Baia Mare, is the administrative center of the Maramures county, located on the northwestern part of Romania, on the western side of the county. With a population of 510,000 inhabitants, the Maramures county represents one of the largest populated areas in the west of the country.  The county has a total area of 6,304 sqkm, bordering with Suceava in the east, Bistrita Nasaud in south-east, Cluj and Salaj in south and Satu Mare in the west. The north area is delimitated by the border with Ukraine.

Baia Mare is located in the western part of the county, on the middle course of Sasar River. The city of Baia Mare is the most populated of all northern Romanian cities (Satu Mare, Suceava and Botosani), with a population of 150,000 inhabitants, and about 20,000 more surrounding the city.

Today the most developed economic segments in the county are: services, agriculture, wood exploitation and manufacture, constructions. The city is experiencing vast economic growth and expansion with significant rise in most of the economic indicators.   The net average monthly salary for Maramures has increased from November 2005 to November 2006 by approximately 24%. The increase in industrial production has been second only to Brasov, while unemployment remains significantly lower than the national average.

Baia Mare and the Maramures region also serve as a strong tourist area offering many attractions both in Summer and Winter. These include, lakes, ski resorts, country side attractions and one of the largest concentrations of Unesco heritage monuments. The position of the region as a tourist attraction is expected to continue and grow in upcoming years.

www.baiamarecity.ro