Romania Overview Country Overview Moldova, Ukraine, the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Hungary border Romania. Transylvania and Moldavia compose the northern half of the country, which is divided down the middle by the Carpathian Mountains. South of the east–west line of the Carpathians lies the flat Danube plain of Walachia with the capital Bucharest. Romania’s main resort areas include the Black Sea Coast, the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania. The Black Sea Coast, ideal for family holidays with 70km (43 miles) of fine white sandy beaches, boasts many resorts, the main ones being Mamaia, Eforie, Saturn and Mangalia. The beautiful and densely forested Carpathian Mountains area lends itself to many sporting and leisure activities such as skiing, bobsleighing, horseriding and tennis. Situated in picturesque valleys and on mountain slopes are many health and winter resorts. Since Roman times the Romanian spas of Transylvania have been known for their miraculous healing powers. Transylvania has many well-equipped spa towns, such as Baile Felix and Covasna. It also contains the famous Bran Castle, said to be one of the original abodes of the medieval king known as Vlad the Impaler, who helped inspire Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula. Local dishes include ciorba de perisoare (soup with meatballs), ciorba tanancasca (meat with vegetables), lamb bors, giblet soup and a variety of fish soups. General Information Area: 238,391 sq km (92,043 sq miles). Population: 22,430,000 (2001). Population Density: 94.1 per sq km. Capital: Bucharest. Population: 2,027,512 (2000). GEOGRAPHY: Romania is bordered to the north and east by Moldova and Ukraine, the southeast by the Black Sea, the south by Bulgaria, the southwest by Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and in the west by Hungary. The country is divided into four geographical areas. Transylvania (a belt of Alpine massifs and forests) and Moldavia compose the northern half of the country, which is divided down the middle by the north–south strip of the Carpathian Mountains. South of the east–west line of the Carpathians lies the flat Danube plain of Walachia with the capital Bucharest, its border with Bulgaria being defined by the course of the Danube. Romania’s coastline is along the Black Sea, incorporating the port of Constanta and the Danube Delta. Government: Democratic Republic since 1991. Head of State: President Ion Iliescu since 2000. Head of Government: Prime Minister Adrian Nastase since 2000. Language: Romanian is the official language. Some Hungarian and German are spoken in border areas, while mainly French and some English are spoken by those connected with the tourist industry. Religion: Eighty-three per cent Romanian Orthodox, with Roman Catholic, Reformed/Lutheran, Unitarian, Muslim and Jewish minorities. Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in September). Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the two-pin type. Communications:   Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 40. Outgoing international code: 00. Public telephones are widely available and can be used for direct international calls. Hotels often impose a high service charge for long-distance calls, but usually do not charge for local calls. Mobile telephone GSM 900/1800 networks. Network operators include Cosmorom (website: www.cosmorom.com), Orange (website: www.mobil-rom.com) and Connex (website: www.connex.ro). Internet Kappa and PC-Net are two of the largest of the 250 ISPs. The former has open-air terminals at Strada Paulescu Nicolae 9, Bucharest, while the latter is at Strada Calderon Jean Louis 1-5, Bucharest. Sweet Internet Cafe, Strada Maria Rosetti 7-9, Bucharest (tel: (1) 212 4111) has 24-hour access, as do a couple others of Bucharest's dozen or so Internet cafes. Fax Facilities are available at most large hotels. Telegram Facilities at post offices and a night telegram service (2000-0700) are available in Bucharest. Telegrams are an inexpensive and efficient form of international communication from Romania. Post Airmail to Western Europe takes one week. Post offices are open daily, including Saturday mornings. Press English newspapers and publications include Nine O'Clock, Bucharest Business Week and Romanian Economic Daily. There are a great number of daily and weekly newspapers published in Romanian, Hungarian and German. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 17.64 12.10 9.410 6.195 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 15.21 11.82 9.760 1.197 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes No/1 Yes Australian Yes Yes Yes Canadian Yes No/2 Yes USA Yes No/3 Yes OtherEU Yes No/1 Yes Japanese Yes No/2 Yes PASSPORTS: Passport valid for a minimum of six months after return from Romania required by all with at least one blank page. VISAS: Required by all except the following: (a) nationals of Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Yugoslavia for stays of up to 30 days; (b) nationals of Turkey for up to 60 days; (c) 1. nationals of EU countries (except Ireland) for up to 90 days; (d) 2. nationals of Canada and Japan for stays of up to 90 days; (e) 3. nationals of Costa Rica, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Korea (Rep), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Malta, Norway, Russia, San Marino, Switzerland, Ukraine, the USA and Venezuela for stays of up to 90 days; (f) nationals of Moldova for an umlimited period; (g) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport except for nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (Dem Rep), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka who always require transit visas. Special requirements: Nationals of the following need an official notarised invitation from a company or individual in Romania, which may be faxed by the Embassy to the Romanian Passport General Directorate or any of the Romania County Passport Authorities for approval (allow at least 30 days): Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, China (PR), Chad, CIS (except Moldova, Russian Federation and Ukraine), Comoros, Congo (Dem Rep), Congo (Rep), Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Korea (Dem Rep), Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, São Tomé e Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Syrian Arab Republic, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen and Zambia (if these nationals are married to Romanian nationals the relevant certificate should be produced). Types of visa and cost: Single-entry: £6 (package holiday); £33 (business, conference and family visits or individual tourist). Transit: £25 (single-entry); £33 (double-entry). Multiple-entry: £60 (only granted to business travellers on official assignments) valid for six months and not renewable. An additional fee of £7 is charged for each person included in the passport if travelling with the owner. Note: Multiple-entry visas will not be issued to nationals listed under Special Requirements above, even if the purpose of their visit is for business. Validity: Single-entry: Three months from date of issue for stays of up to 30 days. Multiple-entry: Three months from date of issue for stays of up to 30 days each visit. Transit: Three days maximum (for single entry); six days maximum (for a double entry). Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. Applicants for Multiple-entry business visas must apply in their own country. Application requirements: Tourism: (a) Passport valid for at least six months after visa expires with a blank page to affix visa stamp. (b) One completed application form. (c) One recent passport-size photo. (d) Fee (paid in cash or by postal order only). (e) Postal applications should be accompanied by a registered, self-addressed envelope. Tourist (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter from travel agent or a hotel booking in Romania. Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter from employer and invitation from company in Romania. Student: (a)-(e) and, (f) Evidence of enrolment on course. Transit: (a)-(e) and, (f) Ticket for onward travel with visa if required. Note: All nationals are advised to check with the Romanian Consulate prior to departure to obtain current details of any further documentation which might be required. Working days required: Visas take up to a maximum of 30 days to be issued, depending on type of visa and nationality. Travellers are advised to apply for a visa at least a month in advance. Temporary residence: Enquire at Embassy. Money Currency: Leu (plural Lei) = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of Lei500,000, 100,000, 50,000, 10,000 and 2000. Coins are in denominations of Lei1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Currency exchange: It is recommended that visitors bring hard currency, particularly US Dollars, as this can be easily and even eagerly exchanged by shops, restaurants and hotels. Sterling can be easily exchanged in most resorts. All hard foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and authorised exchange offices. Rates can vary from one place to another, so visitors are advised to shop around for the best rate of exchange. Exchanges on the black market are made frequently, but visitors are advised to exchange money through proper exchange channels and to receive a currency exchange receipt, as certain services require visitors to show the receipt as proof of having made at least one financial transaction. ATMs (bancomat) accepting Visa and MasterCard are becoming more common but should not be relied upon as a sole source of cash. Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are accepted by large hotels, car-hire firms and some restaurants. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques: Like credit and debit cards, these are usually only useful in hotels and for obtaining cash at the bank or selected exchange offices. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Euros. Currency restrictions: The import of local currency is prohibited (unless in possession of a special licence); the export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited; the export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Leu against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 48914.3 50516.7 53119.2 52249.7 $1.00= 33565.0 33215.0 33590.0 32815.0 Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1200 (business matters); Mon-Fri 0900-1200 and 1300-1500 (currency exchange). Duty Free The following items may be imported into Romania without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 200g of other tobacco articles; 1l of spirits; 4l of wine or beer; gifts up to a value of Lei2000; 200g of cocoa; 200g of coffee; and reasonable quantities of perfume, medicines and travel souvenirs. Prohibited imports: Ammunition, explosives, narcotics, pornographic material, uncanned meats, animal and dairy products. Prohibited exports: Articles of cultural, historical or artistic value. Note: Valuable goods, such as jewellery, art, electrical items and foreign currency should be declared on entry. Endorsed customs declarations must be kept, as they must be shown on leaving the country. Public Holidays Jan 1-2 2003 New Year. Apr 28 Easter Monday (Orthodox). May 1 Labour Day. Dec 1 National Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Jan 1-2 2004 New Year. Apr 12 Easter Monday (Orthodox). May 1 Labour Day. Dec 1 National Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No No Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio 1 N/A Malaria No N/A 1: Vaccination against typhoid is advised. Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe, may cause abdominal upsets; visitors are thus advised to drink bottled water. Romania has currently been experiencing water shortages and visitors may find that tap water is only available during certain hours. This is particularly true around Bucharest and other large towns. Visitors in the mountain areas will find it less of a problem as the water is supplied by local mountain springs, full of natural minerals and very safe. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Other risks: Hepatitis A and tuberculosis occur and hepatitis B is endemic. An anthrax outbreak was reported in the Danube Delta in summer 2000; travellers intending to visit the region are advised to obtain the latest official government advice before departure. Rare West Nile Fever outbreaks have been reported in the southeast. Brucellosis occurs sporadically although risk to the traveller is low. An outbreak of viral meningitis occurred in the northern and eastern areas of the country in 1999; travellers to these areas should seek medical advice before departure. Stray dogs may carry African Typhus disease. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, see the Health appendix. Health care: Medical facilities in Romania are poor and there is a serious shortage of basic medical supplies and qualified personnel. Nationals of countries who do not have a reciprocal health agreement with Romania are expected to pay immediate cash for health services. Health insurance is strongly advised. Travel - International AIR: Romania’s national airline is Tarom (RO). Other airlines that fly to Bucharest include Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa and Swiss. Approximate flight times: From Bucharest to London is 3 hours 10 minutes. International airports: Bucharest (BUH) (Otopeni) (website: www.otp-airport.ro) is 16km (10 miles) north of the city (travel time – 25 minutes). The airport has been greatly modernised in the past few years, but some visitors may find it relatively limited compared to Western European or American standards. A bar, snack bar, restaurant, 24-hour left luggage, 24-hour first aid, post office, car hire and full duty-free facilities are available. There is an express bus service (Bus no. 783) which runs every 15 minutes between 0530-2330 Mon-Fri and every 30 minutes Sat-Sun and holidays; the journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Taxis, minibuses and limousines are available 24 hours (travel time – 25 minutes). There are also international airports at Constanta (CND) (Mihail Kogalniceanu), Timisoara (TSR), Arad (ARW), Sibiu (SBZ), and Cluj (CLJ). Departure tax: None. SEA/RIVER: The main international passenger port is Constanta on the Black Sea. Sea ferries: Not running at present. Contact the Romanian National Tourist Office for up-to-date information (see Contact Addresses section). River cruises: Sailings from Passau to Constanta on the Black Sea along the Danube are available; these stop at various places of interest, including Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Bazias, Giurgiu, Calafat and Bucharest. The cruises incorporate varied itineraries: historic towns, museums, art collections, monasteries, spas, archaeological sites, folk evenings, nature reserves and of course, the dramatic scenery of Eastern Europe, including the ‘Iron Gate’ through the Carpathians. With the opening of the Main-Danube Canal, some companies now offer travel as far west as Rotterdam along the Rhine. For further information, contact the Romanian Tourism Promotion Office (see Contact Addresses section). RAIL: The main international train from Western Europe to Romania (Bucharest) is the Wiener Waltzer, which runs to Bucharest in summer only (June to September) and includes two nights’ travel from Basel, arriving in Bucharest two days later. There are no through carriages from Basel, which means moving to the Bucharest coaches in Vienna. As well as day carriages, there are sleeping cars from Vienna to both Bucharest and Constanta on the Black Sea coast. There are also through trains from other Eastern European cities. InterRail allows unrestricted train travel in Romania. ROAD: The most direct international routes to Romania are via Germany, Austria and Hungary. The best route from Hungary is the E64 from Budapest to Szeged through Arad, Brasov, Campina and Ploiesti. There is also a route from Szeged to Timisoara. A more frequently used route from Hungary to Germany is via the E60 through Oradea. Eurolines, departing from Victoria Coach Station in London, serves destinations in Romania. For further information, contact Eurolines (4 Cardiff Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, L41 1PP; tel: (08705) 143 219; fax: (01582) 400 694; website: www.eurolines.com or www.gobycoach.com). For permit regulations, see Documentation in Travel – Internal. Travel - Internal AIR: The main airport for internal flights is Baneasa (travel time – 20 minutes to Otopeni). Tarom (RO) operates regular services from there to Constanta, Arad, Baia Mare, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Satu Mare, Timisoara, Oradea, Tirgu Mures, Sibiu and Suceava. RIVER: The Danube Delta is easily explored by boat. Most trips and cruises depart from the ancient city of Tulcea and sail to Sulina. RAIL: Bucharest’s main station is the Gara de Nord on Calea Grivitei. Romanian State Railways (website: www.cfr.ro) runs frequent, efficient and cheap services to most cities, towns and larger villages, some with sleeping and restaurant cars. There are five different types of train, varying in speed from the slow personal to the faster accelerat, rapid and express trains, and the more expensive and comfortable Inter-City. Supplements are payable on rapid and express trains, for which seats must be reserved in advance. Express routes run from Bucharest to Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Constanta and Brasov. Rail Inclusive Tour tickets include transport and hotel accommodation. There are no platforms of any great height in Romania, making entering and alighting a little difficult for the elderly or infirm. There is a discount of 25-35 per cent for non-express trains. ROAD: Traffic drives on the right. The Romanian Automobile Club (ACR) has its headquarters in Bucharest (tel: (01) 222 2222) and offers services through all its branches to AA and RAC members. Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in cities, 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas, up to 90kph (57mph) on main roads and 120kph (75mph) on motorways. Driving under the influence of alcohol is forbidden. Coach: Local services operate to most towns and villages. The main coach stations in Bucharest are at 164 Soseaua Alexandriei, 1 Ion Ionescu de la Brad Boulevard, 1 Piata Gãrii Filarest, 221 Soseaua Chitilei, 141 Pacii Boulevard and 3 Gãrii Obor Boulevard. Taxi: Metered taxis can be hailed in the street or called from hotels. Prices are relatively low, but drivers expect a ten per cent tip. Although most drivers are honest, prices should be agreed beforehand, especially at the airport. Car hire: Available at hotels and at Bucharest Airport. Driving is very erratic, so it might be advisable to hire a car with a driver. Documentation: National driving licence or International Driving Permit are required; as is Green Card insurance. Most Romanian roads are best suited to four-wheel-drive vehicles as they are in poor, potholed condition. URBAN: Good public transport facilities are provided in the main centres. Bucharest has a good bus and tram system and a metro. Tickets are pre-purchased from agents, and there are stamping machines on board buses and trains. There are also daily, weekly and fortnightly passes. A separate minibus network is operated. Accommodation HOTELS: Visitors are advised to book accommodation in advance through a travel agency, particularly for summertime visits to coastal resorts. Room prices in lower-end hotels are very reasonable compared to Western European prices, whereas 4- and 5-star hotels are comparable in both standards and price. Breakfast normally costs extra. For further information, contact the Romanian Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section) or the Romanian Hotel Industry Federation (FIHR), Bulevardul Gheorghe Magheru 7, Third Floor, Room 71, RO701651 Bucharest (tel/fax: (21) 312 05708; fax: (21) 311 3363; e-mail: fihr@fx.ro; website: www.fihr-romanianhotels-org.ro). Grading: Hotels are classified from 1 to 5 stars. BED & BREAKFAST: Accommodation of this type is plentiful in Romania and in smaller towns or villages may be the only options. Private rooms tend to be cheaper than hotel rooms and will be basic but comfortable. For further information, contact the Romanian National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section). SELF-CATERING: Addresses of private accommodation and self-catering establishments are available from local tourist offices. CAMPING/CARAVANNING: There are around 150 campsites in Romania. Prepaid tourist coupons valid from May to September are available from specialised travel agencies. YOUTH HOSTELS: Most hostels are open in July and August although some are open year-round. Information is available from the Youth Hostel Association Romania, Strada Clabucet 2, Bloc P4, AP 69, 3400 Cluj-Napoca (tel/fax: (64) 186 616; e-mail: yhr@mail.dntcj.ro; website: www.dntcj.ro/yhr); or the Youth Tourist Bureau, Strada Onesti 4-6, Bucharest (tel: (21) 314 6544); or YMCA Hostel, Strada Silvestru 33 (tel: (1) 210 0909; fax: (1) 321 4134); e-mail: act_ymcarom@hotmail.com or Villa Helga Hostel, Strada Salcamilor 2/69, off Bulevardul Dacia (tel/fax: (1) 610 2214; e-mail: helga@rotravel.com; website: www.rotravel.com/hotels/helga); or through a travel agent specialising in Balkan travel. Introduction BUCHAREST: Bucharest (Buchuresti), located midway between the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea, in southeastern Romania, has not earned the nickname ‘Paris of the Balkans’ by accident. Its astonishing range of architecture – from Wallachian wooden and bell-towered mansions to Byzantine-style chapels, neo-classical buildings, striking 1930s modernism and even the post-Stalinist absurdities of Ceaucescu’s megalomaniac regime – cannot help but leave the visitor in awe at the varieties of vision that have taken place in this city, over the centuries. But Bucharest has also been the epicentre of the country’s many upheavals, with the stages of the country’s history like vivid tattoos etched across the city’s surface, each telling a different chapter of the story. Bucharest now boasts trendy bars and clubs some capitalising on the history of Vlad the Impaler, Bucharest most (in)famous son, with cobwebs and dank underground dancefloors. BLACK SEA COAST: This coastline is the principal tourist area of Romania and ideal for family holidays. Its 70km (43 miles) of fine white sandy beaches boasts many resorts, the main ones being Mamaia, Eforie Nord, Techirghiol, Eforie Sud, Costinesti, Neptun-Olimp, Jupiter, Venus-Aurora, Saturn and Mangalia. There are boating centres for watersports on the sea and lakes, and both daytime and evening cruises. The curative properties of the salt waters and the mud from Lake Techirghiol (whose thermal springs have a year-round temperature of 24°C/75°F), Mangalia, Eforie and Neptun, make the Romanian Riviera popular with those seeking spa treatments, especially for rheumatism. The Greek/Byzantine port of Constanta, founded in the sixth century BC, merits a visit, and inland there are interesting archaeological sites including the ancient Greek city ruins of Histria, Tomis and Callatis. The area is inhabited by foxes, otters, wildcats and boars and in the migratory periods one can see over 300 species of birds. DANUBE DELTA: Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, this vast expanse of protected watery wilderness in the north of the Romanian Black Sea coast comprises three main arms of the Danube with numerous little waterways, wetlands, small patches of forest and a rich and varied wildlife. The backwaters can be explored by fishing boat or floating hotel, and several hotels and campsites welcome visitors. The main town of the Delta is Tulcea with its excellent Danube Delta Museum. CARPATHIAN MOUNTAINS: This beautiful and densely forested mountainous area lends itself to many sporting and leisure activities such as skiing, bob-sleighing, horseriding and tennis. Situated in picturesque valleys and on mountain slopes are many health and winter resorts, open all year round and well equipped with ski-hire facilities. The major resorts are: Sinaia (bob-sleigh tracks), Busteni, Predeal and Poiana Brasov (both of which have illuminated ski slopes), Semenic, Paltinis, Borsa and Durau. All are equipped to cater for a long winter sports season running from December to April. Spectacular mountain lakes are found in the Fagaras and Retezat ranges, and caves in the Apuseni, Mehedinti and Bihor regions. The Hurezi Monastery, in the Vâlcea county, has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. BUKOVINA: An area in the northern Carpathian foothills which has unique churches and monasteries with exceptional frescoes dating back 500 years. Sucevita is the home of a monastery with the largest number of frescoes in the region. 29km (18 miles) west of Sucevita is Moldovita, renowned for its spectacular paintings. The Moldavian region has 48 monasteries in total, nearly all of them built to celebrate victories over the Turks in the 14th and 15th centuries. There are also numerous beautiful old churches, notable for their painted exterior walls decorated with 15th- and 16th-century Byzantine frescoes. Seven of them are now included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. TRANSYLVANIA: Since Roman times Romanian spas have been known for their miraculous healing powers. Transylvania holds many well-equipped spa towns, such as Baile Felix, Baile Herculane, Sovata and Covasna, some of which have facilities offering acupuncture, acupressure and slimming cures. It is here that the myth of Dracula, immortalised in Bram Stoker’s famous novel, originated. The original Dracula was a medieval King known as ‘Vlad the Impaler’, owing to his unpleasant habits. One of Vlad’s original abodes is Bran Castle; set in a commanding position, with its thick walls and peaked tower, it offers a dramatic view and a chilling atmosphere (tours are available to Bran Castle from the mountain resort of Poiana Brasov, where it is possible to ski in winter and undertake mountain climbing and walking in summer). From here one can travel to Sibiu, which has a great market. Transylvania is also known for its numerous Saxon fortified churches, including the Biertan Church, which stands on top of a hill overlooking the village of Biertan and is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sport & Activities Watersports: Beaches and luxury resorts line the Black Sea coast, which extends for some 245km (153 miles) from the Danube Delta towards the border with Bulgaria in the south. The sea is clean and the absence of tides makes it ideal for swimming, windsurfing and many other types of waterports. Some of the best-known resorts include the seaport of Constanta; Mamaia, which has a 7km- (4.5 mile-) long beach; and a string of luxury resorts named after women and mythological gods, such as Neptune, Jupiter or Venus (for further details on seaside resorts, see also Resorts & Excursions section). Sailing is widely practised on the coast, while Romania’s many rivers are well-suited for kayaking. Tourists wishing to explore the waterways of the protected and UNESCO-listed Danube Delta must comply with strict conservation regulations. Visitors arriving with their own boat must pay a fee at Tulcea Harbour Station and produce their passports, a sailing licence and valid registration papers for their craft. Fishing: Romania has many easily accessible places for fishing such as the Danube Delta (where there are over 160 fish species including sturgeon, wel, pike and carp) and on lake shores around big cities. For details of legal requirements, contact the Romanian National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section). Winter sports: There are numerous facilities for skiing with pistes of varying degrees of difficulty found in almost all mountain resorts, the majority of which are equipped with cable cars. The main ski resorts are at Poiana Brasov (13km/8 miles from Brasov) and Sinaia. Facilities are fairly limited in comparison to more established skiing destinations. Locals are very friendly and most ski instructors speak English. National and international skiing and bob-sleighing competitions are held annually. Sledging tracks, skating and ice hockey are available at most mountain resorts. Health spas: Romania has been a renowned spa country since Roman times and there is a choice of 70 health centres as well as 3000 mineral-rich thermal springs. The most renowned health resorts include Baile Herculane in the Cerna Valley (southern Carpathians); Baile Felix (near the city of Ordena in the northwest); and Sovata (in Transylvania near Ursu lake, popular with women). Romanian spas are particularly known for mudbaths (using the sapropelic black mud from Lake Techirghiol) and the Gerovital cure pioneered by Professor Ana Aslan. For further details contact the National Organisation of Spas, 2-4 Luterana Street, Bucharest 1 (tel: (1) 312 2993; fax: (1) 314 8097; e-mail: optbrd@fx.ro; website: www.spas.ro). Folklore and culture: Traditional folk music and dancing is still very much alive and shows can be seen in many hotels and restaurants. The renowned Romanian composer Georg Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody is world famous. Regional crafts and costumes also play an important part of everyday life: wood carving, pottery and ceramics, wooden architecture and glass paintings can be found throughout the country. The Dracula myth originated in Romania, where a medieval king known as ‘Vlad the Impaler’ became the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula. One of Vlad’s homes, Bran Castle, can be visited in Transylvania. Social Profile Food & Drink: Although there are some regional differences between the provinces, there is a definite national culinary tradition. Dishes include ciorba de perisoare (soup with meatballs), ciorba tãrãneascã (vegetable soup with meat and rice balls served with sour cream), lamb bors, giblet soup and a variety of fish soups. The Romanians excel in full-bodied soups, some of the best being cream of mushroom, chicken, beef, vegetable and bean soup. Sour cream or eggs are also added to soups. Mamaliga (a staple of mashed cornmeal) is served in many ways. Other national specialities include tocana (pork, beef or mutton stew seasoned with onions and served with mamaliga), ghiveci (over 20 vegetables cooked in oil and served cold), Moldavian parjoale (flat meat patties, highly spiced and served with garnishes), sarmale (pork balls in cabbage leaves), mititei (a variety of highly-seasoned charcoal-grilled meat) and patricieni (charcoal-grilled sausages similar to Frankfurters). Fish dishes include nisetru la gratar (grilled Black Sea sturgeon), raci (crayfish) and scrumbii la gratar (grilled herring). Desserts include placinte cu poale in briu (rolled cheese pies), Moldavian cozonac (brioche) and pasca (a sweet cheesecake). Pancakes, served with jam, and doughnuts, topped with sour cream or jam, are also popular desserts. Breakfasts almost always include eggs, either soft-boiled, hard-boiled, fried or scrambled. Omelettes, filled with either cheese, ham or mushrooms, are also frequently served. Vegetarians may have difficulties, as most local specialities are meat-based. Although there are inexpensive self-service snack bars, table service is the norm. A traditional drink with entrées is tuicã (plum brandy) which varies in strength, dryness and smell according to locality. Tuicã de Bihor is the strongest and generally known as palinca. Romanian wines have won international prizes and include pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, riesling, pinot gris and chardonnay from the Murfatlar vineyards. Grasa and feteasa from Moldavia’s Cotnari vineyards are also recommended. Many Romanian wines are taken with soda water and hot wine is also popular during winter. Romanian beers are excellent. Romanian sparkling wines, or methode champagnoise, are very good and superb value. Glühwein (mulled wine) is another popular Romanian drink. There are no licensing hours, but the legal age for drinking in a bar is 18. Nightlife: Bucharest has a growing number of discotheques and nightclubs with entertainment and live dancing. Restaurants at most major hotels double as nightclubs and there are also several Parisian-style cafés. Two casinos operate in the Calea Victoriei. Opera is performed at the Romanian Opera House and the Romanian Athenaeum has two symphony orchestras. Folk entertainment is performed at the Rapsodia Romana Artistic Ensemble Hall and there are a number of theatres. Shopping: Specialist purchases include embroideries, pottery, porcelain, silverware, carpets, fabrics, wool jumpers, woodcarvings, metal, leather goods, rugs, glass paintings and silk dresses. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0600-2100 for small local shops, while larger stores and department stores open earlier and close later. Some shops open Sun 0600-1200, although these vary according to season. Special Events: Folk festivals include dances, music and displays of traditional art. For a full list contact the Romanian National Tourist Office. The following is a selection of yearly events and festivals celebrated in Romania: Feb Secular Winter Customs Festival, Sfantu Gheorghe. Apr International Festival of Contemporary Theatre, Brasov; National Festival of Spring Agricultural Customs, Hoteni-Maramures District. May Feast of the Daffodils, Vlahita-Harghita District; International Jazz Festival, Brasov. Jul-Aug National Festival of Light Music, Mamaia. Sep International Carp Angling Contest. Social Conventions: Handshaking is the most common form of greeting, but it is customary for men to kiss a woman’s hand when being introduced. Visitors should follow normal European courtesies on social occasions. Dress tends to be rather conservative but casual wear is suitable. Beachwear should not be worn away from the beach or poolside. Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in cinemas and theatres. Many Romanians are smokers and gifts of Western cigarettes are greatly appreciated. Other well-appreciated gifts include toiletries and Western clothing. Photography: Military installations should not be photographed. Some tourist attractions require visitors to pay a fee of approximately Lei2000 for taking photographs. Tipping: A five to ten per cent service tip is customary in restaurants. Porters, chambermaids and taxi drivers expect tips. Business Profile Economy: Romania is a major producer of wheat and maize, and grows vegetables, fruit, sugar beet and vegetable oil seeds; wine-making is still widespread and many farms also breed livestock. The farming sector as a whole suffered from lack of investment due to communist-era economic policies which favoured heavy industry. During the first half of the 1990s, the vast majority of agricultural land was transferred to private ownership – in many cases to the original owners prior to Soviet-era collectivisation. Forestry and fisheries are being developed under long-term programmes. The contribution of the agricultural sector to GDP has declined from about 33 per cent in 1990 to its present level of 14 per cent. Industry has undergone a similar contraction, and now accounts for 28 per cent of GDP (down from nearly 60 per cent in 1990). Romanian industry produces industrial and transport equipment, metals, furniture, chemical products and manufactured consumer goods, but the most important sector is oil, natural gas and oil derived products (petrochemicals, paints and varnishes). The mining industry produces coal, bauxite, copper, lead, zinc and iron ore. Since the 1989 revolution, successive governments have concentrated on turning Romania into a market economy. Progress has been difficult, hampered by the economy's already weak condition and political instability. Annual inflation often reached 100 per cent during the 1990s as successive governments struggled to maintain the value of the Leu and put a brake on the economy’s contraction, which averaged seven per cent between the 1989 revolution and 1998. Since then, growth has slowly picked up, reaching four per cent in 2002 but persistent inflation (currently 24 per cent) and budgetary problems forced the government to approach the IMF for financial support. Economic policy now focuses on privatisation and fiscal reform as conditions of IMF support. 11 per cent of the workforce is unemployed. Romania has signed trade and co-operation agreements with the EU and the European Free Trade Association and has access to loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to which it belongs as a ‘country of operation’. Romania applied to join the European Union but proved unable to meet the accession criteria in time to join the next wave of entrants (which includes eight countries from Central and Eastern Europe) in 2004. Romania now hopes to join along with Bulgaria in 2007. Romania's largest trading partners are Germany and Italy, followed by Russia and France. Business: A suit is essential at all business meetings and only on very hot days are shirtsleeves acceptable. English, German and French are used in business circles. Appointments are necessary and punctuality expected. Business cards are widely used. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0700-1530. Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania and Bucharest, Bulevardul Octavian Goga 2, Sector 3, 74244 Bucharest (tel: (1) 322 9535; fax: (1) 322 9542; e-mail: ccir@ccir.ro; website: www.ccir.ro). Conferences/Conventions: For information contact the Romanian Convention Bureau, Calea Victoriei 118, Fourth Floor, Suite 407, Sector 1, 70179 Bucharest (tel: (1) 314 4100 or 314 4102; fax: (1) 314 4101; e-mail: rcb@ines.ro; website: www.rotravel.com/rcb). Climate Summer temperatures are moderated on the coast by sea breezes while inland at sea level it is hot. Winters are coldest in the Carpathian Mountains where there is snow from December through to April. Snow also falls throughout most of the country. Winters are mildest on the coast. Required clothing: Lightweights are worn in summer on the coast and in low inland areas. Warmer clothes are needed in winter and throughout the year in the uplands. Rainwear is recommended throughout the year. History and Government History: Ethnic Romanians are descendants of the Dacians, one of the Romanised Thracian tribes that inhabited the Balkan peninsula during the first millennium BC. The region was part of the Roman empire until AD 275 at which point it was occupied by the Goths. Between the sixth and 12th centuries, Romania was successively overrun by the Huns, Bulgars and Slavs. In the 15th century, most of the territory (specifically the provinces of Moldavia and Wallachia) was annexed by the Turkish Ottomans. As the Ottoman empire entered its long period of decline during the early 19th century, Romania came under the Russian sphere of influence. Wallachia and Moldavia (not to be confused with the modern state of Moldova, then known as Bessarabia) formally united as Romania in 1861 under the rule of Prince Alexander Cuza. Romania subsequently backed the Russians in their war against the Turks in 1877. After the end of the war the following year, Romania was finally recognised by the major European powers as an independent state ruled by King Carol I (formerly known as Prince Charles of Hohenzollern, and who had deposed Alexander Cuza in 1866). Romania was at war again in 1913, this time against Bulgaria in the year-long Second Balkan War, and in 1916 joined the allied cause in World War I. The post-war re-organisation of Europe saw Romania gain several territories from the dismembered Habsburg empire. During the 1930s, in common with other European countries, Romania experienced the rapid growth of an indigenous fascist movement, the Iron Guard. It was prevented from taking power by King Carol II, who suspended the constitution and established an absolute monarchy. In 1940, the Germans occupied Romania and forced Carol to abdicate. The country was placed in the hands of General Ion Antonescu who promptly joined the Nazis in their war against the Soviet Union. In 1944, with Soviet forces about to occupy the country, the Antonescu regime was overthrown and replaced by a coalition government of communists, liberals and social democrats, under the titular leadership of Carol II’s son, King Michael. The Communists gradually established their political hegemony within the Government: in 1947 the monarchy was deposed and the Government declared the Romanian People’s Republic. Nicolae Ceausescu assumed the post of First Secretary of the Romanian Communist Party (RCP) in 1965 and held power in the country until the dramatic, bloody and largely unpredicted revolution during Christmas 1989. Despite being a member of the Warsaw Pact and the COMECON trading bloc, Romania was inclined to pursue independent policies, particularly with regard to military and foreign policy matters: Ceausescu refused to allow other Warsaw Pact military forces to maintain bases in the country, and in 1968 he vigorously denounced the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia. The reformist policies of glasnost and perestroika, introduced by the new Soviet leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev from 1985, were contemptuously rejected by Ceausescu. Consequently Romania lost its unique advantage as the maverick of the Soviet bloc. Also, domestic and international opposition increased as the true nature of the regime’s draconian domestic policies – including forced assimilation of minorities, tight rationing of basic items and severe cultural and political repression – became apparent. In mid-December 1989, protests in the city of Timisoara triggered a nationwide revolt. A large part of the army defected from the regime to join the revolutionaries – under the loose umbrella of the National Salvation Front (NSF) – and for several days the country was in a state of open civil war as the pro-Ceausescu Securitate (secret police) mounted a desperate bid to prevent the collapse of the regime, during which thousands were killed. The President and his wife were captured, quickly tried and executed. The new government, under the provisional leadership of Ion Iliescu (the former Communist Central Committee Secretary) was faced with a number of acute problems: the pacification of the country; the disbanding of the Securitate; the restoration of the economy; and the need to prepare Romania for peaceful multi-party elections. Iliescu has since become the dominant figure in Romanian politics, serving three terms as president. The next three years were a period of serious instability – occasionally breaking out into violence – as Romania made a painful transition from communist dictatorship to pluralist democracy. The ruling National Salvation Front eventually split into two factions led by Petre Roman, Prime Minister for eighteen months in 1990 and 1991, and President Iliescu, who formed his own breakaway party, the Democratic National Salvation Front (later renamed the Social Democratic Party of Romania). Over the next decade, it was the Social Democrats who prevailed while the Roman faction dwindled away. However, at the November 1996 elections, the Social Democrats lost control of both the presidency and the national assembly, to a five-party centre-right alliance entitled the Democratic Convention of Romania (DCR). The new Government was wracked by internal squabbling from the start. In April 1998, Prime Minister Viktor Ciorbea resigned from office. Two transitional governments, lasting twenty and nine months respectively, held office until the next round of elections scheduled for November 2000. The Social Democrats was returned to office – the DCR was all but wiped out – Ion Iliescu took over once again as president. The most ominous feature of the election was the performance of the far-right nationalist Partidul Romania Mare (PDR, Party of Great Romania). The Social Democrats rely on a handful of smaller parties to guarantee a parliamentary majority, but the nationalists are now the principal opposition group in the national assembly. Although the constant changes of government have confirmed that Romania is now a fully-fledged and cohesive democratic state, they have made it very difficult to pursue and execute major policy initiatives and this has undoubtedly held back the country’s development since 1990. Economic progress has been patchy (see Economy section) while Romania has not advanced as far as its east European counterparts towards its twin principal goals: membership of NATO and of the European Union. Nevertheless, it is definitely in both queues. In 2002, Romania was formally invited to join NATO, to the delight of the government of premier Adrian Nastase. Membership of the EU will take somewhat longer. Romania will not be among the next wave of new entrants in 2004 but can reasonably expect to join in 2007/8. Romania’s other foreign policy concerns relate to ethnicity. Alleged discrimination against Romania’s large Hungarian population has caused friction in the past, but the tension between the two governments has eased following a series of co-operation agreements between Budapest and Bucharest. The situation in Moldova, the former Soviet republic which has a mainly ethnic Romanian population, has caused occasional problems with Moscow. There is a strong lobby for the unification of Moldova and Romania, but this is fiercely resisted by the mainly Slav population of the eastern province of Transnistria. A permanent settlement of the problem, which will also require the endorsement of the Ukrainian Government, has so far proved elusive. Government: Under the provisions of the constitution adopted in December 1991, the legislature is a bicameral National Assembly, directly elected every four years, comprising the Assembly of Deputies (387 seats) and the Senate (119 seats). Executive power is vested in a government subordinate to the President, who is elected every four years and is limited to a maximum of two terms in office. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.