Moldova is a landlocked country located in Eastern Europe, bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south. The capital of Moldova is Chisinau and the official language is Moldovan, which is virtually identical to Romanian. Moldova has a population of approximately 2.6 million people.

Moldova was once part of the Soviet Union, gaining independence in 1991. The country has been slowly transitioning to a market-based economy since then, although it remains one of the poorest countries in Europe. Agriculture is an important industry in Moldova, with grapes, fruits, and vegetables being the most commonly grown crops.

Tourism is a growing industry in Moldova, with visitors coming to explore the country's historical landmarks, including the medieval fortresses, monasteries, and churches. The country is also known for its wine production, with many wineries offering tours and tastings.

Some popular tourist destinations in Moldova include the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, the Cricova Winery, the Orheiul Vechi Monastery, and the Soroca Fortress. The country also has several parks and nature reserves, such as the Padurea Domneasca National Park and the Lower Dniester National Park, which are popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Telephone Code
373

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 903; Fire: 901; Police; 902

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Moderate winters, warm summers

Currency (Code)
Moldovan lei (MDL)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages
Moldovan/Romanian, Russian, Gagauz, Ukrainian, Bulgarian

Major Religions
Orthodox 90.1%, other Christian 2.6%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Orheiul Vechi complex; Saharna Monastery; Milestii Mici Wine Cellar; Chisinau; Republic of Transnistria & Tiraspol

Major Sports
Soccer, rugby, basketball, cycling

Cultural Practices
Better to address people with their last name until invited to use their first name.

Tipping Guidelines
A service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but a further 5-10% is expected. Tips are not customary for taxis, but are appreciated.

Souvenirs
Woodworking crafts, straw- and wool-knitted items, ceramics, traditional costumes, handmade carpets, wine/brandy

Traditional Cuisine
Mămăligă — yellow maize flour porridge cooked to a bread-like consistency; grape or cabbage leaves stuffed with ground meat are a popular accompaniment

Geography
Area
total: 33,851 sq km
land: 32,891 sq km
water: 960 sq km

Climate
moderate winters, warm summers

Natural resources
lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, limestone, arable land

People and Society
Population
3,250,532 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Moldovan 75.1%, Romanian 7%, Ukrainian 6.6%, Gagauz 4.6%, Russian 4.1%, Bulgarian 1.9%, other 0.8% (2014 est.)

Languages
Moldovan/Romanian 80.2% (official) (56.7% identify their mother tongue as Moldovan, which is virtually the same as Romanian; 23.5% identify Romanian as their mother tongue), Russian 9.7%, Gagauz 4.2% (a Turkish language), Ukrainian 3.9%, Bulgarian 1.5%, Romani 0.3%, other 0.2% (2014 est.); note - data represent mother tongue

Religions
Orthodox 90.1%, other Christian 2.6%, other 0.1%, agnostic <0.1%, atheist 0.2%, unspecified 6.9% (2014 est.)

Population growth rate
-1.14% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary republic

Capital
name: Chisinau

Economy
Economic overview
upper middle-income Eastern European economy; sustained growth reversed by COVID-19; significant remittances; Russian energy and regional dependence; agricultural exporter; declining workforce due to emigration and low fertility

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$36.637 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$14,000 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
maize, wheat, sunflower seeds, grapes, apples, sugar beets, milk, potatoes, barley, plums/sloes

Industries
sugar processing, vegetable oil, food processing, agricultural machinery; foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines; hosiery, shoes, textiles

Exports
$4.197 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Romania 27%, Russia 9%, Italy 9%, Germany 9%, Turkey 6%, Poland 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
insulated wiring, sunflower seeds, wine, corn, seats (2019)

Imports
$7.915 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
Romania 20%, Russia 10%, Ukraine 9%, Germany 8%, China 7%, Turkey 6%, Italy 6% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, insulated wiring, packaged medicines, broadcasting equipment (2019)