Country | Romania |
Population | 1716961 |
Area | 240 km2 (93 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+02:00 (EET) |
Coordinates | 44.43225, 26.10626 |
Highest elevation | 55.8–91.5 m (183.1–300.2 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania, stands as the country’s largest city, making a significant mark on southeastern Europe. Nestled along the River Dâmbovița, Bucharest covers an area of 240 km² within its city limits and extends over 1,811 km² when including its sprawling metropolitan area. The city’s population is officially estimated at 1.76 million, with the greater metropolitan area housing about 2.3 million residents, placing Bucharest as the 8th most populous city in the European Union.
With a rich history that dates back to 1459, Bucharest became the capital of Romania in 1862. The city’s architectural landscape reflects a blend of historical styles, including Eclectic, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau, alongside interwar Bauhaus and Art Deco influences, and modern socialist and contemporary designs. This eclectic mix earned it the nickname “Little Paris” or “Paris of the East” during the interwar period due to its elegant architecture and cultural sophistication.
Bucharest’s historical center, though scarred by wars, earthquakes, and the extensive demolition program during Nicolae Ceaușescu’s era, has undergone substantial restoration. Despite challenges, it continues to be a cultural and architectural gem.
The city is a major cultural, political, and economic hub, functioning as the seat of government and a beta global city. Its recent economic and cultural resurgence has made it one of Europe’s fastest-growing high-tech cities. Bucharest has also been recognized for its tourism growth, ranking as the European city with the highest increase in overnight stays in 2017 and showcasing significant development potential in 2018 and 2019.
Administratively, Bucharest is known as the Municipality of Bucharest and is divided into six sectors, each governed by its own local mayor. It stands as Romania’s most prosperous city and the wealthiest capital in the region, surpassing Budapest in terms of economic prosperity since 2017.
Bucharest boasts numerous large convention centers, educational institutions, cultural venues, and recreational areas. Its development as a high-tech and economic powerhouse underscores its importance as a central player in the European landscape.
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