Palmai

Palmai is a small commune situated in Buzău County, within the historical region of Moldavia in southeastern Romania. The centre of the commune sits at an elevation of about 165 metres above sea level and covers an area of roughly 9.5 square kilometres. Nearby villages are Sujucu to the north, Răscăieţi to the east, and Mozileni to the west. The D2 county road runs through the commune, providing access to the city of Buzău, located approximately 12 kilometres to the south, and to the national railway line at the station of Țepu, about seven kilometres away.

According to the 2011 national census, Palmai had a population of 1,236 inhabitants, down slightly from 1,350 reported in the 2002 census, reflecting the broader rural demographic trend in Romania of out‑migration toward urban centres and abroad. Until recently the local economy has been dominated by agriculture, with vineyards, orchards (fig, plum, and cherry) and small plots of cereal and vegetable cultivation forming the mainstay of the labour market. In the last decade a small agro‑processing plant, established in 2015, has added value to fruit products, creating a modest number of employment opportunities.

Palmai's built heritage includes the Church of Saint George, constructed in 1782, whose stone masonry exemplifies the local Baroque style. A 2020 community centre was inaugurated to host cultural activities and serve as an information hub. The commune participates in the annual "Palmai Harvest Festival," an event that celebrates the agricultural cycle with regional food, music, and folk dance.

Educational infrastructure comprises a primary school bearing the name "Dimitrie Cantemir", serving children up to the eighth grade. Students wishing to pursue secondary education typically travel to the larger towns of Buzău or Pucioasa. Social services are coordinated by the local mayor’s office, which reports directly to the Buzău County Council for matters of infrastructure, maintenance, and small‑business support.