Difference between revisions of "Bucharest" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Approved}}{{Copyedited}}
{{Infobox Settlement    
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{{Infobox Settlement
 
|official_name            = Bucharest
 
|official_name            = Bucharest
|native_name              = ''Bucureşti''
+
|native_name              = ''Bucureşti''  
|nickname                  = Little Paris, Paris of the East
+
|nickname                  = Paris of the East, Little Paris<ref>{{cite web|title= Paris of the east |work=The Irish Times  |date=5 May 2009}}</ref>
|motto                    = Patria si Dreptul Meu (My Country and My Right)
 
 
|image_skyline            = Palace of Parliament.jpg
 
|image_skyline            = Palace of Parliament.jpg
|image_caption             = The [[Palace of the Parliament]]
+
|image_caption     = The [[Palace of the Parliament]]
 
|image_flag                = Bucharest-Flag.png
 
|image_flag                = Bucharest-Flag.png
 
|image_shield              = Bucharest-Coat-of-Arms.png
 
|image_shield              = Bucharest-Coat-of-Arms.png
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|mapsize                  = 200px
 
|mapsize                  = 200px
 
|map_caption              = Location of Bucharest within [[Romania]] (in red)
 
|map_caption              = Location of Bucharest within [[Romania]] (in red)
|subdivision_type          = [[Countries of the world|Country]]
+
|coordinates_region          = RO
 +
|subdivision_type          = Country
 
|subdivision_name          = [[Romania]]
 
|subdivision_name          = [[Romania]]
 
|subdivision_type1        = [[Administrative divisions of Romania|County]]
 
|subdivision_type1        = [[Administrative divisions of Romania|County]]
|subdivision_name1        = Municipality of Bucharest
+
|subdivision_name1        = None<sup>1</sup>
|leader_title              = Mayor
+
|leader_title              = [[Mayor of Bucharest|Mayor]]
 
|leader_name              = [[Sorin Oprescu]] ([[Independent (politician)|Independent]])
 
|leader_name              = [[Sorin Oprescu]] ([[Independent (politician)|Independent]])
|established_title        = Founded
+
|established_title        = First attested
|established_date          = 1459 (first official record)
+
|established_date          = 1459
|established_title2        =  
+
|area_footnotes            =<ref name="bucharest_pop_censuses">{{en icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.insse.ro/cms/files/pdf/ro/cap2.pdf|title=Romanian Statistical Yearbook|last=[[National Institute of Statistics (Romania)|INS]]|format=PDF |accessdate=March 21, 2012}}</ref><ref name="urban">{{cite web|url=http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf |title=Demographia World Urban Areas & Population Projections |format=PDF |accessdate=March 21, 2012}}</ref>
|established_date2        =  
+
|area_magnitude            =
|area_magnitude            =  
 
 
|area_total_km2            = 228
 
|area_total_km2            = 228
|area_land_km2            =  
+
|area_metro_km2            =
|area_water_km2            =  
+
|area_land_km2            =
|area_metro_km2           = 238
+
|area_water_km2            =
|population_as_of          = 2007-July-11 <ref> ''Institutul National de Statistica''. [http://www.insse.ro/cms/rw/resource/populatia_stab_1%20iulie2007.htm Population of Romania as of July 11, 2007] Retrieved August 10, 2008.</ref>
+
|area_urban_km2           = 285
|population_footnotes      =  
+
|population_as_of          = 2011 census
|population_note          =  
+
|population_footnotes      =<ref name="INSSE">{{cite web | url = http://www.bucuresti.insse.ro/cmsbuc/rw/resource/comunicat%20date%20provizorii%20rpl%202011%20bucuresti.pdf | title = Bucharest at the 2011 census | date = 2 February 2012 | accessdate =March 21, 2012 | publisher = [[National Institute of Statistics (Romania)|INSSE]] | language = Romanian}}</ref> <ref name="metro">{{cite web|url=http://www.urbanaudit.org/DownloadPDF.ashx?CityCode=RO001C |title=Urban Audit: Bucharest Profile |accessdate=April 14, 2011}}</ref>
|settlement_type          = City
+
|population_note          =
|population_total          = {{increase}} 1,931,838
+
|settlement_type          = Municipality
|population_metro          = 2,600,000
+
|population_total          = {{decrease}}1,677,985 <!--Do not replace with estimates numbers as they are the most recent official statistics data—>
|population_density_km2    = 8510
+
|population_rank          = [[List of Romanian counties by population|1st in Romania]]
 +
|population_urban          = {{decrease}}1,930,000
 +
|population_metro          = 2,200,000<sup>2</sup>
 +
|population_density_km2    = 8518.6
 
|timezone                  = [[Eastern European Time|EET]]
 
|timezone                  = [[Eastern European Time|EET]]
 
|utc_offset                = +2
 
|utc_offset                = +2
 
|timezone_DST              = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]]
 
|timezone_DST              = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]]
 
|utc_offset_DST            = +3
 
|utc_offset_DST            = +3
|latd                      = 44
+
|elevation_m              = 55.8–91.5
|latm                      = 25
+
|elevation_ft              = 183.1–300.2
|lats                      = 57
 
|latNS                    = N
 
|longd                    = 26
 
|longm                    = 6
 
|longs                    = 14
 
|longEW                    = E
 
|elevation_m              = 60 - 90
 
|elevation_ft              = 197&ndash;295
 
 
|postal_code_type          = Postal Code
 
|postal_code_type          = Postal Code
 
|postal_code              = 0xxxxx
 
|postal_code              = 0xxxxx
 
|area_code                = +40 x1
 
|area_code                = +40 x1
|blank_name                = [[Romanian car number plates|Car Plates]]
+
|blank_name_sec1          = [[Romanian car number plates|Car plate]]
|blank_info                = B
+
|blank_info_sec1          = B
|website                  = [http://www.pmb.ro/ www.pmb.ro]
+
|website                  = [http://www.pmb.ro/ Official site]
|footnotes                =  
+
|footnotes                = <sup>1</sup>Romanian law stipulates that Bucharest has a [[Administrative divisions of Romania|special administrative status]] which is equal to that of a county;<br /><sup>2</sup>[[Bucharest metropolitan area]] is a proposed project.
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''Bucharest''' ([[Romanian language|Romanian]]: ''Bucureşti'') is the [[capital city]], as well as the economic, administrative, and cultural center of [[Romania]]. It is located in the southeast of the country, and lies on the banks of the [[Dâmboviţa River]]. Bucharest, which dates from 1459, became the state capital of Romania in 1862. Between the two World Wars, the city's elegant [[architecture]] and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of the "Paris of the East" or "Little Paris" (''Micul Paris''). Although many buildings and districts in the historic center were damaged or destroyed by [[war]], [[earthquake]]s, and by dictator [[Nicolae Ceauşescu]]'s program of systematization, many survived.  
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'''Bucharest''' ([[Romanian language|Romanian]]: ''Bucureşti'') is the capital city, as well as the economic, administrative, and cultural center of [[Romania]]. It is located in the southeast quadrant of the country, and lies on the banks of the [[Dâmboviţa River]]. Bucharest, whose founding dates from 1459, became the state capital of Romania in 1862. Between the two World Wars, the city's elegant [[architecture]] and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of the "[[Paris]] of the East" or "Little Paris" ''(Micul Paris).''  
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The people of Bucharest suffered under the leadership of [[Nicolae Ceaușescu]] (1965-1989) along with their rural countrymen. During the 1980s, Ceauşescu's program of [[systematization]] was promoted as a way to build a "multilaterally developed [[socialism|socialist]] society," but caused the demolition of more than 20 percent of central Bucharest including centuries old [[church]]es and many historic buildings. These were replaced with [[communism|Communist]] [[architecture]] style buildings, particularly high-rise apartment blocks. The best example of this is Centrul Civic (the Civic Center), including the Palace of the Parliament, where an entire historic quarter of the city was razed to make way for Ceauşescu's new constructions. Although many buildings and districts in the historic center were damaged or destroyed by [[war]], [[earthquake]]s, and Ceauşescu's re-building program, many more survived. Bucharest is a city with a complex blend of old and new.
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{{toc}}
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Bucharest produces nearly 21 percent of Romania's gross domestic product and 25 percent of its industrial production, and accounts for only nine percent of the country's population. While the city has extensive representative government, a significant problem remains in political corruption, which is seen as the most important justice-and-law related problem in the city.
  
 
==Geography==
 
==Geography==
The name "Bucur" (from "bucurie", meaning "joy") is of Thracian-Geto-Dacian origin. In Albanian, a language which has historical connections with the Thracian languages, "bukur' signifies "beautiful".
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The name "Bucur" (from "bucurie," meaning "joy") is of Thracian-Geto-Dacian origin. In Albanian, a language which has historical connections with the Thracian languages, "bukur' signifies "beautiful."
  
 
Bucharest is situated in the southeastern corner of the [[Romanian Plain]], in an area once covered by the [[Vlăsiei forest]], which, after it was cleared, gave way to a fertile flatland. Bucharest is traditionally considered to have seven hills, in the tradition of the seven hills of [[Rome]]. Bucharest's seven hills are: [[Mihai Vodă]], [[Dealul Mitropoliei]], [[Radu Vodă]], [[Cotroceni]], [[Spirei]], [[Văcăreşti, Bucharest|Văcăreşti]] and [[Sf. Gheorghe Nou]].
 
Bucharest is situated in the southeastern corner of the [[Romanian Plain]], in an area once covered by the [[Vlăsiei forest]], which, after it was cleared, gave way to a fertile flatland. Bucharest is traditionally considered to have seven hills, in the tradition of the seven hills of [[Rome]]. Bucharest's seven hills are: [[Mihai Vodă]], [[Dealul Mitropoliei]], [[Radu Vodă]], [[Cotroceni]], [[Spirei]], [[Văcăreşti, Bucharest|Văcăreşti]] and [[Sf. Gheorghe Nou]].
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Bucharest is situated on the banks of the [[Dâmboviţa River]], which flows into the [[Argeş River]], a tributary of the [[Danube]]. Several lakes{{ndash}} the most important of which are [[Lake Floreasca]], [[Lake Tei]] and [[Lake Colentina]]{{ndash}} stretch across the city, along the [[Colentina River]], a tributary of the Dâmboviţa. In the center of the capital is a small artificial lake{{ndash}} Lake Cişmigiu{{ndash}} surrounded by the [[Cişmigiu Gardens]].
 
Bucharest is situated on the banks of the [[Dâmboviţa River]], which flows into the [[Argeş River]], a tributary of the [[Danube]]. Several lakes{{ndash}} the most important of which are [[Lake Floreasca]], [[Lake Tei]] and [[Lake Colentina]]{{ndash}} stretch across the city, along the [[Colentina River]], a tributary of the Dâmboviţa. In the center of the capital is a small artificial lake{{ndash}} Lake Cişmigiu{{ndash}} surrounded by the [[Cişmigiu Gardens]].
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Image:Km0 romania.jpeg|Kilometre Zero Monument
 
 
Image:Bucharest SPOT 1064.jpg|Bucharest seen from Spot satellite
 
Image:Bucharest SPOT 1064.jpg|Bucharest seen from Spot satellite
Image:Cismigiu Gardens2.jpg|The Cişmigiu Gardens
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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[[Image:CEC palace and royal guard.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Back view of the CEC Palace and the royal guard.]]
 
[[Image:CEC palace and royal guard.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Back view of the CEC Palace and the royal guard.]]
 
[[Image:Red_Army_greeted_in_Bucharest.jpg|thumb|225px|right|Bucharesters greet Romania's new ally, the [[Red Army]], in 1944.]]
 
[[Image:Red_Army_greeted_in_Bucharest.jpg|thumb|225px|right|Bucharesters greet Romania's new ally, the [[Red Army]], in 1944.]]
[[Image:Bucuresti Romania by adrianexcelent.jpg|thumb|right|225px|The Hero's monument seen from above.]]
 
 
[[Image:PalaceJustice1Buc.JPG|thumb|right|225px|The Palace of Justice in Bucharest.]]
 
[[Image:PalaceJustice1Buc.JPG|thumb|right|225px|The Palace of Justice in Bucharest.]]
  
During the [[Paleolithic]] era, small settlements existed in the thick [[forest]]s of the location that became Bucharest. The ''[[Glina culture]]'' existed there during the [[Neolithic]] times, and the ''[[Gumelniţa culture]]'' included the region before the 19th century b.c.e. <ref> Giurescu, p.25-26; Morintz and Rosetti, p.12-18 </ref> During the [[Bronze Age]], a third phase of the ''Glina culture'' (centered on [[pastoralism]], partly superimposed on the ''Gumelniţa culture'') and, later, the ''[[Tei culture]]'' evolved on Bucharest soil. <ref> Giurescu, p.26; Morintz and Rosetti, p.18-27</ref>
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During the [[Paleolithic]] era, small settlements existed in the thick [[forest]]s of the location that became Bucharest. The ''[[Glina culture]]'' existed there during the [[Neolithic]] times, and the ''[[Gumelniţa culture]]'' included the region before the nineteenth century B.C.E.<ref>Constantin C. Giurescu. 1976. ''History of Bucharest.'' (Bucharest: Pub. House for Sports and Tourism), 25-26</ref><ref>Sebastian Morintz and D.V. Rosetti (Chapter I) "Din cele mai vechi timpuri şi pînă la formarea Bucureştilor". 12-18, in ''Muzeul de Istorie a Oraşului Bucureşti, Bucureştii de odinioară,'' Ed. Ştiinţifică, (Bucharest: 1959) (in Romanian)</ref> During the [[Bronze Age]], a third phase of the ''Glina culture'' (centered on [[pastoralism]], partly superimposed on the ''Gumelniţa culture'') and, later, the ''[[Tei culture]]'' evolved on Bucharest soil.<ref>Giurescu, 26; Morintz and Rosetti, 18-27</ref>
  
In the [[Iron Age]], the area was inhabited by the ''[[Getae]]'' and ''[[Dacians]]'', who had commercial links with the [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] cities and the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]]. Bucharest was never under [[Roman Dacia|Roman rule]], with an exception during [[Muntenia]]'s brief conquest by the troops of [[Constantine I]] in the 330s c.e.
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In the [[Iron Age]], the area was inhabited by the ''[[Getae]]'' and ''[[Dacians]],'' who had commercial links with the [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] cities and the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]]. Bucharest was never under [[Roman Dacia|Roman rule]], with an exception during [[Muntenia]]'s brief conquest by the troops of [[Constantine I]] in the 330s C.E.
  
 
[[Slavic peoples|Slavs]] founded several settlements there, and the area was part of the [[First Bulgarian Empire|First Bulgarian Empire]] between 681 and c.1000. The area was subject to the successive invasions of [[Pechenegs]] and [[Cumans]] and conquered by the [[Mongol Empire|Mongols]] during the 1241 [[Mongol invasion of Europe|invasion of Europe]].  
 
[[Slavic peoples|Slavs]] founded several settlements there, and the area was part of the [[First Bulgarian Empire|First Bulgarian Empire]] between 681 and c.1000. The area was subject to the successive invasions of [[Pechenegs]] and [[Cumans]] and conquered by the [[Mongol Empire|Mongols]] during the 1241 [[Mongol invasion of Europe|invasion of Europe]].  
  
According to legend, the city was founded by a shepherd named [[Bucur]] (or, alternatively, a [[boyar]] of that same name). Its foundation has also been ascribed to the legendary 13th century Wallachian prince [[Radu Negru]] in stories first recorded in the 1500s.
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According to [[legend]], the city was founded by a [[shepherd]] named [[Bucur]] (or, alternatively, a [[boyar]] of that same name). Its foundation has also been ascribed to the legendary thirteenth century [[Wallachia|Wallachian]] prince [[Radu Negru]] in stories first recorded in the 1500s.
  
First mentioned as "the Citadel of Bucureşti" in 1459 as one of the residences of the [[Wallachia]]n prince [[Vlad III the Impaler]] (1431-1476), known for his exceedingly cruel punishments, which included impaling people alive on stakes. The Old Princely Court (''Curtea Veche'') was built by [[Mircea Ciobanul]], which soon became the preferred summer residence of the court. It competed with [[Târgovişte]] for the status of capital after an increase in the importance of southern [[Muntenia]] brought about by the demands of the [[Ottoman Empire]], and was viewed by contemporaries as the strongest citadel in its country.
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First mentioned as "the Citadel of Bucureşti" in 1459 as one of the residences of the [[Wallachia]]n prince [[Vlad III the Impaler]] (1431-1476), known for his exceedingly cruel punishments, which included impaling people alive on stakes. The Old Princely Court ''(Curtea Veche)'' was built by [[Mircea Ciobanul]], which soon became the preferred summer residence of the court. It competed with [[Târgovişte]] for the status of capital after an increase in the importance of southern [[Muntenia]] brought about by the demands of the [[Ottoman Empire]], and was viewed by contemporaries as the strongest [[citadel]] in its country.
  
Burned down by the Ottomans and briefly discarded by princes at the start of the 17th century, Bucharest was restored and continued to grow in size and prosperity. Its center was around the street "Uliţa Mare", which starting 1589 was known as [[Lipscani]]. Before the 1700s, it became the most important trade center of Wallachia and became a permanent location for the Wallachian court after 1698 (starting with the reign of [[Constantin Brâncoveanu]] (1689-1714)).
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Burned down by the Ottomans and briefly discarded by princes at the start of the seventeenth century, Bucharest was restored and continued to grow in size and prosperity. Its center was around the street "Uliţa Mare," which starting 1589 was known as [[Lipscani]]. Before the 1700s, it became the most important trade center of [[Wallachia]] and became a permanent location for the Wallachian court after 1698 (starting with the reign of [[Constantin Brâncoveanu]] (1689-1714)).
  
Partly destroyed by [[natural disaster]]s and rebuilt several times during the following 200 years, hit by ''Caragea's plague'' in 1813-1814, the city was wrested from Ottoman control and occupied at several intervals by the [[Habsburg|Habsburg Monarchy]] (1716, 1737, 1789) and [[Imperial Russia]] (three times between 1768 and 1806).  
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Partly destroyed by [[natural disaster]]s and rebuilt several times during the following 200 years, hit by ''Caragea's plague'' in 1813-1814, the city was wrested from [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] control and occupied at several intervals by the [[Habsburg|Habsburg Monarchy]] (1716, 1737, 1789) and [[Imperial Russia]] (three times between 1768 and 1806).  
  
It was placed under Russian administration between 1828 and the [[Crimean War]], with an interlude during the Bucharest-centered 1848 Wallachian revolution, and an [[Austria]]n garrison took possession after the Russian departure (remaining in the city until March 1857). Additionally, on March 23, 1847, a fire consumed about 2,000 buildings of Bucharest, destroying a third of the city. The social divide between rich and poor was described at the time by German socialist [[Ferdinand Lassalle]] (1825-1864) as making the city "a savage hotchpotch".
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It was placed under Russian administration between 1828 and the [[Crimean War]], with an interlude during the Bucharest-centered 1848 Wallachian revolution, and an [[Austria]]n garrison took possession after the Russian departure (remaining in the city until March 1857). Additionally, on March 23, 1847, a fire consumed about 2,000 buildings of Bucharest, destroying a third of the city. The social divide between rich and poor was described at the time by German socialist [[Ferdinand Lassalle]] (1825-1864) as making the city "a savage hotchpotch."
  
In 1861, when [[Wallachia]] and [[Moldavia]] were united to form the Principality of Romania, Bucharest became the new nation's capital; in 1881, it became the political center of the newly-proclaimed [[Kingdom of Romania]]. During the second half of the 19th century, due to its new status, the city's population increased dramatically, and a new period of urban development began. The extravagant [[architecture]] and cosmopolitan high culture of this period won Bucharest the nickname of "The Paris of the East", with [[Calea Victoriei]] as its [[Champs-Élysées]] or [[Fifth Avenue]].
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In 1861, when [[Wallachia]] and [[Moldavia]] were united to form the Principality of Romania, Bucharest became the new nation's capital; in 1881, it became the political center of the newly-proclaimed [[Kingdom of Romania]]. During the second half of the nineteenth century, due to its new status, the city's population increased dramatically, and a new period of urban development began. The extravagant [[architecture]] and cosmopolitan high culture of this period won Bucharest the nickname of "The Paris of the East," with [[Calea Victoriei]] as its [[Champs-Élysées]] or [[Fifth Avenue]].
  
Between December 6, 1916, and November 1918, it was occupied by [[German Empire|German]] forces, the legitimate capital being moved to [[Iaşi]]. After [[World War I]], Bucharest became the capital of [[Greater Romania]]. As the capital of an [[Axis Powers|Axis]] country, Bucharest suffered heavy losses during [[World War II]], due to Allied bombings, and, on August 23, 1944, saw the the royal coup which brought Romania into the anti-[[Nazi Germany|German]] camp, suffering a short but destructive period of [[Luftwaffe]] bombings in reprisal. On November 8, 1945, the king's birthday, the [[Soviet]]-backed [[Petru Groza]] government suppressed pro-monarchist rallies.
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Between December 6, 1916, and November 1918, it was occupied by [[German Empire|German]] forces, the legitimate capital being moved to [[Iaşi]]. After [[World War I]], Bucharest became the capital of [[Greater Romania]]. As the capital of an [[Axis Powers|Axis]] country, Bucharest suffered heavy losses during [[World War II]], due to Allied bombings, and, on August 23, 1944, saw the royal coup which brought [[Romania]] into the anti-[[Nazi Germany|German]] camp, suffering a short but destructive period of [[Luftwaffe]] bombings in reprisal. On November 8, 1945, the king's birthday, the [[Soviet]]-backed [[Petru Groza]] government suppressed pro-monarchist rallies.
  
In 1977 a strong (7.4 on the Richter-scale) [[earthquake]] claimed 1,500 lives and destroyed many old buildings.
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In 1977 a strong (7.4 on the Richter-scale) [[earthquake]] claimed 1500 lives and destroyed many old buildings.
During [[Nicolae Ceauşescu]]'s leadership (1965-1989) during the 1980s, over one fifth of central Bucharest including churches and historic buildings was demolished in his program of systematization - promoted as a way to build a "multilaterally developed socialist society". Demolition, resettlement, and construction began in the Romanian countryside, but culminated with an attempt to reshape the country's capital completely. Many historic and religious buildings were replaced with Communist-style buildings, particularly high-rise apartment blocks. The best example of this is [[Centrul Civic]] (the Civic Center), including the [[Palace of the Parliament]], where an entire historic quarter was razed to make way for Ceauşescu's megalomaniac constructions. This is the world's second largest administrative building, after [[The Pentagon]].  
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During [[Nicolae Ceauşescu]]'s leadership (1965-1989) during the 1980s, over one fifth of central Bucharest, including churches and historic buildings, was demolished in his program of systematization - promoted as a way to build a "multilaterally developed socialist society." Demolition, resettlement, and construction began in the Romanian countryside, but culminated with an attempt to reshape the country's capital completely. Many historic and religious buildings were replaced with Communist-style buildings, particularly high-rise apartment blocks. The best example of this is [[Centrul Civic]] (the Civic Center), including the [[Palace of the Parliament]], where an entire historic quarter was razed to make way for Ceauşescu's megalomaniac constructions. This is the world's second largest administrative building, after [[The Pentagon]].  
  
The [[Romanian Revolution of 1989]] began with mass anti-Ceauşescu protests in [[Timişoara]] in December 1989 and continued in Bucharest, leading to the overthrow of the Communist regime. Dissatisfied with the post-revolutionary leadership of the [[National Salvation Front]], student leagues and opposition groups organized large-scale protests in 1990 (the [[Golaniad]]), which were violently stopped by the miners of [[Valea Jiului]] (the [[Mineriad]]). Several other Mineriads followed, the results of which included a government change.
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The [[Romanian Revolution of 1989]] began with mass anti-Ceauşescu protests in [[Timişoara]] in December 1989 and continued in Bucharest, leading to the overthrow of the Communist regime. Dissatisfied with the post-revolutionary leadership of the [[National Salvation Front]], student leagues and opposition groups organized large-scale protests in 1990 (the [[Golaniad]]), which were violently stopped by the [[mining|miners]] of [[Valea Jiului]] known as (the [[Mineriad]]). Several other Mineriads followed, the results of which included a government change.
  
 
==Government==
 
==Government==
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Bucharest has a unique status in Romanian administration, since it is the only municipality that is not part of a county.  
 
Bucharest has a unique status in Romanian administration, since it is the only municipality that is not part of a county.  
  
The city government is headed by a general mayor. The general council is made up of 55 elected councilors. The city is divided into six administrative sectors (''sectoare''), each of which has their own 27-seat council, town hall and mayor. The main city hall is responsible for the [[water]] system, transport, and the main boulevards. Sectorial town halls manage the contact between individuals and the local government, secondary streets, parks, schools and cleaning services.
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The city government is headed by a general mayor. The general council is made up of 55 elected councilors. The city is divided into six administrative sectors ''(sectoare),'' each of which has their own 27-seat council, town hall and mayor. The main city hall is responsible for the [[water]] system, transport, and the main boulevards. Sectorial town halls manage the contact between individuals and the local government, secondary streets, parks, schools and cleaning services.
  
 
The six sectors are numbered from one to six and are disposed radially so that each one has under its administration an area of the city center. They are numbered clockwise and are further divided into districts.
 
The six sectors are numbered from one to six and are disposed radially so that each one has under its administration an area of the city center. They are numbered clockwise and are further divided into districts.
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==Economy==
 
==Economy==
[[Image:Bucharest Charles de Gaulle2.jpg|thumb|left|210px|[[Charles de Gaulle]] Plaza seen from the Herăstrău Park.]]
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Romania has a large, upper-middle-income economy, the 15th largest in [[Europe]] based on purchasing power parity. Bucharest is the most economically-developed and industrialized city in Romania, producing around 21 percent of the country's gross domestic product and about one-quarter of its industrial production, while only accounting for nine percent of the country's [[population]]. Almost one third of national taxes are paid by Bucharest's citizens and companies. In 2005, at purchasing power parity, Bucharest had a per-capita GDP of $US25,210, or 74.8 percent that of the [[European Union]] average and more than twice the [[Romania]]n average.
[[Image:Piata Victoriei BRD.JPG|thumb|left|210px|Groupe Société Générale Tower in Victoria square.]]
 
Romania has a large, upper-middle-income economy, the 15th largest in [[Europe]] based on purchasing power parity. Bucharest is the most economically-developed and industrialized city in Romania, producing around 21 percent of the country's gross domestic product and about one-quarter of its industrial production, while only accounting for nine percent of the country's [[population]]. Almost one third of national taxes is paid by Bucharest's citizens and companies. In 2005, at purchasing power parity, Bucharest had a per-capita GDP of $US25,210, or 74.8 percent that of the [[European Union]] average and more than twice the [[Romania]]n average.
 
  
 
The city's strong economic growth has revitalized [[infrastructure]] and led to the development of many shopping malls and modern residential towers and high-rise office buildings. In September 2005, Bucharest had an [[unemployment]] rate of 2.6 percent, significantly lower than the national unemployment rate of 5.7 percent.
 
The city's strong economic growth has revitalized [[infrastructure]] and led to the development of many shopping malls and modern residential towers and high-rise office buildings. In September 2005, Bucharest had an [[unemployment]] rate of 2.6 percent, significantly lower than the national unemployment rate of 5.7 percent.
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Bucharest's population experienced two phases of rapid growth, the first in the late 19th century, and the second during the Communist period, when a massive urbanization campaign was launched and many people migrated from rural areas. Ceauşescu's ban on [[abortion]] and [[contraception]] meant that [[natural increase]] was also significant.
 
Bucharest's population experienced two phases of rapid growth, the first in the late 19th century, and the second during the Communist period, when a massive urbanization campaign was launched and many people migrated from rural areas. Ceauşescu's ban on [[abortion]] and [[contraception]] meant that [[natural increase]] was also significant.
  
Approximately 97 percent of the population of Bucharest are [[Romanians|ethnic Romanians]], with the second largest ethnic group being the [[Roma people|Roma]], which make up 1.4 percent of the population. Other significant ethnic groups are [[Hungarians]] (0.3 percent), [[Jews]] (0.1 percent), [[Turkish people|Turks]] (0,1 percent) and [[Germans]] (0,1 percent). Some other inhabitants of Bucharest are of [[Greeks in Romania|Greek]], [[Armenians in Romania|Armenian]], [[Lipovans|Lipovan]] and [[Italy|Italian]] descent. A native or resident of Bucharest is called ''Bucharester''.
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Approximately 97 percent of the population of Bucharest are [[Romanians|ethnic Romanians]], with the second largest ethnic group being the [[Roma people|Roma]], which make up 1.4 percent of the population. Other significant ethnic groups are [[Hungarians]] (0.3 percent), [[Jews]] (0.1 percent), [[Turkish people|Turks]] (0,1 percent) and [[Germans]] (0,1 percent). Some other inhabitants of Bucharest are of [[Greeks in Romania|Greek]], [[Armenians in Romania|Armenian]], [[Lipovans|Lipovan]] and [[Italy|Italian]] descent. A native or resident of Bucharest is called ''Bucharester.''
  
 
The official [[language]] is Romanian, an Eastern [[Romance language]]. [[English language|English]] and [[French language|French]] are the main foreign languages taught in schools.  
 
The official [[language]] is Romanian, an Eastern [[Romance language]]. [[English language|English]] and [[French language|French]] are the main foreign languages taught in schools.  
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[[Image:Bucharest-Hotel-Union.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Bucharest - "Little Paris"]]
 
[[Image:Bucharest-Hotel-Union.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Bucharest - "Little Paris"]]
 
[[Image:CEC Palace Bucharest.jpg|right|thumb|225px|The CEC Palace]]
 
[[Image:CEC Palace Bucharest.jpg|right|thumb|225px|The CEC Palace]]
[[Image:Bukarest Triumpf.jpg|thumb|right|225px|[[Arcul de Triumf]]]]
 
[[Image:Elegant Fountains.jpg|thumb|225px|Fountains in front of the Palace of the Parliament]]
 
  
Bucharest's [[architecture]] is highly [[Eclecticism|eclectic]]. The city center is a mixture of medieval, neoclassical and [[art nouveau]] buildings, as well as “neo-Romanian” buildings dating from the beginning of the 20th century, and a remarkable collection of buildings from the 1930s and 1940s. A [[France|French]] influence on buildings meant Bucharest was once called "the Paris of the East", and the mostly-utilitarian Communist-era architecture is everywhere. Skyscrapers and office buildings were mainly constructed after 2000.
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Bucharest's [[architecture]] is highly [[Eclecticism|eclectic]]. The city center is a mixture of medieval, neoclassical and [[art nouveau]] buildings, as well as “neo-Romanian” buildings dating from the beginning of the twentieth century, and a remarkable collection of buildings from the 1930s and 1940s. A [[France|French]] influence on buildings meant Bucharest was once called "the Paris of the East," and the mostly-utilitarian Communist-era architecture is everywhere. Skyscrapers and office buildings were mainly constructed after 2000.
  
 
* The [[Palace of the Parliament]], built in the 1980s during the reign of Communist dictator [[Nicolae Ceauşescu]], is the largest building in Europe and the second-largest in the world. It houses the Romanian Parliament (the [[Chamber of Deputies of Romania|Chamber of Deputies]] and the [[Senate of Romania|Senate]]), as well as the [[National Museum of Contemporary Art (Romania)|National Museum of Contemporary Art]]. It is also often used as a convention center.
 
* The [[Palace of the Parliament]], built in the 1980s during the reign of Communist dictator [[Nicolae Ceauşescu]], is the largest building in Europe and the second-largest in the world. It houses the Romanian Parliament (the [[Chamber of Deputies of Romania|Chamber of Deputies]] and the [[Senate of Romania|Senate]]), as well as the [[National Museum of Contemporary Art (Romania)|National Museum of Contemporary Art]]. It is also often used as a convention center.
 
* The [[Memorial of Rebirth]] is a stylized marble pillar unveiled in 2005 to commemorate the victims of the [[Romanian Revolution of 1989]], which overthrew [[Communism]].  
 
* The [[Memorial of Rebirth]] is a stylized marble pillar unveiled in 2005 to commemorate the victims of the [[Romanian Revolution of 1989]], which overthrew [[Communism]].  
 
* The [[Romanian Athenaeum]] building is considered to be a symbol of Romanian culture and since 2007 is on the list of the Label of European Heritage sights.
 
* The [[Romanian Athenaeum]] building is considered to be a symbol of Romanian culture and since 2007 is on the list of the Label of European Heritage sights.
* Other cultural venues include the National Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History "Grigore Antipa", the [[Museum of Romanian History]], [[National Museum of Romanian History|National History Museum]], and the [[National Military Museum (Romania)|Military Museum]].
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* Other cultural venues include the National Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History "Grigore Antipa," the [[Museum of Romanian History]], [[National Museum of Romanian History|National History Museum]], and the [[National Military Museum (Romania)|Military Museum]].
 
* The [[Museum of the Romanian Peasant]], which contains a collection of artifacts detailing Romanian history and culture from the prehistoric times, [[Dacia]]n era, medieval times and the modern era.  
 
* The [[Museum of the Romanian Peasant]], which contains a collection of artifacts detailing Romanian history and culture from the prehistoric times, [[Dacia]]n era, medieval times and the modern era.  
 
* The open-air [[Village Museum]], in [[Herăstrău Park]], which contains 272 authentic buildings and peasant farms from all over Romania.  
 
* The open-air [[Village Museum]], in [[Herăstrău Park]], which contains 272 authentic buildings and peasant farms from all over Romania.  
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* The [[National Museum of Art of Romania]], which features medieval and modern Romanian art.
 
* The [[National Museum of Art of Romania]], which features medieval and modern Romanian art.
 
* The [[Zambaccian Museum]], which contains works by Romanian artists as well as [[Paul Cézanne]], [[Eugène Delacroix]], [[Henri Matisse]], [[Camille Pissarro]] and [[Pablo Picasso]].  
 
* The [[Zambaccian Museum]], which contains works by Romanian artists as well as [[Paul Cézanne]], [[Eugène Delacroix]], [[Henri Matisse]], [[Camille Pissarro]] and [[Pablo Picasso]].  
* The [[Gheorghe Tattarescu]] Museum, which contains portraits of Romanian revolutionaries in exile, and allegorical compositions with revolutionary (''Romania's rebirth'', 1849) and patriotic (''The Principalities' Unification'', 1857) themes.
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* The [[Gheorghe Tattarescu]] Museum, which contains portraits of Romanian revolutionaries in exile, and allegorical compositions with revolutionary (''Romania's rebirth,'' 1849) and patriotic (''The Principalities' Unification,'' 1857) themes.
  
Bucharest is the location of the neoclassical [[Romanian Athenaeum]], founded in 1852, which hosts classical [[music]] concerts, the [[George Enescu]] Festival, and is home to the "[[George Enescu]]" Philharmonic. Bucharest is home to the [[Romanian National Opera]], the [[I.L. Caragiale National Theatre]], and the [[State Jewish Theater (Romania)|State Jewish Theatre]]..
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Bucharest is the location of the neoclassical [[Romanian Athenaeum]], founded in 1852, which hosts classical [[music]] concerts, the [[George Enescu]] Festival, and is home to the "George Enescu" Philharmonic. Bucharest is home to the [[Romanian National Opera]], the [[I.L. Caragiale National Theatre]], and the [[State Jewish Theater (Romania)|State Jewish Theatre]]..
  
 
Bucharest is home to Romania's largest recording labels, 1970s Romanian rock bands, boy bands, and hip hop genres. While many discos play [[manele]], a Turkish-influenced type of music that is particularly popular in Bucharest's working class districts, the city has an increasing [[jazz]] and [[blues]] scene, and, to an extent, [[eurodance]]/[[trance music|trance]] and [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]/[[punk music|punk]].  
 
Bucharest is home to Romania's largest recording labels, 1970s Romanian rock bands, boy bands, and hip hop genres. While many discos play [[manele]], a Turkish-influenced type of music that is particularly popular in Bucharest's working class districts, the city has an increasing [[jazz]] and [[blues]] scene, and, to an extent, [[eurodance]]/[[trance music|trance]] and [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]/[[punk music|punk]].  
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One of the city's best known clubs is the [[Lăptăria Enache]] and the La Motoare, located above (on the rooftop of) the National Theatre, as well as Fire Club and Club A. The city also hosts some acclaimed electronic/house music clubs such as Bamboo and Krystal Club.  
 
One of the city's best known clubs is the [[Lăptăria Enache]] and the La Motoare, located above (on the rooftop of) the National Theatre, as well as Fire Club and Club A. The city also hosts some acclaimed electronic/house music clubs such as Bamboo and Krystal Club.  
  
The National Opera organizes the International Opera Festival every year in May and June. The Romanian Athaeneum Society hosts the [[George Enescu]] Classical Music Festival at various locations throughout the city in September every year. Additionally, the Museum of the Romanian Peasant and the Village Museum organize a number of events throughout the year showcasing Romanian folk arts and crafts.
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The National Opera organizes the International Opera Festival every year in May and June. The Romanian Athaeneum Society hosts the [[George Enescu]] Classical Music Festival at various locations throughout the city in September every year. Additionally, the Museum of the Romanian Peasant and the Village Museum organize a number of events throughout the year showcasing Romanian [[folk art|folk]] [[arts and crafts]].
  
 
In 2005, Bucharest was the first city in [[Southeastern Europe]] to host the international [[CowParade]], which resulted in dozens of decorated cow sculptures being placed at various points across the city. Since 2005 Bucharest has its own contemporary art [[biennale]], the [[Bucharest Biennale]].  
 
In 2005, Bucharest was the first city in [[Southeastern Europe]] to host the international [[CowParade]], which resulted in dozens of decorated cow sculptures being placed at various points across the city. Since 2005 Bucharest has its own contemporary art [[biennale]], the [[Bucharest Biennale]].  
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==Looking to the future==
 
==Looking to the future==
[[Image:University square Bucharest.jpg|400px|thumb|University Square with the statue of [[Mihai Viteazu]] in the foreground]]
 
  
The Bucharest area has been inhabited since the [[Paleolithic]] era. Settled by [[Slavs]], once part of the [[First Bulgarian Empire]], conquered by [[Mongol]]s, [[Ottoman]]s, [[Habsburg]]s, [[Russians]], before it became the political center of the [[Kingdom of Romania]], Bucharest has been occupied by [[German]]s, bombed by the German [[Luftwaffe]], and for 44 years was under a [[communism|communist]] dictatorship. Post-Cold War Romania developed closer ties with [[Western Europe]], eventually joining [[NATO]] in 2004 and the [[European Union]] in January 2007.
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The Bucharest area has been inhabited since the [[Paleolithic]] era. Settled by [[Slavic people|Slavs]], once part of the [[First Bulgarian Empire]], conquered by [[Mongol Empire|Mongols]], [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]], [[Habsburg]]s, [[Russia]]ns, before it became the political center of the [[Kingdom of Romania]], Bucharest has been occupied by [[Germany]], bombed by the German [[Luftwaffe]], and for 44 years was under a [[communism|communist]] dictatorship. Post-[[Cold War]] Romania developed closer ties with [[Western Europe]], eventually joining [[NATO]] in 2004 and the [[European Union]] in January 2007.
  
Bucharest's [[crime]] rate is low in comparison to other [[Eastern Europe]]an capital cities. Petty crime is more common, particularly [[pickpocketing]] on the city's public transport network.  
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Bucharest's [[crime]] rate is low in comparison to other [[Eastern Europe]]an capital cities. Petty crime is more common, particularly [[pickpocketing]] on the city's public transport network. However, while the city has extensive representative government, a significant problem remains in political corruption, which is seen as the most important justice-and-law related problem in the city.
  
In 2008, [[Romania]] had a large, upper-middle-income economy, and Bucharest was the most economically developed and industrialized city in the country. An important source for growth since 2000 has been the city's property and construction boom. Domestic consumption and investment have fueled strong GDP growth, but corruption and red tape continue to handicap its business environment.
+
In 2008, [[Romania]] had a large, upper-middle-income economy, and Bucharest was the most economically developed and industrialized city in the country. An important source for growth since 2000 has been the city's property and construction boom. Domestic consumption and investment have fueled strong [[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]] growth, but corruption and red tape continue to handicap its business environment.
  
 
Strong demand in [[European Union]] export markets pulled [[Romania]] in 2000 from a punishing three-year recession. Since Romania joined the European Union in January 2007, and plans to adopt the euro by 2014, Bucharest could look forward to increasing prosperity.
 
Strong demand in [[European Union]] export markets pulled [[Romania]] in 2000 from a punishing three-year recession. Since Romania joined the European Union in January 2007, and plans to adopt the euro by 2014, Bucharest could look forward to increasing prosperity.
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<center><gallery>
 
<center><gallery>
 
Image:The University.JPG|University of Bucharest.
 
Image:The University.JPG|University of Bucharest.
Image:The University of Bucharest Library.jpg|The University of Bucharest Library
 
 
Image:Over unirii square 2.jpg| The Unirii Square fountain
 
Image:Over unirii square 2.jpg| The Unirii Square fountain
 
Image:Cantacuzino-Enescu 1.jpg|George Enescu Museum - The Cantacuzino Palace
 
Image:Cantacuzino-Enescu 1.jpg|George Enescu Museum - The Cantacuzino Palace
Image:Cotroceni Palace Bucharest.jpg|The Cotroceni Palace
 
Image:Modern architecture Bucharest.jpg|Modern architecture on the banks of Dâmboviţa River
 
Image:Bancorex building bgiu.jpg|Bucharest Financial Plaza Tower
 
Image:Herastrau Park.jpg|Herăstrău Park
 
Image:Nicolae Balcesco Boulevard by night.jpg|Nicolae Balcesco Boulevard by night
 
Image:Cismigiu Gardens.jpg|The Cişmigiu Gardens
 
Image:Old Bucharest.jpg|The old city center of Bucharest
 
Image:Stravopoleos street.jpg|Stavropoleos street, with the CEC Palace in the background
 
 
Image:Stavopoleos exterior cristi.jpg|Stavropoleos Church, built in 1724
 
Image:Stavopoleos exterior cristi.jpg|Stavropoleos Church, built in 1724
Image:Ion Heliade Radulescu.jpg|Statue of Ion Heliade Rădulescu in University Square
 
Image:Bucharest The Palace of the Parliament.jpg|The Palace of the Parliament from above
 
Image:Revolution Square Bucharest.jpg|Statue of Iuliu Maniu in Revolution Square
 
 
Image:Vitan2.jpg|Bancpost Tower  
 
Image:Vitan2.jpg|Bancpost Tower  
 
Image:Vitan1.jpg|The Romanian Chamber of Commerce
 
Image:Vitan1.jpg|The Romanian Chamber of Commerce
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Image:Radu Voda intrarea principala.JPG|Radu Vodă Orthodox Monastery
 
Image:Radu Voda intrarea principala.JPG|Radu Vodă Orthodox Monastery
 
</gallery></center>
 
</gallery></center>
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
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==References==
 
==References==
* ''City Hall of Bucharest''. [http://www1.pmb.ro/pmb/index_en.htm Bucharest local administration] Retrieved August 9, 2008.
+
* Giurescu, Constantin C. ''History of Bucharest.'' Bucharest: Pub. House for Sports and Tourism, 1976. {{OCLC|2410946}}
* Giurescu, Constantin C. 1976. ''History of Bucharest''. [Bucharest]: Pub. House for Sports and Tourism. OCLC 2410946
+
* Livezeanu, I. "Luminita Machedon and Ernie Scoffham, Romanian Modernism: The Architecture of Bucharest, 1920-1940." ''Slavic Review'' 61 (2002): 388. ISSN 0037-6779
* ''In Your Pocket Ltd.'' [http://www.inyourpocket.com/romania/bucharest/en/category?cid=2830&chid=15 Public transport in Bucharest] Retrieved August 9, 2008.
+
* Morintz, Sebastian, and D. V. Rosetti, (Chapter I) "Din cele mai vechi timpuri şi pînă la formarea Bucureştilor". In ''Muzeul de Istorie a Oraşului Bucureşti, Bucureştii de odinioară,'' 11-35. Ed. Ştiinţifică, Bucharest: 1959. (in Romanian)
* Livezeanu, I. 2002. "Luminita Machedon and Ernie Scoffham, Romanian Modernism: The Architecture of Bucharest, 1920-1940". SLAVIC REVIEW. 61: 388. ISSN 0037-6779
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* Murzin-Bencovski, Tatiana. [http://www.aboutromania.com/education.html Romanian Education] About Romania.com. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
* Murzin-Bencovski, Tatiana. [http://www.aboutromania.com/education.html Romanian Education] ''About Romania.com''. Retrieved August 9, 2008.
+
* Romanian Tourist Office. [http://www.romaniatourism.com/spec.html Romania: Arts & Architecture]. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
* ''Museums from Romanian Regions''.  [http://museum.ici.ro/mbucur/english/micparis.htm Bucharest, the small Paris of the East] Retrieved August 9, 2008.
 
* ''Romanian Tourist Office''. [http://www.romaniatourism.com/spec.html Romania: Arts & Architecture] Retrieved August 9, 2008.
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
* University of Bucharest [http://www.maerlant.be/cesiexhibit/index.htm Bucharest between the World Wars: A modernity with fringes] Retrieved August 9, 2008.
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All links retrieved February 17, 2022.
* The Diplomat [http://www.thediplomat.ro/features_0906_1.htm Article on Building in Bucharest: The city where anything goes] Retrieved August 9, 2008.
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* The Diplomat [http://www.thediplomat.ro/features_0906_1.htm Article on Building in Bucharest: The city where anything goes]
* National Review [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_10_57/ai_n15658075/print A red's white elephant] Retrieved August 9, 2008.
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* [http://travel.webshots.com/album/559616732Svayiq Views from Bucharest] Retrieved August 9, 2008.
 
* [http://public-transport.net/bus/Trolley.htm Bucharest trolleybus] Retrieved August 9, 2008.
 
  
 
[[Category:Geography]]
 
[[Category:Geography]]

Revision as of 02:09, 12 January 2023

Bucharest
Bucureşti
The Palace of the Parliament
Flag of Bucharest
Flag
Coat of arms of Bucharest
Coat of arms
Nickname: Paris of the East, Little Paris[1]
Location of Bucharest within Romania (in red)
Location of Bucharest within Romania (in red)
Country Romania
County None1
First attested 1459
Government
 - Mayor Sorin Oprescu (Independent)
Area [2][3]
 - Municipality 228 km² (88 sq mi)
 - Urban 285 km² (110 sq mi)
Elevation 55.8–91.5 m (183.1–300.2 ft)
Population (2011 census)[4] [5]
 - Municipality Red Arrow Down.svg1,677,985
 - Density 8,518.6/km² (22,063.1/sq mi)
 - Urban Red Arrow Down.svg1,930,000
 - Metro 2,200,0002
Time zone EET (UTC+2)
 - Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)
Postal Code 0xxxxx
Area code(s) +40 x1
1Romanian law stipulates that Bucharest has a special administrative status which is equal to that of a county;
2Bucharest metropolitan area is a proposed project.
Website: Official site

Bucharest (Romanian: Bucureşti) is the capital city, as well as the economic, administrative, and cultural center of Romania. It is located in the southeast quadrant of the country, and lies on the banks of the Dâmboviţa River. Bucharest, whose founding dates from 1459, became the state capital of Romania in 1862. Between the two World Wars, the city's elegant architecture and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of the "Paris of the East" or "Little Paris" (Micul Paris).

The people of Bucharest suffered under the leadership of Nicolae Ceaușescu (1965-1989) along with their rural countrymen. During the 1980s, Ceauşescu's program of systematization was promoted as a way to build a "multilaterally developed socialist society," but caused the demolition of more than 20 percent of central Bucharest including centuries old churches and many historic buildings. These were replaced with Communist architecture style buildings, particularly high-rise apartment blocks. The best example of this is Centrul Civic (the Civic Center), including the Palace of the Parliament, where an entire historic quarter of the city was razed to make way for Ceauşescu's new constructions. Although many buildings and districts in the historic center were damaged or destroyed by war, earthquakes, and Ceauşescu's re-building program, many more survived. Bucharest is a city with a complex blend of old and new.

Bucharest produces nearly 21 percent of Romania's gross domestic product and 25 percent of its industrial production, and accounts for only nine percent of the country's population. While the city has extensive representative government, a significant problem remains in political corruption, which is seen as the most important justice-and-law related problem in the city.

Geography

The name "Bucur" (from "bucurie," meaning "joy") is of Thracian-Geto-Dacian origin. In Albanian, a language which has historical connections with the Thracian languages, "bukur' signifies "beautiful."

Bucharest is situated in the southeastern corner of the Romanian Plain, in an area once covered by the Vlăsiei forest, which, after it was cleared, gave way to a fertile flatland. Bucharest is traditionally considered to have seven hills, in the tradition of the seven hills of Rome. Bucharest's seven hills are: Mihai Vodă, Dealul Mitropoliei, Radu Vodă, Cotroceni, Spirei, Văcăreşti and Sf. Gheorghe Nou.

The city has an area of 87 square miles (226 square kilometers). The altitude varies from 183.1 feet (55.8 meters) at the Dâmboviţa bridge in Căţelu, southeastern Bucharest, and 300.2 feet (91.5 meters) at the Militari church. The city has a relatively round shape. The Kilometre Zero of Romania is marked by a monument located in front of Saint George's Church in central Bucharest.

Bucharest has a continental climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, and cold, windy winters, when temperatures often drop below freezing. Temperatures in January range from 21.2°F (-6°C) to 33.8°F (1°C), and in July from 60.8°F (16°C) to 82.4°F (28°C). Summer temperatures are usually pleasantly warm with occasional heat waves, and humidity is low, but there can be occasional rainstorms. The rainiest seasons are spring and autumn. Total mean annual rainfall is 23.5 inches (597mm).

Bucharest is situated on the banks of the Dâmboviţa River, which flows into the Argeş River, a tributary of the Danube. Several lakes – the most important of which are Lake Floreasca, Lake Tei and Lake Colentina – stretch across the city, along the Colentina River, a tributary of the Dâmboviţa. In the center of the capital is a small artificial lake – Lake Cişmigiu – surrounded by the Cişmigiu Gardens.

History

The remains of Curtea Veche, the royal court in Bucharest during the Middle Ages.
Bucharest in 1837.
The 1847 fire.
Back view of the CEC Palace and the royal guard.
Bucharesters greet Romania's new ally, the Red Army, in 1944.
The Palace of Justice in Bucharest.

During the Paleolithic era, small settlements existed in the thick forests of the location that became Bucharest. The Glina culture existed there during the Neolithic times, and the Gumelniţa culture included the region before the nineteenth century B.C.E.[6][7] During the Bronze Age, a third phase of the Glina culture (centered on pastoralism, partly superimposed on the Gumelniţa culture) and, later, the Tei culture evolved on Bucharest soil.[8]

In the Iron Age, the area was inhabited by the Getae and Dacians, who had commercial links with the Greek cities and the Romans. Bucharest was never under Roman rule, with an exception during Muntenia's brief conquest by the troops of Constantine I in the 330s C.E.

Slavs founded several settlements there, and the area was part of the First Bulgarian Empire between 681 and c.1000. The area was subject to the successive invasions of Pechenegs and Cumans and conquered by the Mongols during the 1241 invasion of Europe.

According to legend, the city was founded by a shepherd named Bucur (or, alternatively, a boyar of that same name). Its foundation has also been ascribed to the legendary thirteenth century Wallachian prince Radu Negru in stories first recorded in the 1500s.

First mentioned as "the Citadel of Bucureşti" in 1459 as one of the residences of the Wallachian prince Vlad III the Impaler (1431-1476), known for his exceedingly cruel punishments, which included impaling people alive on stakes. The Old Princely Court (Curtea Veche) was built by Mircea Ciobanul, which soon became the preferred summer residence of the court. It competed with Târgovişte for the status of capital after an increase in the importance of southern Muntenia brought about by the demands of the Ottoman Empire, and was viewed by contemporaries as the strongest citadel in its country.

Burned down by the Ottomans and briefly discarded by princes at the start of the seventeenth century, Bucharest was restored and continued to grow in size and prosperity. Its center was around the street "Uliţa Mare," which starting 1589 was known as Lipscani. Before the 1700s, it became the most important trade center of Wallachia and became a permanent location for the Wallachian court after 1698 (starting with the reign of Constantin Brâncoveanu (1689-1714)).

Partly destroyed by natural disasters and rebuilt several times during the following 200 years, hit by Caragea's plague in 1813-1814, the city was wrested from Ottoman control and occupied at several intervals by the Habsburg Monarchy (1716, 1737, 1789) and Imperial Russia (three times between 1768 and 1806).

It was placed under Russian administration between 1828 and the Crimean War, with an interlude during the Bucharest-centered 1848 Wallachian revolution, and an Austrian garrison took possession after the Russian departure (remaining in the city until March 1857). Additionally, on March 23, 1847, a fire consumed about 2,000 buildings of Bucharest, destroying a third of the city. The social divide between rich and poor was described at the time by German socialist Ferdinand Lassalle (1825-1864) as making the city "a savage hotchpotch."

In 1861, when Wallachia and Moldavia were united to form the Principality of Romania, Bucharest became the new nation's capital; in 1881, it became the political center of the newly-proclaimed Kingdom of Romania. During the second half of the nineteenth century, due to its new status, the city's population increased dramatically, and a new period of urban development began. The extravagant architecture and cosmopolitan high culture of this period won Bucharest the nickname of "The Paris of the East," with Calea Victoriei as its Champs-Élysées or Fifth Avenue.

Between December 6, 1916, and November 1918, it was occupied by German forces, the legitimate capital being moved to Iaşi. After World War I, Bucharest became the capital of Greater Romania. As the capital of an Axis country, Bucharest suffered heavy losses during World War II, due to Allied bombings, and, on August 23, 1944, saw the royal coup which brought Romania into the anti-German camp, suffering a short but destructive period of Luftwaffe bombings in reprisal. On November 8, 1945, the king's birthday, the Soviet-backed Petru Groza government suppressed pro-monarchist rallies.

In 1977 a strong (7.4 on the Richter-scale) earthquake claimed 1500 lives and destroyed many old buildings. During Nicolae Ceauşescu's leadership (1965-1989) during the 1980s, over one fifth of central Bucharest, including churches and historic buildings, was demolished in his program of systematization - promoted as a way to build a "multilaterally developed socialist society." Demolition, resettlement, and construction began in the Romanian countryside, but culminated with an attempt to reshape the country's capital completely. Many historic and religious buildings were replaced with Communist-style buildings, particularly high-rise apartment blocks. The best example of this is Centrul Civic (the Civic Center), including the Palace of the Parliament, where an entire historic quarter was razed to make way for Ceauşescu's megalomaniac constructions. This is the world's second largest administrative building, after The Pentagon.

The Romanian Revolution of 1989 began with mass anti-Ceauşescu protests in Timişoara in December 1989 and continued in Bucharest, leading to the overthrow of the Communist regime. Dissatisfied with the post-revolutionary leadership of the National Salvation Front, student leagues and opposition groups organized large-scale protests in 1990 (the Golaniad), which were violently stopped by the miners of Valea Jiului known as (the Mineriad). Several other Mineriads followed, the results of which included a government change.

Government

Romania is a semi-presidential democratic republic where executive functions are shared between the president and the prime minister. The president is elected by popular vote for a term of five years. The bicameral parliament of Romania consists of the senate, which has 137 members, and the chamber of deputies, which has 332 members. The members of both chambers are elected every four years under a system of party-list proportional representation.

Bucharest has a unique status in Romanian administration, since it is the only municipality that is not part of a county.

The city government is headed by a general mayor. The general council is made up of 55 elected councilors. The city is divided into six administrative sectors (sectoare), each of which has their own 27-seat council, town hall and mayor. The main city hall is responsible for the water system, transport, and the main boulevards. Sectorial town halls manage the contact between individuals and the local government, secondary streets, parks, schools and cleaning services.

The six sectors are numbered from one to six and are disposed radially so that each one has under its administration an area of the city center. They are numbered clockwise and are further divided into districts.

Bucharest's sectorial councils, the general council, and the mayors, are elected every four years by popular vote. Additionally, Bucharest has a prefect, who is appointed by central government, who is not allowed to be a member of a political party, and whose role is to represent the national government at local level.

The Municipality of Bucharest, along with the surrounding Ilfov county, forms the Bucharest development region, which is equivalent to NUTS-II regions in the European Union and is used by the European Union and the Romanian Government for statistical analysis and regional development.

Each of the six sectors has their own local tribunal, while appeals from these tribunals' verdicts, and more serious cases, are directed to the Bucharest Court of Appeals, the city's municipal court. Bucharest is home to Romania's supreme court, the High Court of Cassation and Justice, as well as other national courts such as the Constitutional Court of Romania and the National Military Tribunal.

Bucharest has its own municipal police force. Bucharest's crime rate is rather low in comparison to other Eastern European capital cities. Petty crime, however, is more common, particularly in the form of pickpocketing, which occurs on the city's public transport network. A significant problem in the city remains institutional corruption, which is seen as the most important justice-and-law related problem in the city.

Economy

Romania has a large, upper-middle-income economy, the 15th largest in Europe based on purchasing power parity. Bucharest is the most economically-developed and industrialized city in Romania, producing around 21 percent of the country's gross domestic product and about one-quarter of its industrial production, while only accounting for nine percent of the country's population. Almost one third of national taxes are paid by Bucharest's citizens and companies. In 2005, at purchasing power parity, Bucharest had a per-capita GDP of $US25,210, or 74.8 percent that of the European Union average and more than twice the Romanian average.

The city's strong economic growth has revitalized infrastructure and led to the development of many shopping malls and modern residential towers and high-rise office buildings. In September 2005, Bucharest had an unemployment rate of 2.6 percent, significantly lower than the national unemployment rate of 5.7 percent.

Bucharest's economy is mainly centered on industry and services, with services particularly growing in importance in the last 10 years. The city serves as the headquarters of 186,000 firms, including nearly all large Romanian companies.

An important source for growth since 2000 has been the city's property and construction boom. Bucharest is also Romania's largest center for information technology and communications and is home to several software companies operating offshore delivery centers. Bucharest contains Romania's largest stock exchange, the Bucharest Stock Exchange, which was merged in December 2005 with the Bucharest-based electronic stock exchange, Rasdaq.

The city has a number of international supermarket chains such as Carrefour, Cora and METRO. In 2008, the city was undergoing a retail boom, with a large number of supermarkets, and hypermarkets, constructed every year. There are also a large number of traditional markets; the one at Obor covers about a dozen city blocks, and numerous large stores.

Bucharest is the most important center for Romanian mass media, since it is the headquarters of all the national television networks as well as national newspapers and radio stations.

In Bucharest the average salary is $US1918 a month which is higher than that of Spain. Also as Romania is experiencing a real construction boom the average price for a central one bedroom flat is around $US1246 which puts the price of rent on par with Paris.

Bucharest's extensive public transport system is made up of the Bucharest Metro, as well as a surface transport system run by RATB (Regia Autonomă de Transport Bucureşti), which consists of buses, trams, trolley-buses and light rail. In addition, there is a private minibus system. Bucharest is the hub of Romania's national railway network. Bucharest is also a major intersection of Romania's national road network.

The city is served by two airports. Henri Coandă International Airport is the largest airport in Romania with five million passengers in 2007 and the main hub for the national operator TAROM. The smaller Aurel Vlaicu International Airport is used for charter flights and low-cost carriers.

Although it is situated on the banks of a river, Bucharest has never functioned as a port city, with other Romanian cities such as Constanţa and Brăila acting as the country's main ports. However, the Danube-Bucharest Canal, which is 45 miles (73km) long, was under construction in 2008, will link Bucharest to the Danube River and, via the Danube-Black Sea Canal, to the Black Sea.

Demographics

Historical population of Bucharest
Year Population
1789 30,030
1831 Green Arrow Up (Darker).png 60,587
1859 Green Arrow Up (Darker).png 122,000
1900 Green Arrow Up (Darker).png 282,000
1918 Green Arrow Up (Darker).png 383,000
1930 Green Arrow Up (Darker).png 639,000
January 25, 1948 census Green Arrow Up (Darker).png 1,041,807
February 21, 1956 census Green Arrow Up (Darker).png 1,177,661
March 15, 1966 census Green Arrow Up (Darker).png 1,366,684
January 5, 1977 census Green Arrow Up (Darker).png 1,807,239
July 1, 1990 estimate Green Arrow Up (Darker).png 2,127,194
January 7, 1992 census Red Arrow Down.svg 2,067,545
March 18, 2002 census Red Arrow Down.svg 1,926,334
July 1, 2005 estimate Red Arrow Down.svg 1,924,959
January 1, 2006 estimate Green Arrow Up (Darker).png 1,930,390
July 11, 2007 estimate Green Arrow Up (Darker).png 2,088,500

Bucharest proper had a population of 1,931,838, according to 2007 official estimates. Adding the satellite towns around the urban area, the metropolitan area of Bucharest had a population of 2.6 million people. Bucharest is the sixth largest city in the European Union by population within city limits.

Bucharest's population experienced two phases of rapid growth, the first in the late 19th century, and the second during the Communist period, when a massive urbanization campaign was launched and many people migrated from rural areas. Ceauşescu's ban on abortion and contraception meant that natural increase was also significant.

Approximately 97 percent of the population of Bucharest are ethnic Romanians, with the second largest ethnic group being the Roma, which make up 1.4 percent of the population. Other significant ethnic groups are Hungarians (0.3 percent), Jews (0.1 percent), Turks (0,1 percent) and Germans (0,1 percent). Some other inhabitants of Bucharest are of Greek, Armenian, Lipovan and Italian descent. A native or resident of Bucharest is called Bucharester.

The official language is Romanian, an Eastern Romance language. English and French are the main foreign languages taught in schools.

In terms of religion, 96.1 percent of the population are Romanian Orthodox, 1.2 percent are Roman Catholic, 0.5 percent are Muslim and 0.4 percent are Eastern Rite-Catholic. Despite this, only 24 percent of the population, of any religion, attend a place of worship once a week or more.

As the most developed city in Romania, Bucharest has a broad range of educational facilities.

Society and culture

File:Bucharest-Hotel-Union.jpg
Bucharest - "Little Paris"

Bucharest's architecture is highly eclectic. The city center is a mixture of medieval, neoclassical and art nouveau buildings, as well as “neo-Romanian” buildings dating from the beginning of the twentieth century, and a remarkable collection of buildings from the 1930s and 1940s. A French influence on buildings meant Bucharest was once called "the Paris of the East," and the mostly-utilitarian Communist-era architecture is everywhere. Skyscrapers and office buildings were mainly constructed after 2000.

  • The Palace of the Parliament, built in the 1980s during the reign of Communist dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu, is the largest building in Europe and the second-largest in the world. It houses the Romanian Parliament (the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate), as well as the National Museum of Contemporary Art. It is also often used as a convention center.
  • The Memorial of Rebirth is a stylized marble pillar unveiled in 2005 to commemorate the victims of the Romanian Revolution of 1989, which overthrew Communism.
  • The Romanian Athenaeum building is considered to be a symbol of Romanian culture and since 2007 is on the list of the Label of European Heritage sights.
  • Other cultural venues include the National Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History "Grigore Antipa," the Museum of Romanian History, National History Museum, and the Military Museum.
  • The Museum of the Romanian Peasant, which contains a collection of artifacts detailing Romanian history and culture from the prehistoric times, Dacian era, medieval times and the modern era.
  • The open-air Village Museum, in Herăstrău Park, which contains 272 authentic buildings and peasant farms from all over Romania.

Art museums include:

  • The National Museum of Art of Romania, which features medieval and modern Romanian art.
  • The Zambaccian Museum, which contains works by Romanian artists as well as Paul Cézanne, Eugène Delacroix, Henri Matisse, Camille Pissarro and Pablo Picasso.
  • The Gheorghe Tattarescu Museum, which contains portraits of Romanian revolutionaries in exile, and allegorical compositions with revolutionary (Romania's rebirth, 1849) and patriotic (The Principalities' Unification, 1857) themes.

Bucharest is the location of the neoclassical Romanian Athenaeum, founded in 1852, which hosts classical music concerts, the George Enescu Festival, and is home to the "George Enescu" Philharmonic. Bucharest is home to the Romanian National Opera, the I.L. Caragiale National Theatre, and the State Jewish Theatre..

Bucharest is home to Romania's largest recording labels, 1970s Romanian rock bands, boy bands, and hip hop genres. While many discos play manele, a Turkish-influenced type of music that is particularly popular in Bucharest's working class districts, the city has an increasing jazz and blues scene, and, to an extent, eurodance/trance and heavy metal/punk.

One of the city's best known clubs is the Lăptăria Enache and the La Motoare, located above (on the rooftop of) the National Theatre, as well as Fire Club and Club A. The city also hosts some acclaimed electronic/house music clubs such as Bamboo and Krystal Club.

The National Opera organizes the International Opera Festival every year in May and June. The Romanian Athaeneum Society hosts the George Enescu Classical Music Festival at various locations throughout the city in September every year. Additionally, the Museum of the Romanian Peasant and the Village Museum organize a number of events throughout the year showcasing Romanian folk arts and crafts.

In 2005, Bucharest was the first city in Southeastern Europe to host the international CowParade, which resulted in dozens of decorated cow sculptures being placed at various points across the city. Since 2005 Bucharest has its own contemporary art biennale, the Bucharest Biennale.

The 2000s also saw an increasing visibility of gay culture, with the opening of the Queen's Club, the first LGBT club in the city, in 2001, and the launch of the annual Bucharest GayFest in 2004. The city's first gay pride parade was held as part of the 2005 GayFest.

Looking to the future

The Bucharest area has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. Settled by Slavs, once part of the First Bulgarian Empire, conquered by Mongols, Ottomans, Habsburgs, Russians, before it became the political center of the Kingdom of Romania, Bucharest has been occupied by Germany, bombed by the German Luftwaffe, and for 44 years was under a communist dictatorship. Post-Cold War Romania developed closer ties with Western Europe, eventually joining NATO in 2004 and the European Union in January 2007.

Bucharest's crime rate is low in comparison to other Eastern European capital cities. Petty crime is more common, particularly pickpocketing on the city's public transport network. However, while the city has extensive representative government, a significant problem remains in political corruption, which is seen as the most important justice-and-law related problem in the city.

In 2008, Romania had a large, upper-middle-income economy, and Bucharest was the most economically developed and industrialized city in the country. An important source for growth since 2000 has been the city's property and construction boom. Domestic consumption and investment have fueled strong GDP growth, but corruption and red tape continue to handicap its business environment.

Strong demand in European Union export markets pulled Romania in 2000 from a punishing three-year recession. Since Romania joined the European Union in January 2007, and plans to adopt the euro by 2014, Bucharest could look forward to increasing prosperity.

Gallery

Notes

  1. Error on call to template:cite web: Parameters url and title must be specified. The Irish Times (5 May 2009).
  2. (English) INS. Romanian Statistical Yearbook (PDF). Retrieved March 21, 2012.
  3. Demographia World Urban Areas & Population Projections (PDF). Retrieved March 21, 2012.
  4. Bucharest at the 2011 census (in Romanian). INSSE (2 February 2012). Retrieved March 21, 2012.
  5. Urban Audit: Bucharest Profile. Retrieved April 14, 2011.
  6. Constantin C. Giurescu. 1976. History of Bucharest. (Bucharest: Pub. House for Sports and Tourism), 25-26
  7. Sebastian Morintz and D.V. Rosetti (Chapter I) "Din cele mai vechi timpuri şi pînă la formarea Bucureştilor". 12-18, in Muzeul de Istorie a Oraşului Bucureşti, Bucureştii de odinioară, Ed. Ştiinţifică, (Bucharest: 1959) (in Romanian)
  8. Giurescu, 26; Morintz and Rosetti, 18-27

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Giurescu, Constantin C. History of Bucharest. Bucharest: Pub. House for Sports and Tourism, 1976. OCLC 2410946
  • Livezeanu, I. "Luminita Machedon and Ernie Scoffham, Romanian Modernism: The Architecture of Bucharest, 1920-1940." Slavic Review 61 (2002): 388. ISSN 0037-6779
  • Morintz, Sebastian, and D. V. Rosetti, (Chapter I) "Din cele mai vechi timpuri şi pînă la formarea Bucureştilor". In Muzeul de Istorie a Oraşului Bucureşti, Bucureştii de odinioară, 11-35. Ed. Ştiinţifică, Bucharest: 1959. (in Romanian)
  • Murzin-Bencovski, Tatiana. Romanian Education About Romania.com. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  • Romanian Tourist Office. Romania: Arts & Architecture. Retrieved April 30, 2020.

External links

All links retrieved February 17, 2022.

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