Nord-Vest (development region)

The Nord-Vest development region is one of eight development regions in Romania, created in 1998 to better manage regional development. It is not an administrative division of Romania, as it does not have its own legislative or executive bodies; its primary function is to facilitate statistical analysis, regional development projects, and the allocation of European Union funding.

The region encompasses the counties of Bihor, Bistrița-Năsăud, Cluj, Maramureș, Satu Mare, and Sălaj. Its economic strengths lie in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing (particularly textiles and furniture), and increasingly, technology and tourism. Cluj-Napoca, the region's largest city and informal capital, is a significant center for information technology and innovation.

The Nord-Vest development region is characterized by a diverse geography, including the Carpathian Mountains in the east and the plains of the west. This geographical diversity contributes to variations in economic activity and population density across the region.

The creation of the Nord-Vest region, along with the other development regions, was a key step in Romania's preparation for accession to the European Union, aligning the country's administrative structure with EU norms for regional development and cohesion. The region's development priorities are focused on improving infrastructure, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and promoting sustainable development.