The draconian population policies of Romania, which forbade birth control and abortion and required women to have five children, led to the birth of far more children than could be supported by the country. The population policies were implemented by communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, who ruled from 1965 until his capture and execution in 1989. The result of his policies has been thousands of Romanian children living in orphanages. Elections were held in 1990 and Romania is now struggling to improve conditions.