World Happiness Report for Romania 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Romania: 32
- Happiness Score Romania:6.491
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Romania. RO.
Romania is a parliamentary republic with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
- Known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional folk dances, music, and mythology.
- An important player in the European Union, with a diverse economy including agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
Romania – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History:
The territory of modern-day Romania has been inhabited since ancient times. The region was home to various ancient civilizations, including the Dacians, who are considered the ancestors of the Romanian people. The Dacian Kingdom, led by the famous king Burebista, existed between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, until it was conquered by the Roman Empire.
Kingdoms and Empires:
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the territory of Romania was subject to various invasions and migrations, including the Huns, Goths, and Slavs. In the 14th century, the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia emerged, which later became the foundations of modern Romania. These principalities were heavily influenced by the Byzantine Empire and played a crucial role in the spread of Orthodox Christianity in the region.
Colonial Period:
Romania did not experience a significant colonial period, as it was never fully colonized by a foreign power. However, the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia were heavily influenced by the Ottoman Empire and were forced to pay tribute to the Sublime Porte for several centuries.
Independence and Modern Era:
In the 19th century, the nationalist movement in the Romanian principalities gained momentum, leading to the union of Wallachia and Moldavia in 1859, forming the United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia. Full independence was achieved in 1877, and in 1881, Romania was proclaimed a kingdom. The early 20th century was marked by territorial gains and losses, as well as the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. After World War II, Romania became a communist republic under Soviet influence, a period marked by oppression and economic stagnation. The 1989 Romanian Revolution overthrew the communist regime and ushered in a new era of democracy and market reforms.
Current Political Situation:
Romania is a semi-presidential republic with a multi-party democratic system. The current president is Klaus Iohannis, and the prime minister is Marcel Ciolacu. Recent elections have been marked by political instability and frequent changes in government coalitions.
International Relations:
Romania is a member of the European Union, NATO, and various other international organizations. It maintains strong ties with its European neighbors and the United States. However, Romania has had ongoing tensions with neighboring Hungary over the treatment of the Hungarian minority in Romania.
Human Development and Economy:
Romania has a transitional economy, with a mix of industrial and service sectors. Major industries include automobile manufacturing, information technology, and agriculture. The country has made strides in improving human development indicators, but income inequality and regional disparities remain challenges.
Cultural Highlights:
Romania is a culturally rich country, with a blend of Dacian, Roman, and Slavic influences. The Romanian language is a Romance language with Slavic and Turkish influences. The country is known for its stunning medieval architecture, including the famous Bran Castle (often associated with Dracula), as well as its vibrant folk traditions, including intricate embroidery and woodcarving.
Conclusion:
Romania faces challenges such as political instability, corruption, and brain drain, but also opportunities in areas like renewable energy, technology, and tourism. With its rich history, diverse culture, and strategic location, Romania continues to play an important role in the region and on the global stage.
Main facts
1. Location
Romania is a country located in Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea. It shares borders with Hungary to the northwest, Serbia to the southwest, Bulgaria to the south, Moldova to the east, and Ukraine to the north and east.
2. Map References
Romania is situated in the Balkan Peninsula region of Eastern Europe.
3. Area – Comparative
With an area of approximately 238,397 sq km, Romania is slightly smaller than the state of Oregon in the United States.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Romania has a total land boundary length of 2,508 km, shared with the following countries:
5. Coastline (if applicable)
Romania has a coastline of 245 km along the Black Sea.
6. Maritime Claims
Romania’s maritime claims include:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental shelf: 200 meters depth or to the depth of exploitation
7. Climate
Romania has a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. The climate varies regionally, with warm summers and cold winters in the central regions, and milder temperatures along the Black Sea coast.
8. Terrain
Romania’s terrain is diverse, with the Carpathian Mountains dominating the center of the country. The Carpathians are surrounded by hills and plateaus, as well as fertile plains and river valleys, such as the Danube River valley in the south.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest elevation point in Romania is Moldoveanu Peak at 2,544 meters, located in the Făgăraș Mountains of the Southern Carpathians. The lowest elevation point is the Black Sea, at 0 meters.
10. Natural Resources
Romania’s major natural resources include petroleum, timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore, salt, arable land, and hydropower potential.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The Danube River, which flows through the southern part of the country, is Romania’s most significant water body. Other major rivers include the Prut, Siret, Mureș, and Olt. Significant lakes include the Danube Delta wetlands and the Razelm-Sinoe lagoon system, both shared with Ukraine.
12. Natural Hazards
Romania is prone to earthquakes, particularly in the areas near the Vrancea region. Other natural hazards include landslides and occasional severe storms and floods.
13. Geography – Notes
Romania’s geography is characterized by its diverse landscapes, from the towering Carpathian Mountains to the fertile plains and Danube Delta wetlands. The country’s strategic location along the Black Sea coast and its rich natural resources have played a significant role in its history and economic development.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 30.10%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 69,259. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 58.80%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 45.94316124.96676.
- Capital: The capital of Romania is Bucharest
- Major Cities:
- Bucharest – Population: 1,883,425
- Cluj-Napoca – Population: 316,748
- Timișoara – Population: 319,279
- Iași – Population: 382,484
- Brașov – Population: 253,200
- Population: 19,356,544
- Area(Km2): 238391
- Population Density( P/Km²):84. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:40
- Official Language(s):Romania is Romanian (90%).
- Currency: RON
Main Economic Indicators
Romania has a semi-industrialized economy with a service-based economic model. It is classified as a high-income economy by the World Bank. The country has experienced economic growth in recent years, driven by strong consumer spending, industrial output, and exports. However, challenges such as corruption, income inequality, and an aging population remain. Key economic policies focus on fiscal consolidation, tax reforms, and improving the business environment.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2022: 13.8% (Source: National Institute of Statistics)
2021: 5.1% (Source: National Institute of Statistics)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BBB- (Stable Outlook)
Moody’s: Baa3 (Stable Outlook)
Standard & Poor’s: BBB- (Negative Outlook)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 4.3%
Industry: 27.4%
Services: 68.3%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, milk, eggs, meat
Industrial Products: Automobiles, machinery, metallurgic products, chemicals, electrical equipment, textiles, and footwear
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 8.2 million (2022 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: 60th largest labor force globally
Current Account Balance
2022: -$27.7 billion (Source: National Bank of Romania)
2021: -$18.1 billion (Source: National Bank of Romania)
Comparative Ranking: 154th largest current account deficit globally (2022)
Exports and Imports
Exports (2022): $103.4 billion
Key Export Partners: Germany, Italy, France, Hungary, United Kingdom
Main Exports: Machinery and equipment, vehicles, metals, textiles and footwear, chemicals
Imports (2022): $138.7 billion
Key Import Partners: Germany, Italy, Hungary, Poland, China
Main Imports: Machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, vehicles, metals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves (March 2023): $47.6 billion
Gold Reserves (March 2023): 103.7 tonnes
- GDP (Current US$):$250,077,444,017. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 14.60%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 20.00%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.16. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $2.25. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 3.98%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
National Identity
Noun: Romanian(s)
Adjective: Romanian
Ethnic Groups
- Romanian: 88.9%
- Hungarian: 6.5%
- Roma: 3.3%
- Other: 1.3%
Religions
- Eastern Orthodox: 86.8%
- Protestant: 5%
- Roman Catholic: 4.7%
- Other (including Muslim and Jewish): 3.5%
Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 14.7%
- 15-64 years: 69.4%
- 65 years and over: 15.9%
Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 45.3%
Youth Dependency Ratio: 21.2%
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 24.1%
Median Age
Total: 38.8 years
Males: 37.1 years
Females: 40.6 years
Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity Rate: 22.5% of the adult population
- Alcohol Consumption: 14.4 liters per capita per year
- Tobacco Use: 27.5% of adults smoke tobacco
Note
The data presented here is based on the latest available statistics and may be subject to change over time.
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 75.4. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 98.8%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:9.6. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:18. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.71. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 64.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 10,468,793. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):21.30%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Romania’s military consists of the Romanian Land Forces, Romanian Air Force, Romanian Naval Forces, and the Special Operations Forces as its main branches. The country also has the Gendarmerie, a paramilitary force responsible for maintaining public order and internal security.
Military Expenditures
Romania’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 2.38%
- 2021: 2.12%
- 2020: 2.10%
- 2019: 1.81%
- 2018: 1.92%
Romania ranked 27th globally in terms of military expenditure in 2022.
Personnel Strengths
Romania has a total of 69,200 active-duty military personnel, broken down as follows:
- Romanian Land Forces: 35,800
- Romanian Air Force: 9,500
- Romanian Naval Forces: 6,800
- Other Services: 17,100
The Gendarmerie has an additional strength of around 26,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Romania’s military equipment includes tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery, combat aircraft, helicopters, and naval vessels. The country has domestic production capabilities for various military hardware and also imports equipment from partners like the United States, Germany, and France. Significant future acquisitions include F-16 fighter jets, Patriot air defense systems, and naval vessels.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Romania has a voluntary military service system. The minimum age for voluntary military service is 18. There is no mandatory military conscription currently in place.
Military Deployments
Romania has military personnel deployed in various international missions, including:
- NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan (600 personnel)
- United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (70 personnel)
- NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in Poland (120 personnel)
Strategic Military Notes
Romania’s defense strategy focuses on territorial defense, collective defense through NATO, and international crisis management operations. As a NATO member, Romania plays an active role in the alliance’s security frameworks and participates in various regional and global peacekeeping missions. The country has strengthened its military partnerships with the United States and other NATO allies in recent years.
- Armed Forces Size: 81300. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.98
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 54.70%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.