Bucharest

I Introduction Bucharest, capital and largest city of Romania, located in the southeastern part of the country. The city is situated about 65 km (about 40 mi) north of the Danube River, near Ploie ti, on the banks of the Dimbovi?a River (a tributary of the Danube). Bucharest lies on a generally level plain and, including suburban districts, occupies an area of about 300 sq km (about 117 sq mi). II Population In 1930 the population of Bucharest was 631, 288. By the 1950s, as a result of industrialization and urbanization policies, the population doubled, and it has continued to increase steadily. The population was 2, 037, 000 in 1997. The rise in population caused severe housing shortages, and by the mid-1990s housing was still in short supply. Romanias lack of financial resources has prohibited the construction of new apartment buildings; many structures begun before the 1990s are still unfinished.

III Economy Bucharest is a major industrial center and the main financial and trade center of Romania. The city accounts for about 20 percent of the countrys industrial production. Industries include heavy machinery, aviation, precision machinery, agricultural tools, furniture, electronics, chemicals, textiles, leather goods, wire, soap, cosmetics, and food processing.

IV The urban landscape The city is divided into two sections by the Dimbovi?a River and is crossed by two wide boulevards. Bucharest contains six administrative districts; the adjacent rural area forms a seventh district. Most industrial areas are located in the suburbs, while the city is primarily residential. Bucharest, known as the Paris of the Balkans in the early 20th century, was a cosmopolitan city before 1944 when its architecture, city planning, and culture were French-inspired. After a Communist government came to power following World War II (1939-1945), French cultural qualities were ended, although the architecture remains. During the 1980s, under the orders of Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceau escu, a vast area on the banks of the Dimbovi?a was razed, including houses and historical monuments. Buildings of North Korean architectural style were then erected, although many of these structures are still unfinished.

V Points of interest Noteworthy secular structures include the Palace of Justice (1864), the Stirbey Palace (1835), the National Bank (1885), the Presidential Palace (previously Cotroceni Palace; 17th century with later additions), and the buildings of the Central Library of the University (1893). In the 20th century, the Cantacuzino Palace (1900), the Central Post Palace (1900), the Central Savings Bank (1900), the Royal Palace (1935), the Central Army House (1913), and the Arch of Triumph (1920) were built. Among Bucharests outstanding religious structures are the Antim Monastery (1715) and the Patriarchate Church (1665). Bucharest has many parks and wooded areas, including Herastrau, a large park with lakes.

VI EDUCATIONAL AND ...