Slatina, Romania

Capital City

With a population of just 63,487, Slatina is an industrial hub, not a cosmopolitan capital. The largest aluminum factory in Southeastern Europe anchors the local economy, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Slatina's location on the Olt River provides a scenic backdrop, though the climate can be harsh.

This gritty, blue-collar city caters primarily to Romanians seeking manufacturing jobs, not expats seeking an easy lifestyle abroad. For those with the right expectations, Slatina offers affordable living, but it's no tourist destination.