Giurgiu is a city located in southern Romania within the historical region of Muntenia. It serves as the administrative seat of Giurgiu County and is situated on the left bank of the Danube River, directly facing the Bulgarian city of Ruse. The city is positioned among mud-flats and marshes, with three small islands facing its shoreline and a larger island sheltering its port, Smarda.
The region surrounding Giurgiu features rich grain-growing land to the north, which is served by a railway line to Bucharest. This rail connection was the first of its kind in Romania, opening in 1869 before being extended to Smarda. Historically, the city functioned as a hub for trade, exporting timber, grain, salt, and petroleum while importing coal, iron, and textiles.