Ardud

Ardud (Hungarian: Erdőd, Hungarian pronunciation: [ˈɛrdøːd]; German: Erdeed) is a town situated in Satu Mare County, Transylvania, Romania. It administers five villages: Ardud-Vii (Erdődhegy), Baba Novac (Lajosmajor), Gerăuşa (Oláhgyűrűs'), Mădăras (Nagymadarász) and Sărătura (Sóspuszta).

History

It has a complex political history with periods of Ottoman rule, Habsburg Monarchy, Principality of Transylvania, Kingdom of Hungary and Kingdom of Romania. After the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, it became part of the Kingdom of Hungary within Austria-Hungary.

After break-up of Austria-Hungary in 1918/1920, the town became part of Romania. As a result of the Second Vienna Award it became a part of Hungary between 1940 and 1945. Since then it has been part of Romania.

Demographics

The 2011 census recorded a total population of 5,889. Of these, 59.2% were Romanians, 18.6% Hungarians, 16.1% Roma and 4.8% Germans. In 2002, 41.7% were Romanian Orthodox, 32.7% Roman Catholic, 13.9% Greek-Catholic, 5.1% Pentecostal, 4.2% Reformed and 2.3% Baptist.