Bordered by the Danube, the River Olt and the Carpathian Mountains, and crossed by the River Jiu from north to south, the South-West Oltenia region has a varied landscape, major mineral resources, fertile agricultural soils and rich tourist potential. The region has a prime role in the field of energy in Romania, as it is home to the Porțile de Fier and Lotru-Olt hydro-electric power facilities. At the same time, its thermal power plants at Rovinari and Turceni are among the largest in the country. By contrast, the region ranks last in the country in terms of transport infrastructure, utilities, health and tourism.