April 19- 26, 2008 - centraleuroperally.com

Central Europe Rally

ROMANIA

A world apart, in a geographical situation profoundly influenced by the Slavic culture. Situated on the frontiers of the former Soviet empire, directly neighbouring Ukraine, Romania largely affirms its singularity by asserting its Latin heritage. The communist period, during which evolution of the country stopped outright, has given way, since the uprising against the totalitarian regime of Nicolae Ceausescu, to the expression of a union with western Europe. Attached to their membership of the organisation internationale de la Francophonie since 1993, Romanians joined the European Union on 1 January 2007.

The vast Romanian territory offers the visitor a rare variety of landscapes, from the coastline of the Black Sea to the Danube delta. In the heart of the country, the long mountain range of the Carpates and the rural character it has preserved give Romania its originality. Participants of the Central Europe Rally will stay in the regions of Maramures and Transylvania, giving them a view of the country's natural wealth.

Romania and sport

Most articles in the country's sports newspapers are given over to football. Romanians were particularly fond of their national team in the 1990, the period when Gheorghe Hagi, the "Maradona of the Carpates" led the team. In less festive periods, supporters get excited about matches of the capital's two big clubs, Steaua Bucarest, winner of the European Championship Cup in 1986, and Dinamo.

But the great moment in Romania's sporting history was the magical revelation of the gymnast Nadia Comaneci at the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976. Just 14 years old, the graceful young lady was awarded the first 10/10 in history and won three Olympic medals. Later, she emigrated to the United States.

In the world of tennis, Ilie Nastase has stayed in people's minds for his inexhaustible resources in terms of causing trouble. He did, however, win two Grand Slam titles (Roland-Garros and the US Open) and was number one worldwide when the ATP ranking was created.

In terms of rally-raids, the Romanian mountains offer an ideal terrain for a spectacular motorbike trial that has taken place regularly since 2004: RedBull Romaniacs. For its fourth edition there were 135 riders during the four days of the race in the Carpates.

In brief

Population: 22 272 000 inhabitants
Area: 238 391 km2
Capital: Bucharest (2 082 000 inhabitants)
Currency: Leu
Official language: Romanian
Principal towns: Iasi (321 580 inhab.), Constanta (310 526), Timisoara (317 651), Galati (298 584), Craiova (302 622), Brasov (283 901)