Information on The Danube River

Introductory Facts The Danube is the second longest river in Europe behind the Volga and the only major European river to flow from West to East. It takes its source in the Black Forest Mountains of Germany, and empties after 2850 km (1770 mi) in the Black Sea on the Romanian coast. Along its way, the Danube flows through nine countries (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine) and drains an area slightly larger …

…of defense in the early ages and went on to transport people and resources across Europe, linking the West to the East. Today, its economical importance is obvious as it also links the South to the North of Europe through the Main-Danube Canal. However, the most romantic river of Europe has perhaps become the most polluted and its ecosystem is not guaranteed a bright future unless serious management plans are applied by all Danubian countries.