Moldova, officially the Republic of Moldova (Romanian: Republica Moldova), is a country in Southeastern Europe bordered by Ukraine and Romania. The name of the country Moldova derives from the Moldova River, which now flows in northeastern Romania. The initial center of the Moldavian Principality was located in the Moldova River basin. [1]
The country spans an area of 33,846 km². However, around 12.3% of this territory, including the unrecognized Transnistrian Moldavian Republic, is outside the control of Moldovan authorities. According to the 2014 census, Moldova's population was 2,913,281, which decreased to an estimated 2,603,813 by January 2022. [2]
Moldova operates as a unitary parliamentary republic, with its capital in Chișinău. The country is administratively divided into 32 districts, 13 municipalities, the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia, and administrative units on the left bank of the Dniester (Transnistria). The country encompasses 65 urban centers and 917 rural settlements. Most of the population (90.16% as per the 2014 census) identifies as Orthodox Christian.
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Ethnicities of Moldova
Moldovans as an ethnic group emerged between the 14th and 16th centuries within the boundaries of the medieval Principality of Moldavia, which encompassed the territories of present-day independent Moldova and Romania's Western Moldova. They may be considered a sub-ethnic group of Romanians. A defining moment in the development of Moldovan ethnic (and subsequently linguistic) identity was the period during which the Principality of Moldavia (14-19 cent.) existed. It was during this time that the ethnonym "Moldovan" became firmly established. By 1812, among all Eastern Romance communities, Moldovans had the most well-defined ethnic and linguistic self-identification. This sense of identity was further solidified through interactions with the Great Russian ethnic group, although not always to the advantage of the latter.[3]
Languages of Moldova
The official language is Romanian (historically referred to as Moldovan). Until 2021, the Russian language in Moldova held the status of a language for interethnic communication. However, this status was annulled following a ruling by the Constitutional Court. In the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia, Moldovan, Gagauz, and Russian are recognized as official (non-state) languages. In the unrecognized Transnistrian Moldavian Republic (PMR), Moldovan, Russian, and Ukrainian are all designated as official languages.
History of Moldova
The history of Moldova is rich and complex, shaped by its geographical position at the crossroads of Eastern and Southeastern Europe.
Ancient and Medieval History
The region was home to various tribes, including the Dacians, who were part of the Thracian group. During Roman times, parts of Moldova were included in the province of Dacia. In the 14th century, the Principality of Moldavia was established. It became a powerful state under leaders like Stephen the Great (Ștefan cel Mare), who defended the territory against the Ottoman Empire, Hungary, and Poland.
Ottoman Era
By the 16th century, Moldavia became a vassal state of the Ottoman Empire. While it retained internal autonomy, its rulers were often appointed or influenced by the Ottomans. The Ottoman Empire annexed the region in the late 15th century after the fall of the Kingdom of Hungary and parts of Moldavia came under direct Ottoman control in 1512 following internal conflicts and wars. The region often became a battleground between the Ottoman Empire, the Kingdom of Poland, and the Principality of Transylvania. Political instability was a common feature, with frequent changes in rulers and invasions affecting the region's development.
Russian and Romanian influence
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After a series of wars between the Ottoman and Russian Empires, the eastern part of Moldavia, known as Bessarabia, was ceded to the Russian Empire in 1812. This period marked a crucial transformation from the era of Ottoman rule to integration within the Russian Empire. Moldova was annexed by the Russian Empire in 1812 following the Treaty of Bucharest, which ended the Russo-Turkish War. This move expanded Russian influence into southeastern Europe, marking the beginning of a new political era for Moldova. The territory became part of the Bessarabian Governorate, one of the administrative divisions of the Russian Empire. Local boyars (nobles) retained some influence but were subordinated to Russian officials who enforced Tsarist policies. The Orthodox Church, which was deeply rooted in Moldovan society, continued to play a significant role, albeit under closer supervision by the Russian administration.
20th Century Turmoil
The Kishinev pogrom occurred in April 1903, resulting in the deaths of 49 Jews and widespread violence against Jewish homes and businesses amid anti-Jewish sentiment and political unrest across the Russian Empire. A second pogrom took place in October 1905. Following the February Revolution of 1917, nationalist movements emerged in Bessarabia, leading to the establishment of the regional parliament, Sfatul Țării, in November 1917. The Moldavian Democratic Republic was declared on December 15, 1917, but was short-lived as Rumania occupied Bessarabia in January 1918. The local parliament then voted for union with Romania on March 27, 1918
World War II and Soviet Annexation
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On October 12, 1924, the Moldavian ASSR was established on the left bank of the Dniester as part of the Ukrainian SSR. The territory covered 33,700 square kilometers with a population of 2.7 million, with 70% being Moldavians. The capital was Chişinău. Following territorial changes in Bessarabia, the MSSR lost 10,000 square kilometers and 0.5 million residents. In 1940, 8,000 local inhabitants were deported and repressed. During World War II, from 1941 to 1944, Moldova was occupied by German and Romanian forces, and the Governorate of Bessarabia was established. On August 24, 1944, Soviet forces liberated the territory following the Iași-Kishinev Offensive. Post-war famine from 1946 to 1947, exacerbated by the war's aftermath, drought, and government policies, particularly affected Moldova.
Post-Soviet Independence
In 1991, Moldova declared independence from the USSR. However, this transition was marked by economic struggles and the unresolved conflict in Transnistria, a breakaway region with Russian support.
Moldova has pursued closer ties with the European Union while maintaining a complex relationship with Russia. In 2014, Moldova signed an Association Agreement with the EU, signaling its European aspirations.
Moldovan cuisine
Moldovan cuisine is rich and diverse, shaped by various influences including Greek, Turkish, Balkan, Western European, Ukrainian, Russian, Jewish, and German cuisines. This mixture has resulted in a unique culinary tradition that blends hearty meat dishes, dairy products, and fresh vegetables like grape, fruits, and diverse vegetables. Common dishes include mamaliga (cornmeal porridge), tochitura (a stew made with meat, onions, garlic, and wine, served with mamaliga), sarmale (cabbage rolls filled with rice and meat), and chiftele cu piure (meatballs with mashed potatoes). Plăcinte (cheese pies) and cazonac (sweet Easter bread) are popular desserts, reflecting Moldova's rich agricultural heritage.