Boekarest

Boekarest, known in Romanian as București, is the capital and largest city of Romania. It is located in the southeastern part of the country, on the Dâmbovița River, in the historic region of Muntenia. As the political, cultural, and economic center of Romania, it hosts the national government, Parliament, and a wide range of universities, museums, theaters, and media outlets.

The municipality has about 1.8 million residents, with a metropolitan area home to roughly 2.2–2.5 million people. The city serves as the main hub for governance, education, business, and culture in Romania, attracting a large share of national investment and talent.

History of Boekarest stretches back to medieval times. The city became the capital of the United Principalities of Moldavia and Walachia in 1862, and later the capital of Romania. It expanded rapidly in the 19th and 20th centuries, adopting a mix of architectural styles from historicist to Art Deco and modernist. Under communist rule in the late 20th century, extensive construction included the Palace of the Parliament, one of the world’s largest administrative buildings. The 1989 Revolution ushered in political and economic transitions, followed by rapid modernization and European integration.

Culturally, Boekarest features the Old Town district of Lipscani, with preserved historical streets and buildings. Notable landmarks include the Palace of the Parliament, the Romanian Athenaeum, the National Opera, and the Village Museum in Herăstrău Park. The city hosts major museums such as the National Museum of Romanian History and the National Museum of Art, along with universities, theaters, and festivals that reflect its diverse cultural life.

Transportation and economy: Boekarest is a rail and road hub with Gara de Nord serving as a national railway gateway. The city operates a metro system, along with trams and buses. Henri Coandă International Airport (Otopeni) is the main international gateway, complemented by domestic air services and a growing information technology and services sector that underpins its economy.