Ephrem's+Europe+Project

=Romania= toc

Romania is a European country, with a population of 21,733,556, located east of Hungary and south of Ukraine, in south-east Europe. The country has a diverse variety of geography, arts and religion, attracting many people from other countries.



Geography
Romania is the twelfth largest country in Europe, with it's surface area measuring up to 238,391 square miles. It's terrain is comprised of mountains, rivers, and plains. Rivers stand out in the geography. 98% of them start from the Carpathian mountains. The Danube, Prut and Tisa river form natural boundaries for this country. The Carpathian mountains are also a defined feature in Romania. They arch over 600 miles in it's mountain range and are separated into three major parts: The Eastern Carpathians, Southern Carpathians, and Western Carpathians. The Eastern and Southern parts are also known as the Oriental and Transylvanian ranges.

Near the south-east end of Romania lies the Black Sea, with Romania's Black Sea Coast stretching just over 150 miles. The Black Sea is a low tide, continental sea with water temperatures in the 70s degrees Fahrenheit. Lakes are also a dominant feature in Romania, with about 3,500 lakes in total. Some of them line the Black Sea, including the Razim lake, spanning 164 square miles large, and the Sinoe lake, which is about 66 square miles large.

Romania's natural resources span from wines to minerals. More than 58,000 square miles of the country is suitable for farmland. Pastures make up 19% of this land, Arable lands make up 40% and vineyards and orchards make up 5%. Among these farmlands are minerals and fossil fuels. Reserves of oil are found near the Black Sea and natural gasses are found near the Transylvanian Plateau. Iron ore deposits are found in the Poiana mountains.

Arts
Romania also has amazing artworks. Painted eggs are among the most notable artworks in Romania, especially around Easter time. These eggs play an important part in the Easter festivities. Ceramics are also a part of Romania's art culture. Romanian pottery is also prominent in Romanian arts. The pottery varies in shapes and sizes, along with varying patterns and markings. These patterns can range from geometric shapes to floral patterns, along with human and animal design.

Woodworking is evident in Romania. Elaborate carved wood gates and fences are displayed in the country. It is also a way of marking social status. The more elaborate and intricate the carvings, the more "important" the family is. Other wood works include furniture, ladles and spoons, walking sticks, and other decorative items. They also share a part in superstitions, with carvings of special items such as wolves' teeth and twisted rope to ward off evil spirits.

Recreation
There are many ways to relax and have fun in Romania. Some of these may include climbing, hiking and biking along the mountains. Skiing and river-rafting are also popular methods of recreation in Romania. People might take to the seas for wind-surfing and perhaps kayaking on the rivers. People also might enjoy viewing the wildlife around Romania, observing Eurasian lynxes, Carpathian bears and wolves. Bird-watching near the Danube river Delta attracts tourists from other places to watch colonies of black pelicans and hundreds of other birds.

Others might enjoy shopping the markets for intricate handcrafted items, like traditional Romanian lace and carved wood. Ceramics and jewelry are also popular. Dining is unique in Romania, with a large range of foods and drinks. Many rural Romanian families prepare their own ingredients in gardens and rearing their own livestock. Sarmale is an example of this. Small croquettes of minced beef and pork wrapped in cabbage, served over tomatoes and more cabbage.