Romania

The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia - for centuries under the suzerainty of the Turkish Ottoman Empire - secured their autonomy in 1856; they united in 1859 and a few years later adopted the new name of Romania. The country gained recognition of its independence in 1878. It joined the Allied Powers in World War I and acquired new territories - most notably Transylvania - following the conflict. In 1940, Romania allied with the Axis powers and participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR. Three years later, overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice. The post-war Soviet occupation led to the formation of a Communist "people's republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. The decades-long rule of dictator Nicolae CEAUSESCU, who took power in 1965, and his Securitate police state became increasingly oppressive and draconian through the 1980s. CEAUSESCU was overthrown and executed in late 1989. Former Communists dominated the government until 1996 when they were swept from power. Romania joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 22,276,056 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Romanian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Romanian

Official Language(s): Romanian

Major Languages Spoken: Hungarian, Romanian

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): None

Country Name (short form): Romania

Country Name (local short form): Romania

Name of Capital: Bucharest

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Romania: Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary

Land Area: 230340 sq km

Water Area: 7160 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Oregon

Total Land Boundry: 2,508 km

Coastline: 225 km

National Holiday: Unification Day (of Romania and Transylvania), 1 December (1918)

International Phone Code: 40

Currency Code: leu (RON)

Internet Country Code: .ro

US Embassy Location: Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest

US Embassy Mailing Address: pouch: American Embassy Bucharest, US Department of State, 5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260 (pouch)

Services In, and Related to Romania

ALS provides translation support equipped for all situations. Whether it is for personal documents, legal, or corporate needs, ALS has certified translators for more than 150 languages and dialects. All bilingual professionals are certified for interpreting languages in spoken and written form. Translations are done in a timely manner with the option of rush delivery. ALS International can also provide a free quote for many our interpreting services.