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Republic of
2014
Moldova
History
Basarabia and Foreign Rule
Known in centuries past as Basarabia, the main area now
occupied by Moldova has had a long, troubled history of
shifting borders and foreign domination. In 1359, it was
incorporated into a principality called Moldavia. Basarabia
became a tributary state to the Ottoman Empire in the 15th
century. In 1792, Turkey ceded land on the Nistru River's east
bank (now called Trans-Dniester) to Russia. Then, following
the Russo-Turkish War (1806–12), Russia annexed Basarabia
as well.
With the exception of small territorial shifts in 1859 and
1878, the borders of this region remained the same until
Russia's Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. In March 1918,
Basarabia's ethnic Romanian majority (between the Prut and
Nistru rivers) voted to unite with Romania, with which they
shared cultural and historical (pre-Turkish) roots. The new
Soviet government opposed such a union and established, in
1924, the Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic
in Trans-Dniester.
The Soviet Era and Independence
Basarabia was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940,
reoccupied by Romania until 1944, and later fully
incorporated into the Soviet Empire as the Moldavian Soviet
Socialist Republic. Some districts were transferred to
Ukraine. Between 1940 and 1959, just under 100,000 ethnic
Moldovans and minorities were deported to other parts of the
Soviet Union, the majority to Siberia and Kazakhstan.
Russians and Ukrainians were brought to what is now
Moldova in order to rebuild the country and to further
integrate Besarabia into the Soviet Union.
BACKGROUND
Land and Climate
Area (sq. mi.): 13,070
Area (sq. km.): 33,851
Moldova is the second smallest former Soviet republic (after
Armenia). It is slightly larger than Belgium or the U.S. state
of Maryland. The country's two largest rivers are the Prut and
the Nistru. The Prut defines Moldova's border with Romania,
and the Nistru (also known as Dniester) forms a border of the
region of Trans-Dniester in the east. Both rivers drain into the
Black Sea; however, Moldova is landlocked and has no direct
access to the sea.
Moldova's rolling plains and rich black soil allow for
abundant agriculture. There are few forests; ancient
woodlands were plowed under for farming. Moldova faces
significant environmental problems. The heavy use of
agricultural chemicals, particularly during the Soviet era,
caused soil and groundwater contamination.
Moldova's climate is characterized by cold winters and
warm summers. Average winter temperatures hover around
freezing, while summers average between 70 and 80°F
(21–26°C). The country's humidity intensifies both cold and
warm temperatures. The south is slightly warmer than the
north. Rainfall is variable but can be heavy in the summer.
Precipitation tends to be lighter in the south. Dry spells are
not uncommon, and crop irrigation is necessary in some
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Freedoms introduced in the late 1980s by Soviet president
Mikhail Gorbachev allowed Moldavia to join other republics
in a quest for independence. Elections in 1990 brought the
Moldovan Popular Front to power, forcing out the
communists and leading to Moldavia's 1991 declaration of
independence as the Republic of Moldova. The new country
was immediately beset with ethnic divisions, economic chaos,
and extremist political tendencies.
Ethnic Minorities and Relations with Russia
Prior to independence, the Popular Front introduced
legislation that marginalized minorities, alienating ethnic
Russians in Trans-Dniester and ethnic Gagauzi, a Turkic
people of Orthodox faith, in the south. Both minorities
declared their independence in 1990, but the declarations
were rejected by Moldova's parliament. In Trans-Dniester
(called Dnestr by ethnic Russians), the situation erupted into
open civil war in 1992. Russian troops joined the fighting
before helping to establish a cease-fire. The Popular Front and
other political parties grew farther and farther apart, leading
to parliamentary gridlock. A 1993 vote disbanded parliament.
In February 1994, a new, smaller parliament was elected.
Several parties posted candidates, but it was moderate groups
(primarily the Agrarian and Socialist parties) that defeated
those (such as the Popular Front) that strongly advocated
unification with Romania or suppression of ethnic minorities.
The parliament quickly ratified a new constitution that
proclaimed Moldovan neutrality and guaranteed minorities
their rights. Additional political, constitutional, and economic
reforms were implemented.
Gagauzia and Trans-Dniester
In 1994, the government signed an agreement with Russia
concerning the eventual withdrawal of its troops from
Trans-Dniester. Moldova's moderate leaders extended greater
autonomy to both separatist regions while maintaining
sovereignty. In 1994, Gagauzia became an autonomous unit
within Moldova with three official languages: Romanian (or
Moldovan), Gagauz, and Russian. A "republic within
Moldova" status was accepted in 1996 by Trans-Dniester
leaders and Russia.
Moldovan leaders have since continued efforts to
normalize relations with Trans-Dniester. However, in 2006,
inhabitants of the region approved a referendum (that was not
recognized internationally) calling for independence from
Moldova and eventual union with Russia. Moldova's
president and Trans-Dniester's leader agreed in 2008 to
reopen peace talks in the future. In 2011, Trans-Dniester's
new president pledged to establish better relations with
Moldova.
Political Instability
Moldova's Communist Party won elections in 2009 amidst
rumors of election fraud. The president was constitutionally
prohibited from running for a third term as president; he
resigned in September 2009 following mass protests against
election fraud. The third parliamentary election in less than
two years was held in late 2010, but the winning coalition
failed to win enough seats to appoint a new president; the
speaker of parliament took over as acting president. The
Moldovan parliament again failed to choose a president in
December 2011 but eventually elected Nicolae Timofti, a
senior judge, in March 2012. The current government is
working toward membership in the European Union (EU).
Recent Events and Trends
• Government changes: In March 2013, Moldova's
parliament passed a no-confidence motion, leading to the
dissolution of a fragile political alliance. The opposing
Communist Party accused the governing coalition of leading
the country into economic stagnation, and the Constitutional
Court blocked the prime minister from being reinstated. A
new prime minister was approved in May 2013. THE PEOPLE
Population
Population: 3,619,925
Population Growth Rate: -1.02%
Urban Population: 48%
Various sources estimate that between a sixth and a third of
the official population of Moldova actually lives and works
elsewhere in Europe because of unemployment within
Moldova. Roughly 78 percent of the people are ethnic
Moldovans (of Romanian descent). Ukrainians (8.4 percent)
and Russians (5.8 percent) are the largest minorities. The
Gagauzi (4.4 percent) inhabit southern Moldova. Moldova is
also home to some ethnic Bulgarians (1.9 percent) and
smaller groups.
The capital, Chisinau, is the most populated city in the
country. Other major cities include Tiraspol (the "capital" of
Trans-Dniester), Balti, and Tighina. Ukrainians and Russians
tend to live in cities and in the breakaway region of
Trans-Dniester. Language
Moldovan, a dialect of Romanian and the language of ethnic
Moldovans, is usually written in the Latin alphabet. During
the Soviet era, Russian was the official state language, and
Moldovan had to be written in the Cyrillic alphabet. In 1994,
Moldovan was declared the sole official language, and the
country implemented efforts to help government, businesses,
and schools shift to using Moldovan and the Latin alphabet.
The transition has been slow and costly.
Russian is still heavily used among minorities, especially
in areas close to the Ukrainian border. By law, non-Moldovan
speakers have at least six years from their hire date to learn
Moldovan as a condition of their continued employment,
though this law is rarely enforced. Ethnic minorities may
continue to speak their own languages, and many Russian
speakers never learn Moldovan. Bulgarians and Gagauzi also
generally speak Russian. Television stations and newspapers
typically use the Moldovan language. Religion
Roughly 98 percent of Moldovans are Eastern Orthodox
Christians. There are small populations of Jews (1.5 percent),
Evangelical Protestants, and Roman Catholics. The Orthodox
Church in Moldova has two main branches: the Metropolitan
Church of Moldova (Mitropolia Moldovei), which is linked to
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the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Metropolitan Church
of Basarabia (Mitropolia Basarabiei), which is linked to the
Romanian Orthodox Church. The two churches use a
different calendar.
The practice of religion was repressed during the Soviet
era, but people are now rebuilding their churches, attending
services, and celebrating religious holidays. People in rural
areas are generally religious, but religious devotion is
decreasing among those in urban areas. Religions other than
Christian Orthodox are not always accepted or tolerated.
Although the MitropoliaMoldovei cannot officially
discourage religious diversity in the country, it does not
encourage it either. The constitution provides for religious
freedom, though laws also require religious groups to register
with the government. cheeks. Good friends and relatives may hug. Some rural and
ethnic Moldovan men may greet a woman by kissing her hand
and saying Sarut mâna (I kiss your hand), though this is rare
now. Other verbal greetings include Bună ziua (Good day),
Ce mai faceţi (How do you do?), Noroc ("Cheers," meaning
"Hi"), and the Russian Privet (Hi) or Zdravstvuite (Hello).
"Good-bye" is La revedere.
Young people tend to address others by first names. Adults
use titles (Domnul for "Mr.," Doamna for "Mrs.,"
Dominsoara for "Miss") with the family name for all people
but close friends and relatives. During the Soviet era, some
adults introduced themselves by first name and patronymic
(formed by the possessive of the father's first name), often
preceded by the family name. For example, Ciorbu Ion Petru
would commonly be called Ion Petru. However, use of this
Russian custom is decreasing.
City dwellers do not greet those they do not know and
rarely smile at strangers. Rural people are more likely to greet
strangers. A young woman is called a "girl," since the term
"woman" is considered an insult that implies she is old. General Attitudes
Moldovans value strong personal relationships with friends
and relatives. They are cautious toward people they do not
know but warm and trusting with good friends. Educated
people are respected above others, including the wealthy,
though they are often underpaid. Material possessions are
increasingly desired, which has given rise to greater
corruption but also has encouraged private enterprise.
Residents appreciate their agricultural heritage and tend to be
politically and socially conservative.
Moldovans tend to be pessimistic about their individual
circumstances; even if they are inwardly optimistic, they
more readily express doubts than hopes. Like many newly
created countries, Moldova has faced numerous hardships and
social upheavals. Those who initially favored unification with
Romania were disappointed by the feeling in Romania that
Moldovans had lost their Romanian cultural identity and that
Russian influence in Moldova remains strong. Many
Moldovans were disheartened by the economic hardships of
transition. People's perceptions are strongly influenced by
political and economic trends, both of which change
regularly. Gestures
Moldovans generally do not point with the index finger; they
prefer using the open hand. It is impolite to put feet on
furniture, cross legs in front of elders, or chew gum while
speaking. Eating while walking in public is rude, unless one is
eating ice cream or fast food. Society generally frowns on
public displays of affection.
Moldovan men usually remove their hats when entering a
building or home. It is rude for men to not open doors for
women or to neglect other such chivalrous acts. Young people
are expected to give up their seats for the elderly on public
transportation. CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES
Visiting
Moldovans usually visit each other's homes. Close friends and
family feel comfortable visiting without prior arrangement,
but a telephone call in advance usually is appreciated. If
visitors plan to stay only a few minutes, they indicate this
upon arrival so as not to make the hosts feel their quick
departure indicates they did not like something.
Visitors remove their shoes at the door before entering.
People sit in the kitchen or living room to chat for hours.
Hosts generally provide guests with something to drink (tea,
coffee, or alcohol). On special occasions, guests are treated to
large meals. Hosts show honor for the guest by offering food
and drink; a guest may refuse an offer once but is expected to
agree after that. A host often will treat a guest with food or
drinks even after a refusal.
Guests often take small gifts such as flowers or chocolates.
It is impolite not to bring at least flowers on special occasions
or holidays. Hosts, especially in rural areas, usually
reciprocate with a small gift (cake or wine). Foreign visitors,
especially people from the United States, are considered
honored guests and are treated to the family's best. Greetings
Moldovan men generally shake hands when they greet; most
Moldovan women do not shake hands but instead kiss on the
Eating
The urban breakfast is usually light, consisting of open
sandwiches with fruit preserves, sausage or cheese, and coffee
Personal Appearance
Moldovans are sure to wear their best clothing when leaving
the house. Women, especially young women, wear dresses or
skirts and high heels. Young people in cities favor jeans and
T-shirts. Many urban professional men wear suits with ties.
Urban men otherwise wear sweat suits and tennis shoes.
Moldovans like to wear a lot of jewelry, especially gold. Fur and leather are popular. Men often wear fur hats in
colder weather. Rural men often wear older suit coats with
sweaters. A bătrână, or old woman, in the countryside may
wear a scarf on her head, a practice that originally denoted
one's marital status (unmarried women did not wear scarves).
Religious women often wear headscarves as well. 3
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or tea. In cities, lunch is generally the main meal. For dinner,
only an entrée is eaten, though it is not necessarily light.
Children at elementary schools usually have an afternoon
"tea" (juice and a sweet roll).
Rural Moldovans often eat more substantial morning
meals of terci (hot porridge, also called kasha), potatoes,
bread, and sheep cheese. Breakfast can be the main meal, as
the rest of the day is spent farming. Lunch and dinner are
light. On weekends, however, lunch is the main meal.
Coffee and juice are common beverages among urban
people, while rural people drink wine, tea, milk, or a stewed
fruit drink. Ice is almost never served with drinks, as cold
drinks are considered unhealthy.
Meals are typically prepared by women. Food is served
from the middle of the table. In some families, each person
takes his or her portion from serving dishes; in others, the
food is served by the cook and guests are given leftovers to
take home. Urban Moldovans eat with the fork in the left
hand and the knife in the right hand. They keep their hands
and forearms above the table throughout the meal.
Hosts offer guests additional helpings at least three or four
times. Any additional servings should initially be declined,
then accepted. One is expected to eat everything on the plate;
the presence of leftovers is considered a sign that guests did
not like the food.
Moldovans rarely eat meals at restaurants, which are
expensive, except during vacations and for business
functions. Families go out for ice cream, coffee, or dessert.
When one does dine out, the host pays the bill; tips may be
given. hope you will bring me at least a cup of water when I am
old." Adult children, especially in rural areas, often visit their
elderly parents every weekend.
Gender Roles
Legally, men and women have equal rights, but patriarchal
traditions, especially religious ones, are strong. Gender roles
are clearly defined, especially in the countryside. Men lead
the family and have a wage-earning job or work the fields and
raise livestock. Women are responsible for all household
chores and child care as well as farm work, if applicable.
A successful career is considered less important for a
woman than being a good cook and housekeeper. Women in
urban areas are likely to work in health care, education, or
retail. They do not often hold positions of leadership in
government or business. Domestic violence is relatively
common, and speaking out about abuse is discouraged. Housing
Urban
In the capital and larger cities, Moldovans typically live in
Soviet-style apartment blocks. These blocks are made up of
two to three buildings; each building is wide and has its own
entrance, called a ladder. Home ownership is important, but
apartments are expensive, so family members often go abroad
to work and save money to buy an apartment or house. Most
families live in two- or three-bedroom apartments.
Rural
Houses in villages and rural areas were traditionally built by
hand, using limestone, straw, and clay. They are usually
rectangular, with an angled roof and a chimney. Most homes
are one storey and contain five to six rooms; rural homes are
larger than urban homes.
Rural properties are typically enclosed by a fence, many of
them with a decorative gate, painted with flowers, grapes, or
other symbols of the harvest. The gate is considered the
entrance to the rest of the house, and a beautiful gate is a sign
of social status in rural areas. If budget and space permit,
some families build an extra structure on their property that
they use as a second kitchen or storage shed.
Interiors
Many decorate their walls with hanging rugs, calendars, and
family photographs, although styles are changing and
European-style decorating, which emphasizes simplicity, is
now popular. Traditionally, women made wool carpets using
a război (a special instrument to make carpets) to decorate the
walls and floors of their houses. Most households today have
at least one wool carpet. These carpets usually have colorful
designs and occasionally national symbols. Wallpaper, which
is thought to protect homes from the cold, is common.
A large living room, which is called the casa mare (big
house) in rural areas and a salon in the cities, is reserved for
entertaining guests. A clean home is important because it
symbolizes that the owner is a gospodar (a hardworking
person). Moldovans like to decorate and renovate their homes
every year during spring and summer. Some families save for
years to be able to renovate their homes in the European style.
Ownership
As soon as two people get married, they are expected to start
work on their new home, building it either on land they have
LIFESTYLE
Family
Structure
Moldovans often marry early and view their families as their
first priority in life. Urban families usually have one or two
children, while rural families may have three or more.
In the countryside, extended families often live near each
other. Newlyweds build their house close to the husband's
family's home. In cities, extended families are less likely to
live near each other, but young couples often have difficulty
finding housing, so they usually move in with the husband's
parents (or occasionally the wife's). Family members who
move to the city try to visit their families in the countryside
often.
Parents and Children
By age 10, particularly in rural areas, children are expected to
help out at home. Children in rural areas help their parents
with farm chores such as caring for animals and harvesting.
Children in the cities see education as their first priority, but
they are often responsible for small chores that contribute to
cleaning the apartment or cooking a meal. Children remain
close to their parents throughout life. Grandparents often care
for children while parents work.
Adult children are expected to care, financially and
physically, for their elderly parents. A saying often repeated
to young Moldovan children by their parents translates as "I
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bought or on land already owned by the family. It is
considered a family effort and takes significant resources,
labor, and time (often several years). In rural areas, young
families usually live close to their families or in a neighboring
village. the end of the party, each guest stands to make a toast and
give their present to the couple in front of all the guests;
money is the most common present, and couples often equate
the amount of money they receive with the success of the
wedding reception. Guests have the choice of whether or not
to disclose the amount of money they give to the couple.
Other gifts, usually from immediate family members, are also
given at the end of the reception. Wedding guests usually stay
through the morning and sometimes for an entire weekend.
Divorce
Divorce is common, but second marriages are not. The church
discourages divorce, though it is no longer viewed as
shameful. Society used to perceive divorce as the woman's
fault, though attitudes are changing. Divorced women with
children find it difficult to remarry. Dating and Marriage
Dating and Courtship
Dating begins around age 15. Couples usually meet each
other at school, parties, and clubs. When they meet, they
exchange numbers, and the boy later calls the girl to ask her
to go on a date; the boy usually makes the plans and pays.
Couples often go for walks in the park, watch videos, and
dance at gatherings in the local cultural hall or at birthday
parties.
In urban areas, young people often have several
relationships, and couples date for a few years before settling
down. Dating couples in rural areas are expected to marry
quickly, and communities look down on people who do not
marry or do not have children. Men and women in cities are
likely to marry in their late twenties; marriage is more
common at a younger age in rural areas.
Engagement
Marriage is traditionally proposed when the prospective
groom goes to the prospective bride's house to ask her
family's permission to marry. The groom explains why he
would like to get married and what he can bring to the
marriage. The old custom of "stealing," in which the man
kidnaps the woman to bring her to his parents, continues to
exist in some rural areas, even though it is illegal. In the past,
a man of a lower social status might kidnap a woman of
higher status to avoid getting permission to marry her. Now, a
bride is more likely to come to the groom's house by consent
rather than by kidnapping.
Weddings
Weddings are generally planned a year in advance. The
wedding day begins early in the morning when the groom
comes with his family to collect the bride; he may have to
pass some test questions from her family or pay a small fee
before he is allowed to enter the bride's home. The couple
then leaves the house to take pictures.
Weddings take place at a "wedding palace," the Soviet-era
office where civil weddings were held and where other
community events also take place. However, now many get
married in a church first and then go to a wedding palace for
the civil ceremony. After the wedding ceremony, the bride
takes off her veil and puts on a headscarf to indicate she is
now a wife and a mature woman. The veil is given to the
maid of honor, who is expected to marry next.
Fall is the most popular time for a wedding because it is
the season of new wine. In the past, the entire village would
be invited to a wedding feast; to save money, weddings were
usually held during the fall to take advantage of the harvest,
both for food and homemade wine. Weddings are typically
organized around the Orthodox calendar for both the religious
and nonreligious, as weddings are prohibited during fasting
periods.
A large wedding reception, which includes eating,
drinking, and dancing to live music, is held in the evening. At
Life Cycle
Birth
Within a month or two of their birth, most Moldovan children
are baptized in a ceremony that also honors their cumetrii, or
godparents, who become as close as relatives to the children.
The godparents take the child to the church; some churches
do not allow the mother to attend. A priest reads prayers and
then dips the child in holy water. Afterward, a party is held;
guests dress nicely and enjoy food, drinks, and music. The
child is given presents of money and clothes.
Traditional names, like Alexandru for boys or Cristina for
girls, are popular. Moldovans like to name their children after
saints. Russian names were popular during the Soviet era;
Romanian and Western European names are popular now.
Milestones
Children celebrate their birthdays and their name days;
birthdays are more important than name days. Birthday
parties usually include a meal and cake for guests and
presents for the birthday person. Name days honor the saint a
person is named after; a person brings treats, such as plăcinte
(flaky stuffed pastry), chocolate, or drinks, to give to friends,
who wish the person wealth, health, and happiness.
Moldovans are legally considered adults on their
eighteenth birthdays. Girls are usually seen as adult women
when they get married and have children; boys may be seen
as men before marrying. Because pensions no longer cover
basic expenses, most Moldovans now work beyond age 60.
Death
After a death, it is customary for the body to lie in the house
for three days while relatives and friends pay their respects
and offer prayers. Visitors bring flowers, usually two, and
messages to lay at the feet of the deceased. The family gathers
to prepare food, which is generally the women's job, and take
care of the logistics of the funeral, which are typically
handled by the men. If the deceased was young and
unmarried, he or she may be dressed as a groom or bride and
buried in those clothes.
The third day after the death, a priest comes to the house
and prays for the deceased and the grieving family, who dress
in black. Mourners, wearing black ribbons on their chests,
then follow the coffin to the cemetery. A short graveside
service is followed by a large wake, which is attended by
many people and includes food, drink, and toasts of "God
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forgive him," "May his/her soul rest in peace," or "Let the
ground be easy on his/her body." Rural families like to go on picnics on the weekend, often
by a lake, river, or forest. Shashlik (marinated and grilled
meat) is the most common meal. After the picnic, children
usually play soccer or badminton while the adults play cards.
Vacation
Rural families rarely go on vacations. In urban areas, families
sometimes vacation in the summer on the coast of the Black
Sea or take trips to the Carpathian Mountains in the winter,
though snow sports are not popular.
While going abroad is uncommon, wealthy families may
travel to Western Europe on vacation. Traveling to other
countries is difficult for financial reasons; it may also be
difficult because immigration restrictions make it complicated
to get a visa to travel to European Union (EU) countries. Diet
Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian, and Bulgarian cuisine are all
part of the Moldovan diet. The most common soup eaten at
lunch is borş (made of tomato juice and beets—though borş
may also refer to other types of soup). Meat, potatoes, and
vegetables are staples for the main meal. Bread is served with
most meals; wine is served with lunch and dinner.
Traditional Moldovan dishes include mămăligă (cornmeal
mush that resembles pudding) with brânză (cow, sheep, or
goat cheese), mititei (grilled meat sausages), fried onions with
sour cream, and plăcinte (flaky stuffed pastry). Sarmale
(grape leaves or peppers stuffed with rice and pork or
chicken) and găluşte (chicken noodle soup) are also popular
dishes.
Moldovans like to add sour cream to their hot meals and
take bites of fresh or marinated chili pepper or garlic in
between bites of the meal. Garlic, onions, and herbs are used
in cooking many foods. The most common herbs used are
dill, parsley, and lovage. Fruits (apples, grapes, plums,
cherries, strawberries, watermelon, and tomatoes) are eaten in
season. Typical vegetables are eggplant, peppers, cabbage,
and potatoes. A popular salad in the summer is made of
tomatoes, cucumbers, pepper, onion, and sunflower oil.
Many urban families have gardens on the outskirts of
town, and almost all rural families keep gardens and animals
for food. All meats are popular but expensive; chicken is the
most affordable. In summer and fall, women often pickle and
preserve vegetables and fruits, including tomatoes,
cucumbers, cabbage, and occasionally watermelon. Jam,
vegetable salads, and tomato and fruit juices are also
commonly preserved. The Arts
During the Soviet period, the government controlled the arts,
and artists were pressured to produce works that glorified
communism. Since the Soviet era, artists have had more
freedom to express themselves and have been experimenting
with new materials, techniques, and styles.
Moldovans love music and art. Folk music is popular at
national festivals but is also commonly played throughout the
year. Common instruments include the violin, flute,
accordion, ţambal (dulcimer), and cimbalom (harpsichord).
The Miorita is a well-known ballad about a shepherd who
knows he is about to be killed by two other shepherds to steal
his sheep. The shepherd accepts his destiny and imminent
death. The ballad is commonly considered to portray the
typical Moldovan, who believes in accepting his or her
destiny. Moldova is home to several professional theaters,
including the Licurici Republic Puppet Theater, a puppet
theater for young children. Ceramics, carpet making,
woodcarving, basketwork, and weaving are common crafts. Recreation
Sports
Soccer is the most popular sport to watch. People enjoy
playing soccer, volleyball, and basketball. A small number of
urban adults jog or exercise. Trînta, a traditional form of
wrestling, is still practiced by some Moldovans. Public
exercise and swimming facilities are available but expensive;
most were built under the Soviet regime and are in need of
repair.
Children play sports in school and compete on teams
against other school teams. Basketball, soccer, volleyball, and
track and field are the most popular school sports. Physical
education is mandatory in schools, including at the university
level. Rural children sometimes play a game in which they
place a ball on top of a tower of cans and use a stick to see
how far they can hit the ball. They also like to play hide and
seek.
Leisure
In their leisure time, Moldovans visit friends, go for walks in
the park, and read. Some people enjoy going to see movies or
eating out at a restaurant. Visiting grandparents or other
family members in villages on the weekends is a common
practice. Teenagers like playing card games; a popular card
game is bilot, played in pairs. Chess is also a favorite pastime.
Holidays
National holidays include New Year's Day (1 Jan.), Orthodox
Christmas and Saint John's Day (7 Jan.), Easter,
Remembrance Day (one week after Easter), Labor Day (1
May), Victory and Commemoration Day (9 May),
Independence Day (27 Aug.), Limba Noastra (31 Aug.), and
Christmas (25 Dec.).
New Year's Day
Because some of the nonreligious aspects of Christmas were
transferred to New Year's by the Soviets, New Year's Day is
the biggest holiday of the year. Families prepare for the
holiday by cleaning to begin the new year in a clean house.
New Year's decorations include Christmas trees with lights
and ornaments and lights around the windows of homes.
On New Year's Eve, Moldovans buy groceries and cook
for a party with families and friends; traditional foods and
champagne are served. People set off fireworks to celebrate at
midnight. Larger cities hold fireworks shows. Some people
celebrate the Russian New Year at 11 p.m., when it is
midnight in Moscow, by watching the Russian president
speak on television. They repeat the celebration an hour later
at the Moldovan midnight.
At the beginning of the new year, people say La multi ani
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(Happy New Year). Teenagers usually greet the New Year
with their families before leaving to celebrate with their
friends at parties that last into the morning. Children go to
parties to see Mos Craciun (Santa Claus) and Alba-ca-Zapada
(his granddaughter, Snow White). They often go around to
people's houses to recite a poem or sing a song to wish them a
happy New Year; in return, the children receive candy or
money. Families and friends exchange presents.
Easter
Easter is celebrated from Saturday to Monday and is one of
the most important religious holidays of the year. An all-night
ceremony at church, attended only by very religious families,
ends with a dawn feast on Easter morning. A traditional
Easter game involves hitting eggs against each other; the
winner is the one with the egg that does not break. In the
afternoons, families visit other family members and friends.
Lamb is traditionally cooked for Easter.
Most families, religious and nonreligious alike, go to
church in the early morning; they usually bring eggs painted
red, wine, and bread with a candle in the center of it. The
bread is either called pască if it has cheese or cozonac if it is
sweet. A priest sprinkles holy water on the food to purify it
and lights the candle with the Holy Light (fire imported from
Jerusalem). The family then brings the food home to eat it for
their Easter meal and lights candles in their home with the
Holy Light. Christmas
For all Christians, Christmas is another of the most important
religious holidays. Orthodox Christmas (7 Jan.) was revived
after a ban under the Soviets. People are rediscovering a rich
tradition of caroling, folklore, trees, ornaments, and gifts.
On Christmas Eve, both Orthodox and other Christians
gather to sing carols, like the popular carol "Steaua" ("Star"),
to their neighbors. Children carry large stars while they carol
and are rewarded with treats, fruit, or money. Families eat
traditional Moldovan food like pork, răcitură (also called
piftie, aspic made from pork or chicken), and crăciunel (a
dove-shaped braided bread). Families gather together for a
holiday meal and to exchange presents, though New Year's
Day is considered a more important gift-exchanging holiday.
For non-Orthodox Christians and in urban areas,
Christmas is celebrated on 25 December, and 7 January is St.
John's Day. St. John's Day celebrates the baptism of Jesus
Christ, and families bring empty bottles to a church service in
the morning to fill with holy water to take home. Moldovans
named John also celebrate the holiday as their name day.
Other Holidays
Each village and city celebrates its founding or the birth of its
patron saint with a holiday. People go from house to house to
visit and eat; they also participate in community activities
ranging from concerts and dancing to wrestling.
One week after Easter, Moldovans celebrate a holiday
called Remembrance Day, when they visit cemeteries to
honor the dead. Remembrance Day is a time for families to
gather together. People cook food, traditionally lamb, in
preparation for the holiday. On the morning of Remembrance
Day, they go to the cemetery and place a tablecloth and food
on the graves; some families have installed tables at the
graves of deceased family members and place the tablecloth
and food on the table. A priest comes to pray over the grave,
and then people sit at a table to eat and drink in memory of
the deceased. The food, cups, and towels from the grave are
given to children as gifts. This holiday is celebrated in
memory of the deceased and is believed to help them live
better in the next life.
Victory and Commemoration Day (9 May) celebrates
Russian victory over fascism, though some Moldovans do not
celebrate it because of its association with Soviet rule. Limba
Noastra celebrates the day that Moldovan was declared a
national language. SOCIETY
Government
Head of State: Pres. Nicolae Timofti
Head of Government: PM Iurie Leancă
Capital: Chisinau
Structure
The Republic of Moldova is a democratic republic, with a
president as head of state. The president is chosen by
members of the parliament. Prior to a constitutional
amendment in 2000, the president was elected by popular
vote.
The prime minister serves as head of government and is
designated by the president and must be approved by a
majority of parliament. The 101-member parliament is
directly elected by popular vote every four years. The
judiciary branch, independent of the executive and legislative
branches, includes the Supreme Court and the Constitutional
Court.
Moldova is divided into 32 raions (districts), 3
municipalities, one autonomous territorial unit (Gagauzia),
and one territorial unit (Trans-Dniester). Gagauzia follows
Moldovan
laws.
Trans-Dniester
has
proclaimed
self-sovereignty, which is not recognized by Moldova but is
supported by Russia.
Political Landscape
The Communist Party of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM),
the Democratic Party (PD), and the Liberal Democratic Party
(PLDM) are the major political parties in parliament. The
Pro-European Coalition is a major coalition of the PD,
PLDM, and PL (Liberal Party). The Communist Party was the
dominant political party between 2001 and 2009, though it no
longer holds a majority in parliament.
Political parties compete for unofficial control over
government ministries. Now that the Communist Party no
longer holds a majority in parliament, political parties must
form coalitions to gain a majority. The self-declared
independence of Trans-Dniester is a major political issue in
Moldova, in part because it is occupied by the Russian army.
Government and the People
Moldovans expect the government to ensure a good life by
providing education and health services to everyone.
Moldovans are skeptical of political activism, often doubting
that change will happen and promises will be kept. While the
government guarantees and protects many rights, minority
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groups (religious and ethnic) are often ostracized in society.
Citizenship is granted to ethnic Moldovans and others who
meet certain residency and ancestry requirements. The voting
age is 18; voting is not compulsory. Over half of the voting
population regularly participates in parliamentary elections.
Election fairness is increasing. Corruption is widespread;
bribery is especially common, as many professions are
underpaid. anti-communist youth protests were organized using social
media and text messages. Moldovan editions of Russian
newspapers are popular, though the influence of newspapers
is minimal. Moldova's constitution guarantees freedom of the
press, though laws also prohibit defamation of the state. The
press divides itself along pro-government and opposition
lines. Education
Adult Literacy: 98.5%
Mean Years of Schooling: 9.7
Economy
GDP (PPP) in billions: $12.27
GDP (PPP) per capita: $3,500
Structure and Access
Moldova's basic education system consists of primary schools
and high schools. Children begin attending at age six or seven
and finish high school twelve years later. Students must pass
their exams at the end of ninth grade in order to continue on
to high school. Education is not mandatory, but completion of
grades one through nine is a norm enforced by society. More
than 90 percent of students complete primary school.
Primary education is affordable for most people. Public
education is free, but students are responsible for paying book
fees and buying supplies and uniforms, should their school
require them. Students who do not attend high school or who
fail to complete it may learn a trade by attending a vocational
school. Even in high school, students may learn one of several
trades by going to a professional education center one day a
week. Successful students receive a professional license in the
given trade upon graduation from high school. Students often
gain hands-on experience in their chosen trade during summer
vacations.
School Life The most emphasized subjects are mathematics and
Moldovan or Russian language. Biology, geography,
chemistry, and physics are also viewed as important. Students
take a work education course in primary school in which girls
study sewing and homemaking skills and boys study
woodwork and working with tools. Generally, school
curriculums are tough; students spend a significant amount of
time doing homework, especially in rural areas. Cheating in
school is common and widely accepted.
Challenges to education include parents working abroad
and leaving children alone, the cost of fees and supplies, and
the lack of facilities and supplies because of the country's
financial situation. Also, in rural areas, higher priority is
placed on helping the family make ends meet than on
pursuing education.
Higher Education
Students must pass the baccalaureate exams after high school
in order to get into a university. Moldovans value higher
education, and many compete for the limited number of
available university spots, especially those that include full
tuition and a monthly allowance paid for by the state. Parents
sometimes work abroad in order to provide for their children's
university tuition.
The top Moldovan universities include the Academy of
Economic Studies, the Technical University of Moldova, and
Moldova State University. An increasing number of students
are able to study abroad; Romania, Russia, and France are
Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe. It is
mostly an agrarian nation, with an economy based on its
fertile land. Agriculture employs almost 30 percent of the
workforce. Around 14 percent of the working population is
involved in food processing and related industries. Chief
products include fruits, vegetables, grains, wine, sunflower
seeds, tobacco, and dairy items. Most exports go to
neighboring countries. Moldova also exports small
appliances, textiles, leather goods, and tools. Moldova has no
major mineral deposits. All fuel and energy are imported from
Russia and Ukraine; electricity and gas are in short supply.
Consumer items may also be imported.
Moldova is still transitioning to a capitalist economic
system. The government has sought to privatize firms and
state farms, as well as reform laws related to investment and
the free market. However, actual implementation has been
slow. The Moldovan economy shrank in 2009 after the 2008
global financial crisis but began recovering again in 2010.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) provided Moldova
with loans totaling around US$760 million in 2009 and 2010.
Black market activity, corruption, and strong political
forces in the economy are ongoing challenges to economic
reform. The emigration of many Moldovans to Europe is
another problem, but the money they send home makes up a
large portion of the economy. Life is difficult for many, and it
has taken time for the benefits of an open market reach the
average person, especially in rural areas. The national
currency is the leu (MDL). Transportation and Communications
Internet Users (per 100 people): 38
Cellular Phone Subscriptions (per 100 people): 105
Paved Roads: 94%
City dwellers benefit from an extensive public transport
system of buses, trolleys, taxis, and minivans. Commuter
buses and trains travel between cities. In rural villages, people
may still use horse-drawn carts (căruţă). Some Moldovans
own cars, but many cannot afford them. Fuel and spare parts
are expensive, and road conditions are poor.
Television and radio facilities are state owned, although
the Trans-Dniester region operates its own television and
radio outlets. Television is popular, and many people watch
Russian programs. Many people have cellular phones, and
social networking on the internet is becoming more common;
more than 1.4 million Moldovans are online. In 2009,
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among the countries that offer scholarships to Moldovan
students. Studying abroad in other countries, such as England,
is an opportunity available only to wealthy students. Health
Moldova's healthcare system lacks modern facilities, skilled
staff, and supplies. Doctors are poorly paid, and hospitals may
lack even basic necessities such as running water. Limited
health insurance is available for free to students and
government workers and at a low price to everyone else.
Private insurance is expensive for many families. Moldova's
government requires Moldovan citizens who are employed or
in school to have compulsory insurance that covers basic
services, including routine check-ups, prescriptions,
vaccinations, and a limited amount of hospitalization. The
average patient in a Moldovan hospital has to pay out of
pocket beyond what the government provides for medical
care. Patients often have to bribe doctors in order to receive
proper treatment. Preventive and maternal care are especially
lacking, which contributes to high infant mortality and low
life expectancy rates.
AT A GLANCE
Contact Information
Embassy of Moldova, 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC
20008; phone (202) 667-1130; web site www.sua.mfa.md.
Country and Development Data
Capital
Population
Area (sq. mi.)
Area (sq. km.)
Human Development Index
Gender Inequality Index
GDP (PPP) per capita
Adult Literacy
Infant Mortality
Life Expectancy
Currency
CultureGrams
Chisinau
3,619,925 (rank=131)
13,070 (rank=138)
33,851
113 of 187 countries
49 of 148 countries
$3,500
99% (male); 98% (female)
13.28 per 1,000 births
66 (male); 73 (female)
Moldovan leu
TM
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