A land of mountains, hills, and fertile plains, Romania is a tourist destination waiting to be discovered. It is a rich and complex country: a place whose cities are home to beautiful parks and vibrant cultural scenes; whose people welcome guests warmly into their homes, sharing the best of whatever they have, and party into the night, suffused by Latin joie de vivre. Buffeted over time between three great powers-the West, Russia, and Turkey-Romania betrays the cultural influences of each, and it can be a difficult place to get a handle on.

Culture Smart! Romania provides an indispensable tool for the foreign visitor, digging deep behind the cliches, explaining many of the behavioral quirks of the people, smoothing your path toward better understanding, and outlining the many attractions-cultural, social, and geographical-that await you in this underexplored part of Europe.

Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.