Brasov is a city in Romania and the capital of Brasov County, with a population of 284,596,

according to the 2002 census, is the 8th largest Romanian city. Brasov is located in the central
part of the country, about 166 km from Bucharest. It is surrounded by the Southern
Carpathians, and is part of the Transylvania region. The city is notable for hosting the Golden
Stag International Music Festival.

Population

The municipality of Brasov has a total population of 284,596 (2002 Census). Its ethnic
composition includes:

• Romanians: 258,042 (90.66%)

• Hungarians: 23,204 (8.54%)
• Ethnic Germans: 1,717 (0.60%)
• Roma: 762 (0.26%)
• other ethnicities (Russians, Greeks, Italians): 871 (0.31%)

As of January 1, 2009, 278,048 inhabitants live within the city limits. In 2005, the Brasov
metropolitan area was created. With its surrounding localities, Brasov has around 400,000
inhabitants.

Economy

Industrial development in Brasov started in the inter-war period, with one of the largest
factories being the airplane-manufacturing plant (IAR Brasov), which produced the first
Romanian fighter planes, which were used in World War II against the Soviets. After
Communist rule was imposed, this plant was converted to manufacture of agricultural
equipment, being renamed «Uzina Tractorul Brasov» (internationally known as Universal
Tractor Brasov). Industrialization was accelerated in the Communist era, with special
emphasis being placed on heavy industry, attracting many workers from other parts of the
country. Heavy industry is still abundant, including Roman, which manufactures MAN AG
trucks under licence, as well as native-designed trucks and coaches. Although the industrial
base has been in decline in recent years, Brasov is still a site for manufacturing agricultural
tractors and machinery, hydraulic transmissions, auto parts, ball-bearings, helicopters (at the
nearby IAR site in Ghimbav), building materials, tools, furniture, textiles, shoes and
cosmetics. There are also chocolate factories and a large brewery. In particular, the
pharmaceutical industry has undergone further development lately, with GlaxoSmithKline
establishing a production site in Brasov.

A large longwave broadcasting facility is located near Brasov, at Bod.

Significant growth in real estate prices continues, along with other major Romanian cities, as
investor sentiment remains high, given the large FDI influx, recent accession to the European
Union and forthcoming airport. Like most of Romania and Poland, cities like Brasov are
predicted to exhibit strong growth for many years to come. Many foreign investors are
sourcing their own land, or engaging local firms to create holiday or investment property.

Transportation

The Brasov local transport network is well-developed, with around 50 bus and trolleybus
lines. There is also a regular bus line serving Poiana Brasov, a nearby winter resort. Until
2006, there were also four night lines that connected the outskirts to city center. Between
1987 and 2006, there has been also a tram line, however it was discontinued because it
became inefficient.

The construction of Brasov Airport[5] was inaugurated by Intelcan Canada on April 15 2008.
Construction is planned to be finalized in 24 to 30 months . The project consists of a terminal
capable of handling 1 million passengers per year and a 2,800 meter-long runway. The A3
highway is also planned to pass right by the city's edge.

Tourism

Centrally located Brasov is a good starting point for trips around Romania. The city is situated
at fairly equal distances from several tourism destinations in the country: the Black Sea
resorts, the monasteries in northern Moldavia, and the well-preserved wooden churches of
Maramures. It is also the largest city in a mountain resorts area. The old city itself is very well
preserved, and is best seen by taking the cable-car to the top of Tâmpa Mountain (995 m), a
beautiful lookout.

Temperatures from May to September fluctuate around 23°C / 75°F. Brasov benefits from a
winter tourism season centered on winter sports and other activities.
Sights

• Biserica Neagră ("The Black Church"), a celebrated Gothic site - the building dates
from 1477, when it replaced an older church (demolished around 1385). Its acquired
the name after being blackened by smoke from the 1689 great fire.
• Casa Sfatului ("The mayor's former office building"). The administration for Brasov
was here for more than 500 years.
• Biserica Sf. Nicolae (St. Nicholas Church), dating back to the 14th century.
• The First Romanian School, a museum with the first Romanian printing press among
many other firsts.
• The Rope Street, the most narrow street in Romania.
• Schei, the historically Bulgarian but then Romanian neighborhood outside of the old
walled city.
• The Orthodox church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, built in 1896.
• Muzeul Prima Carte Românească, a museum exhibiting the first book printed in the
Romanian language.
• Tâmpa, a small mountain in the middle of the city (900m above sea level), a
sightseeing spot near the old city center.
• The "Brasov Citadel Fortress" - Cetăţuia Brasovului
• The nearby Bran Castle, attracting many fans of Dracula, and often (but incorrectly)
said to have been the home of Vlad the Impaler.
• Poiana Brasov, mainly a ski resort, but also a sightseeing spot.
• Râsnov Fortress, above the nearby town of Râsnov, is a restored peasant fortress
• Prejmer Fortress, in the nearby town of Prejmer