Bacău County

Actual Bacău county CoA

20171004 114517 Administrative Palace in Bacău 2017

Ajuntament Onesti

Flag of Romania

1938 map of interwar county Bacau

Bacău County is a county (Romanian: județ) located in the historical region of Moldavia, in northeastern Romania. It is part of the Nord-Est development region, which includes six other counties. The county seat is Bacău, one of the major urban centers in the region. Bacău County is characterized by its diverse geography, which includes the Eastern Carpathians, sub-Carpathian hills, and the Siret Plain, making it a region with a rich natural landscape and a variety of ecosystems.

Geography

Bacău County covers an area of approximately 6,621 square kilometers, making it one of the larger counties in Romania. It is bordered by Neamț County to the north, Vaslui County to the east, Vrancea County to the south, and Covasna County and Harghita County to the west. The county's topography is diverse, with the Eastern Carpathians covering the western part, providing a mountainous landscape, while the eastern parts are dominated by the lower-lying Siret Plain.

The main river flowing through the county is the Siret River, which crosses Bacău County from north to south, contributing to the region's agriculture and industry. Other important rivers include the Trotuș and the Bistrița, which are crucial for the county's hydrological system.

Demographics

As of the latest census, Bacău County has a population of approximately 616,168 inhabitants. The ethnic composition is predominantly Romanian, with minorities including Roma, Hungarians, and others. The majority of the population is Orthodox Christian, reflecting the religious makeup of Romania as a whole.

Economy

The economy of Bacău County is diverse, with significant contributions from industries such as agriculture, petrochemicals, textiles, and food processing. The county benefits from its rich agricultural land, particularly in the Siret Plain, where crops like wheat, corn, and sunflowers are grown. Bacău's industrial sector is anchored by the city of Bacău, where petrochemical plants, aeronautical factories, and food processing facilities are located. Additionally, the county has seen growth in the services and IT sectors in recent years.

Culture and Tourism

Bacău County is rich in cultural heritage and natural attractions. The Slănic Moldova and Târgu Ocna resorts are well-known for their therapeutic mineral waters and salt mines, attracting visitors interested in health and wellness tourism. The Nemira and Ciuc mountains in the western part of the county offer opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.

Cultural landmarks include the Precista Church in Bacău, the Roman-Catholic Cathedral, and the Iulian Antonescu Museum of Art. The county also hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating traditional Romanian music, dance, and crafts.

Administration

Bacău County is administratively divided into 3 municipalities, 5 towns, and 85 communes. The county council, located in Bacău, is responsible for local administration, including infrastructure development, education, and healthcare services. The current structure of local government aims to promote economic development and improve the quality of life for residents.

Transportation

The county benefits from a well-developed transportation network, including the European road E85, which crosses the county north to south, and the national roads DN11 and DN12A, facilitating access to neighboring regions. Bacău International Airport provides both domestic and international flights, connecting the county with major cities in Romania and Europe. Additionally, the county is served by a comprehensive rail network, ensuring connectivity within the region and beyond.

Education and Health

Bacău County has a well-established education system, with numerous primary, secondary, and high schools, as well as higher education institutions, including "Vasile Alecsandri" University of Bacău. The county also has a network of hospitals and clinics providing healthcare services to the population, with the Bacău County Emergency Hospital being the largest healthcare facility in the region.