The commune is located in the northeastern corner of the county, at the foot of the Rodna Mountains. It surrounded by several peaks, including Ineu (2,279 m (7,477 ft)) and Ineuț (2,202 m (7,224 ft)) to the north, Omu (2,010 m (6,590 ft)) and Cucureasa (1,778 m (5,833 ft)) to the east, and Cornu (1,300 m (4,300 ft)) to the southwest.[2]
Șanț was founded around the year 1600, initially as a hamlet within Rodna Veche commune. Since 1773 it has been documented as an independent commune, under the name of Rodna Nouă; its name was changed to Șanț in 1925.[2]
The main occupations of the inhabitants are wood exploitation and processing, forest care and regeneration activities, agriculture, animal husbandry, animal products, and traditional crafts.[2]
Natives
Louis Dolivet (1908–1989), American writer, magazine editor, film producer, and alleged Soviet spy