Romania – A Quick & Quirky Guide
Official name: Romania (România)
Area: ~238,400 km² – Carpathian Mountains, plains, and the Danube Delta
Population: ~19 million (2024)
Location: Southeastern Europe, bordered by Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary
Form of government: Semi-presidential republic
Head of State: President Klaus Iohannis
Head of Government: Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu
Capital city: Bucharest (București) – ~2 million (metro ~2.3 million)
Time zone: Eastern European Time (UTC+2 / +3 in summer)
Official language: Romanian
Currency: Romanian leu (RON) – euros not widely used
EU member: Yes, since 2007
Schengen area: No
Top 10 Largest Cities (population approx.)
- Bucharest (București) – ~2 million
- Cluj-Napoca – ~325,000
- Timișoara – ~320,000
- Iași – ~290,000
- Constanța – ~285,000
- Craiova – ~270,000
- Brașov – ~250,000
- Galați – ~250,000
- Ploiești – ~210,000
- Oradea – ~200,000
Popular Tourist Cities & Regions
- Bucharest: Grand architecture, Parliament Palace, and vibrant nightlife.
- Brașov: Medieval charm, Black Church, and nearby Bran Castle (“Dracula”).
- Cluj-Napoca: University city, culture, and cafés.
- Sibiu: Saxon architecture, colorful squares, and festivals.
- Danube Delta: Wildlife paradise with canals and rare birds.
- Transylvania: Castles, mountains, and myths galore.
Climate
Temperate-continental: warm summers (25–35 °C), cold winters (–5 to 5 °C), and occasional snow in the mountains. Layers and comfy shoes recommended for castle hopping.
Culture & Daily Life
- Folklore & traditions: Music, dance, and festivals with centuries-old roots.
- History everywhere: Castles, monasteries, and old towns around every corner.
- Friendly locals: Hospitality is a point of pride, often with home-cooked meals.
- Coffee & pastries: Cafés are popular, especially in university towns.
Food & Drink
- Classic dishes: Sarmale (cabbage rolls), mămăligă (polenta), ciorbă (sour soup).
- Street food: Covrigi (pretzel-like bread), mici (grilled sausages).
- Desserts: Papanasi (fried dough with cheese and jam), cozonac (sweet bread).
- Drinks: Romanian wines, țuică (plum brandy), and local beers.
Summary
Romania is a land of castles, mountains, and folklore. From Bucharest’s energy to Transylvania’s legends, from the Carpathians to the Danube Delta, it offers history, adventure, and hearty food. Cold winters, warm hospitality, and delicious sarmale make Romania a Central European gem worth exploring.