HARGHITA

judet (county), north-central Romania, with an area of 2,552 square miles (6,610 square km). It is dominated by the Eastern Carpathian mountain ranges of Baraolt, Gurghiu, and the volcanic Harghita. Settlement areas lie in intermontane valleys, including the Ciuc and Gurge depressions. The Olt (southward) and Mures (northward) rivers drain the county. Miercurea-Ciuc is the county capital. Miercurea-Ciuc and the towns of Sncraieni, Odorheiu Secuiesc, and Snsimion have industries that produce textiles, timber, and foodstuffs; machinery is manufactured in Odorheiu Secuiesc and Vlahita. Iron mines operate at Lueta, and salt is quarried at Praid. Agricultural activities in the county consist of livestock raising and cereal and fruit cultivation. Borsec, Jigodin, Sncraieni, and Tusnad are resorts located near mineral springs; and Saint Anne's Lake, the only volcanic lake in Romania, is near Tusnad. A collection of Dacian silver was found in Sncraieni. A Roman citadel (1st century BC) built of earthworks and timber is located in Jigodinu. During the 17th century, Gheorgheni town was inhabited by Armenians fleeing the Turks. In 1944 the town was destroyed by the Germans but was later rebuilt. Madaras town has been known for its production of a distinctive black pottery since Dacian times. Highway and rail connections extend through Miercurea-Ciuc, Gheorgheni, and Odorheiu Secuiesc. Pop. (1987 est.) 359,205.