The Danube is Europe's second-longest river and one of the continent's most important international waterways. It flows through or along the territories of numerous European countries before entering the Black Sea.

Key Pointers

  • Category: World Geography
  • Origin: Black Forest, Germany
  • Flows generally eastward.
  • Drains into the Black Sea.
  • Passes through/along 10 countries, making it one of the world's most international rivers.
  • Major cities associated with the Danube:
    • Vienna
    • Bratislava
    • Budapest
    • Belgrade
  • Forms the Danube Delta, an important wetland ecosystem.
  • Important for:
    • Navigation
    • Hydropower
    • Agriculture
    • Ecosystems

Prelims Focus: Black Forest → Danube → Black Sea → Danube Delta.