Iași ([jaʃʲ] ( ); also referred to as Jassy or Iassy) is one of the largest cities and municipalities in Romania. Located in the Moldavia region, Iași has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Romanian social, cultural, academic and artistic life. The city was the capital of the Principality of Moldavia from 1564 to 1859, then of theUnited Principalities from 1859 to 1862, and the capital of Romania from 1916 to 1918.
Known as The Cultural Capital of Romania, Iași is a symbol in Romanian history. The historian Nicolae Iorga said “There should be no Romanian who does not know of it”.[6] Still referred to as The Moldavian Capital, Iași is the seat of Iași County and the main economic centre of the Moldavian region of Romania.[7]
As of 2011, Iași itself has a population of 290,422 (the most populous in eastern Romania, and the fourth most populous Romanian city), the metropolitan area is home to 382,484 residents, while the population of the peri-urban area exceeds 500,000 residents.[5][8] Home to the oldest Romanian university and to the first engineering school, Iași is one of the most important education and research centres of the country, and accommodates over 65,000 students in 5 public and 6 private universities.[9][10]
Economy[edit]
The city is an important information technology sector centre, with the presence of several international companies, such as Amazon.com, Bitdefender, Continental VDO,Embarcadero Technologies, Ness Technologies, Comodo Group, Bentley Systems, SCC,Capgemini or Pentalog,[41] as well as two universities which offer specific degree programs.
Iași is active in manufacturing sector too, particularly in automotive, pharmaceutical industry, metallurgical production, textiles and clothing, constructions, wine, preserved meat. With large shopping malls and commercial centres located in the area, Iași also has a well-developed retail business.
Largest employers[edit]
Company | Industry | Employees |
---|---|---|
St. Spiridon University Hospital | Health Care | 2,717 |
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University | High Education | 2,263 |
Delphi Diesel Systems | Automotive | 2,087 |
Gheorghe Asachi Technical University | High Education | 1,848 |
Antibiotice SA | Pharmaceutical Industry | 1,418 |
University of Medicine and Pharmacy | High Education | 1,344 |
RATP | Public Transport | 1,300 |
CET | Energy & Heating Industry | 1,200 |
St. Maria Clinic Children’s Hospital | Health Care | 1,200 |
ApaVital SA | Water Industry | 1,200 |