La Moldova declared its independence on August 27, 1991. On March 2, 1992, it joined the United Nations, while on July 29, 1994, it adopted the Constitution. On April 28, 2014, the Republic of Moldova liberalized the visa regime with the member countries of the European Union, while on June 27, 2014, it signed the Association Agreement with the European Union.
La Moldova is located in Southeastern Europe between the Prut and Dniester rivers and covers an area of 33,843 km², ranking 32nd in Europe in this respect. Its neighbors are: Romania to the west, Ukraine to the east and south. The Republic of Moldova is part of the group of Black Sea basin countries. Its southern borders almost reach the Black Sea, with sea access through the Dniester estuary and the Danube.
La Moldova is a member state of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Partnership for Peace, WTO, OSCE, GUAM, CIS, SEECP, WTO, and other organizations.
10 reasons to visit Moldova
- The country of wines and underground wine cities. The centuries-old traditions of Moldova have always been accompanied by the culture of producing fine wines. The country’s climate and terrain allow grapes to receive all they need to enrich their taste qualities: abundant sunshine and relative humidity. Wine companies use the most modern technologies for preparing this product. That is why Moldovan wine production is in demand in over 50 countries worldwide. The Republic of Moldova is known globally thanks to the well-known underground cellars of Cricova and Milestii-Mici. The underground galleries, hundreds of kilometers long, which can only be traversed by car, surrounded by enormous barrels filled with wine, will create the sensation of an immense “Wine Palace”.
- Medieval jewels. The medieval fortresses of Moldova played an important role in the country’s history. In the many wars that took place on Moldovan territory, the medieval fortresses were also involved. Along the right bank of the Dniester River, the country was defended by the fortresses of Hotin, Soroca, Tighina, and Cetatea Alba. Currently, the Republic of Moldova has two fortresses that belong to it, which have been well preserved and can also be visited by foreign tourists. These are the Soroca fortress and the Tighina fortress.
- The interplay of civilizations. 55 km north of Chisinau, within the cultural, natural, and landscape reserve “Orheiul Vechi,” lies the great kingdom of the geological and historical past. With an age counting millennia, here are found multiple hearths of Dacian civilization, the remains of the Sehr al-Cedid fortress built by the Golden Horde in the 14th century, cave monasteries, caves carved into the rock, a Dacian fortress, and the ruins of a Tatar public bath. Each comes from a distant time, with its own history and landscape architecture. Moreover, viewed from various points and in different seasons, these natural monuments offer us a different image, always more novel and increasingly fascinating.
- Welcoming people. For centuries, Moldova has been considered a country with a very welcoming population. For people in rural areas, it is an honor if you cross the threshold of their home. Guests are typically invited to the “Big House” – a traditional room where all family celebrations take place, while being served the most delicious and fine homemade dishes prepared with their own organic products.
- Specific gastronomy and cuisine. Traditional for the local cuisine are dishes made with the most varied vegetables, grown in ecological conditions on the fertile chernozem soil of agricultural farms. The vegetables are cooked, stewed, pickled, thus creating true masterpieces of culinary art. The great variety of dishes made using corn or cornmeal gives traditional cuisine a specific color. Foreign tourists are well acquainted with “mamaliga,” a type of polenta made of cornmeal, with a fine and delicious taste. Polenta is served with fried meat, sheep cheese, sour cream, etc. Another traditional dish is “sarmale” (stuffed rolls) made with vine leaves filled with boiled rice and meat. In Moldovan cuisine, meat products play a special role, especially in hot dishes but also in appetizers, many of which are prepared on the grill.
- Historical and archaeological monuments. Knowing the historical periods a state has gone through is of interest not only to the native population but also to numerous foreign tourists who, through various studies, seek to compare the course of history with the development of civilizations. Moldova’s territory, inhabited since ancient times, has witnessed the impact of various world cultures: from Romanization of Dacia to the culture of the Ottoman, Tatar-Mongol empires, and, not least, the Slavic people. As evidence, we have a vast number and immense diversity of historical and archaeological monuments and relics.
- Beautiful and pristine nature. The Republic of Moldova is one of the few countries that have not been affected by industrialization. The unpolluted air and ecological lifestyle will create a pleasant atmosphere of soul relaxation. The positive energy accumulated during your stay will rejuvenate you physically and emotionally and will accompany you for a long time. Numerous nature reserves, the terrain full of hills and valleys, with rivers and lakes, rocks and hills covered with ancient forests and vineyards will take you into a world of sensory emotions.
- Diverse folk art. Since ancient times, various types of folk art have been practiced in Moldova’s territory, such as ceramics, egg painting, carpet weaving, wood and stone carving, and metal artistic workmanship. The aspiration for beauty and harmony is reflected not only in the decoration of interior house spaces but also in the tradition of decorating clothing, footwear, and folk costumes. Practiced in each rural locality, this tradition of decorating garments, tablecloths, and ritual fabrics (prosop – a type of traditional towel) still persists today.
- Traditional festivals. The Republic of Moldova is a country rich in traditional festivals. Their variety is largely linked to religious culture, such as Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, etc. However, besides religious holidays, there are also those specific to the Moldovan people related to the end of winter, arrival of spring, plowing, grape harvest, cherry picking, etc. The winter festivals are accompanied by Christmas carols, greetings, theatrical scripts performed by children and adults. Cultural-touristic festivals are also included among traditional festivals, which each year become increasingly popular.
- Churches and monasteries of architectural and historical world value. Rich in monasteries and churches, Moldova was nicknamed in the 19th century the “Southern Thebes.” Moldovan rock monasteries also have a special history in the development of civilization between the Carpathians and the Black Sea and represent some of the oldest architectural monuments from the 13th–14th centuries.
Important tourist attractions of Moldova
Natural monuments: „Cheile Butesti”, „Movila Magurii”.
Caves: Emil Racovita Cave, the „Surprises” Cave.
Natural reserves: „Pădurea Domneasca”, „Codrii”, „Iagorlic”, „Prutul de Jos”, „Plaiul Fagului”.
Landscape reserves: „Toltrele Prutului”, „Suta de movile”, the gorge „Duruitoarea”, the gorge „Trinca”.
Museums: The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, the National Museum of History of Moldova, the National Museum of Art of Moldova.
House-museums: „Alexei Mateevici”, „Aleksandr Puşkin”, „Alexandru Donici”, „Constantin Stamati” „Constantin Stere”.
Monasteries: Capriana, Curchi, Chitcani, Calarasauca, Dobrusa, Frumoasa, Hancu, Harjauca, Harbovat, Japca, Raciula, Rudi, Saharna, Tipova, Zabriceni.
Wine cellars: Cricova, Milestii Mici, Purcari, Chateau Vartely, Branesti, Cojusna.
Fortresses: Soroca, Tighina
UNESCO monuments: The Struve Geodetic Arc.
Guinness World Records: The Milestii Mici wine cellar.
The fact sheet of Moldova
Country: Moldova (Republic of Moldova)
Area: 33,843 km²
Capital: Chişinău
Population: 3,560,000 inhabitants (2014 census data, excluding Transnistria which has a population of about 505.1 thousand inhabitants). The urban population is 1.51 million inhabitants, while the rural population is 2.05 million people.
Language: Romanian (official), Russian (interethnic communication language), Gagauz (a Turkish dialect)
Religion: currently, there are 23 registered religious denominations active in the territory of Moldova, which have a total of 2319 component parts (parishes, monasteries, theological institutions, missions, etc.). According to the 2004 census data, Orthodoxy constituted 93.34%, Muslims 1.5%, Protestants of all denominations 1.98%, Old Believers (starovery) 0.15%, Catholics 0.14%, Baptists 0.5%, others 2.39%.
Form of Government: Parliamentary republic
Major cities: Chişinău, Tiraspol, Bălţi, Bender and Râbniţa
Useful Information about Moldova
- Currency: Moldovan Leu (lei plural) MDL. Credit cards are accepted in banks, hotels, travel agencies, and shops. Banks are open from 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday. Currency can be exchanged at all banks, including currency exchange offices, located throughout the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
- International dialing code: +373
- Chisinau city code (22)
- Internet domain: .md
- International license plate code: MD
- Driving lane: right
- Entry documents: citizens holding any of the following types of passports do not require visas to enter the territory of the Republic of Moldova for a stay of up to 90 days within 6 months from the first entry
- Vaccination required: NN
- Electric current: 220 V (230), 50 Hz, electrical plugs have 2 pins, European continental type
- Time zones: from a time zone perspective, the Republic of Moldova is located in the Eastern European zone, 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2). Compared to Italy, it is therefore 1 hour ahead.
- Useful phone numbers:
Fire Brigade – 901, Police – 902, Emergency medical service – 903
Information office – 1188
Migration and Asylum Office – (022) – 54-46-07
Chisinau International Airport – (022) – 52-51-11
Railway station – (022) – 83-27-33
Taxi services:14022, 14005, 14008, 14009, 14120, 14415, 14222, 14250, 14428, 14747, 14448, 14499, 14554, 14555, 14466, 14700, 14474, 14777. - Climate: Moldova’s climate is moderately continental: summers are mild and long, with average temperatures around 20°C, while winters are relatively mild and dry, with January temperatures averaging around -4°C.
- Transport: In Moldova, transportation such as buses, trains, and taxis is quite efficient
- Airports: Chisinau
