Romania's political framework is a semi-presidential representative democratic republic where the Prime Minister is the head of government while the President represents the country internationally, signs some decrees, approves laws promulgated by parliament and nominations as head of state.

Romania is a hierarchical society where it honors age and place. Since they have gained life experience, older people are regarded as wise. Romanians expect, by age or role, the most senior person to make decisions that are in the group's best interest. Titles are rather critical and denote appreciation.

Romania's peculiar culture derives from its location at the center of three European regions, the Balkans, Eastern Europe and Central Europe, all of which have enjoyed distinct cultures and histories throughout history. Because of the rich ethnic mix of its inhabitants, the cultural history of Romania manages to be one of these civilizations, and distinct from them in many respects. With components of Slavic, Medieval Greek, Byzantine, Turkish, Hungarian and Saxon German, the origins of Romanian culture go deep.

Romanian literature, body of writings in the Romanian language, the development of which is paralleled by a rich folklore lyric, epic, dramatic, and didactic that continued into modern times.

Works of Brancusi are in various locales, but one of the finest collections is in the city of Targu Jiu, in Oltenia province on the southern border of the Carpathian Mountains. "The Endless Column" (Coloana Infinita), "The Gate of the Kiss" (Poarta Sarutului), "The Table of Silence" (Masa Tacerii) and "The Alley of Chairs" (Aleea Scaunelor) are displayed in the city's main park as indicated by the great sculptor.

Romania is a European country that has active ethnic music scenes with a multicultural music community. In the areas of pop culture, hip hop, heavy metal and rock and roll, Romania also has flourishing scenes. Any Europop bands/artists, such as Tom Boxer, Morandi, Akcent, Edward Maya, Alexandra Stan, Inna and Yarabi, enjoyed success abroad during the first decade of the 21st century. Traditional Romanian folk music is still popular, and some folk musicians have achieved national (and even global) renown.

Romania is a country of medieval castles, Gothic churches, and charming towns, all hidden among some of the most enigmatic landscapes of southeastern Europe. Marked by such geographical wonders as the Carpathian Mountains and Black Sea, the country's dense forests and snow-capped peaks are perfect settings for the folklore that emanates from nearly every region (Transylvania, anyone?). Whether it's a hotel made of ice, an underground amusement park, or Dracula's Castle, one thing's for sure—these 21 sites are as eerie as they are beautiful.