| ABOUT
ROMANIA
Romania
is a land of contrasts. Modern cities are connected by highways
clogged with herds of sheep and ox-drawn hay wagons. Ornate cathedrals
of intricate architectural design stand in the midst of blocks of
dull, squared-off apartment buildings. Sidewalks are filled with
good-looking, stylish youths, bent "babushkas," and begging
street children. Stunning vistas of mountains, Black Sea beaches,
and bucolic farmland are interrupted by rows of tin shacks and urban
areas in the last stages of decay. Citizens declare their love of
their country's history and heritage but find it necessary to seek
opportunities abroad.
Romania's
history is one of conquests, starting with the Romans during the
second century. The Slavs, the Magyars, the Turks, the Austrians,
and the Hungarians in turn all swept over the land. More recently
Romania was under Communist control, until 1989, when the dictator
Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena were assassinated. Since then
the nation has struggled to rid itself of Communist legacy, both
physical and psychological, and to gain favor with NATO and the
European Union by moving toward a Western market economy and reforming
its social, political, and legal structures.
Romanians
are fiercely proud of their art, music, and poetry; their dedication
to self-improvement through education; their devotion to family;
and their tradition of hospitality that makes every meal a feast
and every wedding an all-night celebration. They are at the same
time, however, painfully aware that much of the West considers theirs
a third-world nation. Romanians of all ages are determined to improve
their future - and the world's opinion of their nation.
For
more information about Romania, we recommend the following websites:
U.S.
State Department if you want statistical data about Romania,
as well as an overview of the history and political structure of
the country.
U.S. Agency for International Development if you're curious
about the American government's aid to Romania.
U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania if
you're planning a trip to Romania.
Romanian Embassy in Washington, DC if you're interested in becoming
involved in the metro DC area's Romanian-American community.
Peace Corps Romania if you're wondering about the work of Peace
Corps Volunteers in Romania.
American Chamber of Commerce - Bucharest,
Romania for information for, by, and about expatriate Americans
doing business in Romania.
Friends
of Romania's links page for a clearinghouse of information on
Romanian current events, sports, culture, politics, history, language,
and more.
American-Romanian Partnership for Gender Equality
P.O. Box 34374, Washington DC 20043
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