Ruritania is a fictional European country often used in literature and film, particularly in the genre of romantic adventure. It was popularized by the novel "The Prisoner of Zenda" written by Anthony Hope in 1894. The story features themes of political intrigue, royal impersonation, and romance, set against a backdrop of a picturesque, yet tumultuous, monarchy. The term "Ruritanian" has since become an adjective to describe similar plots involving mistaken identities and royal escapades. This concept has influenced various works, including movies and television shows, where characters find themselves entangled in elaborate schemes within a fictional royal setting.