jude? (county), southeastern Romania, occupying an area of 1,824 sq mi (4,724 sq km). Consisting mostly of lowlands, the county contains the B?r?gan Plain in the west. The Siret River, which flows southwestward; is the northern border of the county. The Danube and its tributary, the Dun?rea Veche, drain northward. The area was part of feudal Walachia. It was occupied by Turks from 1554 until 1829. Br?ila city, the county capital, is one of the largest Romanian ports on the Danube and can handle ocean-going vessels. Its industries include iron, steel, machinery, textile, and paper production. Factories in V?deni, Viziru, and F?urei process foodstuffs. Wheat and corn (maize) are cultivated, and livestock are raised in the B?r?gan Plain. Panait Istrati (1884–1935), the writer, lived in the town of Lacul S?rat (Salt Lake). Gropeni, Însur?tei, and Chiscani are other towns. Highways and railway connections extend through Br?ila city. Pop. (1982 est.) 393,467.