Independance was achieved in 1877. The country became a monarchy in 1881. The Austro-Hungarian Empire relinquished Transylvania in 1918. The monarchy collapsed in 1947. A communist government then took over until the dictator Ceausescu was overthrown in the revolution of December 1989, which brought Romania firmly back into democratic Europe.
Warmest areas are in the south.
The official language is Romanian, and is of latin origin. English, French and German are widely spoken. Religious freedom is guaranteed by the Romanian constitution. In accordance with the constitution adopted in 1991, Romania is a parliamentary republic, with two houses. The president of the country, the deputies and the senators are elected every four years by universal secret ballot.