SALAJ

judet (county), northwestern Romania. The Western Carpathian Mountains of Romania, including the Ses Mountains, rise above settlement areas in the valleys. The county is drained northwestward by the Somes River and its tributaries. Zalau (q.v.) is the county capital. Metal products, building materials, timber, and foodstuffs are produced in Zalau and Simleu Silvaniei. Lignite mines are operated in Sarmasag, Bobota, and Ip. Other towns include Jibou, Cehu Silvaniei, Simleul Silvaniei, and Glgau. Agricultural activities consist of livestock raising, cereal growing, and viticulture. An archaeological museum located in Zalau contains artifacts dating from prehistoric times and from the Roman occupation. Highway connections extend through the larger towns, and an east-west railway connection crosses the county. Area 1,492 square miles (3,864 square km). Pop. (1994 est.) 264,448.