last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to Moldova
Location Map of Moldova
Moldova
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Quick Overview
Key Facts
- Type of place: country.
- Latitude/longitude: 47.0' N, 28.55' E
- Local time: .
- Capital: Chisinau (and Tiraspol for Transnistria).
- Nature of the state: parliamentary republic.
- Official language: Romanian (and "Cyrillic Moldovan", Russian, and Ukrainian for Transnistria).
- Currency: Moldovan Leu (and Transnistrian Ruble for Transnistria).
- Population: 2,881,000 inhabitants (+ 469,000 inhabitants for Transnistria).
- Area: 29,683 km² (+ 4,163 km² for Transnistria).
- Density: 97 inhabitants/km² (excluding Transnistria).
- Highest point: Balanesti Hill (430 m).
- Lowest point: Dniester Plain (1 m).
- Coastline: 0 km; no maritime access.
- Driving: on the right.
Tourism
Almost entirely unknown to the general public, Moldova nonetheless offers a certain heritage, as well as a specific culture and traditions within a socio-political context that, admittedly, has not always been straightforward and still isn’t. In fact, even though visitor numbers are gradually increasing, the country welcomes fewer than 200,000 foreign visitors each year (160,000 in 2018), with a large proportion coming from neighboring countries (Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, etc.).
Travel Essentials
- Destination:
- By air: France-Chisinau.
- Entry requirements: valid passport or ID card.
- Currency to bring: euros.
- Exchange rate:
- Backpacker daily budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/Holidays
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 112/188 (2018 ranking)
- GDP per capita: $6,700 (2017)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +6.6% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 4.1% (2017)
- Population below poverty line: 9.6% (2015)
- Life expectancy: 71.3 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -9.4 (2017)
- Population growth: -1.06% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 99.4% (2015)
- Urban population: 42.6% (2018)
- Press freedom: 81/180 (2018 ranking)
- Political regime: flawed democracy (79/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook