The rural and urban lives in Romania are very different. Since industrialization began in the 1960's, population growth has caused a housing shortage in the cities. Most city people live in crowded apartments. Both old Romanian traditions and modern, Western culture are part of city life. Many people enjoy going to restaurants and to concert halls where orchestras play Romanian folk music. They also visit exhibits of rural Romanian folk art that the government sets up in cities. But many people--especially the young--like rock music and Western movies, plays, and books.

By contrast, most rural Romanians live in two- or three-room wooden cottages. The houses are plain and simple, but many people beautify them with a variety of art objects that they make themselves. These objects include wall rugs with skillfully woven patterns, colorfully decorated plates, and woodcarvings on furniture, building frames, and fences. Life in the country revolves around farming, handicrafts and the practice of ancient customs. Festivals held to celebrate such things as weddings, christenings, and holidays are the most important part of social life in rural Romania.

Romanian people have one of the lowest standards of living in Europe. While Romanians typically earn enough to pay for their families' food, clothing, and shelter, they have little or none left over for recreation or luxury items such as a television. Very few people own an automobile.