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Romania's history is rooted in the ancient principalities of Moldavia and Walachia. Moldavia, founded in the 14th century, became a vassal state of the Ottoman Empire by the mid-16th century, though it experienced periods of resistance and Russian influence. Walachia, also under Ottoman suzerainty, saw Bucharest develop as its capital, with significant events like the uprising against Phanariote rule and the union with Moldavia in 1859. These two principalities united to form the modern nation of Romania in 1859, with Bucharest becoming its capital in 1862. Romania achieved full independence in 1877–78. The country experienced significant political and economic changes throughout the 20th century, including the overthrow of its communist regime in 1989.12345

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