Romania
Europe Bucharest
Population
18.15M
Area
238,391 km²
GDP
$382.77B
GDP Per Capita
$40,600
Pop. Density
76/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
leiRomanian leu(RON)
Calling Code
+40
Timezone
UTC+02:00
Languages
Romanian
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Romanian
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.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑213.5% since 2006$122B (2006)$383B (2024)
Population
↓10.1% since 200621.2M (2006)19.1M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 76.6 years2006: 72.2 years2023: 76.6 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography19
Location
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Ukraine
Geographic coordinates
46 00 N, 25 00 E
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.)
Irrigated land
5,280 sq km (2022)
Major 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
People & Society35
Population
total: 18,148,155 (2024 est.)
male: 8,747,795
female: 9,400,360
male: 8,747,795
female: 9,400,360
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.)
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.
major-language sample(s):
Cartea informativa a lumii, sursa indispensabila pentru informatii de baza. (Romanian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Romanian Orthodox 85.3%, Roman Catholic 4.5%, Reformed 3%, Pentecostal 2.5%, other 4.7% (2021 est.)
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)
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)
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.)
youth dependency ratio: 24.9 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 36.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 2.7 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 45.8 years (2025 est.)
male: 44 years
female: 46.9 years
male: 44 years
female: 46.9 years
Population growth rate
-0.86% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
8.45 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
14.28 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-2.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
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
Urbanization
urban population: 54.7% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: -0.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: -0.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.776 million BUCHAREST (capital) (2023)
Sex 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.)
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.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
27.1 years (2020 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
12 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 5.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 5.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.2 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 5.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 76.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 73.4 years
female: 80.5 years
male: 73.4 years
female: 80.5 years
Total fertility rate
1.63 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.79 (2025 est.)
Drinking 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.)
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.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.63 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
7.1 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Sanitation 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.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.5% (2016)
Alcohol 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.)
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.)
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)
56% (2021 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0.5% (2021)
women married by age 18: 6.9% (2021)
women married by age 18: 6.9% (2021)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 3.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 8.8% national budget (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 8.8% national budget (2022 est.)
Literacy
total population: 99.2% (2021 est.)
male: 99% (2021 est.)
female: 99.3% (2021 est.)
male: 99% (2021 est.)
female: 99.3% (2021 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2023 est.)
male: 13 years (2023 est.)
female: 14 years (2023 est.)
male: 13 years (2023 est.)
female: 14 years (2023 est.)
Government25
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
Government type
semi-presidential republic
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
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
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
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
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
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
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/
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)
National holiday
Unification Day (unification of Romania and Transylvania), 1 December (1918)
Flag
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
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
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
lyrics/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)
Economy31
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.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $768.126 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $750.091 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 0.8% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 2.4% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 4% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 2.4% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 4% (2022 est.)
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.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $40,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $39,400 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$382.768 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 5.7% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 10.4% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 13.8% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 10.4% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 13.8% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 3.3% (2024 est.)
industry: 25% (2024 est.)
services: 62.5% (2024 est.)
industry: 25% (2024 est.)
services: 62.5% (2024 est.)
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.)
Agricultural products
wheat, maize, milk, sunflower seeds, barley, rapeseed, potatoes, grapes, plums, apples (2023)
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.)
Labor force
8.263 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 5.4% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 5.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 5.7% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 5.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 5.7% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 21.3% (2024 est.)
male: 21.1% (2024 est.)
female: 21.8% (2024 est.)
male: 21.1% (2024 est.)
female: 21.8% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
21.1% (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 32.3 (2022 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 25.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 6.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on 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.)
highest 10%: 22.6% (2022 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023: 2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $93.691 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $112.799 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $112.799 billion (2022 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2022: 50.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
16.2% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
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.)
Current account balance 2023: -$24.461 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$27.326 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $136.253 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $136.488 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $129.286 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $136.488 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $129.286 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
Germany 19%, Italy 10%, France 6%, UK 5%, Hungary 4% (2023)
Exports - commodities
cars, vehicle parts/accessories, insulated wire, garments, wheat (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $159.575 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $153.427 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $149.209 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $153.427 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $149.209 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
Germany 19%, Italy 8%, Hungary 6%, Poland 6%, China 6% (2023)
Imports - commodities
vehicle parts/accessories, packaged medicine, cars, crude petroleum, plastic products (2023)
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.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $73 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $55.81 billion (2022 est.)
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.)
Energy8
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
Net 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.)
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.)
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.)
refined 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.)
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.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 59.377 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.96 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 23.2 million (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 118 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 118 (2022 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
Internet users
percent of population: 89% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 6.63 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (2023 est.)
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
YR
Airports
103 (2025)
Heliports
24 (2025)
Railways
total: 10,628 km (2020) 4,030 km electrified
Merchant marine
total: 127 (2023)
by type: general cargo 9, oil tanker 7, other 111
by 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
Military & Security7
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.)
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.)
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
typically 18-35 years of age for voluntary service for men and women; compulsory service ended in 2007 (2025)
Military deployments
470 Bosnia Herzegovina (EUFOR); 200 Kosovo (KFOR/NATO); up to 120 Poland (NATO); Romania also has small numbers of military personnel deployed on other international missions under the EU, NATO, and UN (2025)
Military - 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 (2025)
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 (2025)
Transnational Issues1
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 184,991 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 297 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 297 (2024 est.)