Fast facts

Area

225 km

Population

22,271,839 (July 2003 est.)

Capital

Bucharest

Location

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Ukraine.

Geographic Coordinates

46 00 N, 25 00 E

Language

The language spoken is Romanian - a Latin language mixed with Slavic words - similar to Italian or a little to Spanish.

GMT + 1.

Flat plain, except mountains along southern border

Climate

The climate is temperate-continental, characteristic of Central. Warmest areas are in the south. Annual average rainfall is 677 mm, with more in the mountains (1,000-1,400m) and less on the coast (below 400m).

Currency

The national currency is the leu (plural lei). Foreign currency can only be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange offices. As rates can vary from one place to another it is wise to shop around things in lei.