The capital of Moldova is Chi?in?u. The local language is Romanian, based on the Latin alphabet, but Russian is widely used. Moldova is a multiethnic republic that has suffered from violent ethnic conflict. In 1994, this conflict led to the creation of the self-proclaimed Transnistria Republic in eastern Moldova, which has its own government and currency but is not recognized by any other country. Economic links have been re-established between these two parts of Moldova despite failure in political negotiations. The major religion in Moldova is Orthodox Christian.
Moldova's population is occupied mainly in food production and processing. Once known as "the garden" of the Soviet Union, Moldova has now lost most of its traditional Russian markets for agricultural products and is exploring new international markets.
It is divided into 32 Rayons: 1. Anenii Noi 2. Basarabeasca 3. Briceni 4. Cahul 5. Cantemir 6. C?l?ra?i 7. C?u?eni 8. Cimi?lia 9. Criuleni 10. Dondu?eni 11. Drochia 12. Dub?sari 13. Edine? 14. Fale?ti 15. Flore?ti 16. Glodeni 17. Hince?ti 18. Ialoveni 19. Leova 20. Nisporeni 21. Ocni?a 22. Orhei 23. Rezina 24. Ri?cani 25. Singerei 26. Soroca 27. Str??eni 28. ?old?ne?ti 29. ?tefan Voda 30. Taraclia 31. Telene?ti 32. Ungheni
An autonomous territorial unit (''unitate teritoriala autonoma''):
And a territorial unit (''unitate teritoriala''):
The second biggest city in Moldova, B?l?i, merits a visit as well. Nice pedestrian zone around the central square. Check out the old part of the city.
Very cold winters, warm summers.
Landlocked. Rolling steppe, gradual slope south towards the Black Sea. Well endowed with various sedimentary rocks and minerals including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone. ''Natural hazards'' : Experiences landslides (57 cases in 1998) due to extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods
'''Elevation extremes''' : ''lowest point:'' Dniester River 2 m <br>''highest point:'' Dealul Balanesti 430 m
Formerly part of Romania, Moldova was forcefully 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 Dniester River supporting the minority population, mostly Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a "Transnistria" republic.
The poorest nation in Europe, Moldova became the first European (former Soviet) state to elect a communist government and president in 2001.
Citizens of US, EU, CIS countries, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Japan do not need a visa to enter Moldova and can stay in the country for up to 90 days within a six month period without registration. Citizens of other countries must either obtain visa in the nearest Moldovan embassy or alternatively could obtain visa on arrival in Chisinau airport and on some land border crossings provided that officially endorsed invitation letter from Moldova is obtained beforehand.
If, being a motivated person, you are coming into Moldova via Ukraine, be careful about crossing Transnistria. Buses from Odessa go through Tiraspol, and you will absolutely, positively have problems at the Ukraine-Transnistria border. Chances are, you will be pulled off the bus and "asked" to pay an astonishing sum (in Euros) for a "transit visa" through Transnistria. Best advice: play dumb, smile, repeat "student" and hand them 10 euro. And hope that works. For Moldovans, a Transnistria transit visa is under a dollar. Also, there is no Moldovan border check between Transnistria and Moldova, so you might have some explaining to do when you try and leave Moldova without an entrance stamp.
Busiest air connections exist to Bucharest, Budapest, Istanbul, Moscow, Timisoara and Vienna. Prices are relatively high. The cheapest tickets can be bought to Bucharest, Istanbul, Kiev and Moscow. Moldova has three air companies.
The cheapest way to get into the country is to take the overnight train from Bucharest which is about US$40. Since flights into Bucharest cost approx. US$200 less than those into Moldova, this is the best option if you have the time. At the border crossing the cars are lifted individually onto larger gauge wheels to fit Moldovan tracks.
When coming by car one should be sure to use a border crossing with a (non-stop) visa issuing office.
There are regular buses connecting Chi?in?u with Bucharest, Kiev and most major Romanian and Ukrainian cities. There are 5 to six buses per day to and from Bucharest. Due to a longer stay at the border the trip takes around 10 hours. You will also be able to travel to most European cities by bus with Moldovan bus companies. When coming by bus one should be sure to use a frontier with a (non-stop) visa issuing office.
The most reliable and extensive domestic transport is bus - you will get to most parts of the country.
The official language of the country is Moldavian ,which is the same as Romanian. Russian is known and spoken fluently by everyone. There is ,however,little chance for one to be understood in other languages, although English has begun to be studied wider in schools.
Local wine and foreign cigarettes. The wine is of superb quality, but for political reasons, mostly unknown in Western Europe.
Moldova has a long local wines tradition. Especially the reds are popular throughout the country. Most Moldovan villagers grow their own grapes and press their own wine, and many agree the standard rural household will press 3-4,000 litres a year! When returning home, take a bottle with you!
The break-away region Transnistria has proclaimed itself a republic but lacks diplomatic recognition. Consequently, travellers lack consular support in case of emergency. Stay away until further notice. Corrupt policemen will make you trouble if you show up at the border without 'visa'. When travelling from Odessa to Chi?in?u, avoid Transnistria.
If you do visit Transnistria, as a foreign citizen you should register with the Militia upon arrival. It can become difficult trying to leave if you have not done this. Give your name to the representative of your country in Chisinau and tell them what date you travel to and from Transnistria.
If you persist and do travel to Transnistria you will travel right into the age and time of the old Soviet Union. However it is wise to get a RELIABLE guide to show you around. Once you are 'in' you'll find the population most friendly and helpful. Especially in remote areas where no stranger has been for ages, they will open up a museum for you even if it is their day off. And you can expect a lengthly meal to be offered to you just in your honor. Don't drink too much alcohol at such occasions. They will offer you more than you can handle.
The heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater. If you are concerned, water for drinking, cooking and oral hygiene should be taken from a known safe source, as ordinary water treatment, including boiling, does not remove such chemical contamination.
Women. Chivalry is utmost in Moldova, just like in other ex-Soviet countries. If you are out in public, open doors for women and let them walk in first. Do not make disparaging comments about women in Moldova-- or you may find yourself in a heap of trouble with the locals.
When visiting Moldova, be careful to not reference the locals as Romanians. Some Moldovans identify as Moldovan, and some Romanian. This also applies to the language issue as well. See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moldovenism]
Also be careful when talking about Moldova to the Romanians in Romania. The Romanians view Moldova as Romanian. See [http://wikitravel.org/en/Romania#Respect]