Like other development regions, it does not have any administrative powers; its main function is to coordinate regional development projects and manage funds from the European Union.

Sud-Vest Development Region is roughly coterminous with the historic region of Oltenia (82,4%), which is why it is sometimes referred to as Regiunea de dezvoltare Sud-Vest Oltenia.

The Danube forms the natural boundary between Romania and Serbia to the southwest and Bulgaria to the south.

The Sud-Vest region is made up of the following counties:

This Romanian location article is a stub.