Bucharest is the capital city, industrial and financial centre of Romania. It is the largest city in Romania, located in the southeast of the country, and lies on the banks of the Dambovita River.

Bucharest was first mentioned in documents as early as 1459. Since then it has gone through a variety of changes, becoming the state capital of Romania in 1862 and steadily consolidating 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 "Little Paris of the East" (Micul Paris). Although many buildings and districts in the historic centre were damaged or destroyed by war, earthquakes and Nicolae Ceausescu's program of systematization, many survived. In recent years, the city has been experiencing an economic and cultural boom.

Facts and figures

Location: Southern Romania

Size: City of Bucharest - 88 sq.miles (228 sq.km); Bucharest Metropolitan area - 587 sq.m(1,521 sq.km)

Elevation: 190-295 ft (55-90 m)

Population: 2.6 milion (2007)

Inhabited since: 500 BC

First documented: 1459 AD

Touristic attractions

Among the sites worth visiting are: The Arch of Triumph, Calea Victoriei (Victory Avenue), Revolution Square, The Royal Palace, The Romanian Athenaeum, The Military Club, The Palace of the Savings Bank, Old Historical Center of Bucharest, Parliament Palace

Additional info links