Romania is a country located in Southeastern Europe, known for its diverse culture, rich history, and natural beauty. It was first inhabited by the Dacians in ancient times, before being conquered by the Roman Empire in the 2nd century AD. Over the centuries, Romania has been influenced by various neighboring empires, including the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires. In 1859, the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia united to form modern-day Romania. The country gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1877 and became a kingdom in 1881. Throughout the 20th century, Romania experienced periods of political upheaval, including being a communist state under the rule of Nicolae Ceausescu from 1965 to 1989. After a revolution in 1989, Romania transitioned to a democratic republic. Today, Romania is a member of the European Union and NATO, with a mix of modern cities and picturesque rural areas.
