Romania

Romania is located in the south east part of central Europe. The population is 21.4 million, of which 2 million live in the capital, Bucharest. The population is expected to decrease to 20.2 million by 2030. The proportion of people aged over 65 is expected to increase from 22% to 30% over the same period. The official language is Romanian, although Hungarian is spoken by a minority. The dominant religion is Orthodox. The official currency is the New Lei, worth approximately €0.23. The standard rate of VAT is 24%.

 Romania                               Capital: Bucharest

 

Population

21.4 million à 20.2 million (2030)

Proportion of people over 65 is 22% à 30% (2030)

Language

Romanian, some Hungarian

Religion

Orthodox

GDP / head (2010)

€ 5,800   (EU average: € 24,400)

Currency

New Lei (€0.23)

VAT

24%

GDP growth (volume)

 

2.5%

1.6% in 2012 (f)

3.4% in 2013 (f)

Unemployment rate

(Feb 2012)

7.1%   (EU average: 10.2%)

Inflation rate

5.8%   (EU average: 3.1%)

 

Figures relate to 2011, except where indicated.                                      Source: Eurostat, Searce (2012)

 

Romania has a GDP per capita of €5,800, compared to the EU average of €24,400 in 2010. According to Eurostat, the Romanian economy grew by 2.5% in 2011, and is expected to grow by 1.6% in 2012 and by 3.4% in 2013 (compared to the Eurozone average growth of 1.6%, 0.2% and 1.4% respectively). The inflation rate was 3.2% in 2011, compared to 3% in the EU. The unemployment rate was 7.3%, compared to 9.8% in the EU as a whole in 2011.

Age and position are respected in Romania. Modesty and humility are highly regarded characteristics. There is often a lot of bureaucracy attached to doing business. Meetings tend to be quite formal. Contracts function as statements of intent and decisions can be reversed.