Câlnic is a commune located in Gorj County, in the historical region of Oltenia, Romania. It serves as an administrative unit situated in the central-western part of the county, positioned within the transition zone between the Southern Carpathians and the Getic Plateau.
Administrative Composition
The commune is composed of nine villages:
- Câlnic (the administrative center)
- Câlnicu de Sus
- Didilești
- Găleșoaia
- Hodoreasca
- Pieptani
- Pinoasa
- Stejerei
- Vălărița
Geography and Economy
The local landscape is characterized by hilly terrain and river valleys typical of the Gorj region. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, including crop cultivation and livestock farming. Due to its proximity to the Rovinari mining basin, parts of the commune, particularly the villages of Găleșoaia and Pinoasa, have been historically impacted by surface mining activities, which have led to land use changes and the relocation of some residents.
Demographics
According to the 2021 Romanian census, the commune has a population of approximately 2,130 inhabitants. This reflects a decline from the 2011 census, which recorded 2,232 residents. The vast majority of the population identifies as ethnically Romanian. In terms of religious affiliation, the predominant faith is Romanian Orthodoxy.
Infrastructure
The commune is connected to the regional road network, facilitating access to the nearby towns of Rovinari and the county seat, Târgu Jiu. Local administration is managed by a mayor and a local council.