Where to Go - Europe (exc UK)

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Romania

Population: 22,411,121

Literacy rate: 97%

Life expectancy at birth: male – 66.1 yrs, female – 73.99 yrs, vampires - infinite

Infant mortality rate: 19.84 deaths/1,000 live births

Population growth rate: -0.21%

GDP growth rate: -4.8%

GDP per capita: £2,600

Unemployment: 11%

Inflation: 44%

TI index: 2.9

Climate: temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms

Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the 2-pin type.

Websites: For info on Romania www.romania.org

The Romanian official tourism site http://www.turism.ro/english/index.php

A highly informative site featuring country information, travel logs and guides to the various attractions on offer can be found at www.spirit.ro

Romania has made slow but sure progress after reversion to capitalism. The government continues to lag behind other ex-eastern bloc countries in terms of economic and social reforms. In all fairness, it didn’t have much to build on – lack of infrastructure has been a constant impediment. Don’t expect to save any money, but do expect your capacity for inventiveness to be stretched. As the economy is forever teetering on the verge of bankruptcy, beware of any sharp practices with employers, landlords and tradespeople. Take warm clothes for the winter. The language is more Latin-based than Slavic - not too difficult to learn.

The country is mountainous and communications are not always easy. Winters can be harsh and uncomfortable, but there are pleasant resorts on the Black Sea coast. Romania lacks natural resources and has to import many things. The agricultural sector is OK, but a little basic.

Romania hosts the World Dracula Congress every year – this may or may not be of interest.

Entry requirements

A tourist visa on arriving will suffice (£33).

Vaccinations

Hepatitis A, Polio, Typhoid and a large posy of garlic.

Tax and Insurance

No information on tax. UK nationals have access to medical and some dental care. All other nationals should get insurance.

Gap Year Programmes

Click here to find gap year programmes and placements in Romania

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