Zalău Population 2026
Zalău has a population of 52,359, making it the #40 biggest city in 🇷🇴 Romania, located in Sălaj County. Roughly 0.3% of Romania's population lives here. It is about 36× smaller than Bucharest, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
52,359
Rank in Romania
#40
Coordinates
47.20°N, 23.05°E
~261 m elevation · Europe/Bucharest
Distance to capital (Bucharest)
388 km
241 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Sălaj County
| City | Population | Rank in Romania |
|---|---|---|
| Şimleu Silvaniei | 15,721 | #117 |
Cities near Zalău
- Şimleu Silvaniei15,721 people · ~19 km away
- Dej38,033 people · ~62 km away
- Cluj-Napoca286,598 people · ~64 km away
- Baia Mare108,759 people · ~64 km away
- Gherla23,741 people · ~68 km away
- Satu Mare112,490 people · ~68 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Zalău?
Zalău has a population of 52,359 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #40 biggest city in Romania.
What region is Zalău in?
Zalău is located in Sălaj County, Romania.
Is Zalău the capital of Romania?
No, the capital of Romania is Bucharest, about 388 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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