Romania'S Demographic Changes And Concerns

This paper analyzes the numerical evolution and structure of Romania's population, focusing on the significant demographic changes over the last 30 years. More than 30 years after the political, economic and social changes that marked Europe at the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s, the economic and social landscape of Central and Eastern European countries (including Romania) has changed radically, influencing the demographic developments. Romania has experienced a negative demographic balance after 1989, both natural and migratory. Romania's population has decreased by 3.7 million people in the last 30 years, due to natural deficit and emigration. The average life expectancy in Romania is among the lowest compared to the European Union average of 81 years. The structure of Romania's population by age group highlights the trend of population aging, amid a decline in the birth rate and an increase in the number of young and adult emigrants. Population aging raises concerns about the sustainability of social and economic systems, especially in terms of healthcare, social assistance and labor market. Studying the numerical evolution and structure of Romania's population is necessary to substantiate demographic policy measures based on respecting the rights of individuals and communities, to define the role and place of each person in the process of population reproduction, economic activities and social organization.