corridors, which are made chiefly of crystalline schists and are the country's highest (maximum elevation 2,544 m, the Moldoveanu Peak in the Fagaras mountains)

Standing between the Prahova Valley and the Timis-Cerna and Bistra corridors, which are made chiefly of crystalline schists and are the country's highest (maximum elevation 2,544 m, the Moldoveanu Peak in the Fagaras mountains)

Western CarpathiansWestern CarpathiansSituated in the west of the country, between the Danube to the south and the Somes river to the north, consists of a mosaic of rocks (sedimentary, eruptive, crystalline) and have karstic zones; their height is reduced (maximum elevation 1,849 m, the Curcubata Mare Peak in the Bihor Mountains).

Situated in the west of the country, between the Danube to the south and the Somes river to the north, consists of a mosaic of rocks (sedimentary, eruptive, crystalline) and have karstic zones; their height is reduced (maximum elevation 1,849 m, the Curcubata Mare Peak in the Bihor Mountains).

DANUBE DELTA DANUBE DELTA

• The Danube, which is the second longest river in Europe, has its springs in the Black Forest Mountains in Germany and before reaching Tulcea (Romania) it branches off onto three arms: Chilia, Sulina and Sf. Gheorghe, through which it empties into the Black Sea. • The three arms the most important delta in Europe (5,050 sq.km., out of which 4,340 on Romanian territory).

• The Danube, which is the second longest river in Europe, has its springs in the Black Forest Mountains in Germany and before reaching Tulcea (Romania) it branches off onto three arms: Chilia, Sulina and Sf. Gheorghe, through which it empties into the Black Sea. • The three arms the most important delta in Europe (5,050 sq.km., out of which 4,340 on Romanian territory).

General Information General Information

Fauna Fauna

The Danube Delta shelters over 3,400 species of vertebrates and invertebrates, many of them unique in the country, in Europe or even in the world.

The Danube Delta shelters over 3,400 species of vertebrates and invertebrates, many of them unique in the country, in Europe or even in the world.

Flora Flora

Extemely lavish, it grows at three levells: Plants with floating leaves - white water lily (Castalia alba), yellow water lily (Nuphar luteum), frogbit (Hydrocharis morsusrane), water caltrop (Trapa natans), pondweed (Potamogeton natans), rizac (Stratiotes aloides).

Extemely lavish, it grows at three levells: Plants with floating leaves - white water lily (Castalia alba), yellow water lily (Nuphar luteum), frogbit (Hydrocharis morsusrane), water caltrop (Trapa natans), pondweed (Potamogeton natans), rizac (Stratiotes aloides).

Black Sea Coast Black Sea Coast • The romanian "riviera", which is 50 km long, is made up of a continuous belt of 16 seaside resorts (some of the being also spas), out of which six are in high demand: Mamaia, Eforie Nord, Costinesti (the resort of the youth), Neptun (the favourite holiday place of former dictator Ceausescu), Olimp, Venus, 2 Mai, all of them built after 1960. •Tourists can visit also the vestiges of the three colonies which were founded there by ancient Greeks in the seventh - sixth centuries BC: Histria to the north, Tomis in the centre (the present-day Constanta, which is the main Romanian sea port, boasting an imposing archaeological museum) and Callatis (the present-day Mangalia), and also the monument from Adamclisi (100 km west). Besides the ordinary cure factors, there are here natural lakes with therapeutical mud. • Lake Techirghiol is most appreciated and several sanatoriums were built around it

• The romanian "riviera", which is 50 km long, is made up of a continuous belt of 16 seaside resorts (some of the being also spas), out of which six are in high demand: Mamaia, Eforie Nord, Costinesti (the resort of the youth), Neptun (the favourite holiday place of former dictator Ceausescu), Olimp, Venus, 2 Mai, all of them built after 1960. •Tourists can visit also the vestiges of the three colonies which were founded there by ancient Greeks in the seventh - sixth centuries BC: Histria to the north, Tomis in the centre (the present-day Constanta, which is the main Romanian sea port, boasting an imposing archaeological museum) and Callatis (the present-day Mangalia), and also the monument from Adamclisi (100 km west). Besides the ordinary cure factors, there are here natural lakes with therapeutical mud. • Lake Techirghiol is most appreciated and several sanatoriums were built around it

LITERATURE LITERATURE

Mihai Eminescu(1850 - 1889)

Mihai Eminescu(1850 - 1889)

Mihai Eminescu(for Romanians he is the prototype of the poet and of poetry), who was conversant with the higest philosophical speculations and, at the same time, was a great admirer of folk poetry, gave maximum brilliance to Romanian Romanticism, having radically changed the poetic language by doing away with rhetoric.

Mihai Eminescu(for Romanians he is the prototype of the poet and of poetry), who was conversant with the higest philosophical speculations and, at the same time, was a great admirer of folk poetry, gave maximum brilliance to Romanian Romanticism, having radically changed the poetic language by doing away with rhetoric.

Mircea Eliade(1907-1986)

Mircea Eliade(1907-1986)

Mircea Eliade was an erudite in the comparative history of religions, novelist, essayist, philosopher. Mircea Eliade was a personality of mondial renown. Eliade's analysis of religion assumes the existence of "the sacred" as the object of worship of religious humanity. Any phenomenal entity is a potential hierophany and can give access to non-historical time: what Eliade calls illud tempus (Latin for 'that time,' I tend to think of it as 'yon time').

Mircea Eliade was an erudite in the comparative history of religions, novelist, essayist, philosopher. Mircea Eliade was a personality of mondial renown. Eliade's analysis of religion assumes the existence of "the sacred" as the object of worship of religious humanity. Any phenomenal entity is a potential hierophany and can give access to non-historical time: what Eliade calls illud tempus (Latin for 'that time,' I tend to think of it as 'yon time').

In prose writing, the great name of the time was Liviu Rebreanu (1885-1944), whose novels Ion and Padurea Spânzuratilor (Forest of the Hanged) are great masterpieces. The former is a realistic work with naturalist influences, a tregedy of rural life, stripped of the idyllic character that previously prevailed in literature.

In prose writing, the great name of the time was Liviu Rebreanu (1885-1944), whose novels Ion and Padurea Spânzuratilor (Forest of the Hanged) are great masterpieces. The former is a realistic work with naturalist influences, a tregedy of rural life, stripped of the idyllic character that previously prevailed in literature.

LIVIU REBREANU (1885-1944)

LIVIU REBREANU (1885-1944)

CONSTANTIN BRÂNCUSI CONSTANTIN BRÂNCUSI

Constantin Brâncusi, is a famous Romanian sculptor (b. 1876 Hobita-Pestisani, Gorj, Romania - d. 1957 Paris, France), one of the first great creators in the modern art.

Constantin Brâncusi, is a famous Romanian sculptor (b. 1876 Hobita-Pestisani, Gorj, Romania - d. 1957 Paris, France), one of the first great creators in the modern art.

From his works we present: The Monumental ensemble from Târgu Jiu was raised in the

honour of the dead heroes from First World War. It express the cosmic feeling of Brâncusi manifested by the reunion of the four fundamental elements of the world: • water - the start from the Jiu river; • earth - the alley from the public garden, "Masa tãcerii" (Silence table) incorporated in the earth and the Heroes way; • fire - the flame which ensures the triumph upon the death in "Poarta Sãrutului" (The kiss gate); • air - the spring of the "Coloana fãrã sfârsit" (Endless column) which goes through the air in its way toward the sky.

From his works we present: The Monumental ensemble from Târgu Jiu was raised in the

honour of the dead heroes from First World War. It express the cosmic feeling of Brâncusi manifested by the reunion of the four fundamental elements of the world: • water - the start from the Jiu river; • earth - the alley from the public garden, "Masa tãcerii" (Silence table) incorporated in the earth and the Heroes way; • fire - the flame which ensures the triumph upon the death in "Poarta Sãrutului" (The kiss gate); • air - the spring of the "Coloana fãrã sfârsit" (Endless column) which goes through the air in its way toward the sky.

The alley from the public garden starting from Jiu

river

The alley from the public garden starting from Jiu

river

MASA TÃCERIICreation years: 1937-1938

MASA TÃCERIICreation years: 1937-1938

POARTA SÃRUTULUICreation years: 1937-1938

POARTA SÃRUTULUICreation years: 1937-1938

COLOANA FÃRÃ SFÂRSIT

1937

COLOANA FÃRÃ SFÂRSIT

1937

SPORTS SPORTS

• The first sports associations in Romania were established in the mid-19th century. One of the first was the so-called "Society for Hitting the Mark" (from Al.I Cuza times 1859-1866).

•The first years of the 20th century saw the spread of boxing, cycling and later of the sports practised by teams.

•The first football match was played at Timisoara, in the Banat, in 1902, and in 1910 the first rugby club was established in Bucharest.

• The first sports associations in Romania were established in the mid-19th century. One of the first was the so-called "Society for Hitting the Mark" (from Al.I Cuza times 1859-1866).

•The first years of the 20th century saw the spread of boxing, cycling and later of the sports practised by teams.

•The first football match was played at Timisoara, in the Banat, in 1902, and in 1910 the first rugby club was established in Bucharest.

• Two years later the Federation of the Sports Societies of Romania was set up in the capital, being followed by the Romanian Olympic Committee in 1914. • Two years later the Federation of the Sports Societies of Romania was set up in the capital, being followed by the Romanian Olympic Committee in 1914.

• The first higher education institution in this domain, the National Institute for Physical Education, opened its gates in 1923.

•In the period between the two World Wars Romanian sportsmen registered the first victories international contests.

• The first higher education institution in this domain, the National Institute for Physical Education, opened its gates in 1923.

•In the period between the two World Wars Romanian sportsmen registered the first victories international contests.

• The first Olympic medal, a bronze one, was won in Paris in 1924 by the rugby team; it was followed by a silver medal at horse racing at the Berlin Olympiad (1936).

• The first world champion titles were won in 1934 and 1936 (at luge), while at boxing Romania obtained the first European title in 1930 through Lucian Popescu.

• The first Olympic medal, a bronze one, was won in Paris in 1924 by the rugby team; it was followed by a silver medal at horse racing at the Berlin Olympiad (1936).

• The first world champion titles were won in 1934 and 1936 (at luge), while at boxing Romania obtained the first European title in 1930 through Lucian Popescu.

•Out of the team-based sports enjoying a good tradition in Romania, handball, first women's handball, then men's handball, offered an opportunity to both national teams and club teams to repeatedly mount the highest step of the European, world and Olympic podium.

• 1976 was the year which brought celebrity to the Romanian women's gymnastics school, Romania's women gymnasts having maintained themselves in the world edite to date. At the Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976 Nadia Comaneci won three gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal.

•Out of the team-based sports enjoying a good tradition in Romania, handball, first women's handball, then men's handball, offered an opportunity to both national teams and club teams to repeatedly mount the highest step of the European, world and Olympic podium.

• 1976 was the year which brought celebrity to the Romanian women's gymnastics school, Romania's women gymnasts having maintained themselves in the world edite to date. At the Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976 Nadia Comaneci won three gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal.

The Romanian rowing and canoe - kayak were imposed by representatives of exception who have created real schools which have kept this Romanian sport at the top of world standings to date.Canoeist Ivan Patzaichin, a Danube Delta native, was four times Olympic champion (Mexico City - 1968, Munich - 1972, Moscow - 1980 and Los Angeles - 1984) and won seven times the Olympic and world title between 1970 and 1983.

The Romanian rowing and canoe - kayak were imposed by representatives of exception who have created real schools which have kept this Romanian sport at the top of world standings to date.Canoeist Ivan Patzaichin, a Danube Delta native, was four times Olympic champion (Mexico City - 1968, Munich - 1972, Moscow - 1980 and Los Angeles - 1984) and won seven times the Olympic and world title between 1970 and 1983.

Through Ion Tiriac and Ilie Nastase (the latter being the winner of the FILT Grand Prix in 1972 and 1973) Romanian participated three times in the Davis Cup final, however without managing to win it. Thanks to these two great sportsmen, tennis is very popular among the Romanians.

Through Ion Tiriac and Ilie Nastase (the latter being the winner of the FILT Grand Prix in 1972 and 1973) Romanian participated three times in the Davis Cup final, however without managing to win it. Thanks to these two great sportsmen, tennis is very popular among the Romanians.

Hagi was Romanian team captain 65 times, first time when he was 20, on Romania - Northern Ireland World Cup qualifying match. Starting 1990 Hagi was Romania's team captain in all games until his official retirement in April 2001

Hagi was Romanian team captain 65 times, first time when he was 20, on Romania - Northern Ireland World Cup qualifying match. Starting 1990 Hagi was Romania's team captain in all games until his official retirement in April 2001

GHEORGHE HAGIGHEORGHE HAGI

In 1990 Hagi played for the first time to a World Cup final tournament in Italy. Starting with "Italy 1990", Romanian football team had its most successful period playing on 2 World Cup (USA 1994, France 1998) & (England 1996, Belgium & Holland 2000) 2 European final tournaments. In Romania Hagi was voted, by both press and fans, the best player ever

In 1990 Hagi played for the first time to a World Cup final tournament in Italy. Starting with "Italy 1990", Romanian football team had its most successful period playing on 2 World Cup (USA 1994, France 1998) & (England 1996, Belgium & Holland 2000) 2 European final tournaments. In Romania Hagi was voted, by both press and fans, the best player ever

Architecture Architecture

The castles and cathedrals which make up the typical image, even if simplified, of the Western Middle Ages in point of arhitecture, are matched, in the Romanian world, mainly by times. They are stong in Transylvania, weaker in Moldavia, in forms absordeb by local Byzantine tradition, and even less discernible in Wallachia where since the 14th century arhitecture was based on the local interpretation of the Byzantine model. Significant for the Transylvanian Gothic style, among the monuments preserved to this day, in spite of all alterations, would be the Black Church in Brasov (14th-15th c.) in religious architecture, the Bran Castle in Brasov County (14th c.) and the Hunyades Castle in Hunedoara (15th c.) in lay architecture.

The castles and cathedrals which make up the typical image, even if simplified, of the Western Middle Ages in point of arhitecture, are matched, in the Romanian world, mainly by times. They are stong in Transylvania, weaker in Moldavia, in forms absordeb by local Byzantine tradition, and even less discernible in Wallachia where since the 14th century arhitecture was based on the local interpretation of the Byzantine model. Significant for the Transylvanian Gothic style, among the monuments preserved to this day, in spite of all alterations, would be the Black Church in Brasov (14th-15th c.) in religious architecture, the Bran Castle in Brasov County (14th c.) and the Hunyades Castle in Hunedoara (15th c.) in lay architecture.

The House of the People it was intended to serve as headquarters of the communist government. Its height is of 84 m, and it goes 92 m under ground; its façade is 270 m. Only Romanian materials and products were used to decorate the building: local marble, cherry and walnut tree wood, specially commissioned hand-woven tapestries, carpets and draperies. After the revolution in 1989, a lot of people suggested that The House of The People should be demolished, as an act of revenge against Ceausescu's regime. Today, the building serves as headquarters of Romanian Parliament, and in the same time, housed some international conferences such as Crans Montana Forum and the Forum for the Black Sea Cooperation.

The House of the People it was intended to serve as headquarters of the communist government. Its height is of 84 m, and it goes 92 m under ground; its façade is 270 m. Only Romanian materials and products were used to decorate the building: local marble, cherry and walnut tree wood, specially commissioned hand-woven tapestries, carpets and draperies. After the revolution in 1989, a lot of people suggested that The House of The People should be demolished, as an act of revenge against Ceausescu's regime. Today, the building serves as headquarters of Romanian Parliament, and in the same time, housed some international conferences such as Crans Montana Forum and the Forum for the Black Sea Cooperation.

The House of PeopleThe House of People

Monasteries and Churches Monasteries and Churches

THE MONASTERY OF CURTEA DE ARGES

THE MONASTERY OF CURTEA DE ARGES

DENSUS CHURCH DENSUS CHURCH

NEAMT MONASTERY NEAMT MONASTERY PUTNA MONASTERYPUTNA MONASTERY

SUCEVITA MONASTERY SUCEVITA MONASTERY

The Church of the Trei Ierarhi Monastery

The Church of the Trei Ierarhi Monastery

THE HOLY MONASTERY OF VORONETTHE HOLY MONASTERY OF VORONET

VARATIC MONASTERY VARATIC MONASTERY

AGAPIA MONASTERY AGAPIA MONASTERY

"DINTR-UN LEMN" MONASTERYAN OAK TREE GAVE BIRTH TO A REMARKABLE WORK OF RELIGIOUS ART

"DINTR-UN LEMN" MONASTERYAN OAK TREE GAVE BIRTH TO A REMARKABLE WORK OF RELIGIOUS ART

Fortresses, Palaces and Museums Fortresses, Palaces and Museums

BRAN CASTLE BRAN CASTLE THE FORTRESS OF CÂLNICTHE FORTRESS OF CÂLNIC COTROCENI PALACECOTROCENI PALACE

HISTRIA FORTRESS HISTRIA FORTRESS

HUNEDOARA - THE CASTLE OF THE CORVIN FAMILY

HUNEDOARA - THE CASTLE OF THE CORVIN FAMILY

Marasesti Mausoleum Marasesti Mausoleum Mausoleul Marasti Mausoleul Marasti

PELES CASTLEPELES CASTLE PELISOR CASTLEPELISOR CASTLE Brâncoveanu's Palace Brâncoveanu's Palace

THE CASTLE "IULIA HASDEU" THE CASTLE "IULIA HASDEU"

Natural Monuments Natural Monuments

Altar Stone and the Bicaz Gorges Region

Altar Stone and the Bicaz Gorges Region

THE BUCEGI - Sphinx THE BUCEGI - Sphinx

BEAR'S CAVE BEAR'S CAVE TURDA GORGES TURDA GORGES

ROSU LAKE ROSU LAKE

THE MUDDY VOLCANOES THE MUDDY VOLCANOES

MUIERILOR CAVE MUIERILOR CAVE

SAINT ANA LAKE SAINT ANA LAKE Tatarului Gorges Tatarului Gorges

DAMBOVICIOARA CAVE DAMBOVICIOARA CAVE BEAR’S CAVEBEAR’S CAVEBabele (the "Old Ladies") Babele (the "Old Ladies") Gemenea Lake Gemenea Lake

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