MARAMURES

judet (county), northwestern Romania. It occupies an area of 2,400 square miles (6,215 square km) and is bounded in the north by Ukraine. It is mostly mountainous and is dominated by the Eastern Carpathian Mountains, including the Maramures and Tibles ranges. The Tisa River, flowing east and southward, forms part of the county's northern border, and the Viseu and Somes rivers drain southward. Baia Mare, the county capital, is Romania's largest centre for nonferrous metallurgy, and machinery is manufactured there. Mines are located in Herja, Baia Sprie, Cavnic, Suior, and Baiut. Sighetu Marmatiei, Viseu de Sus, and Borsa are timber-producing centres, and factories in Bistra produce building materials. Agricultural activities include livestock raising and fruit cultivation. A hydroelectric station operates on the Firiza River, with a reservoir located near Strmtoii. Several villages situated near the towns of Trgu Lampus and Sighetul Marmatiei are known for their 18th-century oak churches with shingled roofs. An ethnographical museum is located in Sighetul Marmatiei, and Moiseiu town has an 18th-century monastery. Highway and railway connections extend through Baia Mare, Sighetu Marmatiei, and Viseu de Sus. An airport is located near Baia Mare. Pop. (1990 est.) 559,700.