About Romania

Each person has his or her own story, but many of us are united by the fact that by the fate of circumstances we have arrived in a new country where we need to build a new life as soon as possible. We hope that our Expaterra portal can help you!

So, Romania: a country of opportunities and warm hospitality, where everyone will find a home among beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Culture and Lifestyle

The culture and lifestyle in Romania are full of vibrant traditions, friendliness, and a variety of leisure opportunities. Romanians are known for their hospitality and warmth. No matter which part of the country you visit, locals are always ready to help, even if they don’t speak your language. It is an open and dynamic society, though somewhat conservative, that deeply values family and cultural traditions.

Romania is one of the most religious countries in Europe, with the majority of the population practicing Orthodox Christianity. The most important holidays are Easter and Christmas, when families come together to celebrate. Among the unique traditions is Mărțișor, celebrated on March 1st, symbolizing the arrival of spring. On this day, men gift women ornaments decorated with red and white ribbons. Romanians highly value and respect their traditions. It is a fairly nationalist country, proud of its history and imbued with a unique “spirit.”

Romanian cuisine is diverse and rich in flavors. Traditional dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled meat sausages), mămăligă (cornmeal porridge), and various pastries are popular among both locals and tourists. Overall, the food is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Romanians enjoy gathering around generously set tables, sharing food and drinks, including local wines and strong spirits.

In Romania, great attention is paid to cultural events and entertainment. Festivals and cultural events are regularly held in the capital and other major cities, attracting both locals and tourists who come to see international celebrities visiting the country.

Romania is among the top 10 countries in terms of cybersecurity and IT technology development. Bucharest has become one of the key centers for IT outsourcing in Europe. In the Global Firepower 2024 military strength ranking, Romania ranks 47th out of 145 countries, highlighting its significance in the field of defense and security. According to the Henley Passport Index, the Romanian passport ranks 13th in terms of freedom of movement, offering its holders visa-free access to 175 countries worldwide.

Romania ranks first in the European Union in terms of homeownership. According to Eurostat, about 96% of Romania's population owns their homes, the highest rate among EU countries. The country also leads in the number of real estate transactions without the use of credit funds. This is due to a combination of historical, cultural, and economic factors unique to the country.

Romania also faces a number of social and economic challenges, as reflected in international rankings. Romania ranks 69th in the Human Development Index (HDI) for 2024 (out of 191 countries): the index measures the country's achievements in areas such as life expectancy, education level, and income. In 2024, Romania dropped to 32nd place in the World Happiness Index out of 137 countries, losing positions compared to the previous year when it ranked 24th. The happiness index takes into account factors such as social support, income level, health, freedom, and the absence of corruption. Romania has one of the highest poverty rates in Europe. According to 2024 data, about 25% of the population lives below the poverty line, significantly higher than the EU average. The high level of poverty is particularly noticeable in rural areas of the country.

These indicators highlight important areas for improvement, such as raising the standard of living, combating poverty, and improving social conditions.

Local language 

For many foreigners, Romania remains a mysterious country due to concerns about an unfamiliar and complex linguistic environment. However, it is worth highlighting that Romania is one of the very few countries in Europe where the majority of the population understands English, so you won’t face significant difficulties in restaurants, banks, shopping centers, or even cinemas (as movies are usually shown in their original English version with Romanian subtitles).  

However, if you plan to stay in this country longer, a good piece of advice would be to start learning Romanian. For native speakers of French or Italian, this will be relatively easy since all these languages belong to the same Romance group, and you will find many similarities in grammar and vocabulary. For speakers of other languages, it may be a challenge, but one that offers the opportunity to meet interesting new people and immerse yourself in the history, culture, and traditions of the country.  

There are currently plenty of options for foreigners to learn Romanian, including individual lessons with a teacher, group classes, online or offline courses. You will always find support and help, as Romanians are incredibly happy and enthusiastic about foreigners trying to communicate in their native language. The attitude towards foreigners who aim to integrate by learning Romanian is very positive on the part of Romanians!