Economy

Romania began the transition from communism with a largely obsolete industrial base and output unsuited to the country's needs. 1997-2000 saw a severe recession, but growth has been stronger since then as the EU market for exports has expanded. Its high quality mathematics education and its universities and institutes have made Bucharest a magnet for IT outsourcing by western businesses.

Key facts
*  Currency: Leu (plural  Lei)
*  GDP per capita: $24,600 (2017 est)
*  Unemployment: 5.2% (Sept 2020)
*  Inflation: 2.5% (Sept 2020)
*  Natural resources: oil, natural gas, coal, bauxite, iron, copper

*  Tourism: a fast developing sector, with dramatic scenery, unspoilt countryside, rich flora and fauna favouring rural tourism.
skiing and hiking in the mountains
Black Sea resorts

Industries
*  Metal-working, petro-chemicals, mechanical engineering

Export partners

Germany 23%, Italy 11.2%, France 6.8%, Hungary 4.7% (2017)