World > Europe > Moldova

Introduction:

Formerly ruled by Romania, Moldova became part of the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although independent from the USSR since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Dniester River supporting the Slavic majority population, mostly Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a 'Transnistria' republic. One of the poorest nations in Europe, Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a Communist as its president in 2001.

Official name: Republic of Moldova Capital: Chisinau Government type: republic Population: 4,439,502 (July 2003 est.) Languages: Moldovan (official, virtually the same as the Romanian language), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect) Official Currency: Moldovan leu (MDL) Currency code: MDL Area: total: 33,843 sq km water: 472 sq km land: 33,371 sq km Climate: moderate winters, warm summers

Map of Moldova