Moldova is a landlocked country, sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, just north of the Black Sea. As a part of the former Soviet Union, Moldova came into existence when the U.S.S.R. collapsed, formally beginning in 1991. It is the poorest country in Europe with high dependency on money from Moldovans working abroad.

Population: 4.3 million
Capital: Chisinau
Area: 33,843 sq km (13,066 sq miles)—slightly larger than Maryland
Major Languages: Romanian and Russian, also Gagauz

Climate: Moderate winters, warm summers
Monetary Unit: Leu (plural–Lei)
Ethinicity: Moldavian/Romanian 64.5%, Ukrainian 13.8%, Russian 13%, Gagauz 3.5%, Jewish 1.5%, Bulgarian 2%, other 1.7% (1989 est.)

Quick Links:

CIA Factbook
National Geographic – Moldova
Encarta – Moldova