Moldova Facts, Moldova Flag -- National Geographic

Fast Facts

Population:: 4,206,000
Capital:: Chisinau; 662,000
Area:: 33,800 square kilometers (13,050 square miles)
Language:: Moldovan, Russian, Gagauz
Religion:: Eastern Orthodox
Currency:: Moldovan Leu
Life Expectancy:: 68
GDP per Capita:: U.S. $2,600
Literacy Percent:: 99

Landlocked Moldova lies in eastern Europe between Romania and Ukraine. It consists of hilly grassland drained by the Prut and Dniester Rivers, and the economy is mainly agricultural. Most of Moldova was part of Romania before World War II, and two-thirds of Moldovans speak Romanian. Soviets annexed Moldova in 1940, and Russians and Ukrainians settled in the industrial region east of the Dniester (known as Transdniestria). After Moldova gained independence in 1991, Transdniestria seceded, making Tiraspol its capital. Moldova does not recognize Transdniestria's independence and works to resolve the conflict.

ECONOMY

Industry: Food processing, agricultural machinery, foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers
Agriculture: Vegetables, fruits, wine, grain; beef
Exports: Foodstuffs, textiles, machinery

—Text From National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition

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