Csíkszereda

Csíkszereda, known in Romanian as Miercurea Ciuc, is a city in Harghita County, Romania. It is the county seat and the largest urban center in the Székely Land, a Hungarian-speaking region of central Transylvania.

Geography and climate: The city lies in the Csík Basin at the foot of the Ciuc Mountains, within the Carpathians. It sits at roughly 600–700 meters above sea level and experiences a temperate continental climate with cold winters and warm summers.

History: The area has medieval origins and was part of the Kingdom of Hungary for centuries. After World War I, it became part of Romania; in 1940 it was ceded to Hungary under the Second Vienna Award and was rejoined to Romania after World War II. Since 1990 it has been part of Romania and serves as an administrative and cultural hub for Székely communities.

Demographics and culture: The city has a predominantly Hungarian-speaking population and a rich Székely cultural heritage. It hosts Hungarian-language educational and cultural institutions and regular regional events.

Economy and infrastructure: The economy includes public administration, education, retail, and light industry, with forestry and tourism related to the Csík region. Csíkszereda is accessible by road and rail within Romania, with regional connections to larger cities.

Landmarks and culture: The historic center includes Mikó Castle and several churches, alongside late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. The area is a gateway to nearby natural and cultural attractions in the Ciuc Mountains and the Csík Basin.

Education and sports: The city hosts a campus of Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania and hosts local sports teams, including ice hockey in the national league.