Economy
For many centuries Romania's economy was based on agriculture. In the
1930s Romania was one of the main European producers of wheat, corn and
meats and it used to be called "the bread basket of Europe." In the
1950s the communist leader of Romania, Gheorghe Gheorghiu Dej, began
developing heavy industry.
There has been a shift towards heavy industries since the 1970s but the
agriculture is still economically important and employs about one-third of
the workforce.
Romania produces coal, natural gas, iron ore and petroleum but most raw
material for the country's large industrial capacity potential are
imported. Prominent industries include chemical (petrochemical, paints
and varnishes), metal processing, machine manufacturing, industrial and
transport equipment, textiles, manufactured consumer goods, lumbering and
furniture.
39.2% of Romania's territory is arable land, 28% forests, 21% pastures,
hayfields and orchards and 2.5% vineyards. Corn, wheat, vegetable oil
seeds, vegetables, apples and grapes for wine are the main crops and sheep
and pigs the main livestock. Forestry and fisheries are being developed
under long-term programs.
Since 1990, successive governments have concentrated on turning Romania
into a market economy.
Romanian Centre for Foreign Trade
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania
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