| Revision as of 09:13, 31 December 2005 view source69.30.133.25 (talk) rv comparison Romanian language← Previous edit | Revision as of 09:16, 31 December 2005 view source Serhio (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users2,658 edits all is ok.Next edit → | ||
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| capital = ] |latd=47|latm=0|latNS=N|longd=28|longm=55|longEW=E| | capital = ] |latd=47|latm=0|latNS=N|longd=28|longm=55|longEW=E| | ||
| largest_city = ] | | largest_city = ] | | ||
| official_languages = ]{{ref|language}} |
official_languages = ] {{ref|language}}| | ||
| government_type = ] | | government_type = ] | | ||
| leader_titles = ] <br>] | | leader_titles = ] <br>] | | ||
| leader_names = ] <br>] | | leader_names = ] <br>] | | ||
| sovereignty_type = ] | | sovereignty_type = ] | | ||
| established_events = - |
established_events = - Inglobation<br> - Independence | | ||
| established_dates = ], ]<br/>], ],<br/>], ] | | established_dates = ], ]<br/>], ],<br/>], ] | | ||
| area = 33,843 | | area = 33,843 | | ||
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| calling_code = 373 | | calling_code = 373 | | ||
| <!-- do not edit the official language section, see the discussion page first -->| | <!-- do not edit the official language section, see the discussion page first -->| | ||
| footnotes = |
footnotes ={{note|language}} <small> (In introduction of the laws concerning the functioning of the languages (september 1989), still applying the linguistic identity between the Romanian language and the Moldovan langauge is mentionated ; + ] and ] in the ])</small> | ||
| <!-- do not edit the official language section, see the discussion page first -->| | <!-- do not edit the official language section, see the discussion page first -->| | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| The '''Republic of Moldova''' (conventional long form, conventional short form: '''Moldova''', local official long form: ''Republica Moldova'') is a ] country in ], located between ] to the west and ] to the east. Historically the territory was a part of the ]; in ] a part of Moldova was split by Russia, a situation which lasted until 1918 when it became part of ]. Annexed by the ], during ]-], ]-] it was known as as the ]. Moldova declared its independence on ] ]. | |||
| ]]] | |||
| The '''Republic of Moldova''' (conventional long form, conventional short form: '''Moldova''', local official long form: ''Republica Moldova'') is a ] country in ], located between ] to the west and ] to the east. Historically part of ] it was reunited with Romania<!-- do not edit the official history section, see the discussion page first --> in 1918, then it was annexed with force and war by the Communist Soviet Union in ] after the ], during ]-], ]-] as the ]. It declared its independence from the USSR on ] ] and hopes to join ] in ]. | |||
| == History == | == History == | ||
| ''Main article: ]'' | ''Main article: ]'' | ||
| Moldova's territory was inhabited in ancient times by ]ns. |
Moldova's territory was inhabited in ancient times by ]ns. Situated on a strategic route between ] and ], Moldova has suffered from several invasions, including those of the ] and the ]. | ||
| During the ] the territory of Republic of Moldova (including most of present-day Moldova but also including districts to the north and south, known as Northern ] and ]) formed the eastern part of the ] of ] (which, like the present-day republic, was known in Romanian as "Moldova"). The principality became tributary to the ] during 16th century. Following the ] in ], it was annexed by ] together with ] (Southern Bessarabia). At first, the Russians used the name "Gubernya of Moldova and Bessarabia", but later called it simply ]. The western part of Moldavia remained an autonomous principality and united with Walachia to form the ] in ]. | During the ] the territory of Republic of Moldova (including most of present-day Moldova but also including districts to the north and south, known as Northern ] and ]) formed the eastern part of the ] of ] (which, like the present-day republic, was known in Romanian as "Moldova"). The principality became tributary to the ] during 16th century. Following the ] in ], it was annexed by ] together with ] (Southern Bessarabia). At first, the Russians used the name "Gubernya of Moldova and Bessarabia", but later called it simply ]. The western part of Moldavia remained an autonomous principality and united with Walachia to form the ] in ]. | ||
| ]]] | |||
| At the end of ], Bessarabia proclaimed independence from ] in ], and united with the Kingdom of Romania the same year. The Soviet Union invaded with force Bessarabia in June ] in an agreement with Germany expressed in the ], and though forced out again in ], Soviet troops re-occupied and annexed the area in August ]. Soviet rule brought a harsh de-nationalization policy. The southern and northern parts (which had some Slavic and Turkic minorities) were transferred to Ukraine. At the same time, ] (where, at that time, ethnic Romanians outnumbered ]) was joined to the remainder to form the "]", identical in territory to present-day Moldova. Under ], ethnic ] were brought into the new country, especially into urbanized areas, while large numbers of ethnic ] were deported to ] and ]. The overall result was the destruction of ] elites and middle-classes, and their replacement with ] (mostly ]) elements. | |||
| At the end of ], Bessarabia proclaimed independence from ] in ], and united with the Kingdom of Romania the same year. The Soviet Union invaded Bessarabia in June ] in an agreement with Germany expressed in the ], and though forced out again in ], Soviet troops re-occupied and annexed the area in August ]. Soviet rule brought a harsh de-nationalization policy. The southern and northern parts (which had some Slavic and Turkic minorities) were transferred to Ukraine. At the same time, ] (where, at that time, ethnic Romanians outnumbered ]) was joined to the remainder to form the "]", identical in territory to present-day Moldova. Under ], ethnic ] were brought into the new country, especially into urbanized areas, while large numbers of ethnic ] were deported to ] and ]. The overall result was the destruction of ] elites and middle-classes, and their replacement with ] (mostly ]) elements. | |||
| Along with the other peripheral Soviet republics, Moldova started to move towards independence from 1991 onwards; in August ], Moldova declared its independence and in December of that year became a member of the post-Soviet ] along with most of the former Soviet republics. At the end of that year, an ex-communist reformer, ], won an election for the presidency. Four months later, the country achieved formal recognition as an independent state at the ]. | Along with the other peripheral Soviet republics, Moldova started to move towards independence from 1991 onwards; in August ], Moldova declared its independence and in December of that year became a member of the post-Soviet ] along with most of the former Soviet republics. At the end of that year, an ex-communist reformer, ], won an election for the presidency. Four months later, the country achieved formal recognition as an independent state at the ]. | ||
| The part of Moldova east of the ] River, ]—which is more heavily industrialized and is populated by a larger proportion of ethnic ]ns and ]s— claimed independence in ], fearing Moldovan unification with ]. ]n and ] forces intervened on the Transnistrian side, and remain there. The ] is involved in negotiations between the Transnistrian leaders and ]. | The part of Moldova east of the ] River, ]—which is more heavily industrialized and is populated by a larger proportion of ethnic ]ns and ]s— claimed independence in ], fearing Moldovan unification with ]. ]n and ] forces intervened on the Transnistrian side, and remain there. The ] is involved in negotiations between the Transnistrian leaders and ]. | ||
| While their emotional ties to the Romanian "motherland" remained strong, and while their visits to Romania were welcome, Moldova did not unite with Romania in 1991. In the early 1990s, the future of Moldova was a source of tension in Romania's relations with Russia. President Boris Yeltsin's government did not want to see one of the former Soviet republics on Russia's frontier joined to another country. | |||
| A March ] ] saw an overwhelming majority of voters favoring continued independence. In the 2001 elections a pro-Russian Communist party won majority of seats in the Parliament and appointed a Communist president, ]. After few years in power relationships between Moldova and ] deteriorated over the Transnistrian conflict. In the following election, held in 2005, the Communist party made 180 degree turn and was re-elected on a pro-Western platform, with Voronin re-elected to a second term as a president. During the 2005 parliamentary elections the ] tried to influence the election process by intensively favourable coverage of pro-Russian candidates in the Russian mass media and by organizing meetings and agitation campaigns using the Russian CIS-EMO organization (so-called “Elections Monitoring Organization”), which is not recognized internationally as an independent election observer. This organization was proven to have poor records from the previous ] election. As a response to the security threat, Moldovan authorities denied entry to the Republic of Moldova for the members of the CIS-EMO organization. Some who nonetheless made their way into the Republic were found distributing leaflets and actively participating in the election campaign, despite not having a valid Moldovan passport or any proof of Moldovan citizenship or any permission from the election authority. These members were consequently deported from the country. This action angered the Russian side. As a consequence, Russian-Moldovan ties greatly weakened, and the nation is split between building ties with ] or with ]. | A March ] ] saw an overwhelming majority of voters favoring continued independence. In the 2001 elections a pro-Russian Communist party won majority of seats in the Parliament and appointed a Communist president, ]. After few years in power relationships between Moldova and ] deteriorated over the Transnistrian conflict. In the following election, held in 2005, the Communist party made 180 degree turn and was re-elected on a pro-Western platform, with Voronin re-elected to a second term as a president. During the 2005 parliamentary elections the ] tried to influence the election process by intensively favourable coverage of pro-Russian candidates in the Russian mass media and by organizing meetings and agitation campaigns using the Russian CIS-EMO organization (so-called “Elections Monitoring Organization”), which is not recognized internationally as an independent election observer. This organization was proven to have poor records from the previous ] election. As a response to the security threat, Moldovan authorities denied entry to the Republic of Moldova for the members of the CIS-EMO organization. Some who nonetheless made their way into the Republic were found distributing leaflets and actively participating in the election campaign, despite not having a valid Moldovan passport or any proof of Moldovan citizenship or any permission from the election authority. These members were consequently deported from the country. This action angered the Russian side. As a consequence, Russian-Moldovan ties greatly weakened, and the nation is split between building ties with ] or with ]. | ||
| In 1992, Moldova was involved in a short-term war against Russian armed forces and Ukrainian ] units. Units of ] (Ukrainian mercenaries) fought, supported by and alongside the Russian 14th Army. The ] began with an attack of Russian mercenaries on the Moldovan town of ], situated on the eastern bank of the River ], but not loyal to the separatist regime. Since 1992, ] has maintained a military occupation of the eastern regions of the Republic of Moldova. The separatist ] regime established in the occupied territory is undemocratic, and no rotation in political power has taken place in this area since 1992. The ''de facto'' Transnistrian government has enforced ], the denationalization of ethnic Ukrainians, and discrimination against Moldovans. In the summer of 2004, Transnistrian authorities forcibly closed six Moldovan schools from ], ], and ] that used the Romanian language in the Latin alphabet. 3,400 enrolled children were affected by this measure. Several teachers and parents who opposed the closures were arrested. | In 1992, Moldova was involved in a short-term war against Russian armed forces and Ukrainian ] units. Units of ] (Ukrainian mercenaries) fought, supported by and alongside the Russian 14th Army. The ] began with an attack of Russian mercenaries on the Moldovan town of ], situated on the eastern bank of the River ], but not loyal to the separatist regime. Since 1992, ] has maintained a military occupation of the eastern regions of the Republic of Moldova. The separatist ] regime established in the occupied territory is undemocratic, and no rotation in political power has taken place in this area since 1992. The ''de facto'' Transnistrian government has enforced ], the denationalization of ethnic Ukrainians, and discrimination against Moldovans. In the summer of 2004, Transnistrian authorities forcibly closed six Moldovan schools from ], ], and ] that used the Romanian language in the Latin alphabet. 3,400 enrolled children were affected by this measure. Several teachers and parents who opposed the closures were arrested. | ||
| == National symbols == | |||
| ===Flag=== | |||
| <table align="center"><tr> | |||
| <td>]</td> | |||
| <td>]</td> | |||
| </tr></table> | |||
| The Moldovan flag is similar to the flag of Romania, with the same color, but with the addition of a coat of arms, expressing the link between the same nation. | |||
| ===Currency=== | |||
| The currency of Moldova, the '']'' (plural: ''lei'') has the same name as the currency of Romania. The name means "lion". | |||
| ===Ştefan cel Mare=== | ===Ştefan cel Mare=== | ||
| ] ("Stephen the Great"), cousin of ], was the most important Prince of ]. He was born around 1436, at ], ], (now in Romania), and died at ], Romania ] 1504. He ruled 47 years, from ] 1457 until his death. He is considered a national hero in Republic of ] and ] |
] ("Stephen the Great"), cousin of ], was the most important Prince of ]. He was born around 1436, at ], ], (now in Romania), and died at ], Romania ] 1504. He ruled 47 years, from ] 1457 until his death. He is considered a national hero in Republic of ] and ]. | ||
| ===Dimitrie Cantemir=== | |||
| The Prince ] is one of the most important figures of Western culture of the 18th century. Cantemir wrote the first geographical, ethnographical and economic description of the country, ] (] ]). He is considered a national hero in Republic of Moldova (on both sides of the Dniestr river) and Romania. | |||
| == Politics == | == Politics == | ||
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| ====2005 Parliamentary Elections:==== | ====2005 Parliamentary Elections:==== | ||
| *] (PCRM) (45.98% votes, 56 mandates) | *] (PCRM) (45.98% votes, 56 mandates) | ||
| * |
*Electoral Bloc “Moldova Democrata” (BMD) (28.53% votes, 34 mandates) | ||
| *] (9.07% votes, 11 mandates) | *] (9.07% votes, 11 mandates) | ||
| Line 108: | Line 89: | ||
| *Electoral Bloc "Braghis Alliance" (BEAB) (13.36% votes, 19 mandates) | *Electoral Bloc "Braghis Alliance" (BEAB) (13.36% votes, 19 mandates) | ||
| *] (8.24% votes, 11 mandates) | *] (8.24% votes, 11 mandates) | ||
| ====Early history==== | |||
| After the Soviet Union occupied the region of ] during ] from Romania, the Soviets began a campaign to create an Moldovan ethnic identity different from the one of the ], who were said to be "capitalist oppressors". | |||
| The Soviet official policy also stated that ] and ] were two different languages and Moldovan was written with a special Cyrillic alphabet derived from the ], as opposed to Romanian, which was written with its own version of Latin alphabet. | |||
| ====Independence of Moldova==== | |||
| In the address to the Romanian parliament, in February 1991, ], the Moldovan president talked about a common identity of the Moldovan and Romanians, referring to the "Romanians of both sides of the ]" and "Sacred Romanian lands occupied by the Soviets". | |||
| In 1989, Romanian became the official language of Moldova and following the independence of 1991, the Romanian tricolor with a coat-of-arms was used as flag, and ], the Romanian anthem also became the anthem of Moldova. In those times, it was widely expected in both countries that they were to be united soon. | |||
| However, the initial enthusiasm in Moldova was tempered and starting 1993, Moldova started to distance itself from Romania. The constitution adopted in 1994 used the term "Moldovan language" instead of "Romanian" and changed the national anthem to ]. The 1996 attempt by Moldovan president Mircea Snegur to change the official language to "Romanian" was dismissed by the Moldovan Parliament as "promoting Romanian expansionism". | |||
| A ] began in both countries in early ], after the Republic of Moldova declared its independence from the ]. | |||
| ====Current state==== | |||
| While most, if not all Romanian political parties would support a unification (the most vocal being the nationalist ]), in Moldova only the ] supports it. | |||
| However, polls show that nowadays less than 30% of the Moldovans support the unification. | |||
| == Relations with Romania and the European Union== | |||
| Moldova's relationship with Romania, which is set to become a ] (EU) member in 2007, has also been strained, with Moldova publicly making various accusations against Romania. The prospect of union with Romania is constantly an issue, though certainly not an imminent prospect ]. In September 2005, President of ] ] met Romanian President ] and he declared textually <!-- "textually" meaning what? "in writing"? If so, say so. Current wording is confusing. --> "We go with Romania until the end" meaning that Romanians and Moldovans are the same nation (albeit separate states) and will have a common future. | |||
| The government has stated that Moldova has European aspirations but there has been little progress toward EU membership. Once Romania joins the ], any unification between the two countries would presumably bring Moldova into the EU if it later unified with Romania, just as ] entered the EU when it reunified with ] in ]. | |||
| On ], ] many EU enthusiasts waving the EU flags found their flags confiscated by police and some were arrested under the clause of "anti-nationalism." At present, Moldova remains one of the poorest country in Europe, with rampant corruption and a sadly booming trade in people. | |||
| During her first bilateral visit to Moldova, ], ] opened the new Delegation of the ] to Moldova on ], to be headed by ]. | |||
| The opening of the Delegation of the ] is a signal of the deepening of relations between the EU and Moldova which will lead eventually to joining the European Union. | |||
| The ] with ] is the legal basis for ]. With the joint adoption of the ] on ], ], the EU and Moldova have further reinforced their bilateral relationship, providing a new tool to help implement the ] and bring Moldova closer to the ]. The ] Programme is the framework for ] to support agreed objectives. | |||
| The ] came into force in ] ] for an initial period of ten years. It establishes the institutional framework for ], sets the principal common objectives, and calls for activities and dialogue in a number of policy areas. Moldova welcomed ] enlargement and signed on ] ] the ] extending the ] to the new ]. | |||
| == Administrative divisions == | == Administrative divisions == | ||
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| ''Main article: ]'' | ''Main article: ]'' | ||
| Moldova is divided into 32 ] ('']'', pl. ''raioane''), 3 municipalities (], ] and ]), two semi-autonomous regions ( |
Moldova is divided into 32 ] ('']'', pl. ''raioane''), 3 municipalities (], ] and ]), two semi-autonomous regions (Găgăuzia and the breakaway region of ], whose status is still disputed). The districts are: | ||
| <table summary="" width="500"> | <table summary="" width="500"> | ||
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| *]<br /> | *]<br /> | ||
| *]<br /> | *]<br /> | ||
| *]<br /> | *]<br /> | ||
| *]<br /> | *]<br /> | ||
| </td> | </td> | ||
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| == Geography == | == Geography == | ||
| ''Main article: ]'' | ''Main article: ]'' | ||
| The largest part of the country lies between two rivers, the ] and the ]. ]'s rich soil and temperate continental climate have made the country one of the most productive agricultural regions and a major supplier of agricultural products in the region. | |||
| The western border of Moldova is formed by the ] river, which joins the ] before flowing into the ]. In the north-east, the ] is the main river, flowing through the country from north to south. | The western border of Moldova is formed by the ] river, which joins the ] before flowing into the ]. In the north-east, the ] is the main river, flowing through the country from north to south. | ||
| Line 212: | Line 153: | ||
| ''See'' ] | ''See'' ] | ||
| == Largest cities == | |||
| {| border=1 align=left cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 style="border-collapse:collapse;border:1px solid gray;font-size:100%; text-align:right; margin-left:60px" | |||
| |- style="background:#efefef;" | |||
| ! # !! align=center |City !! Population !! County | |||
| |- | |||
| | 1. ||align=left | ] ||802,082 || ] | |||
| |- | |||
| | 2. ||align=left | ] || 266,953 || ] | |||
| |- | |||
| | 3. ||align=left | ] || 130,888 || ] | |||
| |- | |||
| | 4. ||align=left | ] || 53,983 || ] | |||
| |- | |||
| | 5. ||align=left | ] || 45,983 || ] | |||
| |- | |||
| | 6. ||align=left | ] || 44,983 || ] | |||
| |- | |||
| | 7. ||align=left | ] || 28,983 || ] | |||
| |- | |||
| |} | |||
| <br clear=left> | |||
| == Economy == | == Economy == | ||
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| ====Ethnic composition==== | ====Ethnic composition==== | ||
| (according to the 2004 census) | (according to the 2004 census) | ||
| * ]/]: |
* ]: 76.1% | ||
| *]: 8.4% | * ]: 8.4% | ||
| *]: 5.8% | * ]: 5.8% | ||
| *]: 4.4% | * ]: 4.4% | ||
| *]: |
* ]: 2.1% | ||
| * |
* ]: 1.9% | ||
| * Others: 1.3% | |||
| =====About 2004 census===== | =====About 2004 census===== | ||
| :According to a May 19 2005 article in "Moldova Azi" news agency (see {{ref|census-experts}}), a group of international census experts described the Moldovan census as "generally conducted in a professional manner", while remarking that that "a few topics… were potentially more problematic". Among the problematic topics: | :According to a May 19 2005 article in "Moldova Azi" news agency (see {{ref|census-experts}}), a group of international census experts described the Moldovan census as "generally conducted in a professional manner", while remarking that that "a few topics… were potentially more problematic". Among the problematic topics: | ||
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| ==Language== | ==Language== | ||
| The official language is ]; this is by all accounts a form of ], and is essentially the same as ]. There is no particular linguistic break at the ], which divides Moldova from Romania. In formal use, the languages are identical except for minor ] issues (the Moldovans write ''î'' in some contexts where Romanians would use ''â''; this same form used to be normal in Romania). There is, however, some regional variation, as might be found within any linguistic territory, and the common speech of ] or ] can be distinguished from the speech of ], a Romanian city that is also part of the former ]. | The official language is ]; this is by all accounts a form of ], and is essentially the same as ]. There is no particular linguistic break at the ], which divides Moldova from Romania. In formal use, the languages are identical except for minor ] issues (the Moldovans write ''î'' in some contexts where Romanians would use ''â''; this same form used to be normal in Romania). There is, however, some regional variation, as might be found within any linguistic territory, and the common speech of ] or ] can be distinguished from the speech of ], a Romanian city that is also part of the former ]. | ||
| Opinions vary on the status of Moldovan as a language. Most linguists consider ] Moldovan to be identical to standard ], an ], although one Moldovan linguist disputes this. There are, however, more differences between the colloquial spoken languages of Moldova and ], most significantly due to the influence of ] in Moldova which was not present in Romania. The matter of whether or not Moldovan is a separate language is a contested political issue within and beyond the ]. | |||
| A September 1989 law concerning languages, which still applies, asserts the linguistic identity between the Romanian language and the Moldovan language. | |||
| A significant minority speaks native ], and there are more ] in common speech in Moldova than in common speech in Romania. Nonetheless, Moldovans are generally aware when they are using a word of Slavic origin not found in common Romanian, and are capable of choosing whether or not to use these words in a particular context. | A significant minority speaks native ], and there are more ] in common speech in Moldova than in common speech in Romania. Nonetheless, Moldovans are generally aware when they are using a word of Slavic origin not found in common Romanian, and are capable of choosing whether or not to use these words in a particular context. | ||
| == Information Technologies and Telecommunications == | |||
| Title I, Article 13 of the Moldovan Constitution, names it the "national language" (limba de stat) of the country. In the ] of ], it is co-official with ] and ]. The ] law on language of the ], which is still effective in Moldova according to the Constitution {{ref|Constitution}}, asserts the real existence of "linguistical Moldo-] identity". | |||
| In ], the investments volume on the ] and information market in the Republic of Moldova increased by 30,1% in comparison with ], achieving 825, 3 million lei (65,5 million dollars by the exchange rate of the ]). The representatives of the ] communicated that 451 million lei (35,9 million dollars) were invested in the field of fixed telephone communication. | |||
| The ] constituted 330 million ] (26,2 million dollars) in the field of ], 24,2 million ] (1,9 million dollars) in the field of ], 19,1 million ] (1,5 million dollars) in the field of cable television services. The essential increase in the amount of 163 million ] (12,9 million dollars) has been achieved in the field of ]. | |||
| "Moldovan language" is '''in fact''' '''identical''' with ], renamed as a "language" for political reasons by the government. Although similar theories have been fielded for other languages, this proposal is now believed to have been made to serve political purposes only, and nobody has provided any evidence so-far towards the idea that Moldovan and Romanian are not from common linguistic stock. | |||
| In comparison with 2003, the investments in this sector doubled practically. An insignificant increase was registered at the other ], but the ] volume remained the same in the field of ] communication. | |||
| == Comparison with Romanian == | |||
| The specialists of the National Agency for Telecommunications and Information Regulation mentioned that dynamic of investments done in 2003-2004 years in the development of ] and ] of the Republic of Moldova shows that in 2005 their volume would exceed the level of the last year. In their opinion, this increase will be determined by the investments of the national operator of the stationary telephone communications of the ] “Moldtelecom” for the implementation of the technology ] (Code Division Multiple Access), by the investments of the operators of ] “Voxtel” and “Moldcell” in the development of ], also by means orientated to the extension and improvement of access services to Internet by new ]. | |||
| The sample below taken from the ]s of ] and ] proves that a formal text in Romanian and Moldovan is identical. | |||
| ==Relations with ]== | |||
| {| | |||
| ] The ] with ] is the legal basis for ]. With the joint adoption of the ] on ], ], the EU and Moldova have further reinforced their bilateral relationship, providing a new tool to help implement the ] and bring Moldova closer to the ]. The ] Programme is the framework for ] to support agreed objectives. | |||
| ! Moldova ] || Romania ]|| English ] | |||
| |------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||
| | style="padding-right: 1em; vertical-align: top" | TITLUL I: Principii Generale | |||
| The ] came into force in ] ] for an initial period of ten years. It establishes the institutional framework for ], sets the principal common objectives, and calls for activities and dialogue in a number of policy areas. Moldova welcomed ] enlargement and signed on ] ] the ] extending the ] to the new ]. | |||
| | style="padding-right: 1em; vertical-align: top" | TITLUL I: Principii Generale | |||
| During her first bilateral visit to Moldova, ], ] opened the new Delegation of the ] to Moldova on ], to be headed by ]. | |||
| | style="vertical-align: top" | FIRST TITLE: General Principles | |||
| The opening of the Delegation of the ] is a signal of the deepening of relations between the EU and Moldova. | |||
| |------------------------------------------------------------ | |||
| | style="padding-right: 1em; vertical-align: top" | Articolul 1 | |||
| Statul Republica Moldova | |||
| | style="padding-right: 1em; vertical-align: top" | Articolul 1 | |||
| Statul român | |||
| | style="vertical-align: top" | Article 1 (Romanian/Republic of Moldova State) | |||
| |------------------------------------------------------------ | |||
| | style="padding-right: 1em; vertical-align: top" | (1) Republica Moldova este un stat suveran şi independent, unitar şi indivizibil. | |||
| | style="padding-right: 1em; vertical-align: top" | (1) România este stat naţional, suveran şi independent, unitar şi indivizibil. | |||
| | style="vertical-align: top" | (1) Romania/Republic of Moldova is a national, independent, united, and indivisible state. | |||
| |------------------------------------------------------------ | |||
| | style="padding-right: 1em; vertical-align: top" | (2) Forma de guvernămînt a statului este republica. | |||
| | style="padding-right: 1em; vertical-align: top" | (2) Forma de guvernământ a statului român este republica. | |||
| | style="vertical-align: top" | (2) The form of government of the state is republican. | |||
| |------------------------------------------------------------ | |||
| | style="padding-right: 1em; vertical-align: top" | (3) Republica Moldova este un stat de drept, democratic, în care demnitatea omului, drepturile şi libertăţile ... | |||
| | style="padding-right: 1em; vertical-align: top" | (3) România este stat de drept, democratic şi social, în care demnitatea omului, drepturile şi libertăţile ... | |||
| | style="vertical-align: top" | Romania/Republic of Moldova is a state of law, democratic and social, in which the human dignity, rights and liberties... | |||
| |------------------------------------------------------------ | |||
| | style="padding-right: 1em; vertical-align: top" | | |||
| | style="padding-right: 1em; vertical-align: top" | | |||
| | style="vertical-align: top" | Links to the official page of Constitution for both countries | |||
| |} | |||
| == Information Technologies and Telecommunications == | |||
| In ], the investments volume on the ] and information market in the Republic of Moldova increased by 30.1% in comparison with ], achieving 825.3 million ] (65.5 million US dollars by the exchange rate of the ]). The representatives of the ] communicated that 451 million lei (35.9 million dollars) were invested in the field of fixed telephone communication. | |||
| The ] constituted 330 million ] (26.2 million dollars) in the field of ], 24.2 million lei (1.9 million dollars) in the field of ], 19.1 million lei (1.5 million dollars) in the field of cable television services. The essential increase in the amount of 163 million lei (12.9 million dollars) has been achieved in the field of ]. | |||
| In comparison with 2003, the investments in this sector doubled practically. An insignificant increase was registered at the other ], but the ] volume remained the same in the field of ] communication. | |||
| The specialists of the National Agency for Telecommunications and Information Regulation mentioned that dynamic of investments done in 2003-2004 years in the development of ] and ] of the Republic of Moldova shows that in 2005 their volume would exceed the level of the last year. In their opinion, this increase will be determined by the investments of the national operator of the stationary telephone communications of the ] “Moldtelecom” for the implementation of the technology ] (Code Division Multiple Access), by the investments of the operators of ] “Voxtel” and “Moldcell” in the development of ], also by means orientated to the extension and improvement of access services to Internet by new ]. | |||
| ] ],<br>] of both Romania and Moldova]] | |||
| == Culture == | == Culture == | ||
| ],<br>]]] | |||
| ''Main article: ]'' | ''Main article: ]'' | ||
| * ] | |||
| Moldova is inhabited primarly by people of Romanian culture. Under Ceauşescu, Romania periodically made oblique claims to Moldova, which the Kremlin ignored. It had no intention of considering boundary changes with neighboring countries that had real or imagined claims on Soviet territory. | |||
| * ]/] | |||
| * ] | * ] | ||
| * ] | |||
| == Tourism in Moldova == | == Tourism in Moldova == | ||
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| * ] | * ] | ||
| * ] | * ] | ||
| * ] | |||
| ==Maps== | ==Maps== | ||
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| * plus those of other former Soviet Republics | * plus those of other former Soviet Republics | ||
| == Gallery == | |||
| <gallery> | |||
| image:Chisinau Center.jpg|] - ], ] | |||
| image:Chi gates.jpg|Gates of Chişinău, ] | |||
| Image:Moldavian orthodox church.jpg|Moldavian ] | |||
| </gallery> | |||
| == External links == | == External links == | ||
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| * | * | ||
| ===News portals=== | ===News portals=== {{wikinews|Moldova}} | ||
| * | * | ||
| * | * | ||
| * | * | ||
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| * ]: , ranked 99th out of 111 countries | * ]: , ranked 99th out of 111 countries | ||
| * ]: , ranked 88th out of 158 countries | * ]: , ranked 88th out of 158 countries | ||
| * ]: , ranked |
* ]: , ranked 115th out of 177 countries | ||
| * ]: , ranked 82nd out of 117 countries | * ]: , ranked 82nd out of 117 countries | ||
| * ]: , ranked 83rd out of 155 | * ]: , ranked 83rd out of 155 | ||
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Revision as of 09:16, 31 December 2005
"Moldova" redirects here. For other uses, see Moldova (disambiguation).| Republica Moldova Republic of Moldova | |
|---|---|
| Flag of Moldova Flag Coat of arms of Moldova Coat of arms | |
| Motto: (none) | |
| Anthem: Limba noastră | |
 | |
| Capitaland largest city | Chişinău |
| Official languages | Moldovan |
| Government | Parliamentary Republic |
| Independence | |
| • Water (%) | 1.4 |
| Population | |
| • 2004 estimate | 2004 (117th) |
| • 2004 census | 3,388,071 |
| GDP (PPP) | 2004 estimate |
| • Total | US$2.59462 billion (132nd) |
| • Per capita | US$766,28 (141st) |
| HDI (2003) | 0.671 medium (115th) |
| Currency | Leu (MDL) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Calling code | 373 |
| ISO 3166 code | MD |
| Internet TLD | .md |
| (In introduction of the laws concerning the functioning of the languages (september 1989), still applying the linguistic identity between the Romanian language and the Moldovan langauge is mentionated ; + Gagauz and Russian in the Gagauz Autonomous Region) | |
The Republic of Moldova (conventional long form, conventional short form: Moldova, local official long form: Republica Moldova) is a landlocked country in eastern Europe, located between Romania to the west and Ukraine to the east. Historically the territory was a part of the Principality of Moldavia; in 1812 a part of Moldova was split by Russia, a situation which lasted until 1918 when it became part of Greater Romania. Annexed by the Soviet Union, during 1940-1941, 1945-1991 it was known as as the Moldavian SSR. Moldova declared its independence on 27 August 1991.
History
Main article: History of Moldova
Moldova's territory was inhabited in ancient times by Dacians. Situated on a strategic route between Asia and Europe, Moldova has suffered from several invasions, including those of the Kievan Rus' and the Mongols.
During the Middle Ages the territory of Republic of Moldova (including most of present-day Moldova but also including districts to the north and south, known as Northern Bukovina and Budjak) formed the eastern part of the principality of Moldavia (which, like the present-day republic, was known in Romanian as "Moldova"). The principality became tributary to the Ottoman Empire during 16th century. Following the Treaty of Bucharest in 1812, it was annexed by Russia together with Budjak (Southern Bessarabia). At first, the Russians used the name "Gubernya of Moldova and Bessarabia", but later called it simply Bessarabia. The western part of Moldavia remained an autonomous principality and united with Walachia to form the Old Kingdom of Romania in 1859.
Ruler of Moldova 1436–1504
At the end of World War I, Bessarabia proclaimed independence from Russia in 1918, and united with the Kingdom of Romania the same year. The Soviet Union invaded Bessarabia in June 1940 in an agreement with Germany expressed in the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, and though forced out again in 1941, Soviet troops re-occupied and annexed the area in August 1944. Soviet rule brought a harsh de-nationalization policy. The southern and northern parts (which had some Slavic and Turkic minorities) were transferred to Ukraine. At the same time, Transnistria (where, at that time, ethnic Romanians outnumbered Slavs) was joined to the remainder to form the "Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic", identical in territory to present-day Moldova. Under Stalin, ethnic Russians were brought into the new country, especially into urbanized areas, while large numbers of ethnic Romanians were deported to Siberia and Kazakhstan. The overall result was the destruction of Romanian elites and middle-classes, and their replacement with Soviet (mostly Slavic) elements.
Along with the other peripheral Soviet republics, Moldova started to move towards independence from 1991 onwards; in August 1991, Moldova declared its independence and in December of that year became a member of the post-Soviet Commonwealth of Independent States along with most of the former Soviet republics. At the end of that year, an ex-communist reformer, Mircea Snegur, won an election for the presidency. Four months later, the country achieved formal recognition as an independent state at the United Nations.
The part of Moldova east of the Dniestr River, Transnistria—which is more heavily industrialized and is populated by a larger proportion of ethnic Russians and Ukrainians— claimed independence in 1991, fearing Moldovan unification with Romania. Russian and Ukrainian forces intervened on the Transnistrian side, and remain there. The OSCE is involved in negotiations between the Transnistrian leaders and Chişinău.
A March 1994 referendum saw an overwhelming majority of voters favoring continued independence. In the 2001 elections a pro-Russian Communist party won majority of seats in the Parliament and appointed a Communist president, Vladimir Voronin. After few years in power relationships between Moldova and Russia deteriorated over the Transnistrian conflict. In the following election, held in 2005, the Communist party made 180 degree turn and was re-elected on a pro-Western platform, with Voronin re-elected to a second term as a president. During the 2005 parliamentary elections the Russian Federation tried to influence the election process by intensively favourable coverage of pro-Russian candidates in the Russian mass media and by organizing meetings and agitation campaigns using the Russian CIS-EMO organization (so-called “Elections Monitoring Organization”), which is not recognized internationally as an independent election observer. This organization was proven to have poor records from the previous Kyrgyzstan election. As a response to the security threat, Moldovan authorities denied entry to the Republic of Moldova for the members of the CIS-EMO organization. Some who nonetheless made their way into the Republic were found distributing leaflets and actively participating in the election campaign, despite not having a valid Moldovan passport or any proof of Moldovan citizenship or any permission from the election authority. These members were consequently deported from the country. This action angered the Russian side. As a consequence, Russian-Moldovan ties greatly weakened, and the nation is split between building ties with the West or with Russia.
In 1992, Moldova was involved in a short-term war against Russian armed forces and Ukrainian Kazak units. Units of Kazaks (Ukrainian mercenaries) fought, supported by and alongside the Russian 14th Army. The Transnistrian war began with an attack of Russian mercenaries on the Moldovan town of Dubosari, situated on the eastern bank of the River Dniestr, but not loyal to the separatist regime. Since 1992, Russia has maintained a military occupation of the eastern regions of the Republic of Moldova. The separatist Transnistrian regime established in the occupied territory is undemocratic, and no rotation in political power has taken place in this area since 1992. The de facto Transnistrian government has enforced Russification, the denationalization of ethnic Ukrainians, and discrimination against Moldovans. In the summer of 2004, Transnistrian authorities forcibly closed six Moldovan schools from Tiraspol, Tighina/Bender, and Rîbniţa that used the Romanian language in the Latin alphabet. 3,400 enrolled children were affected by this measure. Several teachers and parents who opposed the closures were arrested.
Ştefan cel Mare
Ştefan cel Mare ("Stephen the Great"), cousin of Vlad III Dracula, was the most important Prince of Moldavia. He was born around 1436, at Borzeşti, Bacău County, (now in Romania), and died at Suceava, Romania 2 July 1504. He ruled 47 years, from 14 April 1457 until his death. He is considered a national hero in Republic of Moldova and Romania.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Moldova
The unicameral Moldovan parliament, or Parlament, has 101 seats, and its members are elected by popular vote every 4 years. The parliament then elects a president, who functions as the head of state. The president appoints a prime minister as head of government who in turn assembles a cabinet, both subject to parliamentary approval.
2005 Parliamentary Elections:
- Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) (45.98% votes, 56 mandates)
- Electoral Bloc “Moldova Democrata” (BMD) (28.53% votes, 34 mandates)
- Christian Democratic Peoples Party (CDPP) (9.07% votes, 11 mandates)
2001 Parliamentary Elections:
- Communist Party (CP)(50.07% votes, 71 mandates)
- Electoral Bloc "Braghis Alliance" (BEAB) (13.36% votes, 19 mandates)
- Christian Democratic People's Party (CDPP) (8.24% votes, 11 mandates)
Administrative divisions
Main article: Administrative divisions of Moldova
Moldova is divided into 32 districts (raion, pl. raioane), 3 municipalities (Chişinău, Bălţi and Tighina), two semi-autonomous regions (Găgăuzia and the breakaway region of Transnistria, whose status is still disputed). The districts are:
As no other nation recognizes Transnistria, it is de jure a part of Moldova, although in reality it is not controlled by the Moldovan government.
Geography
Main article: Geography of Moldova
The western border of Moldova is formed by the Prut river, which joins the Danube before flowing into the Black Sea. In the north-east, the Dniester is the main river, flowing through the country from north to south.
The country is landlocked, even though it is very close to the Black Sea. While the northern part of the country is hilly, elevations never exceed 430 m (the highest point being the Dealul Bălăneşti).
Moldova has a temperate continental climate, with warm summers, but mild winters.
The country's main cities are the capital Chişinău, in the centre of the country, Tiraspol (in Transnistria), Bălţi and Bender.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Moldova
Moldova 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 all of its supplies of petroleum, coal, and natural gas, largely from Russia. Energy shortages contributed to sharp production declines after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991.
As part of an ambitious economic liberalization effort, Moldova introduced a convertible currency, freed all 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. Recent trends indicate that the communist government intends to reverse some of these policies, and recollectivise land while placing more restrictions on private business.
The economy returned to positive growth, of 2.1% in 2000 and 6.1% in 2001. Growth remained strong in 2002, in part because of the reforms and because of starting from a small base. Further liberalization is in doubt 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.
Moldova remains the poorest country in Europe in terms of GDP per capita: 1,900 USD PPP (2005) or 590 USD nominal (2005).
Demographics
Ethnic composition
(according to the 2004 census)
- Moldovans: 76.1%
- Ukrainians: 8.4%
- Russians: 5.8%
- Gagauz: 4.4%
- Romanians: 2.1%
- Bulgarians: 1.9%
- Others: 1.3%
About 2004 census
- According to a May 19 2005 article in "Moldova Azi" news agency (see ), a group of international census experts described the Moldovan census as "generally conducted in a professional manner", while remarking that that "a few topics… were potentially more problematic". Among the problematic topics:
- The census includes at least some Moldovans who had been living abroad over one year at the time of the census.
- The precision of numbers about nationality/ethnicity and language was questioned. Some enumerators apparently encouraged respondents to declare that they were "Moldovan" rather than "Romanian", and even within a single family there may have been confusion about these terms.
- With respect to these matters, especially the latter, the expert group recommended that the Moldovan National Bureau of Statistics carry out an evaluation study, offered their assistance in doing so, and indicated their intention of further studying the matter themselves.
Religions
(2000)
- Eastern Orthodox Christian 98%
- Jewish 1.5%
- Baptist and other 0.5%
Language
The official language is Moldovan; this is by all accounts a form of Daco-Romanian, and is essentially the same as Romanian. There is no particular linguistic break at the Prut River, which divides Moldova from Romania. In formal use, the languages are identical except for minor orthographical issues (the Moldovans write î in some contexts where Romanians would use â; this same form used to be normal in Romania). There is, however, some regional variation, as might be found within any linguistic territory, and the common speech of Chişinau or Transnistria can be distinguished from the speech of Iaşi, a Romanian city that is also part of the former Principality of Moldavia.
A significant minority speaks native Russian, and there are more Slavicisms in common speech in Moldova than in common speech in Romania. Nonetheless, Moldovans are generally aware when they are using a word of Slavic origin not found in common Romanian, and are capable of choosing whether or not to use these words in a particular context.
Information Technologies and Telecommunications
In 2004, the investments volume on the telecommunications and information market in the Republic of Moldova increased by 30,1% in comparison with 2003, achieving 825, 3 million lei (65,5 million dollars by the exchange rate of the NMB). The representatives of the National Agency for Telecommunications and Information Regulation communicated that 451 million lei (35,9 million dollars) were invested in the field of fixed telephone communication.
The investments constituted 330 million lei (26,2 million dollars) in the field of mobile telephony, 24,2 million lei (1,9 million dollars) in the field of Internet services, 19,1 million lei (1,5 million dollars) in the field of cable television services. The essential increase in the amount of 163 million lei (12,9 million dollars) has been achieved in the field of mobile telephony.
In comparison with 2003, the investments in this sector doubled practically. An insignificant increase was registered at the other market segments, but the investments volume remained the same in the field of fixed telephone communication.
The specialists of the National Agency for Telecommunications and Information Regulation mentioned that dynamic of investments done in 2003-2004 years in the development of telecommunication and information of the Republic of Moldova shows that in 2005 their volume would exceed the level of the last year. In their opinion, this increase will be determined by the investments of the national operator of the stationary telephone communications of the Joint-Stock Company “Moldtelecom” for the implementation of the technology CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), by the investments of the operators of mobile telephony “Voxtel” and “Moldcell” in the development of infrastructure, also by means orientated to the extension and improvement of access services to Internet by new broadband technologies.
Relations with European Union
File:Flag of Europe.png The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with EU is the legal basis for EU relations with Moldova. With the joint adoption of the EU-Moldova Action Plan on February 22, 2005, the EU and Moldova have further reinforced their bilateral relationship, providing a new tool to help implement the PCA and bring Moldova closer to the EU. The TACIS Programme is the framework for technical assistance to support agreed objectives.
The Partnership & Cooperation Agreement came into force in July 1998 for an initial period of ten years. It establishes the institutional framework for bilateral relations, sets the principal common objectives, and calls for activities and dialogue in a number of policy areas. Moldova welcomed EU enlargement and signed on 30 April 2004 the protocol extending the PCA to the new EU member states.
During her first bilateral visit to Moldova, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner opened the new Delegation of the European Commission to Moldova on 6 October, to be headed by Cesare De Montis.
The opening of the Delegation of the European Commission is a signal of the deepening of relations between the EU and Moldova.
Culture
national poet
Main article: Culture of Moldova
Tourism in Moldova
The Republic of Moldova is a beautiful small country, situated in the Southeast part of Europe, neighboring Romania to the West and Ukraine to the East. This piece of land boasts a rich history, abundant in dramatic and agitated events.
Miscellaneous topics
- Foreign relations of Moldova
- Transportation in Moldova
- Communications in Moldova
- Internal security in Moldova
- Military of Moldova
- Coat of Arms of Moldova
- Crime in Moldova
- Principality of Moldavia
- Moldova, an adjacent region of Romania.
- Anti-Romanian discrimination
- Russification
- Coat of Arms of Moldova
- Communications in Moldova
- Crime in Moldova
Maps
- Map of Moldova
- Map of Chisinau
- Maps of Moldova (political, ethnic, etc...) plus those of other former Soviet Republics
External links
- Official governmental site
- Official web site of the Parliament
- The EU's relations with Moldova on www.europa.eu.int
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Election in Moldava
Profiles
- U.S. Department of State Post Reports - Moldova
- CIA - The World Factbook - Moldova
- Peace Corps in Moldova
- ECMI - Information about Minority Issues in Moldova
===News portals===
Tourism
Others
International rankings
- Bertelsmann: Bertelsmann Transformation Index 2006, ranked 75th out of 119 countries
- Reporters without borders: Annual worldwide press freedom index (2005), ranked 74th out of 167 countries
- The Wall Street Journal: 2005 Index of Economic Freedom, ranked 77th out of 155 countries
- The Economist: The World in 2005 - Worldwide quality-of-life index, 2005, ranked 99th out of 111 countries
- Transparency International: Corruption Perceptions Index 2005, ranked 88th out of 158 countries
- United Nations Development Programme: Human Development Index 2005, ranked 115th out of 177 countries
- World Economic Forum: Global Competitiveness Report 2005-2006 - Growth Competitiveness Index Ranking, ranked 82nd out of 117 countries
- World Bank: Doing Business 2006, ranked 83rd out of 155
- World Bank: Ease of Starting a Business 2006, ranked 69th out of 155
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development: Foreign Direct Investment Performance Index 2004, ranked
35th out of 140
References
- 2004 census results (ZIP file, in Romanian)
Notes
Experts Offering to Consult the National Statistics Bureau in Evaluation of the Census Data, Moldova Azi, May 19, 2005, story attributed to AP Flux. Retrieved October 11, 2005.
 Administrative divisions of Moldova | |
|---|---|
| Districts | |
| Autonomous territorial units | |
| Municipalities | |
| |
