Romania
Romania has many wonderful geographical features. In particular
the beautiful Carpathian Mountain range with spectacular views and Transylvania,
famous for the Dracula stories.
Main cities and towns are developing,
but there are many small towns and villages that are in poverty. Villages
where homes often have water from a well, electricity may not be connected and
main drainage does not even exist.
Over the years Romania has struggled,
as many eastern European countries. Following the fall of communism in 1989,
it looked towards the west for growth and development, but found that corruption,
democratic reforms and red tape hindered foreign investment. Following joining
the European Union on 1 January 2007 the country had a large trade deficit,
importing about 60% more goods than exporting. Inflation rose, driven by the
depreciation of the currency, rising energy costs, a nation-wide drought affecting
food prices and a relaxation of fiscal discipline. Trade partners are mainly
Italy and Germany, but include other European countries. |
