Mureș

Mureș County, known in Hungarian as Maros megye and in German as Bezirk Mieresch, is located in the central part of Transylvania, Romania. The county is traversed by the Mureș River, which flows from northeast to southwest for approximately 180 km. Covering an area of 6,714 km², it is one of the largest counties in Romania, accounting for about 2.8% of the country's territory. The county seat is Târgu Mureș (Marosvásárhely), with a population of approximately 145,943 residents. Mureș County was established in 1968 as part of the national administrative reorganization, which led to the dissolution of the Mureș–Magyar Autonomous Region. The county was formed largely from the former Mureș-Turda County, with parts of Nagy-Küküllő County incorporated as well. Historically, the central and eastern parts of Mureș County belong to Székely Land (Székelyföld), specifically Marosszék, while the town of Sighișoara (Segesvár) and its surroundings were part of the former Saxon lands (Szászföld). Mureș County is bordered by Suceava County to the north, Harghita County to the east, Brașov County to the southeast, Sibiu County to the south, Alba County to the southwest, Cluj County to the west, and Bistrița-Năsăud County to the northwest. The county stretches approximately 120 km from north to south and 100 km from west to east. Its landscape is diverse, with the northeastern part covered by the Călimani and Gurghiu Mountains, which are part of the Inner Eastern Carpathians. The rest of the county belongs to the Transylvanian Plateau, characterized by deep yet wide valleys. The most significant rivers are the Mureș, the Târnava Mare, and the Târnava Mică. Mureș County is one of Romania's most ethnically diverse regions. In the 1977 census, Romanians made up 49% of the population, while Hungarians accounted for 44.3%. By 2002, the numbers had shifted to 53.2% Romanians and 39.3% Hungarians. The county is also home to Romania’s largest Roma (Gypsy) community, numbering over 40,000 people according to official data. The region is rich in cultural and historical landmarks. Târgu Mureș is known for its well-preserved old town, which includes notable architectural works such as the Palace of Culture, built in the early 20th century, and the Fortress Church, a key religious and historical site. The town is also home to one of the oldest libraries in Romania, the Teleki-Bolyai Library, which houses thousands of rare manuscripts and books. Sighișoara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is celebrated for its remarkably well-preserved medieval architecture, including the famous Clock Tower, the former citadel walls, and cobbled streets lined with colorful Saxon houses. Sovata, a popular resort town, is known for its heliothermic saltwater lake, Ursu Lake, which is said to have therapeutic properties and attracts visitors from across Romania and abroad. Reghin, often called the "City of Violins," has a long tradition of crafting musical instruments and remains one of the most important centers for violin-making in Eastern Europe. The county also offers breathtaking natural attractions, including the Defileul Mureșului Superior Natural Park, an area of protected landscapes ideal for hiking, wildlife observation, and nature tourism. The economy of Mureș County is diverse, with key industries including wood processing, food production, textiles, glass and ceramics manufacturing, and construction materials. The county is also an important energy producer, as Mureș and neighboring Sibiu County together account for nearly 50% of Romania’s natural gas production. Salt extraction has historically been an essential activity in the region as well, particularly in the Praid area. Mureș County is a remarkable fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it one of Transylvania's most distinctive and captivating regions.