Romania Past

Romania was once called the “Paris of the East” and was known as a “Latin island in the sea of Slavs.” It is best known for its rich soil, gymnastic stars like Nadia Comanici, and of course as the birth place of Transylvanian legend “Dracula.” This Eastern European nation suffered under communistic dictatorial rule from post WWll until 1989 when dictator Nicolae Ceaucescu was overthrown and assassinated on Christmas Day. The Church was harshly persecuted during this regime. Poverty was rampant after the economic collapse in the 1980s. After a visit to China and Korea, Ceaucescu believed that he should be publicly honored as their communist leaders were. Parades to honor him were held daily. He built himself a palace with some rooms being made of solid gold while the people suffered to survive via daily food and resource rations.

After the Revolution in 1989, Romania struggled to become a democratic nation. Corruption has traditionally been an issue at all levels of society. Everything from taxation to child welfare policy is mired in old communist mindsets and indifference. Almost 10% of Romanians have left the country to attempt to find a better way of life since the Revolution of 1989.

Romania Present

Romania is a country in transition. It is not uncommon to see drastic combinations of the old and new. For example, you could see a new luxury SUV at a stop right next to a gypsy horse and cart. You may see a pig being slaughtered on the roadside next to a billboard advertising a five star hotel. It is also not uncommon to see, a string of gypsy “salesmen” selling cloves of garlic next to a new German super store.

The larger cities are cleaning up and beginning to look very western. Although the economy has grown by leaps and bounds, the average Romanian continues to struggle with average monthly wages of less than $300 per month. Most of the villages seem to be lost in time and move at a slow pace with little change in recent years. At the same time, real estate values have skyrocketed since Romania became a candidate for EU membership and eventually joined the EU in January 2007.

Child welfare abuses brought to light in the early 1990's continue to draw media attention from around the world. While tragically the abandonment rate of children has not changed in 20 years per UNICEF studies. Many of these children are from Roma (gypsy) backgrounds. Although Romanian authorities have made some major improvements over the past five years, they continue to struggle to provide genuine protection of vulnerable children in their society.