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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 part of the Principality of Moldavia, it was annexed by the Russian Empire in 1812 and reunited with other Romanian lands in Romania in 1918. After changing hands during the World War II and its final annexation by the Soviet Union it was known as the Moldavian SSR during 1945-1991 and finally declared its independence on 27 August 1991.
The Republic of Moldova is a member state of the United Nations, WMO, UNICEF, GUAM, CIS, BSEC and others.
The largest part of the country lies between two rivers, the Nistru and the Prut. Moldova'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 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 metres (1,411 ft) the highest point being the Dealul Balanesti.
The country's main cities are the capital Chisinau, in the centre of the country, Tiraspol (in Transnistria), Balti and Bender. |
