› ROMANIA Property | Highlights

Situated in south-eastern Central Europe, Romania covers an area of 238,391 square kilometres. The Black Sea forms the south-eastern border and the river Danube forms the southern border with Bulgaria. To the north and east lie Ukraine and Moldova, respectively, and to the west Yugoslavia and Hungary. The population is estimated at around 23 million, of whom 55% live in urban areas. Romania's climate is temperate continental, with cold winters and hot summers, and often with short springs and autumns. The Black Sea coastal area enjoys mild winters and cool summers. The average summer temperature is around 22°C to 24°C; the winter average is -3°C to 0°C.

Romania has the majestic castles, medieval towns, great hiking, wildlife, and cheap skiing of much of the undiscovered former Eastern Bloc. The primary focal point for Western investors is the capital Bucharest which lies on the Wallachian plains, between the Carpathian foothills and the Danube River. The Carpathian Mountains run north-south, almost as far as Bucharest, before turning west. There are fertile plains, gentle hills, prime agricultural land, and numerous vineyards. The Danube delta, rich in fauna and flora, has been designated a special protected area by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The medieval Saxon towns of Brasov and Sighisoara may also be of appeal. Their Transylvanian hill location and association with everybody's favourite Vampire has put them firmly on the tourist map. Resort towns such as Constanta, Romania's largest port and second largest city, Mamaia, Eforie Nord, Neptun-Olimp and Costinesti are popular with tourists in the summer months.

Walachia and Moldavia united in 1859 to form the basis of Romania. In 1877, the two principalities gained their independence from the Ottoman Empire. Transylvania joined them in 1918 and formed the modern Romania, which at that time included Bessarabia and Bucovina. A flourishing period characterised the decades between the two World Wars. On 30 December 1948 the People's Republic of Romania, which later became the Socialist Republic of Romania, was proclaimed. Following the revolution of December 1989, Romania returned to democracy.

Bucharest: population 2,250,000 is the capital and the main commercial and political centre. Constanta: population 348,000, the principal port on the Black Sea. Galati: population 326,000, a major port on the Danube. Iasi: population 341,000. Cluj-Napoca: population 332,000. Timisoara: population c322,000. Brasov: population 322,000. Craiova: population 307,000.

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