Ilfov County

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Ilfov County is the Romanian county that surrounds Bucharest, the capital. It used to be mostly rural, but after the fall of communism many villages grew into high‑income commuter towns that work with Bucharest. It’s now the most developed county in Romania, with many offices, factories and warehouses located in Ilfov.

Key facts:
- Area: about 1,584 square kilometers
- Population: around 542,700 (2021 census)
- Population density: about 343 people per square kilometer
- Administrative divisions: 8 towns and 32 communes
- Largest towns: Popești-Leordeni, Voluntari, Chiajna, Bragadiru, Pantelimon, Buftea, Otopeni
- Main transport hub: Henri Coandă International Airport in Otopeni
- Geography: located in the Romanian Plain, with rivers Dâmbovița, Colentina and Gruiu; lakes include Cernica, Snagov and Căldărușani
- Economy: many residents commute to Bucharest for work (roughly 40% to 45% urban population), and industry has grown in the county
- Why it matters: Ilfov is Bucharest’s suburban area, contributing to the capital’s economy and growth, with rapid development and gentrification in recent decades.