VALCEA

also spelled Vlcea, judet (county), south-central Romania. The Transylvanian Alps (Southern Carpathians) and the sub-Carpathians rise above settlement areas in the valleys, and the Olt and Cerna rivers drain southward through the county. Rmnicu Vlcea (q.v.; the county capital), Babeni, and Berzoi are timber production centres. Chemical factories operate in Govora, and building materials are produced in Calimanesti. A mica mine is located in Voineasa, and salt mines have been worked in Ocnele Mari since Roman times. Dragasani is a wine-making centre. Livestock raising and cereal growing are the county's major agricultural activities. There are several 16th- and 17th-century monasteries in the county. The fortified manors of Maldaresti, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, include a museum. Resorts with mineral springs include Baile Olanesti and Calimanesti. Highway and railway connections extend through Rmnicu Vlcea, Dragasani, and Brezoi. Area 2,203 square miles (5,705 square km). Pop. (1992 prelim.) 436,300.