EXAMINING THE (GEO)DEMOGRAPHIC AND SOCIAL EVOLUTION OF ROMANIAN VILLAGES DURING THE PAST CENTURY. CASE STUDY: STRAJA COMMUNE IN BUCOVINA

Abstract

Since the late eighteenth century the rural settlements of Romania have undergone significant transformations under the influence of evolving population structures, shifting political regimes, economic reorganisation, and cultural change. Within this historical context, this investigation focuses on Straja commune located in the mountainous region of Bucovina near the Ukrainian border. Straja benefits from continuous statistical records, which make it a valuable case study for tracking demographic and social developments across generations. The research examines population dynamics by analysing birth, fertility, and mortality rates, alongside internal and international migration based on archival sources, numerical data spanning over two centuries, and insights gathered through fieldwork, including a student-led survey. This comprehensive perspective enables the reconstruction of past trajectories and the projection of future trends through 2050. The findings reveal how variations in population structure have shaped community organisation, exposing forms of continuity, adaptation, and vulnerability in a peripheral context. Beyond its empirical scope, the work contributes to ongoing debates on sustainability, territorial cohesion, and the resilience of historically rooted settlements, providing a relevant reference point for researchers and decision-makers engaged in planning strategies for marginal rural regions.