Romania in the Spotlight: Where It Stands in Global Rankings in 2025
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In 2025, Romania gains recognition in multiple global rankings—from economic competitiveness and GDP power, to quality of life, security, and diplomacy. On Știrinoi.com, we outline its latest standings and what they mean for the country's image, economy, and growth prospects.
1. Romania’s Rankings Overview
Economic competitiveness: Ranked 49th in the 2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook .
GDP (PPP): Exceeds $1 trillion in 2025 according to World Economics .
Nominal vs PPP GDP ranks: 39th nominal, 35th PPP in 2025 .
Economic freedom: 51st globally (score 66.5) .
Quality of life: 58th in U.S. News Best Countries; 65th in Quality of Life index .
Happiness: 35th in World Happiness Report .
Human Development (HDI): 0.827, 53rd globally .
Tourism: +4.5% arrivals in 2024, over 14 million visitors .
Passport strength: 15th globally, visa-free access to 177 countries .
2. Key Facts
Romania is the 8th largest European economy by real GDP, with 5.6% average annual growth .
GDP per capita rose from 44% to 77% of EU average since 2007 .
Bucarest Stock Exchange upgraded to Secondary Emerging Market in 2024, with $74 bn capitalization .
Featured by CNN Travel as a top destination for 202.
3. Opinions & Perspectives
Economists say ranking in top 50 shows promise but urges structural reforms and fiscal discipline .
Tourism experts highlight increase in arrivals and passport power as national assets .
Anti-corruption analysts warn that, despite DNA progress, Romania still scores 46/100 on CPI, ranked 65th .
Innovation scholars note lagging intangible assets performance—Romania underperforms in innovation indicators .
4. Conclusion
Overall, Romania stands firm as an EU emerging economy—top 50 competitiveness, top 40 GDP/HDI/economic freedom ranks. Tourism growth and passport strength reinforce this. Yet innovation, corruption, and intangible asset gaps remain challenges.
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