24. MERCHANT MARINE: Small in number but operates modern ships and equipment. Transport limited principally to truck cargo and freight. 25. ARMED FORCES: In 1972 consisted of about 200,000 men organized into ground, naval, air, air defense, and frontier forces, all administered by a single ministry. All elements operate as part of army, which is largest single component. 26. SECURITY: Security forces, nationally organized and centrally controlled by Ministry of Internal Affairs, consist of ordinary police (militia) and security troops, which perform counter-espionage and counter-subversive functions. 27. INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: Member of the United Nations and a number of its specialized agencies. Member of the Warsaw Treaty Organization (Warsaw Pact) and the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON). ROMANIA TABLE OF CONTENTS Page FOREWORD iii PREFACE v COUNTRY SUMMARY vii SECTION I. SOCIAL Chapter 1. General Character of the Society 1 2. Historical Setting 9 Early Origin--Formation of the Principalities-- Western Influences--National Independence--World War I--Interwar Years, 1918-40--World War II-- Communist Seizure of Power--The Communist State 3. Physical Environment and Population 29 Natural Features and Resources--Boundaries and Political Subdivisions--Population--Living Conditions--Transportation 4. Social System and Values 49 Ethnic Composition--Social Structure--Social Values 5. Religion 65 Church-State Relations--The Romanian Orthodox Church--The Roman Catholic Church--Protestant Churches--Other Religions and Churches 6. Education 73 Background--Educational Reforms Since 1948-- Literacy--The Educational System--Education of Minorities 7. Artistic and Intellectual Expression 91 The Role of the Arts Under Communism--Art, Sculpture, and Architecture--Music--Theater--Films --Literature--Scholarship and Research SECTION II. POLITICAL 8. Governmental System 109 The Constitutional System--The Structure and Functioning of the Government--The Electoral System 9. Political Dynamics and Values 129