Thanks to their closely related languages, Romanians like to think that they're Italian. And indeed, Romania is just like Italy. That is, minus the food, culture, scenery, sun, art, architecture, economy, infrastructure, education and atmosphere.

Romania entered ESC in 1994 earning little but points they had pre-agreed to exchange with Malta. They peaked at 3rd place in 2005.

Facts
Capital: Bucharest
Literacy: 14%
Famous Romanians: Count Dracula, Nicolae Ceauşescu, Nadia Comăneci, The Cheeky Girls

Romania's failure in the "Classy Ballad" genre made it clear to them that they must return to the good old Trash Euro-Pop With Balkan Elements.

And indeed, Elena Gheorghe won their final with "The Balkan Girls", featuring more dress strips than ever were in ESC history combined.

� Romania announced the line-up for Selectia Nationala 2009. - Fri 9 Jan

� Behold - Romania! - Sat 9 Mar

� The Volt in Their Stars - Mon 9 Mar

� Guyliner revival in Romania as Ovidiu Anton wins national final - Mon 7 Mar