Buzau, city in southeastern Romania, capital of Buzau County, located about 100 km (about 60 mi) northeast of Bucharest. Buzau is situated on the Buzau River near the foothills of the Eastern Carpathian Mountains. Industries produce plastics, foodstuffs, alcohol, and textiles. Metallurgical engineering is another occupation. Buzau also serves as the market center for the nearby vineyards and fruit orchards. The city is an important road and rail junction and is connected to the city of Brasov to the northwest via the Buzau Pass over the Eastern Carpathians. Monuments in Buzau include an episcopal church and a bishop's palace, both erected in the 17th century. A well-known thermal resort is located about 15 km (about 10 mi) to the west. Although the city's founding date is lost in antiquity, historical documents indicate Buzau was a thriving trade center by the early 15th century. A curved silver ornament, or fibula, dating from about the 6th century was discovered near Buzau in 1837. Population (1997 estimate) 149,080.
