XIth European Bat Research Symposium

18-22 August 2008, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Romania - Diversity in every aspect

Located in Eastern Europe, Romania was for a long time known only because of Count Dracula. Only who took the time and effort to visit us, were surprised that Romania has much more to offer. As part of the “Eastern Bloc”, Romania was subject to foreign influence for a long time, but the times are changing. And they find Romania on a journey of unprecedented evolution, never seen before in its long and tumultuous history. This evolution affects all areas, from economics to culture, all the way to tourism, education and self avereness.

Visiting our country, you will be overwhelmed by the wealth of Romania, in sense of nature, intellect, culture and of course, an unmistakable warm welcome. Romania has a tremendous amount of natural wonders, accompanied by a great diversity of flora and fauna.

The Carpathians, running along the central part of the Country, dominate Romania’s landscape. Its peaks easily reach beyond 2000 meters and sometimes present unique formations, like the Sphinx in the Bucegi Mountains. They offer perfect places for diversity to thrive, and consequently, Romania has the largest population of brown bears from Europe and also is home to the largest hibernacula for bats (80.000 individuals), but these are only a few examples. The other major factor influencing Romania’s landscape is the Danube. Running along its southern border, and flowing into the Black Sea, the river gathers all the water from Romania, and finally creates the largest delta in Europe, with over 300 bird species.

Another aspect worthy of mentioning is Romania’s cultural heritage. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the monasteries from Moldova, located in the northern part of the country, were built in the XVth Century and represent a unique journey into time and history. Also, Europe’s Cultural capital for the year 2007, the city of Sibiu is a marvelous piece of ancient art and tradition.

But it is hard to summarize everything in a few lines. The solution is that you come and see for yourself. We are sure, you will not be disappointed.

Additional information: www.aboutromania.com/geography.html,

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romania, www.lonelyplanet.com

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