Romania was formed after the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia secured their autonomy from Turkish rule in 1856, and it gained independence in 1878. Its history as a communist-block nation is more widely known, primarily due to the excesses of the former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. After his overthrow, the 1991 Constitution established Romania as a republic. Romania joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.

The traditional art of painting on glass and wood remains popular even today. Romanian literature draws inspiration from the country’s rich folklore along with its turbulent history as an occupied country. Folk music and dancing have long been popular in Romania. Couples dance in a circle, a semicircle or a line.

Romania, located in south-eastern Europe, lies on the Black Sea and is bordered by Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Hungary, Ukraine and Moldova. The forested Carpathian Mountains account for one third of the country’s area; another third is covered by hills full of orchards and vineyards; and the final third comprises of a fertile plain where cereals, vegetables and herbs are grown. Mount Moldoveanu is the tallest peak in the region.