CALARASI

judet (county), southwestern Romania, occupying an area of 1,835 sq mi (4,754 sq km). The county, consisting mostly of lowlands, was formed in 1981 from portions of Ialomita and Ilfov districts. The Danube River, flowing northeastward, marks the county's eastern border; and the Borcea, Barza, and Dmbovita rivers, tributaries of the Danube, drain southward. The Mostistea and Galatui lakes lie in the south. Calarasi (q.v.) city, the county capital, has a paper industry. Machinery is manufactured in Oltenita, and factories in Fetesti and Valea-Rosie process foodstuffs. Agricultural activities consist of livestock raising and cereal growing. Vineyards are cultivated along the Danube and Borcea rivers in the east. The town of Dichiseni is a former Roman settlement. Other towns in the county include Mnastirea, Gradistea, and Lupsanu. Major highway and railway connections between Bucharest and Constanta cross the northern portion of the county. Other highways extend through Calarasi city. Pop. (1982 est.) 339,942. city, capital of Calarasi judet (county), southeastern Romania. It is located at the border with Bulgaria on the Borcea arm of the Danube and along Lake Calarasi, about 60 mi (100 km) east-southeast of Bucharest. Calarasi is first documented in 1593, during the reign of Michael the Brave (Mihai Viteazul). A river port and trading centre, its chief industries are food processing (particularly fish), flour milling, and pulp and paper making, the latter based on reeds from local swamplands. The town has an archaeological museum, and the nearby town of Discheni is a former Roman settlement. Calarasi city has highway and railway connections to Fetesti and Slobozia. Pop. (1982 est.) 56,589.