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 than 817,000 km2 (315,000 sq mi) over more than a dozen countries. The river is navigable by ocean vessels to Braila, Romania, and by river craft up to Ulm, Germany. About 60 of its 300 tributaries are navigable as well; the principal ones are Inn, Morava, Drava, Tisza, Sava, and Prut. Among the important cities on the river, three are national capitals: Vienna (Austria), Budapest (Hungary), and Belgrade (Serbia).
Economic Importance
The waters of the Danube have served as a vital commercial highway between nations for centuries.
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