Jibou

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Jibou is a town in Sălaj County, Transylvania, Romania. It sits on the left bank of the Someș River where it meets the Agrij, about 25 km northeast of Zalău. The town includes four villages: Rona, Cuceu, Husia and Var. As of 2021, Jibou has about 9,677 residents.

The first written record of Jibou dates to 1205, when it was called Chybur, and over time it was known by several names that showed its importance in medieval times. The Wesselényi family built a large castle there starting in 1778; today only the foundations remain, but the site marks an important period in the town’s history. Other notable sights include the Vasile Fati Botanical Garden and the town’s thermal baths.

Jibou grew as a railway hub after the Dej–Jibou–Zalău line opened in 1890, which helped both industry and farming. Since 1989, some factories have closed or retooled, and unemployment rose, but the town still supports light industry, crafts and agriculture.

In 2021, about 78.9% of residents identified as Romanians, 11.5% as Hungarians and 5.6% as Roma. The population is mainly Orthodox, with smaller numbers of Reformed and other faiths. The climate is humid continental (Cfb in Köppen classification).

Jibou has three kindergartens, two high schools and a secondary school. It was granted town status in 1968.