Dynamics and structure of the Ukrainian population in the Maramureș Land (Romania)

doi:10.26565/2076-1333-2026-40-04

Mihai Hotea Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Sighetu Marmației Extension, 6 Avram Iancu Street, 435500 Sighetu Marmației, Romania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8113-1971
Nicolaie Hodor Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 5–7 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0109-2456
Vasile Timur Chiș The Maramureș Museum, 15 Libertății Square, 435500 Sighetu Marmației, Romania https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1102-0487

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26565/2076-1333-2026-40-04

Keywords: Ukrainian minority, geodemography, demographic decline, external migration, spatial analysis, territorial structure, mountain communes, Maramureș Land

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics and structural characteristics of the Ukrainian population in the Maramureș Land (Romania), with a particular focus on predominantly Ukrainian communes. Drawing on historical data for 1880–2021, census results from 2011 and 2021, spatial analysis, and field observations, it evaluates long-term numerical trends, age and sex composition, economic profile, educational attainment, and religious affiliation.

The results indicate three major phases: sustained growth until the mid-twentieth century, accelerated expansion during the socialist period, and marked decline after 1990, driven primarily by external migration and decreasing birth rates. Between 2011 and 2021, the total number of inhabitants decreased significantly across all analysed communes, accompanied by population ageing and a high dependency ratio. The economic structure remains dominated by primary activities, while services and tourism are weakly represented. Educational attainment is characterized by the predominance of lower and secondary levels, with a limited share of university graduates. Spatial concentration along valley corridors has supported cultural continuity and linguistic persistence, yet mountainous isolation and limited accessibility have constrained economic diversification. The study also highlights the presence of a distinct Ruthenian component and small Hutsul groups, partly underrepresented in official statistics. Overall, the findings underline the interdependence between physical environment, historical settlement patterns, and contemporary socio-economic transformations shaping the Ukrainian minority in this mountain region.

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Author Biographies

Mihai Hotea, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Sighetu Marmației Extension, 6 Avram Iancu Street, 435500 Sighetu Marmației, Romania

PhD in Geography, Lecturer, Department of Human Geography and Tourism

Nicolaie Hodor, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 5–7 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

PhD in Geography, Lecturer, Department of Physical and Technical Geography

Vasile Timur Chiș, The Maramureș Museum, 15 Libertății Square, 435500 Sighetu Marmației, Romania

Researcher

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