CAPITAL CITY OF Moldova: Chisinau LANGUAGE OF Moldova: Russian CURRENCY OF Moldova: Moldovan leu (MDL) COMMENTS ABOUT Moldova: Moldova is a small land-locked country in Eastern Europe. Cities: Chisinau, Tiraspol, Bender Electricity : 230V/50Hz (European plug) Calling Code : +373 Time Zone : UTC+2
Formerly part of Romania, Moldova was 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 Slavic majority population, mostly Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a "Transnistria" republic. The poorest nation in Europe, Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a Communist as its president in 2001. CLIMATE OF Moldova: moderate winters, warm summers RELIGION OF Moldova: Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5% (2000) POPULATION OF Moldova: 4,446,455 (July 2004 est.)> ECONOMY OVERVIEW OF Moldova: Moldova remains the poorest country in Europe despite recent progress from its small economic base. It enjoys a favorable climate and good farmland but has no major mineral deposits. As a result, the economy depends heavily on agriculture, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Moldova must import almost all of its energy supplies from Russia. Energy shortages contributed to sharp production declines after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. As part of an ambitious reform effort, Moldova introduced a convertible currency, freed prices, stopped issuing preferential credits to state enterprises, backed steady land privatization, removed export controls, and freed interest rates. The government entered into agreements with the World Bank and the IMF to promote growth and reduce poverty. The economy returned to positive growth, of 2.1% in 2000, 6.1% in 2001, 7.2% in 2002, and 6.3% in 2003. Further reforms will come slowly because of strong political forces backing government controls. The economy remains vulnerable to higher fuel prices, poor agricultural weather, and the skepticism of foreign investors.
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CAPITAL CITY OF Moldova: Chisinau
