The Romanian diaspora refers to the population of Romanians living outside of Romania.
According to official data from the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was estimated that around 4 million Romanians were living abroad in 2019.
The largest Romanian communities are found in countries such as Italy, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.
Migration Trends
Romania experienced significant emigration after joining the European Union in 2007, with many Romanians seeking better economic opportunities in other EU countries.
However, migration patterns have fluctuated over the years, influenced by factors such as economic conditions, political changes, and the labor market situation in both Romania and the destination countries.
Remittances, or the money sent by Romanian emigrants to their families back home, play a significant role in Romania’s economy. According to the World Bank, remittances to Romania reached approximately $4 billion in 2020.
Expatriate Communities
Romanian expatriate communities can be found worldwide, particularly in Europe, North America, and Australia. These communities often maintain strong ties with their home country through cultural organizations, social networks, and online platforms.
Brain Drain
Romania has faced challenges related to the brain drain phenomenon, where highly skilled professionals, including doctors, engineers, and IT specialists, leave the country for better opportunities abroad. This has led to concerns about the loss of talent and its impact on Romania’s development.