Bună ziua! Welcome to the land of the Carpathian Mountains and medieval legends—Romania, a country in Southeastern Europe known for its breathtaking landscapes and preserved folklore. There are around 19 million people living here, and the capital is Bucharest, once nicknamed “Little Paris” for its elegant architecture and vibrant social scene. The official language is Romanian, a Romance language that sounds surprisingly similar to Italian or Spanish.

Romania covers about 238,397 square kilometers (92,045 square miles). To imagine its size, the country is roughly the same size as the state of Oregon in the U.S., or about the same size as the United Kingdom. It features the massive arc of the Carpathian Mountains, the fertile plains of the south, and the lush Delta of the Danube River.

The most popular sport is Football, but Romania has a legendary history in Gymnastics, headlined by Nadia Comăneci, who was the first to score a perfect 10. Their national animal is the Lynx, though the Brown Bear is the most iconic resident of their wild forests, which hold the largest population of bears in Europe outside of Russia.

The flag consists of three vertical stripes of blue, yellow, and red, where the blue represents the sky, the yellow stands for the wealth of the fields, and the red symbolizes the bravery of those who fought for the nation.

The food is savory, filling, and perfect for the cold mountain winters. You must try Sarmale, cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, which is the national dish. Another favorite is Mici, grilled ground meat rolls seasoned with garlic and spices. For dessert, locals love Papanași, fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and blueberry jam. Because of its climate, Romania is also one of the largest wine producers in the world.

Romania is home to the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, the second-largest administrative building in the world (after the Pentagon). The country features Bran Castle, a dramatic fortress often associated with the legend of Dracula, though the real “Vlad the Impaler” lived elsewhere. You can visit the Danube Delta, the best-preserved river delta in Europe and a paradise for birdwatchers. For drivers, the Transfăgărășan highway offers a winding journey through the mountains that is often called one of the best driving roads in the world. Interestingly, the Hoia-Baciu Forest is famous among mystery lovers as one of the most “haunted” forests on Earth!

From the painted monasteries of Bucovina to the high-tech hubs of Cluj-Napoca, Romania is a land of untamed nature and deep-rooted history. Mulțumesc! That means “Thank you!”