Everything you need to know about Moldova: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Moldova: European Landlocked Country and Former Soviet State

In the 14th century Moldova was the independent princely state of Moldavia. In the 16th century it came under Ottoman Turkish rule. In 1791 Moldavian territory was occupied by Russia. In 1812 with the Treaty of Bucharest Turkey gave up the province of Bessarabia to Russia. In 1918 the remaining Moldovan territory was given to Romania by Turkey but Russia did not recognize this cession. In 1924 the USSR made Moldavia as an Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. As a result of the Nazi-Soviet Non Aggression Pact of 1939 Romania was forced to cede all of Bessarabia to the Soviet Union in 1940. During the World War II Germany captured Moldova but in 1944 Soviet troops retook the territory and made it Moldavian SSR. Finally in 1991 Moldova became an independent nation.

· National Name: Republic of Moldova
· Capital: Chisinau
· Total area: 33,800 sq km (13,050 sq miles)
· Population: 3.8 million (UN, 2008)
· Currency: Leu
· Languages: Moldovan (official, virtually the same as the Romanian language), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect)
· Ethnicity/ Races: Moldovan/Romanian 78.2%, Ukrainian 8.4%, Russian 5.8%, Gagauz 4.4%, Bulgarian 1.9%, other 1.3% (2004 census)
Note: internal disputes with ethnic Slavs in the Transnistrian region
· Religion: Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5% (2000)
· GDP (Per Capita): $2,500 (2008 est.)
· Life Expectancy: Male: 66.81 years, Female: 74.41 years (2008 est.)
· Literacy Rate: Male: 99.7%, Female: 98.6% (2005 est.)

The climate of Moldova is temperate continental with mild winters having average temperature between -4 to -7 degree Celsius. Summers are quite warm with average temperatures ranges from 25 degree Celsius to 40 degree Celsius

Culture, Cuisine and Tradition of Moldova:
Moldova has multi-cultural facet. The roots of Romanian culture reach back to the 2nd century AD; also Moldova is highly influenced by the Byzantine culture, Slavic, Magyar and by the Ottoman Turks. These influences provide multi cultural background to the Moldova. The aspects of these mighty cultures are reflected through their followings, practices and folklore. The present culture of Moldova has significant impact of Russia. The urban life style of Moldavians is highly influenced from the Russian way of living.

The cuisine of Moldova is dominated by numerous vegetable and fruits especially grapes. The influences from Greek, Turks and Mediterranean characteristics can be seen while preparing delicious delicacies in Moldova. The traditional cuisine of Moldavia is based on crop such as corn, wheat, rice, potatoes and other cereals. However, Fishes are very rarely used in Moldavian cuisine

Economy of Moldova:
The economy of Moldova is highly concentrated upon agriculture, animal husbandry and wine making. Agriculture and food processing contributes about 40% to the national income of Moldova. The wheat, corn, barley, tobacco, sugar beets, and soybeans are cultivated both for domestic and export purposes. Beef and dairy cattle are raised for commercial purpose. In addition to these Moldova produces world-class wine, liqueurs and champagne. It is also known for its sunflower seeds, walnuts, apples, and other fruits.

Tourist Attractions of Moldova:
Moldova is the land where tourists can wander round vast monasteries, sample the local wines and trek through the ancient forests. Moldova is cultural land that gives glimpse of history through the ruins of monumental forts and palaces.

Rudi Village: is famous for its 100 long caves that contain some ancient remains. The unspoiled beauty of this caves charms the visitors. Besides this there are two fortresses, shaped in the form of a ring and known by the name of Turkish Plate and Germanariu.

Slanic: is one of the most picturesque towns of Moldova and known for its large quantity of salt underground. It is known for its various lakes that enhance the beauty of this town. Slanic is also famous for its warm mud baths, warm mineral water and cold lake baths.

· Cricova Winery
· Orhei
· Hincu Monastery
· Taul Park
· Soroca Fortress