Demographic Resilience in the Rural Area of Romania. A Statistical-Territorial Approach of the Last Hundred Years

Abstract

The deep demographic crisis that Romania has been going through, like most Eastern European states, requires complex analyses. The present study aims at analyzing the numerical evolution of the rural population of Romania, extended for more than 100 years (1912–2020), on the basis of which a multivariate analysis was subsequently performed. The manifestation of specific patterns of territorial evolution and the identification of the incidence of some physical–geographical and socio-economic factors are investigated by means of the dynamics of certain distinct processes, such as rural depopulation or ability to adapt to various transitions. The identification of the fragile and dynamic areas allows discussions on the need for public policies better oriented towards mending excesses, illustrated by the persistence of some gaps, in terms of access to basic services. At the same time, the identification of trends towards a shrinking population system, with an increasingly evident concentration of the population in peri-urban areas or along major transport routes, calls for specific policies geared more towards environmental management in depopulated and depopulating areas, or towards creating the conditions for sustainable spatial planning in high-density areas. For the time being, the disadvantaged areas are rather ignored, while the extension of metropolitan areas is rather chaotic and poorly regulated.

Geo-hazards assessment and land suitability estimation for spatial planning using multi-criteria analysis

“…The present study could serve as a basis for the current analyses on land expansion and the introduction of more specific variables on how to analyze in relation to area-specific geo-hazards. This approach can contribute to implementing an administrative-territorial reform initiated at a local or regional level, always postponed for various reasons [ 105 ] .…”

Disparities in School Performance in Romania. A Geostatistical Analysis of Baccalaureate Results between 2015-2022

“…In addition, they have a highly urbanised population, with cities representing important regional economic hubs. On the other hand, the bottom ranked counties are Ilfov (51.01%, 3136 failed students), Giurgiu (57.18%, 3640 failed students) and Teleorman (61.51%, 5676 failed students), the results are correlated with high risk of poverty, social and economic vulnerability (Muntele et al, 2021). The big cities of these counties are not able to stand out in the region in terms of (high) educational standards, being overshadowed by the capital, which is the largest centre of high school polarisation (with 104 high schools).…”

Does Shrinking Population in Small Towns Equal Economic and Social Decline? A Romanian Perspective

“…Moreover, policies for the small towns have been incoherent and inefficient, adding to economic disparities [58]. Lately, however, the government acknowledged that both small towns and medium-size cities registered a dramatic population shrinking and a fragmentation of the urban footprint, which means that development strategies must be reconsidered so as to target these specific towns, rather than ignoring the demographic shrinking [67], the current crisis being a challenge for the future of the country [73].…”

“…reconsidered so as to target these specific towns, rather than ignoring the demogr shrinking [67], the current crisis being a challenge for the future of the country [73].…”