Year of EU entry: 2007 / Capital city: Bucharest / Population: 21.6 million

Romania is mountainous in the north while the main feature in the south is the vast Danube valley. The river forms a delta as it approaches the Black Sea, which serves as a wildlife reserve for countless native and migratory birds.

Romania has considerable natural resources – oil, natural gas, coal, iron, copper and bauxite. Metal-working, petrochemicals and mechanical engineering are the main industries.

Romanian specialties include grilled meatballs, pork stew with garlic and onions, and doughnuts made with cream and cheese. The spine-chilling tale of Dracula is based on the 15th century Romanian Count Vlad Dracul whose son was famous for impaling captured enemies in wartime.