Difference between revisions of "Bucharest" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Infobox Settlement    
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{{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Approved}}{{Copyedited}}
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{{Infobox Settlement
 
|official_name            = Bucharest
 
|official_name            = Bucharest
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|native_name              = ''Bucureşti''
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|native_name              = ''Bucureşti''  
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|nickname                  = Little Paris, Paris of the East
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|nickname                  = Paris of the East, Little Paris<ref>{{cite web|title= Paris of the east |work=The Irish Times  |date=5 May 2009}}</ref>
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|motto                    = Patria si Dreptul Meu (My Country and My Right)
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|image_skyline            = CEC palace and royal guard.jpg
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|image_skyline            = Palace of Parliament.jpg
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|image_caption            = Back view of the CEC Palace and the royal guard.
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|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
Line 11: Line 11:
 
|mapsize                  = 200px
 
|mapsize                  = 200px
 
|map_caption              = Location of Bucharest within [[Romania]] (in red)
 
|map_caption              = Location of Bucharest within [[Romania]] (in red)
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|subdivision_type          = [[Countries of the world|Country]]
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|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]]
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|subdivision_name1        = Municipality of Bucharest
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|subdivision_name1        = None<sup>1</sup>
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|leader_title              = Mayor
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|leader_title              = [[Mayor of Bucharest|Mayor]]
 
|leader_name              = [[Sorin Oprescu]] ([[Independent (politician)|Independent]])
 
|leader_name              = [[Sorin Oprescu]] ([[Independent (politician)|Independent]])
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|established_title        = Founded
+
|established_title        = First attested
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|established_date          = 1459 (first official record)
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|established_date          = 1459
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|established_title2        =  
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|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>
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|established_date2        =  
+
|area_magnitude            =
−
|area_magnitude            =  
 
 
|area_total_km2            = 228
 
|area_total_km2            = 228
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|area_land_km2            =  
+
|area_metro_km2            =
−
|area_water_km2            =  
+
|area_land_km2            =
−
|area_metro_km2           = 238
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|area_water_km2            =
−
|population_as_of          = 2007-July-11<ref>[http://www.insse.ro/cms/rw/resource/populatia_stab_1%20iulie2007.htm Population of Romania as of [[July 11]], [[2007]]]</ref>
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|area_urban_km2           = 285
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|population_footnotes      =  
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|population_as_of          = 2011 census
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|population_note          =  
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|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>
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|settlement_type          = City
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|population_note          =
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|population_total          = {{increase}} 1,931,838
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|settlement_type          = Municipality
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|population_metro          = 2,600,000
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|population_total          = {{decrease}}1,677,985 <!--Do not replace with estimates numbers as they are the most recent official statistics data—>
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|population_density_km2    = 8510
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|population_rank          = [[List of Romanian counties by population|1st in Romania]]
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|population_urban          = {{decrease}}1,930,000
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|population_metro          = 2,200,000<sup>2</sup>
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|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
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|latd                      = 44
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|elevation_m              = 55.8–91.5
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|latm                      = 25
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|elevation_ft              = 183.1–300.2
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|lats                      = 57
 
−
|latNS                    = N
 
−
|longd                    = 26
 
−
|longm                    = 6
 
−
|longs                    = 14
 
−
|longEW                    = E
 
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|elevation_m              = 60 - 90
 
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|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]
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|website                  = [http://www.pmb.ro/ Official site]
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|footnotes                =  
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|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.
 
}}
 
}}
  
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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 Romania's largest city. It is located in the southeast of the country, and lies on the banks of the [[Dâmboviţa River]]. It was originally known as Dâmboviţa citadel.
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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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Bucharest, which dates from 1459, became the state capital of Romania in 1862, and steadily consolidated its position as the centre of the Romanian mass media, culture and arts. In the period 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'').<ref>[http://museum.ici.ro/mbucur/english/micparis.htm Bucharest, the small Paris of the East], on the Museums from Romania web site.</ref> Although many buildings and districts in the historic centre were damaged or destroyed by war, earthquakes and [[Nicolae Ceauşescu]]'s program of [[systematization (Romania)|systematization]], many survived. In recent years, the city has been experiencing an economic and cultural boom.<ref>Bucica, 2000, p.6.</ref>
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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==
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[[Image:Km0 romania.jpeg|thumb|left|250px|Kilometre Zero Monument.]]
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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."
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[[Image:Bucharest SPOT 1064.jpg|thumb|left|250px|right|Bucharest seen from Spot satellite.]]
 
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[[Image:Cismigiu Gardens2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Cişmigiu Gardens.]]
 
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Tradition connects the founding of Bucharest with the name of Bucur who was either a prince, an outlaw, a fisherman, or a shepherd. The name of [[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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Bucharest is situated in the south eastern 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. As with many [[cities]], 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 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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The city has a total area of 87 square miles (226 square kilometers). The altitude varies from 183.1 feet (55.8 meters) at the Dâmboviţa bridge in [[Căţelu]], south-eastern Bucharest, and 300.2 feet (91.5 meters) at the [[Militari]] church. The city has a relatively round shape, with the centre situated approximately in the cross-way of the main north-south/east-west axes at the [[University Square, Bucharest|University Square]]. The milestone for Romanian's [[Kilometre Zero]] is placed just south of University Square in front of the New St George Church.
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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.
  
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Bucharest has a [[continental climate]], characterised by hot dry summers and cold, windy winters, when temperatures often drop well below freezing. [[Temperature]]s 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 in Bucharest are spring and autumn. Total mean annual [[rain]]fall is 23.5 inches (597mm).
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Bucharest has a [[continental climate]], characterized by hot, dry [[summer]]s, and cold, windy [[winter]]s, when temperatures often drop below freezing. [[Temperature]]s 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 [[rain]]fall is 23.5 inches (597mm).
  
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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 addition, in the centre of the capital there is a small artificial lake{{ndash}} Lake Cişmigiu{{ndash}} surrounded by the [[Cişmigiu Gardens]]. The Cişmigiu Gardens, opened in 1847, have a rich history, being frequented by famous poets and writers, and are the main recreational facility in the city centre.
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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]].
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<gallery>
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Image:Bucharest SPOT 1064.jpg|Bucharest seen from Spot satellite
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</gallery>
  
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Until recently, the regions surrounding Bucharest were largely rural, but after 1989, new suburbs started to be built around Bucharest, in the surrounding [[Ilfov]] county. Further urban consolidation is expected to take place when the Bucharest metropolitan area is formed in 2006, which will incorporate various communes and cities of Ilfov and surrounding counties.
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==History==
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[[Image:Curtea Veche Bucuresti.jpg|thumb|right|225px|The remains of [[Curtea Veche]], the royal court in Bucharest during the Middle Ages.]]
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[[Image:Bucuresti punte 1837.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Bucharest in 1837.]]
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[[Image:Great Fire of Bucharest, 1847.jpg|thumb|right|225px|The 1847 fire.]]
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[[Image:Red_Army_greeted_in_Bucharest.jpg|thumb|225px|right|Bucharesters greet Romania's new ally, the [[Red Army]], in 1944.]]
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[[Image:PalaceJustice1Buc.JPG|thumb|right|225px|The Palace of Justice in Bucharest.]]
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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>
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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.
  
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==History==
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[[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]].  
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{{main|History of Bucharest}}
 
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[[Image:Curtea Veche Bucuresti.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The remains of [[Curtea Veche]], the royal court in Bucharest during the Middle Ages.]]
 
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[[Image:Bucuresti punte 1837.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Bucharest in 1837]]
 
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[[Image:CEC palace and royal guard.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Back view of the CEC Palace and the royal guard.]]
 
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Bucharest's history alternated periods of development and decline from the early settlements of the [[classical antiquity|Antiquity]] and until its consolidation as capital of Romania late in the 19th century.
 
  
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First mentioned as "the [[Citadel]] of Bucureşti" in 1459, it became a residence of the [[Wallachia]]n [[List of rulers of Wallachia|prince]] [[Vlad III the Impaler]]. The Old Princely Court (''[[Curtea Veche]]'') was built by [[Mircea Ciobanul]], and during following rules, Bucharest was established as the summer residence of the court, competing with [[Târgovişte]] for the status of capital after an increase in the importance of southern [[Muntenia]] brought about by the demands of the [[Suzerainty|suzerain]] power, the [[Ottoman Empire]].
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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.
  
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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 centre was around the street "Uliţa Mare", which starting 1589 was known as [[Lipscani]]. Before the 1700s, it became the most important trade centre of Wallachia and became a permanent location for the Wallachian court after 1698 (starting with the reign of [[Constantin Brâncoveanu]]).
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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.
  
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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 [[Regulamentul Organic|Russian administration]] between 1828 and the [[Crimean War]], with an interlude during the Bucharest-centered [[1848 Wallachian revolution]], and an [[Austrian Empire|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 [[Ferdinand Lassalle]] as making the city "a savage hotchpotch".
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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)).
  
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In 1861, when [[Wallachia]] and [[Moldavia]] were united to form the [[Danubian Principalities|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" (or "Little Paris", ''Micul Paris''), with [[Calea Victoriei]] as its [[Champs-Élysées]] or [[Fifth Avenue]].
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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).  
  
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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 [[Bombing of Bucharest in World War II|Allied bombings]], and, on [[August 23]], [[1944]], saw the [[Romania during World War II#The royal coup|the royal coup]] which brought Romania into the anti-[[Nazi Germany|German]] camp, suffering a short but destructive period of [[History of the Luftwaffe during World War II|Luftwaffe]] bombings in reprisal. On [[November 8]], [[1945]], the king's birthday, the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]]-backed [[Petru Groza]] government suppressed pro-[[King of Romania|monarchist]] rallies.
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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."
  
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During [[Nicolae Ceauşescu]]'s leadership (1965-1989), most of the historic part of the city was destroyed and replaced with Communist-style buildings, particularly high-rise apartment blocks. The best example of this is the development called [[Centrul Civic]] (the Civic Centre), including the [[Palace of the Parliament]], where an entire historic quarter was razed to make way for Ceauşescu's megalomaniac constructions. In 1977, a strong [[1977 Bucharest Earthquake|7.4 on the Richter-scale earthquake]] claimed 1,500 lives and destroyed many old buildings. Nevertheless, some historic neighbourhoods did survive to this day.
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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]].
  
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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 Romania|Communist regime]]. Dissatisfied with the post-revolutionary leadership of the [[National Salvation Front]], student leagues and opposition groups organized large-scale protests continued 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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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.
  
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After the year 2000, due to the advent of Romania's [[economic boom]], the city has modernised and is currently undergoing a period of urban renewal. Various residential and commercial developments are underway, particularly in the northern districts, while Bucharest's historic centre is currently undergoing significant restoration.{{Fact|date=July 2008}}
+
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]].  
  
−
{| class=wikitable style="font-size:93%;width:75%;height:16px;border:0px;text-align:left;line-height:120%;"
+
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.
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="14" style="text-align:left; background: #F4F4F4" height=24px |'''Treaties signed in Bucharest'''
 
−
|-
 
−
|Treaty of [[May 28]], [[1812]], at the end of the [[Russo-Turkish War, 1806-1812|Russo-Turkish War]]
 
−
|-
 
−
|Treaty of [[March 3]], [[1886]], at the end of the [[Serbo-Bulgarian War]]
 
−
|-
 
−
|Treaty of [[August 10]], [[1913]], at the end of the [[Second Balkan War]]
 
−
|-
 
−
|Treaty of [[August 4]], [[1916]], the treaty of alliance between Romania and the [[Triple Entente|Entente]]
 
−
|-
 
−
|Treaty of [[May 6]], [[1918]], the treaty between Romania and the [[Central Powers]]
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==Government==
 
==Government==
−
[[Image:Bucharest City Hall 3.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Bucharest City Hall.]]
+
[[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.
−
[[Image:Bucuresti Romania by adrianexcelent.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Hero's monument seen from above.]]
 
−
[[Image:PalaceJustice1Buc.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The Palace of Justice in Bucharest.]]
 
−
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 [[counties of Romania|county]]. Its population, however, is larger than that of any Romanian county, and hence the power of the Bucharest General City Hall (''Primăria Generală''), which is the city's local government body, is about the same as, if not greater than, that of Romanian county councils.
+
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, who was in 2008 [[Sorin Oprescu]]. Decisions are approved and discussed by the General Council made up of 55 elected councillors. The city is divided into six administrative sectors (''sectoare''), each of which has their own 27-seat sectorial council, town hall and mayor. The powers of local government over a certain area are therefore shared by the Bucharest City Hall and the local sectorial councils with little or no overlapping of authority. The main City Hall is responsible for citywide utilities such as the water system, the transport system and the main boulevards, while sectorial town halls manage the contact between individuals and the local government, secondary streets, parks, schools and cleaning services.
+
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.
  
−
Like other local councils in Romania, the Bucharest 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.
+
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. The Bucharest development region is not, however, an administrative entity.
 
−
 
 
−
Bucharest's judicial system is similar to that of the Romanian counties. 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 also 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 East-European capital cities, with the number of total offences declining by 51 percent between 2000 and 2004. Petty crime, however, is more common, particularly in the form of [[pickpocketing]], which occurs mainly on the city's public transport network.  
+
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.  
  
−
Although the presence of [[street children]] was a problem in Bucharest in the 1990s, their numbers have declined significantly in recent years, currently lying at or below the average of major European capital cities. The same is true for [[beggar]]s and [[homelessness|homeless people]], many of them from the [[Roma people|Roma]] minority.  
+
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.
  
−
A significant problem in the city remains [[political corruption|institutional corruption]], which is seen as the most important justice-and-law related problem in the city.
+
Bucharest has its own municipal [[police force]]. Bucharest's [[crime]] rate is rather low in comparison to other [[Eastern Europe]]an 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 [[political corruption|institutional corruption]], which is seen as the most important justice-and-law related problem in the city.
  
 
==Economy==
 
==Economy==
−
[[Image:Bucharest Charles de Gaulle2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Charles de Gaulle]] Plaza seen from the Herăstrău Park.]]
+
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|right|250px|Groupe Société Générale Tower in Victoria square.]]
 
−
[[Image:Titan metro station 2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Bucharest Metro]] - Titan Station]]
 
−
[[Image:Bucharest Citaro bus 3.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Transport in Bucharest#Surface transport|Bucharest public bus]]]]
 
−
Romania has a large, upper-middle-income economy, the 19th largest in Europe by total nominal GDP and the 15th largest based on purchasing power parity. Bucharest is the most economically-developed and industrialised 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 9 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 revitalised 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 centred on [[industry]] and [[Service Sector|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.
+
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.
  
−
An important source for growth since 2000 has been the city's property and construction boom, which has resulted in a significant growth in the construction sector. Bucharest is also Romania's largest centre 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]].
+
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.
  
−
The city has a number of international [[supermarket]] chains such as [[Carrefour]], [[Cora (hypermarket)|Cora]] and [[METRO AG|METRO]]. In 2008, the city was undergoing a retail boom, with a large number of supermarkets, and hypermarkets, constructed every year. The biggest modern shopping centres in Bucharest are [[Bucharest Mall]], [[Plaza Romania]], City Mall, [[Jolie Ville Galleria]] and [[Unirea Shopping Center]]. However, there are also a large number of traditional markets; the one at [[Obor]] covers about a dozen city blocks, and numerous large stores that are not officially part of the market effectively add up to a market district almost twice that size.
+
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]].
  
−
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]].
+
The city has a number of international [[supermarket]] chains such as [[Carrefour]], [[Cora (hypermarket)|Cora]] and [[METRO AG|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'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 in Bucharest|trams]], [[trolleybus]]es and [[Bucharest Light rail|light rail]]. In addition, there is a private [[Marshrutka#Eastern Europe|minibus system]].  
+
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 [[newspaper]]s and [[radio]] stations.  
  
−
Bucharest is the hub of Romania's national railway network, run by [[Căile Ferate Române]]. The main railway station is [[Gara de Nord]], or North Station, which provides connections to all major cities in Romania as well as international destinations such as [[Belgrade]], [[Budapest]], [[Sofia]], [[Vienna]], [[Prague]], [[Moscow]], [[Istanbul]], and [[Chisinau]].
+
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 is also a major intersection of [[Roads in Romania|Romania's national road network]].
+
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.
+
The city is served by two [[airport]]s. [[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]].
+
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==
 
==Demographics==
−
{{main|Demographics of Romania}}
 
−
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; font-size:93%;width:300px;height:16;border:0px;text-align:left;line-height:120%;margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; font-size:93%;width:300px;height:16;border:0px;text-align:left;line-height:120%;margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 193: Line 167:
 
| {{increase}} 639,000
 
| {{increase}} 639,000
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[January 25]], [[1948]] census
+
| January 25, 1948 census
−
| {{increase}} 1,041,807<ref name="bucharest_pop_censuses">{{en icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.insse.ro/RPL2002INS/vol5/tables/t02.pdf|title="Population at the 1948, 1956, 1966, 1977, 1992 and 2002 censuses by municipalities and towns"|first=[[Government of Romania]]|last=[[National Institute of Statistics (Romania)|INS]]|format=PDF |accessdate=2007-03-07}}</ref>
+
| {{increase}} 1,041,807  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[February 21]], [[1956]] census
+
| February 21, 1956 census
−
| {{increase}} 1,177,661<ref name="bucharest_pop_censuses" />
+
| {{increase}} 1,177,661  
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| [[March 15]], [[1966]] census
+
| March 15, 1966 census
−
| {{increase}} 1,366,684<ref name="bucharest_pop_censuses" />
+
| {{increase}} 1,366,684  
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| [[January 5]], [[1977]] census
+
| January 5, 1977 census
−
| {{increase}} 1,807,239<ref name="bucharest_pop_censuses" />
+
| {{increase}} 1,807,239  
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| [[July 1]], [[1990]] estimate
+
| July 1, 1990 estimate
−
| {{increase}} 2,127,194<ref name="bucharest_pop_estimates">{{ro icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.bucuresti.insse.ro/main.php?lang=fr&pageid=410|title="Populaţia, pe sexe şi medii, la 1 iulie"|first=[[Government of Romania]]|last=[[National Institute of Statistics (Romania)|INS]]|accessdate=2007-03-07}}</ref>
+
| {{increase}} 2,127,194  
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| [[January 7]], [[1992]] census
+
| January 7, 1992 census
−
| {{decrease}} 2,067,545<ref name="bucharest_pop_censuses" />
+
| {{decrease}} 2,067,545  
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| [[March 18]], [[2002]] census
+
| March 18, 2002 census
−
| {{decrease}} 1,926,334<ref name="bucharest_pop_censuses" />
+
| {{decrease}} 1,926,334  
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| [[July 1]], [[2005]] estimate
+
| July 1, 2005 estimate
−
| {{decrease}} 1,924,959<ref name="bucharest_pop_estimates" />
+
| {{decrease}} 1,924,959  
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| [[January 1]], [[2006]] estimate
+
| January 1, 2006 estimate
−
| {{increase}} 1,930,390<ref name="bucharest_pop_estimates" />
+
| {{increase}} 1,930,390  
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| [[July 11]], [[2007]] estimate
+
| July 11, 2007 estimate
−
| {{increase}} 2,088,500<ref>http://www.insse.ro/RPL2002INS/vol5/tables/t02.pdf</ref>
+
| {{increase}} 2,088,500  
 
|}
 
|}
−
Population, population rank
 
−
Race/ethnicity - historical background of ethnic groups
 
−
Language
 
−
Religion
 
−
Colleges and universities
 
−
xxxx
 
−
According to January 2006 official estimates, Bucharest proper has a population of 1,930,390.<ref name="bucharest_pop_estimates">{{ro icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.ro/uniunea-europeana/articles%7CdisplayArticle/articleID_7397/Populatia-Romaniei-scade-de-la-an-la-an.html|title="Populatia Romaniei scade de la an la an"|first=[[Government of Romania]]|last=[[National Institute of Statistics (Romania)|INS]]|accessdate=2007-03-07}}</ref> The [[urban area]] extends beyond the limits of Bucharest proper and has a population of 2.1 million people.<ref name="bucharest pop urban metro">{{en icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.metropolregion.nuernberg.de/download/Bukarest_ME.pdf|title="Bucharest: Few expectations for urban development", page 29|author=XIX Meeting of METREX Network, Nürnberg, 15-[[18 June]] [[2005]]|format=PDF |accessdate=2007-03-07}}</ref> Adding the satellite towns around the urban area, the [[metropolitan area]] of Bucharest has a population of 2.6 million people.<ref name="bucharest pop urban metro" /> Bucharest is the 6th largest city in the [[European Union]] by population within city limits.<ref name="bucharest_pop_estimates">{{ro icon}} {{cite web|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largest_cities_of_the_European_Union_by_population_within_city_limits#100_Most_populous_cities|title="Largest cities of the European Union by population within city limits"|accessdate=2007-03-07}}</ref>
 
  
−
xxxxx
+
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.  
−
The city's population, according to the 2002 census, is 1,926,334 inhabitants,<ref name="bucharest_pop_censuses" /> or 8.9% of the total population of Romania. Additionally, there are about 50,000 people who commute to the city every day, mainly from the surrounding [[Ilfov county]].
 
  
−
Bucharest's population experienced two phases of rapid growth, the first in the late 19th century, when the city grew in importance and size, and the second during the [[Communist Romania|Communist period]], when a massive urbanisation campaign was launched and many people [[rural migration|migrated from rural areas]] to the capital. At this time, due to Ceauşescu's ban on abortion and contraception, [[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.
  
−
A native or resident of Bucharest is called ''Bucharester''.
+
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.''
  
−
Approximately 97% 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% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups are [[Hungarians]] (0.3%), [[Jews]] (0.1%), [[Turkish people|Turks]] (0,1%) and [[Germans]] (0,1%). Some other inhabitants of Bucharest are of [[Greeks in Romania|Greek]], [[Armenians in Romania|Armenian]], [[Lipovans|Lipovan]] and [[Italy|Italian]] descent. The Greeks and the Armenians used to play significant roles in the life of the city at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. One the predominantly Greek neighbourhoods [[Vitan]] - where a [[Jew]]ish population also lived; the latter was more present in [[Văcăreşti, Bucharest|Văcăreşti]] and areas around [[Unirii Square]].
+
The official [[language]] is Romanian, an Eastern [[Romance language]]. [[English language|English]] and [[French language|French]] are the main foreign languages taught in schools.  
  
−
In terms of religion, 96.1% of the population are [[Romanian Orthodox Church|Romanian Orthodox]], 1.2% are [[Romanian Roman-Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]], 0.5% are [[Islam in Romania|Muslim]] and 0.4% are [[Romanian Greek-Catholic Uniate Church|Eastern Rite-Catholic]]. Despite this, only 24% of the population, of any religion, attend a place of worship once a week or more.<ref>[http://www.osf.ro/rourbana/07_religiozitate.doc Open Society Institute's Survey into Religiosity in Romania] ([[Microsoft Word]] document)</ref> The life expectancy of residents of Bucharest in 2003-2005 was 74.14 years, around 2 years higher than the Romanian average. Female life expectancy was 77.41 years, in comparison to 70.57 years for males.<ref>{{ro icon}} [http://www.sector3primarie.ro/portal/portal3.nsf/AllById/1.1.2.0/$FILE/Populatia%20si%20fenomene%20demografice%20pe%20sectoare%20administrative%20ale%20Municipiului%20Bucuresti.PDF Populaţia şi fenomene demografice pe sectoare administrative ale Municipiului Bucureşti] (''Population and demographic phenomena by administrative sectors of the Municipality of Bucharest'')</ref>
+
In terms of [[religion]], 96.1 percent of the population are [[Romanian Orthodox Church|Romanian Orthodox]], 1.2 percent are [[Roman Catholic]], 0.5 percent are [[Muslim]] and 0.4 percent are [[Romanian Greek-Catholic Uniate Church|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 also has a broad range of educational facilities.
+
As the most developed city in Romania, Bucharest has a broad range of educational facilities.
  
−
==Culture==
+
==Society and culture==
−
{{main|Culture of Romania}}
 
−
{{wide image|University square Bucharest.jpg|800px|<center>[[University Square, Bucharest|University Square]] with the statue of [[Mihai Viteazu]] in the foreground</center>}}
 
  
−
Bucharest has a diverse and growing cultural scene, with cultural life exhibited in a number of various fields, including the [[visual arts]], [[performing arts]] and [[Nightlife (activity)|nightlife]]. Unlike other parts of Romania, such as the [[Black Sea]] coast or [[Transylvania]], Bucharest's cultural scene is much more eclectic, without a defined style, and instead incorporates various elements of Romanian and international culture. Bucharest has an eclectic mixture of elements from traditionally Romanian buildings to buildings that are influenced by French architects. It is because of this French influence that Bucharest was once called "the Paris of the East" or "Little Paris."
+
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.
  
−
===Landmarks===
+
* 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.
−
[[Image:Memorialul Renasterii 1.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The [[Memorial of Rebirth]]]]
+
* 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]].
−
[[Image:CEC Palace Bucharest.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The CEC Palace]]
+
* 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.
−
[[Image:Bukarest Triumpf.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Arcul de Triumf]]]]
+
* 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]].
−
[[Image:National Museum of Contemporary Art Bucharest 1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Bucharest, Romania.]]
+
* 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.
 +
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 has a number of landmark buildings and monuments. Perhaps the most prominent of these is the [[Palace of the Parliament]], built in the 1980s during the reign of Communist dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu. Currently the largest building in Europe and the second-largest in the world, the Palace 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 centre.
+
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]]..
  
−
Another well-known landmark of Bucharest is [[Arcul de Triumf]] (The Triumphal Arch), built in 1935 and modeled after the [[Arc de Triomphe]] in [[Paris]]. A newer landmark of the city is the [[Memorial of Rebirth]], a stylized marble pillar unveiled in 2005 to commemorate the victims of the [[Romanian Revolution of 1989]], which overthrew Communism. The abstract monument sparked a great deal of controversy when it was unveiled, being dubbed with names such as "the olive in the toothpick", (''"măslina-n scobitoare"''), as many argued that it does not fit in its surroundings and believed that its choice was based on political reasons.<ref>[http://www.sfin.ro/articol_1992/_memorialul_renasterii___ce_oribilitate_.html „Memorialul Renasterii“, ce oribilitate!] ("The Monument of Rebirth - how horrible!"), ''Săptămâna Financiară'', August 2005 {{ro icon}}</ref>
+
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]].  
  
−
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.<ref>[http://nato.mae.ro/index.php?lang=en&id=31&s=23698&arhiva=true Romanian Athenaeum awarded Label of European Heritage], Romania's Permanent Delegation to NATO</ref>
+
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.  
  
−
Other cultural venues include the National Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History "Grigore Antipa", [[Museum of the Romanian Peasant]] (''Muzeul Ţăranului Român''), [[National Museum of Romanian History|National History Museum]], and the [[National Military Museum (Romania)|Military Museum]].
+
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]].
  
−
===Visual arts===
+
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]].  
−
[[Image:The National Museum of Art of Romania.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The [[National Museum of Art]]]]
 
−
In terms of [[visual arts]], the city contains a number of museums featuring both classical and contemporary Romanian art, as well as selected international works. The [[National Museum of Art of Romania]] is perhaps the best-known of Bucharest museums. It is located in the former royal palace and features extensive collections of medieval and modern Romanian art, including works by renowned sculptor [[Constantin Brâncuşi]], as well as a prominent international collection assembled by the former Romanian royal family.
 
  
−
Other, smaller museums, contain more specialised collections of works. The [[Zambaccian Museum]], which is situated in the former home of Armenian-Romanian art collector Krikor H. Zambaccian contains works by many well-known Romanian artists as well as international artists such as [[Paul Cézanne]], [[Eugène Delacroix]], [[Henri Matisse]], [[Camille Pissarro]] and [[Pablo Picasso]].  
+
The 2000s also saw an increasing visibility of [[homosexuality|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.
  
−
The [[Gheorghe Tattarescu]] Museum contains portraits of Romanian revolutionaries in exile such as [[Gheorghe Magheru]], [[Ştefan Golescu]], [[Nicolae Bălcescu]] and allegorical compositions with revolutionary (''Romania's rebirth'', 1849) and patriotic (''The [[Danubian Principalities#United_Principalities|Principalities' Unification]]'', 1857) themes.
+
==Looking to the future==
−
The [[Theodor Pallady Museum]] is situated in one of the oldest surviving merchant houses in Bucharest and includes many works by Romanian painter [[Theodor Pallady]] as well as a number of European and Oriental furniture pieces.
 
−
The [[Museum of Art Collections]] contains the collections of a number of well-known Romanian art aficionados, including Krikor Zambaccian and Theodor Pallady.
 
  
−
Despite the extensive classical art galleries and museums in the city, there is also a contemporary arts scene that has become increasingly prominent in recent times. The [[National Museum of Contemporary Art (Romania)|National Museum of Contemporary Art]] (MNAC), situated in a wing of the [[Palace of the Parliament]], was opened in 2004 and contains a widespread collection of Romanian and international contemporary art, in a number of expressive forms. The MNAC also manages the Kalinderu MediaLab, which caters specifically to multimedia and experimental art. There is also a range of smaller, private art galleries throughout the city centre.
+
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.
  
−
===Performing arts===
+
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.
−
[[Image:Bucharest National Theatre.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[I.L. Caragiale National Theatre]]]]
 
  
−
[[Performing arts]] are one of the strongest cultural elements of Bucharest, and the city has a number of world-renowned facilities and institutions. The most prominent is the neoclassical [[Romanian Athenaeum]], which was founded in 1852, hosts classical music concerts, the [[George Enescu]] Festival, and is home to the "[[George Enescu]]" Philharmonic. Bucharest is also home to the [[Romanian National Opera]], as well as the [[I.L. Caragiale National Theatre]]. Another well-known theatre in Bucharest is the [[State Jewish Theater (Romania)|State Jewish Theatre]], which has gained increasing prominence in recent years due partly to the fact that it features plays starring world-renowned Romanian-Jewish actress [[Maia Morgenstern]]. There is also a large number of smaller theatres throughout the city that cater to specific genres, such as the Comedy Theatre, the Nottara Theatre, the Bulandra Theatre, the Odeon Theatre, and the [[Constantin Tănase]] Revue Theatre.
+
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.
  
−
===Music and nightlife===
+
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.
−
[[Image:Wiki btcn.jpg|thumb|300px|right|[[Tower Center International]]]]
 
−
[[Image:Bucharest University Square at night.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Bucharest skyline at night]]
 
−
 
 
−
Bucharest is home to Romania's largest recording labels, and is often the residence of Romanian musicians. The city's music scene is quite [[Eclecticism in music|eclectic]]. Many Romanian rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s, such as [[IRIS (Romanian band)|Iris]] and [[Holograf]], continue to be popular, particularly with the middle-aged, while since the 1990s there has been growth in the [[boy bands|boy band]] and [[hip hop music|hip hop]] genres. The eclectic pop-rock band [[Taxi (band)|Taxi]] have been gaining international respect, as has [[Spitalul de Urgenţă]]'s raucous updating of traditional Romanian music. While many [[discothèque|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]]. The city's nightlife, particularly its [[nightclub|club]] scene grew significantly in the 1990s, and continues to increase. The city does not have a central nightlife strip, with many entertainment venues dispersed throughout the city centre, with a cluster in the historical centre. 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 {{Fact|date=February 2007}} Fire Club and Club A. Most clubs and bars are located around the center of the city, from the [[Piaţa Unirii]] to [[Piaţa Romană]]. Also, a large concentration of rock clubs can be found in the [[Lipscani]] area, the old part of the city, in the vicinity of Piata Unirii.
 
−
Another popular venue, especially among students from the Politehnica University campus, is Club Maxx, located on Splaiul Independentei No. 290.
 
−
 
 
−
The city also hosts some of the best electronic/house music clubs in Europe such as Bamboo and Krystal Club. During the summer, Zoom Beach Club is an outdoor club on the shore of a lake and has two separate dance floors. The Office is one of the most exclusive clubs in Bucharest and has a long tradition in clubbing. One of the best cocktail clubs is Deja Vu situated on Balcescu Boulevard Near the Italian church. Other clubs are: Gaia, Fratelli, Glamour, Tipsy, Cotton Club, Pat, Studio Martin and Embryo.
 
−
 
 
−
===Traditional culture===
 
−
[[Image:National History Museum of Romania.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The [[National Museum of Romanian History]]]]
 
−
 
 
−
Bucharest's culture has, especially since the early 1990s, become more modern and worldly in comparison to other Romanian cities. Traditional Romanian culture, however, continues to have an influence in domains such as theatre and music. Additionally, Bucharest has two internationally-renowned [[ethnography|ethnographic]] museums, the [[Museum of the Romanian Peasant]] and the open-air [[Village Museum]]. The Village Museum, in [[Herăstrău Park]], contains 272 authentic buildings and peasant farms from all over Romania. The Museum of the Romanian Peasant was declared the European Museum of the Year in 1996, and displays a rich collection of textiles (especially costumes), icons, ceramics, and other artifacts of Romanian peasant life.
 
−
 
 
−
The [[Museum of Romanian History]] is another important museum in Bucharest, containing a collection of artefacts detailing Romanian history and culture from the prehistoric times, [[Dacia]]n era, medieval times and the modern era.
 
−
 
 
−
===Cultural events and festivals===
 
−
 
 
−
[[Image:George Enescu Festival.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[George Enescu]] Festival]]
 
−
[[Image:21-casa-poporului-noaptea-alba.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Unirii Boulevard during the ''White Night of Bucharest'' Festival]]
 
−
 
 
−
There are a number of cultural festivals in Bucharest throughout the year, in various domains, even though most festivals take place in the summer months of June, July and August. The National Opera organises the International Opera Festival every year in May and June, which includes ensembles and orchestras from all over the world. 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 organise a number of events throughout the year showcasing Romanian folk arts and crafts.
 
−
 
 
−
In the 2000s, due to the growing prominence of the Chinese community in Bucharest, several Chinese cultural events have taken place. The first officially-organised Chinese festival was the [[Lunar New Year|Chinese New Year's Eve]] Festival of February 2005 which took place in Nichita Stănescu Park and was organised by the Bucharest City Hall.<ref>[http://www.daily-news.ro/article_detail.php?idarticle=5737 Chinese New Year's Eve celebrated in Bucharest], ''[[Bucharest Daily News]]'', [[7 February]] [[2005]]</ref>
 
−
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 current (2006) issue (curated by Zsolt Pétranyi) will go on until the end of June, the next edition will be in 2008.
 
−
 
 
−
The 2000s also saw an increasing visibility of Bucharest [[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 [[GayFest|Bucharest GayFest]] in 2004. The city's first [[gay pride parade]] was held as part of the 2005 GayFest.
 
−
 
 
−
===Architecture===
 
−
[[Image:Bucuresti Alba Iulia circle.jpg|thumb|center|700px|<center>The Alba Iulia circle]]
 
−
 
 
−
Bucharest's architecture is highly [[Eclecticism|eclectic]] due to the many influences on the city throughout its history. The city centre 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 modern buildings from the 30s and 40s. Very present as well the mostly-utilitarian Communist-era architecture. The city is lately invaded by contemporary structures such as skyscrapers and office buildings, mainly constructed after 2000.
 
−
 
 
−
===Historical architecture===
 
−
[[Image:AteneulRoman.jpg|thumb|200px|left|The [[Romanian Athenaeum]]]]
 
−
[[Image:Cotroceni Palace Bucharest.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The [[Museum of the Romanian Peasant]]]]
 
−
[[Image:Cretzulescu palace.JPG|thumb|left|200px|The [[Creţulescu Palace]]]]
 
−
[[Image:Cercul Militar.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Cercul Militar Naţional]]
 
−
[[Image:Bucharest-Hotel-Union.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Bucharest was known as "the little Paris"]]
 
−
[[Image:The bank tower.jpg|thumb|left|210px|Through the city]]
 
−
 
 
−
Of the city's [[Middle Ages|medieval]] architecture, most of what survived into modern times was destroyed by the Communists and replaced by high-rise apartment blocks. Still, some historical precincts remain, the most notable of which is the [[Lipscani]] area. This precinct contains buildings such as [[Manuc's Inn]] and the ruins of the [[Curtea Veche]] (the Old Court of the King), and during the [[Middle Ages]] was the heart of Bucharest's commercial world. From the 1970s onwards, the area went through urban decline, and many historical buildings fell into disrepair. In 2005, the Lipscani area was entirely pedestrianised and is currently undergoing restoration.
 
−
 
 
−
The city centre has also retained architecture from the late 19th century and early 20th century, particularly the [[interwar period]], which is often seen as the "golden age" of Bucharest architecture. During this time, the city grew significantly in size and sought to emulate other large European capitals such as [[Paris]]. Much of the architecture of the time belongs to a remarkably strong Modern (rationalist) Architecture current, led by Horia Creanga and [[Marcel Iancu]], which managed to literally change the face of the city. Two notable buildings from this time are the [[Creţulescu Palace]], currently housing cultural institutions including [[UNESCO]]'s European Centre for Higher Education, and the [[Cotroceni Palace]], the current residence of the [[President of Romania|Romanian President]]. Many large-scale constructions such as [[Gara de Nord]], the main railway station, and the [[National Bank of Romania]]'s headquarters, date from these times. In the 2000s, a wide variety of historic buildings in the city centre underwent restoration. In some residential areas of the city, particularly the high-income northern suburbs, there are many [[fin-de-siecle|turn-of-the-century]] villas, most of which were restored after 2000.
 
−
 
 
−
===Communist architecture===
 
−
[[Image:Blocuri Titan.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Titan, Bucharest]] Most of the apartment buildings were built in the 1970s and 1980s]]
 
−
[[Image:Lujerului, Militari.jpg|thumb|left|200px||[[Militari, Bucharest]], apartment buildings from the Communist era.]]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[[Image:Unirii Boulevard.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Unirii Boulevard]]
 
−
A major part of Bucharest's architecture is made up of buildings constructed during the [[Communist Romania|Communist era]] replacing the historical architecture with "more efficient" high density apartment blocks - [[Ceauşima|one-fifth of the city]] was demolished only for constructing the third largest building in the world: [[Casa Poporului]] - [[Palace of the Parliament]]. In Nicolae Ceauşescu's project of [[Systematization (Romania)|systematization]] many new buildings were built in previously-historical areas, [[Ceauşima|which were razed]] and then built upon from scratch. One of the best examples of this type of architecture is [[Centrul Civic]], a development that replaced a major part of Bucharest's historic city centre with giant utilitarian buildings, mainly with [[marble]] or [[travertine]] façades, inspired by [[North Korea]]n architecture. Communist-era architecture can also be found in Bucharest's residential districts, mainly in ''blocuri'', which are high-density apartment blocks that house the majority of the city's population.
 
−
 
 
−
Since [[Romanian Revolution of 1989|the fall of Communism in 1989]], several Communist-era buildings have been refurbished, modernised and used for other purposes. Perhaps the best example of this is the conversion of several agro-alimentary complexes into shopping malls and commercial centres. These giant circular halls, which were most often known as [[hunger circus]]es due to the food shortages experienced in the 1980s, were constructed during the Ceauşescu era to act as produce markets and [[refectory|refectories]], although most were left unfinished at the time of the Revolution. Modern shopping malls like [[Bucharest Mall]], [[Plaza Romania]] and [[City Mall]] emerged on pre-existent structures of former hunger circuses. Another example is the modernisation and conversion of a large utilitarian construction in [[Centrul Civic]] into a [[Marriott International|Marriott Hotel]]. This process was accelerated after 2000, when the city underwent a property boom, and many Communist-era buildings in the city centre became prime real estate due to their location. In recent years, many Communist-era apartment blocks have also been refurbished to improve the city's urban appearance.
 
−
 
 
−
===Contemporary architecture===
 
−
 
 
−
[[Image:New and old building Bucharest.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The headquarters of the Romanian Architects Association, built on the ruins of the Direcţia V [[Securitate]]]]
 
−
[[Image:Bucharest modern building 1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Bucharest Financial Plaza]]]]
 
−
 
 
−
The newest contribution to Bucharest's architecture took place after the fall of Communism, and particularly after 2000, when the city went through a period of urban renewal{{ndash}} and architectural revitalization{{ndash}} on the back of Romania's economic boom. Buildings from this time are mostly made out of glass and [[steel]], and often have more than fifteen storeys. Examples include shopping malls (particularly the [[Bucharest Mall]], a conversion and extension of an abandoned building), office buildings, bank headquarters, the [[Bucharest World Trade Center]] and the [[Chamber of Commerce]], which lies on the banks of the [[Dâmboviţa river|Dâmboviţa]]. As of 2005, there is a significant number of office buildings in construction, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the city. Additionally, there has been a trend in recent years to add modern wings and [[façade]]s to historic buildings, the most prominent example of which is the Bucharest Architects' Association Building, which is a modern glass-and-steel construction built inside a historic stone façade. Aside from buildings used for business and institutions, various new residential developments are currently underway, many of which consist of modern high-rise buildings with a glass exterior, surrounded by American-style residential communities. These developments are increasingly prominent in the northern suburbs of the city, which are less densely-populated and are home to middle- and upper-class Bucharesters due to the process of [[gentrification]].
 
−
<br clear="all">
 
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
−
 
 
<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:Stavopoleos exterior cristi.jpg|Stavropoleos Church, built in 1724
−
Image:Unirii by night.jpg|Bucharest avenue
+
Image:Vitan2.jpg|Bancpost Tower  
−
Image:Cotroceni Palace Bucharest.jpg|The [[Cotroceni Palace]]
 
−
Image:Elegant Fountains.jpg|In Front of the [[Palace of the Parliament]]
 
−
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:Ion Heliade Radulescu.jpg|Statue of [[Ion Heliade Rădulescu]] in [[University Square, Bucharest|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, Bucharest|Revolution Square]]
 
−
Image:Howard Johnson Hotel Bucharest.jpg|[[Howard Johnson Hotel Bucharest|Howard Johnson Hotel]]
 
−
Image:Hotel Intercontinental Boekarest.jpg|[[InterContinental]] Hotel
 
−
Image:Vitan2.jpg|[[Bancpost|Bancpost Tower]]
 
−
Image:Rosetti1.jpg|[[Millennium Tower|Millennium Business Center]]
 
 
Image:Vitan1.jpg|The Romanian Chamber of Commerce
 
Image:Vitan1.jpg|The Romanian Chamber of Commerce
−
<!-- Deleted image removed: Image:Amzei1.jpg|Cathedral Plaza —>
 
−
Image:BUCmuzeultaranului2.jpg|Museum of the Romanian Peasant
 
−
Image:Hanul Manuc Courtyard 4.jpg|Manuc's Inn
 
−
Image:Opera2Bucuresti.JPG|Romanian National Opera
 
−
Image:Casa Scanteii.jpg|The House of the Free Press
 
 
Image:Intrare Catedrala Patriarhiei.JPG|Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral
 
Image:Intrare Catedrala Patriarhiei.JPG|Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral
 
Image:Radu Voda intrarea principala.JPG|Radu Vodă Orthodox Monastery
 
Image:Radu Voda intrarea principala.JPG|Radu Vodă Orthodox Monastery
−
Image:Cladirea ASE Bucuresti.jpg|Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies
 
−
Image:Politehnica rectorat.jpg|Polytechnic University of Bucharest
 
 
</gallery></center>
 
</gallery></center>
−
 
−
===Media===
 
−
[[Image:Casa Scanteii 02 bgiu.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Casa Presei Libere]], the headquarters of various Bucharest media outlets]]
 
−
 
−
Bucharest is the most important centre for Romanian mass media, since it is the headquarters of all the national television networks as well as national newspapers and radio stations. The largest daily newspapers in Bucharest include ''[[Evenimentul Zilei]]'', ''[[Jurnalul Naţional]]'', ''[[Cotidianul]]'', ''[[România Liberă]]'', ''[[Adevărul]]'', ''[[Gardianul]]'' and ''[[Gândul]]''. During the rush hours, [[tabloid]] newspapers ''[[Libertatea]]'' and ''[[Ziarul]]'' are very popular for commuters.
 
−
 
−
A significant number of newspapers and media publications are based in [[Casa Presei Libere]] (The House of the Free Press) a landmark of northern Bucharest, originally named Casa Scânteii after the Communist-era official newspaper ''[[Scînteia]]''. Casa Presei Libere is not the only Bucharest landmark that grew out of the media and communications industry. [[Palatul Telefoanelor]] ("the telephone palace") was the first major modernist building on Calea Victoriei in the city's center, and the massive, unfinished communist-era [[Casa Radio]] looms over a park a block away from the Opera.
 
−
 
−
English-language media became available in Bucharest in the 1990s, and has become increasingly prominent since 2000. There are two daily English-language newspapers, ''[[Bucharest Daily News]]'' and ''[[Nine O' Clock]]'', as well as numerous other magazines. A number of publications in other languages are also available, such as the Hungarian-language daily ''[[Új Magyar Szó]]''.
 
−
 
−
''[[Observator Cultural]]'' covers the city's arts, and the free weekly ''[[Şapte Seri]]'' ("Seven Evenings") and ''B24FUN'' lists entertainments of all sorts. The city is also home to the intellectual journal ''[[Dilema]]'' and the satire magazine ''[[Academia Caţavencu]]'', as well as the usual array of commercial magazines one would find in any European capital.
 
−
<!-- expand, list TV stations, what are the leading newspapers? magazines? radio stations? alternatives?, English-language media —>
 
−
 
−
Bucharest was the host city of the fourth edition of the [[Junior Eurovision Song Contest]] 2006.
 
−
 
−
===Sports===
 
−
[[Football (soccer)]] is the most widely-followed sport in Bucharest, with the city having various club teams that are known throughout Europe. Four football teams of Bucharest participate in [[Liga 1]] (League 1), formerly Divizia A, the top division in the Romanian football league:
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable" width=100% style="font-size:93%"
 
−
! Club
 
−
! Founded
 
−
! Stadium
 
−
! Notes
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[FC Sportul Studenţesc Bucureşti|FC Sportul Studenţesc]]
 
−
| 1916
 
−
| [[Regie Stadium]]
 
−
|
 
−
* Oldest established local team
 
−
* Playing in the [[Liga II|2nd League]] from 2006 to present
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[FC Rapid Bucureşti|FC Rapid]]
 
−
| 1923
 
−
| [[Giuleşti Stadium]]
 
−
|
 
−
* The first Romanian team in a European cup final ([[Mitropa Cup]], 1940, was not played because of [[WWII]])
 
−
* The only team to win 6 times in a row the [[Romanian Cup]] (1936-1942)
 
−
* Won the Romanian Championship 3 times, the Romanian Cup 13 times, and the Romanian SuperCup 4 times.
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[FC Progresul Bucureşti|Progresul Bucuresti]]
 
−
| 1944
 
−
| [[Cotroceni Stadium]]
 
−
|
 
−
* Playing in the [[Liga II|2nd League]] from 2007 to present
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[FC Steaua Bucureşti|FC Steaua]]
 
−
| 1947
 
−
| [[Ghencea Stadium]]
 
−
|
 
−
* Winner of the 1986 [[UEFA Champions League|European Champion Clubs Cup]] and [[European Super Cup]]
 
−
* Won the Romanian Championship 23 times, the Romanian Cup 20 times, and the Romanian SuperCup 5 times.
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[FC Dinamo Bucureşti|FC Dinamo]]
 
−
| 1948
 
−
| [[Dinamo Stadium (Bucharest)|Dinamo Stadium]]
 
−
|
 
−
* The first Romanian team to participate in [[UEFA Champions League|European Champion Clubs Cup]] (1956)
 
−
* The first Romanian team to reach the semifinals of the [[UEFA Champions League|European Champion Clubs Cup]] (1983-1984 season)
 
−
* Won the Romanian Championship 18 times, and the Romanian Cup 12 times
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
[[Image:National Stadium, Bucharest.JPG|thumb|left|200px|[[Lia Manoliu Stadium|The National Stadium]], Bucharest (Dinamo vs Manchester)]]
 
−
The [[Lia Manoliu Stadium]] is the largest stadium in Romania (capacity: 60,120). Also there are sport centers, like Dinamo Sports Park and the National Sports Center.
 
−
 
−
There are also a number of sport clubs for [[ice hockey]], [[rugby union]], [[basketball]], [[team handball|handball]], [[water polo]] and [[volleyball]]. The majority of Romanian track and field athletes, boxers, and a great number of gymnasts are affiliated with clubs in Bucharest. The Athletics and many Gymnastics National Championships are held in Bucharest, one main reason being the city's extensive sporting infrastructure.
 
−
 
−
Every autumn, Bucharest hosts [[Banca Comercială Română|BCR]] [[Open Romania]] international tennis tournament, which is included in the [[Association of Tennis Professionals|ATP Tour]]. Also, the Romanian [[Davis Cup]] Team usually plays its matches in Bucharest, either outdoors at the [[BNR Arena]] or indoor at the [[Sala Polivalentă]]. Ice hockey games are held at the Mihai Flamaropol hall, which holds 8,000 spectators.
 
−
 
−
For the [[2007 FIA GT Championship season|2007]] season, Bucharest will host a round of the [[FIA GT Championship]] at the new [[Bucharest Ring]], on [[May 20]]. It is now known as the Bucharest City Challenge<ref>http://www.fiagt.com/newsitem.php?key=1129/</ref>
 
−
 
−
 
−
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
−
{{reflist|2}}
+
<references/>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
*[http://82.76.75.160:59764/cgi-bin/guestimage.html Webcam Live in Bucharest]
+
* Giurescu, Constantin C. ''History of Bucharest.'' Bucharest: Pub. House for Sports and Tourism, 1976. {{OCLC|2410946}}
−
*[http://www1.pmb.ro/pmb/index_en.htm Modern history of Bucharest], City Hall of Bucharest
+
* Livezeanu, I. "Luminita Machedon and Ernie Scoffham, Romanian Modernism: The Architecture of Bucharest, 1920-1940." ''Slavic Review'' 61 (2002): 388. ISSN 0037-6779
−
*[http://www.inyourpocket.com/romania/bucharest/en/category?cid=2830&chid=15 Public transport in Bucharest], InYourPocket Bucharest, 2005
+
* 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)
−
*Şerban Cantacuzino, ''Două Oraşe Distincte''. Revista Secolul XX 4/6 (1997): 11–40
+
* Murzin-Bencovski, Tatiana. [http://www.aboutromania.com/education.html Romanian Education] About Romania.com. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
−
*Ernie Schoffham, Luminiţa MacHedon, Şerban Cantacuzino, ''Romanian Modernism: The Architecture of Bucharest, 1920-1940''
+
* Romanian Tourist Office. [http://www.romaniatourism.com/spec.html Romania: Arts & Architecture]. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
−
*[http://www.romaniatourism.com/spec.html Romania: Arts & Architecture], Romanian Tourist Office
 
−
*Tatiana Murzin, [http://www.aboutromania.com/education.html Romanian Education], 2005
 
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*[http://portal.edu.ro Romanian Education Portal], Site for the Ministry of Education containing lists of all educational establishments.
 
−
*[http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=bucharest@36 Overview of Bucharest], Fodor's Travel Guide
 
−
*[http://museum.ici.ro/mbucur/english/micparis.htm Bucharest, the small Paris of the East], on the Museums from Romania web site.
 
−
*Bucica, Cristina. {{PDFlink|[http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/kokkalis/GSW5/bucica.pdf Legitimating Power in Capital Cities: Bucharest - Continuity Through Radical Change?]|39.0&nbsp;[[Kibibyte|KiB]]<!-- application/pdf, 39982 bytes —>}}, 2000.
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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{{external}}
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All links retrieved November 22, 2023.
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{{sisterlinks}}
 
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{{coor title dms|44|25|57|N|26|06|14|E|scale:100000}}
 
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=== Official sites ===
 
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* [http://www1.pmb.ro/pmb/index_en.htm Bucharest: Official administration site]
 
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* [http://www.prefecturabucuresti.ro/ The Bucharest Prefecture]
 
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* [http://www.ratb.ro/ RATB (Public Transport Company) official website]
 
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* [http://www.metrorex.ro/ Metrorex (Underground Transport Company) official website]
 
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* [http://www.otp-airport.ro/ Bucharest Airport Henri Coanda]
 
−
* [http://www.baneasa-airport.ro/ Bucharest Airport Aurel Vlaicu]
 
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* [http://www.cfr.ro/ (National Railway Company) official website]
 
−
* [http://www.infofer.ro/ (Railway Passenger Transport) official website]
 
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* [http://www.autogari.ro/ (Romania Bus Passenger) official website]
 
−
* [http://www.bucuresti.ro/ City of Bucharest]
 
  
−
===City guides===
+
* The Diplomat [http://www.thediplomat.ro/features_0906_1.htm Article on Building in Bucharest: The city where anything goes]
−
* {{wikitravel}}
 
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* [http://www.bucuresti.com.ro/www/index.html/harta Bucharest Interactive map]
 
  
−
=== Other ===
 
−
* [http://www.maerlant.be/cesiexhibit/index.htm Bucharest between the World Wars: A modernity with fringes], exhibition by the Centre of Excellence in Image Studies (CESI), of the University of Bucharest.
 
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* [http://www.show.ro/bucuresti/prima.htm Bucureştii - un oraş fară istorie ... ??!! / Bucurestiul - inainte de ...] ("Bucharest - a city without history ... ??!! / Bucharest - before ..."). Extensive collection of historical photos and drawings.
 
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* [http://www.thediplomat.ro/features_0906_1.htm Article on Building in Bucharest: The city where anything goes], From 'The Diplomat - Bucharest' magazine
 
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* [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_10_57/ai_n15658075/print A red's white elephant] 2005 National Review article by Anthony Daniels
 
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* [http://travel.webshots.com/album/559616732Svayiq] Views from Bucharest
 
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* [http://public-transport.net/bus/Trolley.htm Bucharest trolleybus]
 
  
 
[[Category:Geography]]
 
[[Category:Geography]]
 
[[Category:Cities]]
 
[[Category:Cities]]
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[[Category:Europe]]
  
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{{credit|Bucharest|230564068|}}
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{{credit|Bucharest|230564068|History_of_Bucharest|220463695|Nicolae_Ceauşescu|231661876}}

Latest revision as of 16:51, 22 November 2023

Bucharest
Bucureşti
Back view of the CEC Palace and the royal guard.
Back view of the CEC Palace and the royal guard.
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.

  • Bucharest seen from Spot satellite

History

The remains of Curtea Veche, the royal court in Bucharest during the Middle Ages.
Bucharest in 1837.
The 1847 fire.
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

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

  • University of Bucharest.

  • The Unirii Square fountain

  • George Enescu Museum - The Cantacuzino Palace

  • Stavropoleos Church, built in 1724

  • Bancpost Tower

  • The Romanian Chamber of Commerce

  • Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral

  • Radu Vodă Orthodox Monastery

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 November 22, 2023.

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