Danube

The Danube is Europe's second-longest river, after the Volga River,

and also the longest river in the European Union region. It is located
in Central and Eastern Europe.
The Danube was once a long-standing frontier of the Roman Empire,
and today flows through 10 countries, more than any other river in the
world. Originating in Germany, the Danube flows southeast for 2,860 km
(1,780 mi), passing through or touching the border
of Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova
and Ukraine before emptying into the Black Sea. Its drainage basin extends
into nine more countries.
Classified as an international waterway, it originates in the town
of Donaueschingenwhich is in the Black Forest of Germanyat
the confluence of the rivers Brigach and Breg. The Danube then flows
southeast for 1,914 km (1,189 mi), passing through four capital cities
before emptying into the Black Sea via the Danube
Delta in Romaniaand Ukraine.
The Danube Delta is the largest river deltain the European Union.
The greater part of the Danube Delta lies in Romania (Tulcea county), while
its northern part, on the left bank of the Chilia arm, is situated in Ukraine
(Odessa Oblast). The approximate surface is 4,152 km2 (1,603 sq mi), of
which 3,446 km2(1,331 sq mi) are in Romania. If one includes the lagoons
of Razim-Sinoe (1,015 km2 (392 sq mi) of which 865 km2 (334 sq mi) water
surface), which are located south of the delta proper, but are related to it
geologically and ecologically (their combined territory is part of the World
Heritage Site), the total area of the Danube Delta reaches
5,165 km2 (1,994 sq mi).
The Danube Delta is also the best preserved river Delta in Europe,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1991) and a Ramsar Site. Its lakes
and marshes support 45 freshwater fish species. Its wetlands support vast
flocks of migratory birds of over 300 species, including the
endangered pygmy cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus). These are

threatened by rival canalization and drainage schemes such as

the Bystroye Canal.