10 fun and interesting Romania facts

1. A Nation Born

In 1859, Romania was formed when the two principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia broke free from the Turkish Ottoman Empire. This union of two distinct regions created a nation that is now the ninth largest in the European Union, covering an area of 238,397 square kilometers.

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2. Bucharest: Romania's Vibrant EU Capital

The vibrant capital of Romania, Bucharest, is the sixth largest city in the European Union. With a temperate climate, the city experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing.

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3. A Natural Wonderland

Spanning an impressive 237,500 sq km, Romania is home to some of the largest areas of undisturbed forests in Europe. This natural beauty is further protected by 13 national parks and three biosphere reserves, making Romania a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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4. Romania's Jews Remember the Holocaust

During the Second World War, Romania's Jewish population was decimated, with more than half of them perishing in the conflict. This was a devastating blow to the Jewish community in Romania, which had been a part of the country's culture for centuries. The Holocaust in Romania was particularly brutal, with Jews facing persecution, deportation, and death in concentration camps. The tragedy of the Holocaust in Romania is still felt today, with many memorials and monuments dedicated to the victims of the war.

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5. Explore A Cultural Gem!

Romania is a culturally diverse country, with Romanian, Hungarian, and German being the three main languages spoken. While Christianity is the predominant religion, with the majority of Romanians being Christian, there is no official religion in Romania. This allows for a variety of religious beliefs to be practiced in the country, creating a unique and vibrant culture.

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6. The Danube River Delta in Romania is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Danube River Delta in Romania is the second largest delta in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning over 3,500 square kilometers, the delta is home to a variety of wildlife, including over 300 species of birds, 45 species of fish, and numerous mammals. It is also a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. The delta is an important part of Romania's cultural heritage, and its preservation is essential for the future of the country.

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7. A Popular Tourist Destination in Europe

Romania is a popular tourist destination in Europe, and its currency is the Romanian leu (RON). The leu is divided into 100 bani, and is available in coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 bani, and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 lei. Banknotes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 lei. Tourists can exchange their currency for the Romanian leu at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels.

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8. A Country Rich in Natural Resources

Romania is a country rich in natural resources, with oil being its main mineral resource and agriculture its primary resource. Oil production in Romania is mainly concentrated in the south-east of the country, while the majority of agricultural production is located in the south-west. Romania is the largest producer of sunflower oil in the European Union, and is also a major producer of wheat, corn, barley, and sugar beet. Additionally, Romania is home to a variety of other minerals, including coal, iron ore, copper, and natural gas.

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9. Professor Gheorghe Marinescu Discovered Living Nervous Cells in 1900

Gheorghe Marinescu, a professor at the University of Bucharest, made a groundbreaking discovery in the early 1900s when he became the first person to observe living nervous cells through a microscope. This discovery was a major breakthrough in the field of neuroscience and has since been used to further our understanding of the human nervous system. Marinescu's work has been highly influential in Romania, where he is still remembered as a pioneer in the field of neuroscience.

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10. Romania's Bran Castle is a must-see tourist attraction

Romania is home to the iconic Bran Castle, famously associated with Vlad Dracul, the 15th century ruler of Wallachia. This imposing structure, perched atop a 200-foot-high rock, is Romania's most popular tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Its winding staircases, secret passageways, and turrets make it a must-see for anyone visiting the country.