Slobozia, Romania

Capital City

With a population of just 41,550, Slobozia is a sleepy provincial capital that offers little to lure expatriates. The main draw is the nearby Amara Resort, a modest balneoclimateric spa 5 km from the city. But beyond that, Slobozia's economy revolves around agriculture and light industry, providing few glamorous career opportunities. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city was historically established to lure peasants with tax exemptions. While the ethnic Romanian majority (97.6%) and Orthodox Christian faith (98.6%) provide cultural homogeneity, the remoteness and lack of urban amenities make Slobozia best suited for those seeking a quiet, rural retirement.