The podcast explores the reasons behind young people leaving Romania, including limited job opportunities and political climate. It also discusses the impact of outward migration on both Romania and Croatia. Additionally, the podcast touches on the challenges faced by young people in China and the controversy surrounding the world's oldest dog record.
Outward migration from Romania is driven by limited economic opportunities and dissatisfaction with the political system.
The aging population and labor shortages resulting from outward migration pose challenges for Romania's future.
Deep dives
Reasons behind Romanian migration
Young Romanians are leaving their country in large numbers due to limited economic opportunities and dissatisfaction with the political system. Economic factors, such as low average salaries and high youth unemployment rates, drive many Romanians to seek better job prospects abroad. Additionally, corruption in public services, especially education and healthcare, further discourages young people from staying in Romania. With nearly 20% of people born in Romania no longer living there, outward migration poses challenges for the country's future.
Similar migration trends in other European countries
Romania is not the only European country experiencing significant emigration. Croatia, Greece, Lithuania, and several Western Balkan countries are also facing higher emigration rates than immigration. Young people from these countries are seeking larger salaries, better job opportunities, and more effective public services elsewhere. The trend is expected to continue, with estimates suggesting that the Western Balkan region could lose around 1 million young people in the next decade.
Consequences of outward migration for Romania
Outward migration from Romania has consequences for both individuals and the country. One major impact is an aging population, as a significant portion of the younger population leaves. By 2050, over a quarter of Romanians are projected to be over 65 years old. Labor shortages are already being felt, especially in industries like services and construction. To address this, the Romanian government is actively seeking to attract non-EU citizens by issuing work permits. On a positive note, the tech sector in Romania is showing promise, attracting international companies and offering potential opportunities for young Romanians.
Young people seem to be moving away from Romania. In 2000, it had a population of 22.4 million people. But two decades later it had fallen to just 19.5 million - outward migration is responsible for most of that decline.
They’re mostly moving to other European countries, like the UK. Madeleine, from the What in the World team, went to a gig in London by a Romanian band called Subcarpați. While she was there, she chatted to young Romanian fans - why did they move away? And what does that mean for the country they’ve left behind?
It’s not just Romania that is seeing people move away for better work opportunities or to avoid a political climate they don’t like. Countries like Croatia have a similar situation - we hear from Baby Lasagna, a Croatian singer whose song ‘Rim Tim Tagi Dim’ is all about people leaving their home country.
Also, a dog called Bobi made news headlines last year when he was given the title of the world’s oldest dog by Guinness World Records. But some people don’t believe that he really made it to the ripe old age of 31. Whilst we don’t know yet if Bobi is going to lose his title (sadly he died not long after taking the crown) Alex from the team takes us through some other records that have turned out to be false. Including one very close to home…
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: William Lee Adams
Producers: Madeleine Drury, Alex Rhodes and Emily Horler
Editors: Julia Ross-Roy and Simon Peeks
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode