R is the 18th most common starting letter of country names. However, there are now only two countries with names that begin with the letter R. This detailed article will take a closer look at Romania and Russia.
1. Romania
| Country Name | Romania |
| Continent | Europe |
| Capital City | Bucharest |
| Population | 19.05 million in 2024 |
| Area | 238,397 square kilometers |
Romania is a country located in southeastern Europe. It’s bordered by Ukraine to the north, Bulgaria to the south, Serbia to the southwest, Hungary to the west, and Moldova to the east.
Geography and Climate
Romania’s landscape is diverse, with the Carpathian Mountains dominating the center of the country. The Danube River, Europe’s second-longest river, forms much of Romania’s southern border. The country also has a coastline along the Black Sea.
Romania experiences a temperate-continental climate, with hot summers, cold winters, and distinct seasons. The climate varies across the country, with the mountainous regions experiencing cooler temperatures and the coastal areas having milder winters and hotter summers.
Culture and Language
Romania has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by various civilizations, including the Romans, Greeks, and Ottomans. The official language is Romanian, a Romance language with Latin roots. The majority of the population is Romanian Orthodox, but there are also significant Catholic and Protestant communities.
Romanian culture is known for its traditional music, dance, and folklore. The country has a strong literary tradition, with famous writers like Mihai Eminescu and Mircea Eliade. Romanian cuisine is diverse, with influences from the Balkans, Hungary, and Turkey. Popular dishes include sarmale (cabbage rolls), mămăligă (polenta), and mici (grilled sausages).
Economy
Romania has a mixed economy, with agriculture, industry, and services all playing significant roles. The country is rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and coal. Romania is also known for its IT and software industry, with many multinational companies setting up operations in the country.
Tourism
Romania is a popular tourist destination, known for its medieval castles, fortified churches, and picturesque villages. The country’s most famous landmark is Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend. Other popular tourist destinations include the painted monasteries of Bucovina, the wooden churches of Maramureș, and the Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Russia
| Country Name | Russia |
| Continent | Europe, Asia |
| Capital City | Moscow |
| Population | 146 million in 2025 |
| Area | 17,098,246 square kilometers |
Russia, officially known as the Russian Federation, is the largest country in the world, spanning Eastern Europe and northern Asia. It shares borders with 14 countries, including Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, and North Korea.
Geography and Climate
Russia’s vast landscape is characterized by a wide variety of geographical features, including the Ural Mountains, the Siberian plains, and the vast tundra of the Arctic north. The country has a diverse climate, ranging from the harsh winters of Siberia to the mild summers of the Black Sea coast.
The country is rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, and timber. Russia is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and tigers.
Culture and Language
Russian is the official language of Russia, and it is widely spoken throughout the country. The majority of the population is Russian Orthodox, but there are also significant Muslim, Buddhist, and Jewish communities.
Russian culture is known for its rich traditions in literature, music, and art. The country has produced many famous writers, including Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Anton Chekhov. Russian classical music is renowned worldwide, with composers like Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Igor Stravinsky. Russian ballet, particularly the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters, is considered among the best in the world.
Russian cuisine is diverse and hearty, with dishes like borscht (beet soup), pelmeni (dumplings), and blini (pancakes) being popular throughout the country.
Economy
Russia has a mixed economy, with a combination of state ownership and private enterprise. The country is one of the world’s largest producers of oil and natural gas, and these industries play a significant role in the economy. Other important sectors include manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
Tourism
Russia is a popular tourist destination, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vast natural landscapes. The capital city, Moscow, is home to iconic landmarks like the Kremlin, Red Square, and St. Basil’s Cathedral. St. Petersburg, often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” is famous for its beautiful canals, grand palaces, and world-class museums like the Hermitage.
Other popular tourist destinations in Russia include the Trans-Siberian Railway, the world’s longest railway line, and Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Romania and Russia are the only two countries that start with the letter R. These countries are known for their rich cultures, diverse landscapes, and fascinating histories.
Whether you’re interested in exploring medieval castles, experiencing vibrant cities, or discovering stunning natural beauty, Romania and Russia have something to offer every traveler.