Geography
Romania is situated in South-Eastern Europe, between latitudes 43-37'07'' and 48-15'06'' North and longitudes 20-15'44'' and 29-41'24'' East, extending approximately 480 km North to South and 640 East to West.
The country has an area of 237,500 sq. km and a population of over 23,000,000 of which 89% are Romanians, 7% Hungarians, 2% Gypsies, with small minorities of Germans, Ukraineans, Serbs, Slovaks, Turks, Czechs, Greeks, Jews, Armenians, Poles, Albanians...
The Carpathians form a mountainous arch in the center of the country, bordered on both sides by hills and plateaus and there are great plains off the outer rim.
Forests cover over a quarter of the country and the fauna is one of the richest in Europe including wolves, bears, deer, lynx and chamois.
The mighty Danube forms the southern boundary of the country ending with the Delta or the Black Sea, a haven for countless local and migratory birds.

Countries sharing borders with Romania are Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldavia and the Ukraine.

History
The territory of Romania has been inhabited since the Paleolithic.
The ancestors of the Romanian people are the Dacians, fierce warriors subdued by the Romans under Trajan in two extremely difficult campaigns at the beginning of the 2nd century AD. However, the relatively brief Roman occupation (165 years), left a lasting legacy: the Latin language which survived the numerous subsequent invasions of migratory peoples.
Over the years a Romanian identity developed progressively with the formation of the feudal states of Wallachia and Moldavia in the 13th and 14th centuries. Centuries of fighting against the Turks ensued in these states. Meanwhile Transylvania was occupied successively by the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires.
Finally Moldavia and Wallachia were united in 1859, independence was achieved in 1877, and union with Transylvania in 1918.
The communist rule, established after the 2nd world war lasted 45 years and ended with the revolution in December 1989.

Climate
The climate is continental-temperate, characteristic for Central Europe ( hot summers, cold winters, very distinct seasons, abundant snowfalls especially in the mountains). The southern regions are the warmest.
Annual rainfall averages are 677 mm, but they are higher in the mountains-(1,000-1,4000m) and below the average on the sea coast (below 400m).
Average temperatures ( Celsius degrees) in different parts of the country are:

Major Cities and Their Population
Bucharest (capital city):   2,300,000; Brasov:   353,000; Timisoara:   333,000; Iasi:   333,000; Cluj-Napoca:   318,000; Constanta:   316,000; Sibiu:   169,000; Targu Mures:   165,000; Suceava:   106,000 inhabitants.

 Important Resorts
-         thermal water resorts: Felix, Herculane, Geagiu, Calimanesti
-         climat resorts and ski: Vatra Dornei, Poiana Brasov, Sinaia, Predeal, Borsa
-         seaside resorts: Mamaia, Costinesti, Eforie, Neptun, Saturn

 Language
The official language, Romanian, is of Latin origin. English, French and German are widely spoken.

Religion
Most Romanians are Orthodox Christians (87%). Catholics of the Oriental and Roman rites are well represented (5%). There are also Reformed / Lutheran (3%), Unitarian (1%), Neo-Protestant, Armenian, Muslim and Jewish communities. Religious freedom is guaranteed by the Romanian constitution.

 The Political System and the Public Administration
According to the Constitution adopted in 1991, Romania is a parliamentary republic with a bicameral Parliament. The president of the country, the senators and the members of the lower chamber are elected every four years by universal secret ballot.
There are numerous parties taking part in the Romanian political life; over 100 political parties are currently registered, but only the important ones are represented in Parliament. The ethnic minorities also have such a representation.
Democratic rights and freedoms are guaranteed by the Constitution.
The national flag is red, yellow and blue. Romania's national holiday is December 1, the day when the national unitary state was founded in 1918.
Romania's territory is divided into 40 districts administered by prefects: the mayors of municipalities, towns and villages are subordinated to the district administration. Bucharest, the capital, has its own administration, similar to that of the districts.

Getting There By Road
The access ways to Romania are: Berlin, Warsaw, Budapest-Petea E 81: Vienna, Prague, Budapest-Bors E 60 or Nadlac E64 or Varsand E 671: Trieste, Belgrade-Moravita E 70 or Portile de Fier E 70: Athens, Tirana, Sofia-Giurgiu E 85; Istanbul, Sofia- Vama Veche E 87: Moscow, Kiev, Kishinev-Albita E 580; Warsaw, Kiev, Chernowitz-Siret E 85. All roads are marked in accordance with international regulations. Cars are driven on the right side of the road and can overtake on the left.
Distances between Bucharest and various main cities are: Athens-1252 km, Berlin-2154 km, Berne ( Zurich)-2125 km, Brussels-2394 km, Bonn-2100 km, Budapest-893 km, Copenhagen-2587 km, Frankfurt-2100 km, The Hague (Amsterdam)-2428 km Helsinki-2900km, Istanbul -704 km, Kiev-1065 km, Kishinev-445 km, Lisbon-4120 km, London-2577 km, Madrid-3530 km, Minsk-1650 km, Moscow-1963 km, Oslo-2820 km, Paris-2401 km, Prague-1465 km, Riga-1955 km, Rome-2149 km, Sofia-407 km, Stockholm -3100 km, Vienna - 1100 km. Warshaw-1797 km.
If you come to Romania by car , bring your driving license, car papers and green card. The Romanian Automobile Club - ACR - and the insurance company CAROM are at your disposal for technical and any other kind of assistance with your car. Call ACR at 927 in Bucharest.

Formalities in Romania : Border Customs
Romania applies the international regulations of the Convention for Customs facilities for Tourist Traffic. Highly valuable goods - jewelry and foreign currency ( over the value of $ 1,000 per person) must be declared when entering the country. Endorsed customs declarations must be kept as they are required when leaving the country.
It is forbidden to import, unless in possession of a special license, lei (the Romanian currency) ammunition, explosives, narcotics, pornographic material.. It is forbidden to export articles of cultural, historic or artistic value, as well as lei in excess of 5,000 per person.
Car drivers must be in possession of relevant car documents including the green card and the personal driving license.
Anti rabies vaccination certificates are required for cats and dogs.

Currency Exchange
The national currency is the leu (plural lei). Coins come in units of 500, 1000 and 5000 lei. Bills come in units of 10,000 ; 50,000; 100.000; 500.000 , lei.
Foreign currency can only be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange offices. As rates can vary from one place to another it is wise to shop around. Keep the exchange receipts as they may be requested when you pay for things in lei.
Dollar bills are the most readily negotiated currency in Romania and it is a good idea to take some with you preferably in bills of lesser value.
Avoid the black exchange market as this is an illegal operation and subject to punishment according to the law.

Vaccinations
Not required

When to come ?
Romania is indeed a country for all seasons. A country for lazing in the sun and taking it easy, touring for cultural enrichment, for winter sports, hiking, boating and activities of all kinds.
Thus, the best time to come over depends on what you want to do! Holidays on the Black Sea coast are most enjoyable between June and September. On the other hand, winter sports in the Carpathians are best practiced from Christmas to March. Spring and autumn are perfect for touring vacations throughout the country, while Bucharest is at its best from spring to autumn, although not lacking charm in winter too.
This is the time to enjoy the opera season, attend concerts, and taste the hearty Romanian cuisine in warm and welcoming restaurants.

Festivals
Interesting festivals are often a good reason to come to Romania at one time of the year rather than another. The following is a list of some of the most interesting and colorful of the Romanian festivals:

• The International Festival of Amateur Theatre the " Concordia Days", January 10-20 in Sfantu Gheorghe.- The "UNICEF Gala" of lyrical theatre, on January 25 in Constanta;
• The Secular Winter Customs Festival, February, Sfantu Gheorghe'
• The International Festival of Contemporary Theatre, April 5-25 , Brasov;
• The National festival of Spring Agricultural Customs " Tanjeaua de pe Marna", April Hoteni- Maramures District;
• The Feast of the Daffodils, May, Vlahita-Harghita District;
• The International Jazz Festival, May, Brasov
• The National Music Festival of Mamaia, July-August'
• The International Pop Music Festival " The Golden Stag", September, Brasov
• The Medieval Art Festival, July, Sighisoara

Clothing
Apart from clothes fashionable for the current season, it is always advisable to pack a warm pullover, a raincoat and good walking shoes. Very warm clothing is recommended in winter. In any event clothing is good value in Romania so you can always purchase additional items once you get there if necessary.

Other general Information
Local time: Summertime: 1 hour ahead of GMT .
Mail and communication services: Post offices are open daily, including Saturday morning, in most areas and provide local and external services.
Most long distance telephone calls are made through the operator, but more and more direct dial-up national and international services are available. Use 3 coins worth 100 lei each for urban calls and 100 lei coins for trunk calls ( as indicated in public telephones).

3-digit numbers are used for special services: 971-international calls.991 - domestic trunk calls. 930 - Directory Inquiries - government, public and private organizations and companies. 931 - Directory Inquiries, individual subscribers (A-L) . 932 - Directory Inquiries, individual subscribers (M-Z) . 955 police . 953 - taxis. 951 - information. 961 - ambulance / emergencies. 981 - fire. 958 - time. 952 -train timetables.
On direct dial telephones dial 0 then the city area code for internal calls or 00, then the country and city code for international calls. For long distance calls to Romania: for Bucharest dial 0040 then 21 and the phone number; for other towns and villages dial 40, the area code and the phone number.

Internet caffe: available in downtown areas, at a rate of aprox. 0.5 Euro/hour

Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, JCB International, Euro Master Card, and VISA are accepted in most hotels, rent-a-car companies and in some restaurants. It is however advisable to check in advance.

Electricity: 220 volts and 50 Hz. 2 prong plug.

Laundry, dry cleaning: available in hotels; there also is a network of laundries called " Nufarul".

Medical services: Available in state and private health units throughout the country ( hospital and dispensaries), according to the medical agreements established between Romania and other countries.

Tipping: Normally a small tip for good services is appreciated, but is as the customer wishes.

Foreign Newspapers and Magazines: Foreign newspapers and magazines are usually available at the reception desks of leading hotels. Likewise news broadcasts from various European countries are featured on Romanian television.

Public Holidays: January 1 &2; Easter Monday; May 1; December1 ( the national holiday); December 25 & 26.
Banking hours: 9-12 a.m. from Monday till Friday.

Making the Most of Your Visit
Cuisine: Although international cuisine is available in fine restaurants, make sure that you savor the local Romanian dishes. Romanian cooking is rich, tasty and substantial, as befits a country where food is still naturally cultivated, where fruit and vegetables follow their normal season, and where winters are cold.
Pork is a special favorite, but you will find good beef, veal, and chicken too. They are all delicious just grilled. Typically Romanian specialties include a range of soups - try "ciorba" (broth), a soup made of fermented bran, bacon, potatoes, and beef or chicken. Hearty stews such as " Tochitura Moldoveneasca" are accompanied like many Romanian meat dishes by " mamaliga", a maize polenta. " Sarmale " is a spicy dish of pickled cabbage leaves stuffed with meat, and " mititei" are small grilled sausages perfumed with aromatic herbs. Among fish dishes try carp on the spit, a local specialty in the Danube Delta.
A range of excellent white and red Romanian wines of the famous vineyards of Murfatlar, Cotnari, Jidvei, Delu Mare, Odobesti, Valea Calugareasca accompany local and international dishes to perfection, while Tuica, the local plum brandy is often drunk as an aperitif. But beware, it carries a sting in its tail! The local Romanian beers are excellent.
Sports: A wide range of possibilities is open: skiing and bobsleighing in the mountains in winter, or riding, hiking, swimming and tennis in summer. Many hotels have indoor swimming pools and saunas.
On the Black Sea Coast, swimming in the sea or swimming pools with fresh and salt water, or aquatic sports in the sea and on the lakes in the vicinity of the sea. You may also play tennis, badminton, volleyball, basketball and which, bowling, and pool.
People coming on business and staying in Bucharest only (or in major cities) can swim in the swimming pools of the big hotels (e.g. Intercontinental, Bucuresti, Lido) or entertainment areas around the natural lakes surrounding the city ( Snagov, Mogosoaia, Cernica). Aquatic sports can be practiced at the sailing base of Herastrau. Tennis; volleyball, which, football, basketball, readily available.
Fishing: Fishing is allowed mainly in the Danube Delta and on the lakes outside the big cities ( observing legal requirements). In the Danube Delta, where there are over 160 species of fish ( among which we can mention the sturgeon, the well, the pike, the carp), fishing may be complementary to boating or excursions for professional and amateur ornithologists (the Danube Delta shelters over 300 species of birds and the biggest colony of pelicans in Europe).
Sailing: The Danube Delta has its own regulations that must be strictly observed ( they also apply to fishing and hunting). Tourists bringing their own crafts must pay a compulsory fee at Tulcea Harbour Station, and will need to present their passports, sailing license and identification papers of the craft.
Hunting: The open season for hunting is: stag ( 01/08-30/11); roebuck ( 15/05-31/10); deer (01/09-30/11); chamois (15/09-31/12); bear(15/03-15/05) wild boar (01/10-15/02); mountain cock (01/04-15/05); pheasant(15/10-28/02); water birds ( 15/08-15/03). Romania is one of the four countries that founded the International Council for Hunting and Game Protection.
Shopping: Interesting purchases to make in Romania are embroidered tablecloths and table napkins, ceramics, pottery, carpets, folkloric clothes, sculpted wood objects, porcelain, silverware and icons. Recommended shopping areas are those in the center or in residential areas of the major cities. The usual hopping hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but some shops and department stores stay open till 8 p.m. and later. Duty free shops are to be found in the international airports.
Folklore: Romanian folklore is the best preserved in the world and examples can be found all over the country. Maramures (wooden architecture, costumes, ceramics), Bucovina (woven materials, Easter painted eggs, costumes, traditions), Banat (folk art costumes, traditional customs), Horezu (pottery, wood carving), the Apuseni Mountains (folk art costumes, wood carving, folk celebrations, wooden architecture), Marginimea Sibiului (icons painted on glass, folk art costumes, house ware-all gathered in folk art museums). There also are museums housing ancient peasant technology in Bucharest, Sibiu, Cluj - Napoca, Ramnicu Valcea, Focsani, Timisoara, Sighetu Marmatiei.
Folk music and dancing are a vital, living tradition in Romania. Shows can be seen in many hotels and restaurants throughout the country. Romanian folk music is both entertaining and cheerful. You will find it hard to resist.
Traditional architecture: Traditional peasant houses are normally small and picturesque, blue trimming frequently contrasting with whitewashed walls in certain parts of the country or with colorful versions in others. Porches and overhanging eaves are a common feature everywhere. Furniture, curtains, rugs and clothing are often handmade on the premises!
Books on Romania: Guidebooks available on Romania include English, French, Dutch, German, Danish, Swedish, Spanish a n d Italian editions.