Isolated for decades behind the iron curtain, Romanians overthrew their Soviet-era dictator in 1989 and established a constitutional republic. In 1996, the people swept the former communists from power. It is a country of remote, almost medieval, villages and spas in mountain valleys, and of posh Black Sea resorts.
Romania is also known for Transylvania, a region of ethnic Hungarians and the reputed ancestral home of Vlad the Impaler, on whom the fictional Dracula is based.
Romania's weather is one of sunny, warm summers with frequent thunderstorms, and cold, overcast winters. Precipitation is common year-round. Romania has no natural hazards, and few environmental problems.
Ostensibly descended from Romanized Dacians, about 70 percent of Romanians are Romanian Orthodox, and a large percentage of the remainder are atheist. A large Gypsy population has found a home here. Most people speak Romanian; German and English are prevalent in areas frequented by tourists.
Bucharest is accessible by air from all major European capitals. There are carriers operating flights within the country. Popular airlines in Romania include: TAROM, Lufthansa Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, British Airways and Alitalia.
Most Romanian cities are served by a good rail network with connections to Western Europe through Vienna. The road network is somewhat limited and is in poor repair. Driving is ill-advised because of narrow country and inner-city roads, few highways, and a prevalence of farm machinery; traffic drives on the right. The mass transit system is relatively efficient.
Violent crime involving travelers is uncommon, but there is a rise in the number of crimes in which victims are injured. Pickpocketing, theft, robbery and muggings are prevalent, and most incidents occur in areas frequented by travelers such as shopping centers and public transportation hubs.
ATMs can be found, sparsely, only in the major cities; credit cards are only accepted in upscale shops and hotels. The telephone system is in poor shape, but modernization is in progress. English-language media are available in most large cities, usually in the pricier establishments.
Tourists and visitors have good hotel choices in the cities. It is recommended you make and confirm reservations well in advance.
Romanian food is tasty and generally safe, though standard food safety precautions should be observed. No trip to Romania is complete without sampling the country's excellent wines. Though hotel prices tend to be closer to Western norms in Bucharest, most travelers exchanging Western currencies will find Romania a bargain.
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