The country
When Romania joins the European Union 1 on January 2007, it will be the ninth largest territory with the seventh largest population (22m) in the EU.
Romania’s history is a long one and dates back to when two of the country’s largest regions, Wallachia and Moldavia, were part of the Ottoman Empire. Securing their independence in 1856, they joined forces in 1859 and called their new, independent country Romania a few years later.
On the side of the allied forces in world war one, in 1941 Romania later sided with the German invasion of the USSR. Three years later, the country was overrun by the Soviets. The Soviet occupation led to the formation of a communist people's republic in 1947 and the abdication of the king. Dictator Nicolae Ceausecu took office in 1965 and created a police state through to the 1980s. On Christmas Day 1989 he and his wife were publicly executed.
Much of the countryside and its people remain seemingly untouched by the 21st century. However, over two million people live in the capital, Bucharest, which retains some of its grandeur and spirit. But sadly, second world war bomb damage, earthquakes and Ceaucescu's grandiose and impractical ideas have destroyed much of its cosmopolitan feel.
Romania's other famous resident has also left his mark. At times it feels impossible to escape vampire kitsch.
Visitors to Romania can't ignore the effects of decades of dictatorship, compounded by recent corruption and inflation. But it is equally difficult to ignore the remarkable scenery, the truly genuine people, and the real sense of a nation renewing itself at every turn.
Best sites
· Romania Travel The national authority for tourism
· Tourism Romania Helpful information from the tourist office
· Romanian Voice Poetry and photographs from all over the country
· Nine O'Clock Daily Romanian paper in English with online version
· Romanian Aid Foundation Charity dealing specifically with Romania
· Dracula Myth or reality?
· The CIA World Factbook
· The Foreign Office travel advice
If you only do three things …
Visit Bucharest, travel through the Carpathian mountains and indulge in a little Dracula worship.
News and current affairs
Romania's online publications from the world news guide.
Language
Romanian, a Romance language has more in common with French or Italian than the Slavic languages of Eastern Europe. Hungarian is also spoken in disputed areas of Transylvania. English and French are spoken a little in cities and tourist areas.
Climate
Fairly rainy inland. Temperatures are better on the coast where in summer they average a pleasant 25C. Winters are foggy and snowy with temperatures below zero. In the mountains skiing conditions remain into May.
Health
Innoculations against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio are advisable; rabies is also a risk in Romania. Officially the water is drinkable but in Bucharest bottled water is recommended.
Food
Not great, it has to be said. Lots of meat and offal, in various states. Vegetarians will be better off in summer, and eating with locals where the supply of fresh veg will be more varied. Sheeps’ cheese and pasta may be a winter alternative. Those with a sweet tooth will fare better, as cakes, pancakes and ice creams are of a reasonable standard. Wines and spirits are strong and flavoursome.
Events
August in Sighisoara is dominated by Medieval Days, a two-week medieval arts, crafts and music festival.
What to buy
Vampire-red vodka, anything with a vampire/bat/Dracula on it - T-shirts, badges, key rings, even beer. Local handicrafts including ceramics, pottery, woodcarvings or embroidered items.
Embassies and visas
UK: Embassy of Romania, Arundel House, 4 Palace Green, Kensington, London W8 4QD (visa information: 020 7937 9667).
Romania: British Embassy, 24 Strada Jules Michelet, 70154, Bucharest.
Visas: US and UK citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Citizens of all other countries should obtain a visa from the Romanian embassy; cost is from £6 for a package holiday to £33 for individual tourists.
Currency
£1 buys approximately 5.3 Romanian new Lei (RON), not to be confused with Romanian Lei (ROL). The old currency was replaced in July 2005.
Timezone
GMT+2.
Getting there
Romania's national airline, Tarom, and British Airways fly to Bucharest and Timisoara.
Related literature
Rhinceros, The Chairs, Eugene Ionesco Works by Romania's most famous playwright and founder of the theatre of the absurd.
Dracula, Bram Stoker From Romania to North Yorkshire.
The Land of Green Plums, Herta Muller The author grew up a German minority in Ceausescu's Romania and draws on her experiences in this novel.
