Sud-Vest (development region)

Sud-Vest (meaning "South-West" in Romanian) is one of the eight development regions of Romania, created in 1998. Development regions in Romania are non-administrative divisions established for statistical and development purposes, primarily to facilitate regional planning, access European Union funding, and coordinate regional development strategies. They do not have their own legislative or executive bodies.

The Sud-Vest development region is composed of five counties (județe): Dolj, Gorj, Mehedinți, Olt, and Vâlcea. Its largest city and unofficial capital is Craiova.

The region's economy is diverse, with strengths in agriculture, manufacturing (especially automotive and metallurgy), and tourism. The Danube River forms a significant part of its southern border, providing opportunities for navigation and hydropower. Key infrastructure includes roads, railways, and the Craiova International Airport.

The creation of the Sud-Vest development region, along with the other seven regions, was a necessary step for Romania to align with the European Union's regional policy and improve its ability to absorb structural funds. Its main objectives are to reduce regional disparities, promote sustainable economic growth, and improve the living standards of its inhabitants.