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Home Moldova Maramures Muntenia and Dobrogea Banat and Crisana Transylvania Oltenia Events ROMANA
Fundata Beautiful mountain area of Fundata
Chindia Tower in Targoviste Chindia Tower in Targoviste
Retezat Mountains Retezat Mountains
Brasov Brasov city

Romania is a country located in southeastern Europe, known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Bordered by the Black Sea to the east, it shares borders with Bulgaria, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, and Moldova. The country's terrain ranges from the Carpathian Mountains to rolling hills and plains.

Romania's history dates back to ancient times, with influences from the Dacians, Romans, and various medieval kingdoms. It gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1877 and became a republic in 1947 after World War II. The country experienced a difficult period under communist rule from 1947 to 1989, ending with the overthrow of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu.

Today, Romania is a democratic nation and a member of the European Union and NATO. Its economy has been growing steadily, with strengths in industries such as automotive manufacturing, IT, and agriculture. Tourism is also a significant sector, with attractions including medieval castles, picturesque villages, and the Danube Delta.

Romanian culture is a unique blend of Latin and Slavic influences, reflected in its language, customs, and arts. The country is famous for its folklore, traditional music, and distinctive architecture, exemplified by painted monasteries and wooden churches.

Oltenia region

Oltenia
Muntenia region

Muntenia and Dobrogea
Transilvania region

Transylvania
Maramures region

Maramures
Banat and Crisana regions

Banat and Crisana
Moldova region

Moldova

Short history of Romania

Romania's history is a complex tapestry spanning over two millennia, marked by diverse influences and significant transformations. The region's earliest known inhabitants were the Dacians, an ancient Thracian people who established a powerful kingdom in the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania by the 1st century BCE.

In 106 CE, the Roman Empire conquered Dacia, integrating it into the empire and influencing its language and culture. After the Roman withdrawal in 271 CE, the territory experienced waves of migrations by various groups, including Goths, Huns, Slavs, and Avars.

The Middle Ages saw the formation of the first Romanian political entities: Wallachia, Moldavia, and Transylvania. These principalities maintained varying degrees of autonomy while often under the suzerainty of larger powers, notably the Ottoman Empire.

A pivotal moment came in 1600 when Michael the Brave briefly united Wallachia, Moldavia, and Transylvania under his rule, foreshadowing the modern Romanian state. However, this unity was short-lived, and the principalities remained separate for centuries.

The 19th century brought significant changes. In 1859, Wallachia and Moldavia united to form the United Principalities, later renamed Romania. The country gained full independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1877. Transylvania, then part of Austria-Hungary, joined Romania after World War I in 1918, forming "Greater Romania."

The interwar period saw Romania as a constitutional monarchy, but this era ended with World War II. Romania initially aligned with Nazi Germany but switched sides in 1944. The post-war period brought communist rule, with Nicolae Ceaușescu's authoritarian regime dominating from 1965 to 1989.

The Romanian Revolution of 1989 overthrew Ceaușescu, marking the end of communist rule. Since then, Romania has transitioned to a democratic system and market economy. It joined NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007, signaling its integration into Western political and economic structures.

Today, Romania continues to grapple with its complex history while working towards further development and modernization. The country's rich cultural heritage, shaped by its diverse historical experiences, remains a source of national pride and identity.