Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Romania
România
CapitalBucharest
Population19,020,271
GDP$428.7bn
Area238,397 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia -- for centuries under the control of the Turkish Ottoman Empire -- secured their autonomy through the Treaty of Paris in 1856. They were de facto linked in 1859 and formally united in 1862 under the new name of Romania. The country joined the Allied Powers in World War I and subsequently acquired new territories -- most notably Transylvania -- that more than doubled its size. 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, the EU in 2007, and the Schengen Area for air and sea travel in 2024.
Reference: 2024, 2007, 2004, 1996Geography
Location
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Ukraine
Map references
Europe
Area
total: 238,391 sq km
land: 229,891 sq km
water: 8,500 sq km
land: 229,891 sq km
water: 8,500 sq km
Area - comparative
twice the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Oregon
Land boundaries
total: 2,844 km
border countries: Bulgaria 605 km; Hungary 424 km; Moldova 683 km; Serbia 531 km; Ukraine 601 km
border countries: Bulgaria 605 km; Hungary 424 km; Moldova 683 km; Serbia 531 km; Ukraine 601 km
Coastline
225 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms
Terrain
central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Moldavian Plateau on the east by the Eastern Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps
Elevation
highest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 414 m
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 414 m
Natural resources
petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore, salt, arable land, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land: 55.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 36.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 17% (2023 est.)
forest: 30.2% (2023 est.)
other: 14.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 36.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 17% (2023 est.)
forest: 30.2% (2023 est.)
other: 14.5% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
5,280 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Major rivers (by length in km)
Dunărea (Danube) river mouth (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine) - 2,888 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)
Population distribution
urbanization is not particularly high, and the population distribution is fairly even throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations
Natural hazards
earthquakes, most severe in south and southwest; geologic structure and climate promote landslides
Geography - note
controls the most easily traversable land route between the Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine; the Carpathian Mountains dominate the center of the country, and the Danube River forms much of the southern boundary with Serbia and Bulgaria
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Romanian(s)
adjective: Romanian
adjective: Romanian
Ethnic groups
Romanian 89.3%, Hungarian 6%, Romani 3.4%, Ukrainian 0.3%, German 0.1%, other 0.9% (2021 est.)
note: note: data represent individuals who declared an ethnic group in the 2021 national census; 13% did not respond; Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 5–11% of Romania's population
Reference: 2021note: note: data represent individuals who declared an ethnic group in the 2021 national census; 13% did not respond; Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 5–11% of Romania's population
Languages
Languages: Romanian (official) 91.6%, Hungarian 6.3%, Romani 1.2%, other 0.7% (2021 est.)
major-language sample(s): Cartea informativa a lumii, sursa indispensabila pentru informatii de baza. (Romanian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: data represent individuals who declared a maternal language in the 2021 national census; 13.1% did not respond
Reference: 2021major-language sample(s): Cartea informativa a lumii, sursa indispensabila pentru informatii de baza. (Romanian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: data represent individuals who declared a maternal language in the 2021 national census; 13.1% did not respond
Religions
Romanian Orthodox 85.3%, Roman Catholic 4.5%, Reformed 3%, Pentecostal 2.5%, other 4.7% (2021 est.)
note: note: data represent individuals who declared a religion in the 2021 national census; 13.9% did not respond
Reference: 2021note: note: data represent individuals who declared a religion in the 2021 national census; 13.9% did not respond
Age structure
0-14 years: 15.4% (male 1,441,359/female 1,362,304)
15-64 years: 62% (male 5,618,366/female 5,632,718)
65 years and over: 22.6% (2024 est.) (male 1,688,070/female 2,405,338)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 62% (male 5,618,366/female 5,632,718)
65 years and over: 22.6% (2024 est.) (male 1,688,070/female 2,405,338)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 61.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 24.9 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 36.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 2.7 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 24.9 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 36.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 2.7 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 45.5 years (2024 est.)
male: 44 years
female: 46.9 years
Reference: 2024male: 44 years
female: 46.9 years
Population growth rate
-0.94% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
8.5 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
14.6 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
urbanization is not particularly high, and the population distribution is fairly even throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations
Major urban areas - population
1.776 million BUCHAREST (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
27.1 years (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Maternal mortality ratio
12 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.79 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.5% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.63 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
7.1 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 97.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 77.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 88.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 2.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 22.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 11.5% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 77.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 88.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 2.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 22.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 11.5% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.5% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 10.96 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 5.33 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 3.38 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.25 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 5.33 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 3.38 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.25 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 26.7% (2025 est.)
male: 36.2% (2025 est.)
female: 17.9% (2025 est.)
male: 36.2% (2025 est.)
female: 17.9% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
54.8% (2023)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0.5% (2021)
women married by age 18: 6.9% (2021)
Reference: 2021women married by age 18: 6.9% (2021)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2023 est.)
male: 13 years (2023 est.)
female: 14 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 13 years (2023 est.)
female: 14 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 184,991 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 297 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 297 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Ilie Bolojan | — | 2025-06-23 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Nicușor Dan | — | 2025-05-26 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Romania
local long form: none
local short form: Romania
former: Kingdom of Romania, Romanian People's Republic, Socialist Republic of Romania
etymology: the name derives from the Latin Romani, meaning "people from Rome;" the area was an outpost of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century A.D., and the current name was adopted when Moldavia and Wallachia merged in 1861
conventional short form: Romania
local long form: none
local short form: Romania
former: Kingdom of Romania, Romanian People's Republic, Socialist Republic of Romania
etymology: the name derives from the Latin Romani, meaning "people from Rome;" the area was an outpost of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century A.D., and the current name was adopted when Moldavia and Wallachia merged in 1861
Capital
name: Bucharest
geographic coordinates: 44 26 N, 26 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name is said to come from a shepherd named Bucur who is reputed to have founded the town in 1457, but a settlement probably already existed on the site; the name may come from the personal name of an early landowner
geographic coordinates: 44 26 N, 26 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name is said to come from a shepherd named Bucur who is reputed to have founded the town in 1457, but a settlement probably already existed on the site; the name may come from the personal name of an early landowner
Administrative divisions
41 counties (judete, singular - judet) and 1 municipality* (municipiu); Alba, Arad, Arges, Bacau, Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud, Botosani, Braila, Brasov, Bucuresti (Bucharest)*, Buzau, Calarasi, Caras-Severin, Cluj, Constanta, Covasna, Dambovita, Dolj, Galati, Gorj, Giurgiu, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ialomita, Iasi, Ilfov, Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Salaj, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Suceava, Teleorman, Timis, Tulcea, Vaslui, Valcea, Vrancea
Legal system
civil law system
Constitution
history: several previous; latest adopted 21 November 1991, approved by referendum and effective 8 December 1991
amendment process: initiated by the president of Romania through a proposal by the government, by at least one fourth of deputies or senators in Parliament, or by petition of eligible voters representing at least half of Romania’s counties; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by both chambers or – if mediation is required - by three-fourths majority vote in a joint session, followed by approval in a referendum; articles, including those on national sovereignty, form of government, political pluralism, and fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended
Reference: 1991amendment process: initiated by the president of Romania through a proposal by the government, by at least one fourth of deputies or senators in Parliament, or by petition of eligible voters representing at least half of Romania’s counties; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by both chambers or – if mediation is required - by three-fourths majority vote in a joint session, followed by approval in a referendum; articles, including those on national sovereignty, form of government, political pluralism, and fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Romania
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Romania
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Nicușor DAN (since 26 May 2025)
head of government: Prime Minister Ilie BOLOJAN (since 23 June 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president with consent of Parliament
most recent election date: 18 May 2025
election results: 2025: Nicușor DAN elected president in runoff; percent of vote - Nicușor DAN (unaffiliated) 53.6%, George SIMION (AUR) 46.4%
2019: Klaus IOHANNIS reelected president in second round; percent of vote - Klaus IOHANNIS (PNL) 66.1%, Viorica DANCILA (PSD) 33.9%
expected date of next election: 2030
note: note: the prime ministerial position will be rotated in 2027 from BOLOJAN to another coalition party member as part of a power-sharing agreement
Reference: 2030, 2027, 2025, 2019head of government: Prime Minister Ilie BOLOJAN (since 23 June 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president with consent of Parliament
most recent election date: 18 May 2025
election results: 2025: Nicușor DAN elected president in runoff; percent of vote - Nicușor DAN (unaffiliated) 53.6%, George SIMION (AUR) 46.4%
2019: Klaus IOHANNIS reelected president in second round; percent of vote - Klaus IOHANNIS (PNL) 66.1%, Viorica DANCILA (PSD) 33.9%
expected date of next election: 2030
note: note: the prime ministerial position will be rotated in 2027 from BOLOJAN to another coalition party member as part of a power-sharing agreement
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament of Romania (Parlamentul României)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: Chamber of Deputies (Camera Deputatilor)
number of seats: 331 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 12/1/2024
parties elected and seats per party: Social Democratic Party (PSD) (86); Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) (63); National Liberal Party (PNL) (49); Save Romania Union (USR) (40); S.O.S. Romania (28); Party of Young People (POT) (24); Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) (22)
percentage of women in chamber: 22.4%
expected date of next election: November 2028
Reference: 2028, 2024number of seats: 331 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 12/1/2024
parties elected and seats per party: Social Democratic Party (PSD) (86); Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) (63); National Liberal Party (PNL) (49); Save Romania Union (USR) (40); S.O.S. Romania (28); Party of Young People (POT) (24); Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) (22)
percentage of women in chamber: 22.4%
expected date of next election: November 2028
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Senate (Senatul)
number of seats: 136 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 12/1/2024
parties elected and seats per party: Social Democratic Party (PSD) (36); Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) (28); National Liberal Party (PNL) (22); Save Romania Union (USR) (19); S.O.S. Romania (12); Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) (10); Party of Young People (POT) (7)
percentage of women in chamber: 20.9%
expected date of next election: November 2028
Reference: 2028, 2024number of seats: 136 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 12/1/2024
parties elected and seats per party: Social Democratic Party (PSD) (36); Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) (28); National Liberal Party (PNL) (22); Save Romania Union (USR) (19); S.O.S. Romania (12); Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) (10); Party of Young People (POT) (7)
percentage of women in chamber: 20.9%
expected date of next election: November 2028
Judicial branch
highest court(s): High Court of Cassation and Justice (consists of 111 judges organized into civil, penal, commercial, contentious administrative and fiscal business, and joint sections); Supreme Constitutional Court (consists of 9 members)
judge selection and term of office: High Court of Cassation and Justice judges appointed by the president upon nomination by the Superior Council of Magistracy, a 19-member body of judges, prosecutors, and law specialists; judges appointed for 6-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court members - 6 elected by Parliament and 3 appointed by the president; members serve 9-year, nonrenewable terms
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; regional tribunals; first instance courts; military and arbitration courts
judge selection and term of office: High Court of Cassation and Justice judges appointed by the president upon nomination by the Superior Council of Magistracy, a 19-member body of judges, prosecutors, and law specialists; judges appointed for 6-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court members - 6 elected by Parliament and 3 appointed by the president; members serve 9-year, nonrenewable terms
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; regional tribunals; first instance courts; military and arbitration courts
Political parties
Alliance for the Fatherland or APP
Alliance for the Unity of Romanians or AUR
Christian-Democratic National Peasants' Party or PNT-CD
Civic Hungarian Party
Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania or UDMR
Ecologist Party of Romania or PER
Force of the Right or FD
Greater Romania Party or PRM
Green Party
National Liberal Party or PNL
Popular Movement Party or PMP
PRO Romania or PRO
Romanian Nationhood Party or PNR
Save Romania Union Party or USR
Social Democratic Party or PSD
Social Liberal Humanist Party or PUSL (formerly Humanist Power Party (Social-Liberal) or PPU-SL)
S.O.S. Romania
The Right Alternative or AD
United Romania Party or PRU
We are Renewing the European Project in Romania or REPER
Alliance for the Unity of Romanians or AUR
Christian-Democratic National Peasants' Party or PNT-CD
Civic Hungarian Party
Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania or UDMR
Ecologist Party of Romania or PER
Force of the Right or FD
Greater Romania Party or PRM
Green Party
National Liberal Party or PNL
Popular Movement Party or PMP
PRO Romania or PRO
Romanian Nationhood Party or PNR
Save Romania Union Party or USR
Social Democratic Party or PSD
Social Liberal Humanist Party or PUSL (formerly Humanist Power Party (Social-Liberal) or PPU-SL)
S.O.S. Romania
The Right Alternative or AD
United Romania Party or PRU
We are Renewing the European Project in Romania or REPER
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Dan-Andrei MURARU (since 15 September 2021)
chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-4829
FAX: [1] (202) 232-4748
email address and website: washington@mae.ro
https://washington.mae.ro/en
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
Reference: 2021chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-4829
FAX: [1] (202) 232-4748
email address and website: washington@mae.ro
https://washington.mae.ro/en
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Michael L. DICKERSON (since 20 May 2025)
embassy: 4-6, Dr. Liviu Librescu Blvd., District 1, Bucharest, 015118
mailing address: 5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260
telephone: [40] (21) 200-3300
FAX: [40] (21) 200-3442
email address and website: ACSBucharest@state.gov
https://ro.usembassy.gov/
embassy: 4-6, Dr. Liviu Librescu Blvd., District 1, Bucharest, 015118
mailing address: 5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260
telephone: [40] (21) 200-3300
FAX: [40] (21) 200-3442
email address and website: ACSBucharest@state.gov
https://ro.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA,UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Independence
9 May 1877 (independence proclaimed from the Ottoman Empire; 13 July 1878 (independence recognized by the Treaty of Berlin); 26 March 1881 (kingdom proclaimed); 30 December 1947 (republic proclaimed)
Reference: 1947National holiday
Unification Day (unification of Romania and Transylvania), 1 December (1918)
Reference: 1918Flag
description: three equal vertical bands of blue (left side), yellow, and red
meaning: the colors come from the principalities of Walachia (red and yellow) and Moldavia (red and blue), which united in 1862 to form Romania
history: modeled on the French flag; the national coat of arms that used to be centered on the yellow band has been removed
note: note: similar to the flag of Chad, which has a darker blue band; also resembles the flags of Andorra and Moldova
meaning: the colors come from the principalities of Walachia (red and yellow) and Moldavia (red and blue), which united in 1862 to form Romania
history: modeled on the French flag; the national coat of arms that used to be centered on the yellow band has been removed
note: note: similar to the flag of Chad, which has a darker blue band; also resembles the flags of Andorra and Moldova
National symbol(s)
golden eagle
National color(s)
blue, yellow, red
National anthem(s)
title: "Desteapta-te romane!" (Wake up, Romanian!)
lyrics/music: Andrei MURESIANU/Anton PANN
history: adopted 1990; the anthem was written during the 1848 Revolution
Reference: 1990lyrics/music: Andrei MURESIANU/Anton PANN
history: adopted 1990; the anthem was written during the 1848 Revolution
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 11 (9 cultural, 2 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Danube Delta (n); Churches of Moldavia (c); Monastery of Horezu (c); Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania (c); Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains (c); Historic Center of Sighişoara (c); Wooden Churches of Maramureş (c); Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe (n); Roșia Montană Mining Landscape (c); Brâncuși Monumental Ensemble of Târgu Jiu (c); Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Danube Delta (n); Churches of Moldavia (c); Monastery of Horezu (c); Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania (c); Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains (c); Historic Center of Sighişoara (c); Wooden Churches of Maramureş (c); Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe (n); Roșia Montană Mining Landscape (c); Brâncuși Monumental Ensemble of Târgu Jiu (c); Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia (c)
Government & Official Links
No official institutional links have yet been verified for this country.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Romania | — | 466 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, EU-member economy; euro membership delayed over macroeconomic indicators; persistent inflation, but consumption and EU-funded investments driving recovery; skilled labor shortage; high public debt and budget deficit; challenges include fiscal sustainability and political instability
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $774.376 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $768.126 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $750.091 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $768.126 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $750.091 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $40,600 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $40,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $39,400 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $40,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $39,400 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 3.3% (2024 est.)
industry: 25% (2024 est.)
services: 62.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 25% (2024 est.)
services: 62.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 63.5% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 18.3% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 25.7% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: -1.4% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 35.6% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -41.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 18.3% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 25.7% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: -1.4% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 35.6% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -41.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
wheat, maize, milk, sunflower seeds, barley, rapeseed, potatoes, grapes, plums, apples (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
electric machinery and equipment, auto assembly, textiles and footwear, light machinery, metallurgy, chemicals, food processing, petroleum refining, mining, timber, construction materials
Industrial production growth rate
-0.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
8.263 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 21.3% (2024 est.)
male: 21.1% (2024 est.)
female: 21.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 21.1% (2024 est.)
female: 21.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
21.1% (2022 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2022note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 32.3 (2022 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2022note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 25.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 6.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 6.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.9% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 22.6% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2022highest 10%: 22.6% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $93.691 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $112.799 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2022expenditures: $112.799 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2022: 50.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2022note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
16.2% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2022note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$31.988 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$24.461 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$27.326 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$24.461 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$27.326 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $136.253 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $136.488 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $129.286 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $136.488 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $129.286 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 19%, Italy 10%, France 6%, UK 5%, Hungary 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
cars, vehicle parts/accessories, insulated wire, garments, wheat (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $159.575 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $153.427 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $149.209 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $153.427 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $149.209 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Germany 19%, Italy 8%, Hungary 6%, Poland 6%, China 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
vehicle parts/accessories, packaged medicine, cars, crude petroleum, plastic products (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $73.391 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $73 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $55.81 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $73 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $55.81 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: lei (RON) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 4.598 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 4.574 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 4.688 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 4.16 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 4.244 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 4.598 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 4.574 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 4.688 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 4.16 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 4.244 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$31.988 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$24.461 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$27.326 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$24.461 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$27.326 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $136.253 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $136.488 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $129.286 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $136.488 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $129.286 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 19%, Italy 10%, France 6%, UK 5%, Hungary 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
cars, vehicle parts/accessories, insulated wire, garments, wheat (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $159.575 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $153.427 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $149.209 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $153.427 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $149.209 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Germany 19%, Italy 8%, Hungary 6%, Poland 6%, China 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
vehicle parts/accessories, packaged medicine, cars, crude petroleum, plastic products (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 19.748 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 48.73 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 13.106 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 10.088 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 5.817 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 48.73 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 13.106 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 10.088 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 5.817 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 32.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear: 18% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 3.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 13% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 32.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023nuclear: 18% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 3.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 13% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 32.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors: 2 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 1.3GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 18.9% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2023Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 1.3GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 18.9% (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 14.752 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 15.533 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 290,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 736,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 291 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 15.533 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 290,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 736,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 291 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 67,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 220,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 600 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 220,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 600 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 9.632 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 9.395 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 2.231 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 2.793 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 105.48 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 9.395 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 2.231 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 2.793 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 105.48 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 59.377 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.96 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
12 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.5% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.63 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
7.1 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.5% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 26.7% (2025 est.)
male: 36.2% (2025 est.)
female: 17.9% (2025 est.)
male: 36.2% (2025 est.)
female: 17.9% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2023 est.)
male: 13 years (2023 est.)
female: 14 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 13 years (2023 est.)
female: 14 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system
Judicial branch
highest court(s): High Court of Cassation and Justice (consists of 111 judges organized into civil, penal, commercial, contentious administrative and fiscal business, and joint sections); Supreme Constitutional Court (consists of 9 members)
judge selection and term of office: High Court of Cassation and Justice judges appointed by the president upon nomination by the Superior Council of Magistracy, a 19-member body of judges, prosecutors, and law specialists; judges appointed for 6-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court members - 6 elected by Parliament and 3 appointed by the president; members serve 9-year, nonrenewable terms
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; regional tribunals; first instance courts; military and arbitration courts
judge selection and term of office: High Court of Cassation and Justice judges appointed by the president upon nomination by the Superior Council of Magistracy, a 19-member body of judges, prosecutors, and law specialists; judges appointed for 6-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court members - 6 elected by Parliament and 3 appointed by the president; members serve 9-year, nonrenewable terms
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; regional tribunals; first instance courts; military and arbitration courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Romanian Armed Forces (Forțele Armate Române or Armata Română): Romanian Land Forces, Romanian Naval Forces, Romanian Air Force
Ministry of Internal Affairs: Romanian Police, Romanian Gendarmerie, Romanian Border Police (2025)
Ministry of Internal Affairs: Romanian Police, Romanian Gendarmerie, Romanian Border Police (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2025: 2.3% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024: 2.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022Military Expenditures 2024: 2.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 70,000 active Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory includes a considerable amount of Soviet-era and older domestically produced weapons systems, although in recent years Romania has launched an effort to acquire more modern and NATO-standard equipment from European countries and the US, including aircraft and armored vehicles (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary service for men and women; all military inductees contract for an initial 5-year term of service, with subsequent successive 3-year terms until age 36; conscription ended in 2006 (2023)
Reference: 2023, 2006Military deployments
up to 120 Poland (NATO); Romania also has small numbers of military personnel deployed on other international missions under the EU, NATO, and UN (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - note
the Romanian Armed Forces are responsible for territorial defense, fulfilling the country's commitments to European security, and contributing to multinational peacekeeping operations; the military has a variety of concerns, including Russian aggression against Ukraine, Russia's activities in the Black Sea and in Moldova, cyber attacks, hybrid threats, and terrorism; a key focus for the military is equipment modernization
Romania joined NATO in 2004, and its membership forms a key pillar of the country’s defense policy; it hosts a NATO multinational divisional headquarters (Multinational Division Southeast) and a French-led ground force battlegroup as part of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence initiative in the southeastern part of the Alliance, which came about in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine; NATO allies have also sent detachments of fighters to augment the Romanian Air Force since 2014 because of aggressive Russian activity in the Black Sea region; the Romanian military trains with NATO and its member states and has participated in NATO- and EU-led multinational missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Poland; it also participates in UN peacekeeping missions (2024)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2014, 2004Romania joined NATO in 2004, and its membership forms a key pillar of the country’s defense policy; it hosts a NATO multinational divisional headquarters (Multinational Division Southeast) and a French-led ground force battlegroup as part of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence initiative in the southeastern part of the Alliance, which came about in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine; NATO allies have also sent detachments of fighters to augment the Romanian Air Force since 2014 because of aggressive Russian activity in the Black Sea region; the Romanian military trains with NATO and its member states and has participated in NATO- and EU-led multinational missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Poland; it also participates in UN peacekeeping missions (2024)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Dan-Andrei MURARU (since 15 September 2021)
chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-4829
FAX: [1] (202) 232-4748
email address and website: washington@mae.ro
https://washington.mae.ro/en
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
Reference: 2021chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-4829
FAX: [1] (202) 232-4748
email address and website: washington@mae.ro
https://washington.mae.ro/en
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Michael L. DICKERSON (since 20 May 2025)
embassy: 4-6, Dr. Liviu Librescu Blvd., District 1, Bucharest, 015118
mailing address: 5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260
telephone: [40] (21) 200-3300
FAX: [40] (21) 200-3442
email address and website: ACSBucharest@state.gov
https://ro.usembassy.gov/
embassy: 4-6, Dr. Liviu Librescu Blvd., District 1, Bucharest, 015118
mailing address: 5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260
telephone: [40] (21) 200-3300
FAX: [40] (21) 200-3442
email address and website: ACSBucharest@state.gov
https://ro.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA,UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1973-06-25 |
| European Union (EU) | member | 2007-01-01 |
| NATO (NATO) | member | 2004-03-29 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1955-12-14 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1995-01-01 |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA,UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 184,991 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 297 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 297 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
YR
Airports
103 (2025)
Heliports
24 (2025)
Railways
total: 10,628 km (2020) 4,030 km electrified
Reference: 2020Merchant marine
total: 127 (2023)
by type: general cargo 9, oil tanker 7, other 111
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 9, oil tanker 7, other 111
Ports
total ports: 11 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 2
small: 1
very small: 8
ports with oil terminals: 4
key ports: Basarabi, Braila, Cernavoda, Constanta, Danube-Black Sea Canal, Galati, Mangalia, Medgidia, Midia, Sulina, Tulcea
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 2
small: 1
very small: 8
ports with oil terminals: 4
key ports: Basarabi, Braila, Cernavoda, Constanta, Danube-Black Sea Canal, Galati, Mangalia, Medgidia, Midia, Sulina, Tulcea
Environment
Environmental issues
soil erosion, degradation, and desertification; water pollution; air pollution in south from industrial effluents; contamination of Danube delta wetlands
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms
Land use
agricultural land: 55.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 36.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 17% (2023 est.)
forest: 30.2% (2023 est.)
other: 14.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 36.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 17% (2023 est.)
forest: 30.2% (2023 est.)
other: 14.5% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 54.7% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: -0.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: -0.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 61.416 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 13.07 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 30.902 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 17.444 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 13.07 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 30.902 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 17.444 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
14.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 325.6 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 355.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 247.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 11.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 355.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 247.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 11.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 5.42 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 1.256 billion cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 3.94 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 2.955 billion cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 3.94 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 2.955 billion cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
212.01 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Geoparks
total global geoparks and regional networks: 2
global geoparks and regional networks: Buzău; Haţeg (2023)
Reference: 2023global geoparks and regional networks: Buzău; Haţeg (2023)
Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.96 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
a mixture of public and private TV stations; 7 public (2 national, 5 regional) and 187 private TV stations using terrestrial broadcasting, plus 11 public and 86 private TV stations using satellite broadcasting; state-owned public radio broadcaster operates 4 national networks, as well as regional and local stations; 502 private radio stations using terrestrial broadcasting, and 26 using satellite broadcasting
Internet country code
.ro
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 19,702,267 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 19,588,715 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 19,473,970 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 19,371,648 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 19,265,250 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 19,122,059 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 19,048,502 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 19,061,062 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 19,051,804 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 19,020,271 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $185,290,759,249 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $210,147,385,855 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $241,791,427,224 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $250,080,428,512 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $250,624,575,872 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $285,072,444,957 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $295,317,862,856 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $347,757,995,759 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $382,564,217,989 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $428,677,977,855 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 338,734 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 655,579 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 957,791 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 1,142,520 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 1,226,172 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 1,960,907 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 2,979,844 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 3,535,273 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 4,191,022 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 4,583,819 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -33,073 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -33,081 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -33,018 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -27,909 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -13,202 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -17,731 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 89,076 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -27,780 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -28,466 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -29,041 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,020,271 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 18,800,605 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 19,053,815 | 2022 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 655,579 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 3.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 4,583,819 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -29,041 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 3,130 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 7,877 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.777 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.246 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.154 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.794 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 0.839 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 0.842 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.361 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1996; equal age of consent since 2002; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Legal recognition after sex reassignment surgery (sterilisation mandatory) | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $428,677,977,855 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $22,538 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 0.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 7.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 6.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 76.5 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.4 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 52.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 91.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 35.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 40.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 76.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 99.2% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 81.6% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 3.3% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 2,585 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 23.6% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 5.7% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 6.0 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 30.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 119.8 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 35.8 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 27,230 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 44.4479° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 26.0979° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 46.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 25.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | semi-presidential system, unitary state | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- Source: Eurostat (dataset/datacode: demo_pjan) Accessed September 19, 2026. Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:30