Romania



Dr Radu Deac pioneered autologous
pericardial mitral valve.

Soviet occupation following World War II led to the formation of a communist "peoples republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. The decades-long rule of President Nicolae CEAUSESCU became increasingly draconian through the 1980s. He was overthrown and executed in late 1989. Former communists dominated the government until 1996 when they were swept from power. Much economic restructuring remains to be carried out before Romania can achieve its hope of joining the EU.
Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Ukraine
46 00 N, 25 00 E
Population: 22,364,022 (July 2001 est.)
Area: total:  237,500 sq km
land:  230,340 sq km
water:  7,160 sq km
slightly smaller than Oregon
Climate: temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms
Terrain: central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Plain of Moldavia on the east by the Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps
Elevation: lowest point:  Black Sea 0 m
highest point:  Moldoveanu 2,544 m

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