Moldova: History, Demographics and More Information
Brief history of Moldova …
Formerly part of Romania, Moldova was incorporated into 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 Dnister River supporting the Slavic majority population (mostly Ukrainians and Russians) who have proclaimed a Transnistria republic. In 1991 Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a Communist as its president.
Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in Europe despite recent progress from its small economic base. Energy shortages contributed to a sharp production decline after the breakup of the Soviet Union. As part of an ambitious reform effort after independence, Moldova introduced a convertible currency, freed prices, stopped issuing preferential credits to state enterprises, backed steady land privatization, removed export controls and freed interest rates. The government entered into agreements with the World Bank and the IMF to promote growth and reduce poverty. The economy returned to positive growth in 2000, and has remained at or above 6% every year since.
Further reforms will come slowly because of strong political forces backing government controls. The economy remains vulnerable to higher fuel prices, poor agricultural weather, and the skepticism of foreign investors.
Demographics and other information ...
- Official Name
- Time zone
- Seven hours ahead of U. S. Eastern Standard Time (GMT +2)
- Climate
- Moderate winters; warm summers
- Area
- 13,066 square miles
- Roughly the size of Maryland
- Flag of Moldova
- Three vertical stripes: blue, yellow and red, with emblem of a Roman eagle in the center
- Capitol
- Chisinau
- Population of more than 700,000
- Other main cities include Balti, Tighina (Bender) and Tiraspol
- Official language
- Moldovan; Russian and Gagauz are spoken in some region
- Form of government
- Republic with a unicameral Parliament
- Location
- Situated in the southeastern part of Central Europe and shares borders with Romania to the west and south, the Ukraine to the east.
- Terrain
- The terrain of Moldova consists of plains, hills and river valleys.
- The main rivers are the Dniester and the Prut.
- Elevation extremes
- Lowest point – 6.5 ft
- Highest point – 1,410 ft
- Population
- Ethnic groups
- Moldovan – 78%
- Ukrainian – 8%
- Russian – 6%
- Gagauz – 5%
- Bulgarian – 2%
- Other – 1%
- Religions (2002 census)
- Eastern Orthodox - 98%
- Jewish 1.5%
- Protestant and unspecified - .5%
- Literacy (definition: over 15 years of age with the ability to read and write)
- Male: 99.6%
- Female: 98.7%
- Total: 99.1%
More Information ...
- Websites for more information on Moldova