What are the ethnic groups in Moldova?
The ethnic groups in Moldova include Moldovan (75.1%), Romania (7%), Ukrainian (6.6%), Gagauz (4.6%), Russian (4.1%), and others (3.22%). For a long time, there have been controversies on whether or not Romanians and Moldovans belong to the same ethnic group. In fact, some historians consider these two groups as ethnic twins.
Is it Moldova or Moldavia?
For a short time in the 1990s, at the founding of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the name of the current Republic of Moldova was also spelled "Moldavia". After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the country began to use the Romanian name, Moldova.
What is the prehistory of Moldova?
Officially, the name Republic of Moldova is designated by the United Nations . The prehistory of Moldova covers the period from the Upper Paleolithic which begins with the presence of Homo sapiens in the area of Southeastern Europe some 44,000 years ago and extends into the appearance of the first written records in Classical Antiquity in Greece .

What is a person from Moldova called?
Moldovans, sometimes referred to as Moldavians (Romanian: moldoveni [moldoˈvenʲ], Moldovan Cyrillic: молдовень), are a Romance-speaking ethnic group and the largest ethnic group of the Republic of Moldova (75.1% of the population as of 2014) and a significant minority in Ukraine and Russia.
What country does Moldova belong to?
During the 1917 Russian Revolution, Bessarabia briefly became an autonomous state within the Russian Republic, known as the Moldavian Democratic Republic....Moldova.Republic of Moldova Republica Moldova (Romanian)• Independence from the Soviet Union27 August 1991b• Admitted to the United Nations2 March 199250 more rows
Is Moldova Romanian?
Most of Moldova was part of Romania during the Interwar period. The official language of Moldova is Romanian. The peoples of the two countries share common traditions and folklore, including a common name for the monetary unit – the leu (Moldovan leu and Romanian leu).
Does Moldova belong to Russia?
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Moldavian SSR (renamed to SSR Moldova) then declared its independence from the USSR on August 27, 1991.
Is Moldova in NATO?
The Republic of Moldova does not allow the deployment of armed forces of other states on its territory." Thus, since Moldova's neutrality is enshrined in its constitution, the country has no plans to join either NATO or CSTO.
Why does Russia have Moldova?
History. Russians settled Moldova, which was then Bessarabia, after the Russian Empire incorporated Bessarabia in 1812. Moldavians under Russian rule enjoyed privileges well, the language of Moldavians was established as an official language in the governmental institutions of Bessarabia, used along with Russian.
What language do Moldova speak?
RomanianMoldova / Official languageThe proper naming of the official language spoken in Moldova is sometimes a matter of debate, even among ethnic Moldovans, as some insist upon calling the language Moldovan, while others acknowledge that it is Romanian. With the exception of a few usage norms, in its standard form it is identical to Romanian.
Why did Moldova split from Romania?
In 1940, during World War II, Romania agreed to an ultimatum and ceded Moldova to the Soviet Union, which organized it into the Moldavian SSR.
Is Moldova rich or poor?
poorestCountry Context Despite a solid economic performance over the past two decades, Moldova still remains among the poorest countries in Europe. Although a growth model reliant on remittance-induced consumption has generated high growth and reduced poverty, it had become less sustainable well before the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is Moldova known for?
Why is Moldova famous? Mainly for its world-class wine, ancient monasteries and unspoiled open countryside - and for its distinct lack of crowds.
Does Moldova have an army?
Europe's poorest country with a population of just four million, Moldova boasts an army of some 6,500 soldiers; most of its hardware dates to the Soviet era, with some equipment 50 or 60 years old.
What religion is Moldova?
Orthodox ChristianityAccording to the 2014 census, which does not include Transnistria, the predominant religion is Orthodox Christianity, with 90 percent of the population belonging to one of two Orthodox Christian groups.
Is Moldova part of EU?
Moldova–European Union Association AgreementAssociation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other partSignedJune 27, 2014LocationBrussels, BelgiumEffectiveJuly 1, 20168 more rows
Why is Moldova separate from Romania?
In 1940, during World War II, Romania agreed to an ultimatum and ceded Moldova to the Soviet Union, which organized it into the Moldavian SSR.
Was Moldova part of Soviet Union?
The Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic (Romanian: Republica Sovietică Socialistă Moldovenească, Moldovan Cyrillic: Република Советикэ Сочиалистэ Молдовеняскэ) was one of the 15 republics of the Soviet Union which existed from 1940 to 1991.
Is Moldova rich or poor?
poorestCountry Context Despite a solid economic performance over the past two decades, Moldova still remains among the poorest countries in Europe. Although a growth model reliant on remittance-induced consumption has generated high growth and reduced poverty, it had become less sustainable well before the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the ethnicity of Moldova?
Russian. Presently, Russians are the 5th largest ethnic group in Moldova. Most of them occupy the cities of Tiraspol, Chisinau, Bender, and Baiti. Actually, the city of Baiti is predominantly occupied by Russian speakers.
What is the majority ethnic group in Moldova?
It is in this regard that the Moldovans are considered the majority ethnic group in Moldova. They are also speakers of the native language of the country.
Why did the Jews migrate to Moldova?
Their descendants were 18th-century settlers who came to Moldova for refuge from persecution by the Turks. The Jews in Moldova, on the other hand, are few now compared to their past populations. Most of them emigrated many years ago due to the anti-Semitic attitudes in Moldova at the time.
Do Romanians and Moldovans belong to the same ethnic group?
For a long time, there have been controversies on whether or not Romanians and Moldovans belong to the same ethnic group. In fact, some historians consider these two groups as ethnic twins. However, in the recent past, Moldovans and Romanians are being studied as distinct ethnic groups.
What is the elevation of the northern part of Moldova?
The northern landscape of Moldova is characterized by the level plain of the Bălți steppe (500 to 650 feet [150 to 200 metres] in elevation) and also by uplands averaging twice this elevation, culminating in Vysokaya Hill (1,053 feet [321 metres]). The northern uplands include the strikingly eroded Medobory-Toltry limestone ridges, which border the Prut River.
When did Moldova become a member of the United Nations?
It became a member of the United Nations in 1992. Moldova. Moldova. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Britannica Quiz. Capital Cities of the Countries of the Northern Hemisphere Quiz.
What is Moldova bounded by?
Land. Moldova is bounded by Ukraine to the north, east, and south and by Romania to the west. The bulk of the republic lies between the great meandering Prut and Dniester rivers. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Subscribe Now.
What is the soil of Moldova?
The soils of Moldova are varied and highly fertile, with chernozem —rich black soils—covering three-fourths of the republic. The best-developed chernozem, fostering the growth of grain, tobacco, and sugar beets, is found in the north and in the low-lying parts of the central and Dniester uplands, as well as in the left-bank regions. Soil quality diminishes southward, but grapes and sunflowers still can be grown. Brown and gray forest soils characterize the uplands: two-fifths are covered by forests, the rest by orchards, vineyards, and fields of grain. Alluvial soils characterize the floodplains, while the lower reaches of the Prut and southern river valleys have saline and marshland soils. In general, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides during the Soviet period has resulted in significant contamination of the soil and groundwater.
How long is the river in Moldova?
Drainage. Moldova has a well-developed network of rivers and streams, all draining south to the Black Sea, but only about one-tenth of these exceed 6 miles (10 km) in length, and even fewer exceed 60 miles (100 km). In fact, many of these are small, shallow streams that dry up during the summer.
Where do reeds grow in Moldova?
Lush meadows and reed growths occur in the floodplains of the Dniester and portions of the Prut, while salt-marsh grasslands flourish in the saline valleys of the Cogâlnic, Ialpug, Botna, and lower Prut. The animal life of Moldova is rich, despite the republic’s small size.
What was the name of the region that was part of the Romanian principality of Moldavia until 1812?
Formerly known as Bessarabia, this region was an integral part of the Romanian principality of Moldavia until 1812, when it was ceded to Russia by its suzerain, the sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
What is the largest ethnic group in Moldova?
Moldovans, sometimes referred as Moldavians ( Romanian: moldoveni [moldoˈvenʲ], Moldovan Cyrillic: молдовень), are the largest ethnic group of the Republic of Moldova (75.1 % of the population as of 2014), and a significant minority in Ukraine and Russia . This article refers to the mostly Moldovan / Romanian language -speaking population native ...
Where do Moldovans live?
The self-identified Moldovans live mostly in the southern and northern areas of historical Bessarabia (specifically in the Budjak region of Odessa Oblast and in Novoselytsia Raion of Chernivtsi Oblast ), whereas the self-identified Romanians live mostly in Northern Bukovina and Hertza region of Chernivtsi Oblast.
What is the official language of Moldova?
On December 5, 2013, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova ruled that the Romanian language is the official language of this country, in agreement with the Declaration of Independence of 1991.
What was the first anthem of Moldova?
The Declaration of Independence of 1991 calls the official language "Romanian", and the first anthem adopted by the independent Republic of Moldova was " Deşteaptă-te, române " (" Awaken thee, Romanian!"), the same as the anthem of Romania .
What percentage of Moldovans identify themselves as Moldovans?
Identity and politics in the Republic of Moldova. A survey carried out in the Republic of Moldova in 1992 showed that 87 % of the Romanian/Moldovan speakers chose to identify themselves as "Moldovans", rather than "Romanians".
What did the people of Moldavia call themselves?
According to Miron Costin, a prominent chronicler from 17th-century Moldavia, the inhabitants of the Principality of Moldavia spoke Romanian and called themselves "Moldovans", but also "Romanians" which, he notes, comes from " romanus ". Also, the Slavic neighbours called Moldovans " Vlachs " ...
How many people were in Moldova in 2014?
The 2014 census reported an estimated 2,998,235 people (without Transnistria ), out of which 2,804,801 were actually covered by the census. Among them, 2,068,068 or 73.7% declared themselves Moldovans and 192,800 or 6.9% Romanians . . Some organisations like the Liberal party of Moldova have criticised the census results, claiming Romanians comprise 85% of the population and that census officials have pressured respondents to declare themselves Moldovans instead of Romanians and have purposefully failed to cover urban respondents who are more likely to declare themselves Romanians as opposed to Moldovans.
How old do you have to be to be a citizen of Moldova?
Any foundling found on the territory of Moldova is considered a citizen unless proven otherwise, until the age of 18
How long has a Moldovan citizen been married?
Has resided in Moldova lawfully and habitually for the last ten years; has been married to a citizen of Moldova for at least three years; or has resided lawfully and habitually for three years with parents or children (including adoptive) who are citizens of Moldova.
When was the Moldovan citizenship law passed?
An Act relating to Moldovan citizenship. Enacted by. Government of Moldova. Status: Current legislation. Moldovan nationality law dates back to June 2, 2000 and has been amended several times, with the latest modifications being made in 2014.
Is Moldova a citizen?
Either of your parents is a citizen of Moldova at the time of your birth. You are born on the territory of Moldova , and your parents are stateless persons. You are born on the territory of Moldova, and cannot receive the citizenship of either of your parents. Any foundling found on the territory of Moldova is considered a citizen ...
Does Moldova have dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship. Moldova allows its citizens to hold foreign citizenship in addition to their Moldovan citizenship . Acquiring a foreign citizenship, therefore, does not result in the loss of Moldovan citizenship.
How many people speak Moldovan?
Currently, 2,184,065 people or 80.2% of those covered by the 2014 census on the right bank of the Dniester or Moldova (proper) have Moldovan/Romanian as native language, of which 1,544,726 (55.1%) declared Moldovan and 639.339 (22.8%) declared it Romanian. 263,523 people or 9.4% have Russian as native language, 107,252 or 3.8% – Ukrainian, 114,532 or 4.1% – Gagauz, 41,756 or 1.5% – Bulgarian, 12,187 or 0.5% – another language. Only 2,723,315 declared their native language out of the 2,804,801 covered by the 2014 census.
How many people were in Moldova in 2014?
Out of the 2,804,801 people covered by the 2014 Moldovan census, 2,754,719 gave an answer as to their ethnic affiliation. Among them, 2,068,068 or 73.7% declared themselves Moldovans and 192,800 or 6.9% Romanians. Some organisations like the Liberal party of Moldova have criticised the census results, claiming Romanians comprise 85% of the population and that census officials have pressured respondents to declare themselves Moldovans instead of Romanians and have purposefully failed to cover urban respondents who are more likely to declared themselves Romanians as opposed to Moldovans
What is the first language spoken in Moldova?
2,138,964 people or 78.63% of the inhabitants of Moldova (proper) have Moldovan/Romanian as first language, of which 1,486,570 (53%) declared it Moldovan and 652,394 (23.3%) declared it Romanian. 394,133 people or 14.1% have Russian as language of daily use, 73.802 or 2.6% – Ukrainian, 74.167 or 2.6% – Gagauz, 26,577 or 0.9% – Bulgarian, and 12,734 or 0.5% – another language.
How many episcopates are there in Moldova?
Because higher-level church authorities were unable to resolve the matter, Moldova now has two episcopates, one for each patriarchate.
How many churches were built in Moldova in 1992?
In 1992 construction or restoration of 221 churches was underway, but clergy remained in short supply. As of 2004, Christian Orthodox constitute the vast majority of the population in all districts of Moldova.
What is the official language of Moldova?
Main article: Languages of Moldova. Romanian is the official language of Moldova. However, many speakers use the term Moldovan to describe the language they speak, despite the fact that its literary standard is virtually identical to Romanian. Officially since 1990, it is written in the Latin Alphabet .
Where do Ukrainians live?
Ukrainians mostly live in the east ( Transnistria) and the north, while Russians mostly live in urban areas: 27% of all Russians live in Chișinău, 18% live in Tiraspol, 11% in Bender and 6% in Bălți. Most of the Gagauz live in the south of Moldova in the autonomous region of Gagauzia .
What ethnicity is Moldova?
The local population is made up of residents from a variety of ethnic backgrounds including Ukrainians, Russians, Gagauz, Polish, Romanians, Bulgarians, and Romani. Moldova’s long history includes its past as a part of both the Ottoman and Russian Empires. The country finally achieved its political independence from the Soviet Union in August 1991.
Where is Moldova located?
Orhei, Moldova. The country of Moldova, officially known as the Republic of Moldova, is located in eastern Europe. This landlocked nation, which is bordered by Ukraine and Romania, is home to approximately 4,043,065 people. The local population is made up of residents from a variety of ethnic backgrounds including Ukrainians, Russians, Gagauz, ...
What is the name of the country that was once called Bessarabia?
This name is rooted back to the time of the reign of Bogdan I (or Bogdan the Founder) which spanned the years 1359 to 1367. Moldova was also once called Bogdania, again in connection with the Romanian founder of the region. Moldova was also once known as Bessarabia.
What is the name of the region in Moldova?
The Moldovan region has undergone several name changes throughout its rich history. During the time when the area was under the control of the Ottoman Empire it was called Black Wallachia which in Turkish can be translated to Kara-Eflak. This name is rooted back to the time of the reign of Bogdan I (or Bogdan the Founder) which spanned the years 1359 to 1367. Moldova was also once called Bogdania, again in connection with the Romanian founder of the region.
How many miles is the Moldova River?
In total, the Moldova River spans a distance of 132 miles with its basin covering an area of 1,660 square miles. The river passes through a number of communities including Baia, Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Gura Humorului, Moldova-Sulița, Păltinoasa, Roman, Vama, and Voroneț.
Who was the founder of Moldova?
One popular notion involves the founder of Moldova, Dragoș, a Vlach noble, who was said to have hunted wild oxen in the area in 1359. According to the myth Dragoș’ hunting dog, named Molda, chased an ox into the river where both animals lost their lives. The river, in turn, was then named in honor of the canine.
When did Romania become independent?
The country finally achieved its political independence from the Soviet Union in August 1991. The country’s name is derived from the Moldova River which flows through the modern day country of Romania.

Overview
Demographics
As of the 2014 census, Moldovans were the largest ethnic group of Moldova (75.1% of the population). In addition, 7.0% of the population declared themselves Romanians, amid the controversy over ethnic and linguistic identity in Moldova. Although historical, the polarization based on ethnolinguistic criteria of the majority ethnic group reappeared with the national revival movement of …
Etymology
The name Moldova is derived from the Moldova River; the valley of this river served as a political centre at the time of the foundation of the Principality of Moldavia in 1359. The origin of the name of the river remains unclear. According to a legend recounted by Moldavian chroniclers Dimitrie Cantemir and Grigore Ureche, Prince Dragoș named the river after hunting an aurochs: following the chase, the prince's exhausted hound Molda (Seva) drowned in the river. The dog's name, given t…
History
The prehistory of Moldova covers the period from the Upper Paleolithic which begins with the presence of Homo sapiens in the area of Southeastern Europe some 44,000 years ago and extends into the appearance of the first written records in Classical Antiquity in Greece.
In 2010, N.K. Anisjutkin discovered Oldowan flint tools at Bayraki that are 800,0…
Government
Moldova is a unitary parliamentary representative democratic republic. The 1994 Constitution of Moldova sets the framework for the government of the country. A parliamentary majority of at least two-thirds is required to amend the Constitution of Moldova, which cannot be revised in times of war or national emergency. Amendments to the Constitution affecting the state's sovereignty, …
Geography
Moldova lies between latitudes 45° and 49° N, and mostly between meridians 26° and 30° E (a small area lies east of 30°). The total land area is 33,851 km (13,070 sq mi)
The largest part of the country (around 88% of the area) lies in Bessarabia region, between Prut and Dniester rivers, while a narrow strip in the east is located in Tra…
Economy
After the breakup from the USSR in 1991, energy shortages, political uncertainty, trade obstacles and weak administrative capacity contributed to the decline of economy. As a part of an ambitious economic liberalization effort, Moldova introduced a convertible currency, liberalized all prices, stopped issuing preferential credits to state enterprises, backed steady land privatization, remo…
Telecommunications
The first million mobile telephone users were registered in September 2005. The number of mobile telephone users in Moldova increased by 47.3% in the first quarter of 2008 against the last year and exceeded 2.89 million.
In September 2009, Moldova was the first country in the world to launch high-definition voice services (HD voice) for mobile phones, and the first country in Europe to launch 14.4 Mbit/s mob…
Overview
History
- Romanians numbered approximately 2.795 million during the 1989 census which translated to 64.5% of the Moldovan population at the time. The numbers have significantly dwindled as today the Romanians in Moldova are only 7% of the total population. This ethnic group is believed to be closely related to Indians.
Identity and politics in the Republic of Moldova
Demographics
Regional identity in Romania
Religion in Moldova
See also
Moldovans, sometimes referred to as Moldavians , are a Romance-speaking ethnic group and the largest ethnic group of the Republic of Moldova (75.1% of the population as of 2014) and a significant minority in Ukraine and Russia.
Bessarabia, Transnistria and the diaspora originating from these regions, self-identified as Moldovans (another 7% of the population of Moldova self-identifi…
Sources
According to Miron Costin, a prominent chronicler from 17th-century Moldavia, the inhabitants of the Principality of Moldavia spoke Romanian and called themselves "Moldavians", but also "Romanians" which, he notes, comes from "romanus". Also, the Slavic neighbours called Moldovans "Vlachs" or "Volokhs", a term also used to refer to all native Romance speakers from Eastern Europe an…