Romania is a country in Southeastern Europe, north of Bulgaria, southeast of Hungary and southwest of Ukraine. It is the largest country in Southeastern Europe and the twelfth-largest in Europe, with an area of 238,397 square kilometers. The terrain is roughly equally distributed between mountains, hills, and plains. The Carpathian Mountains dominate the center of the country. Romania has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons and a wealth of natural resources. It is a unitary republic with a multi-party system and a semi-presidential representative democracy.
Romania is known for its medieval castles, charming towns, and the legendaryTransylvania region. Key attractions include Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend, and Peleș Castle, considered one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Other notable sites include the painted monasteries of Bucovina, the Danube Delta (Europe's second-largest river delta), and the historic city of Sighișoara. In 2025, Romania faced economic challenges, leading to austerity measures, including increased VAT and public sector wage freezes. The political landscape also underwent changes, with Nicușor Dan elected president and Ilie Bolojan appointed prime minister. As of February 2026, Romania's economy is driven by automotive manufacturing, information technology services, and agriculture.