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| Background: Formerly ruled by Romania, Moldova became part of the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although independent from the USSR since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Nistru (Dnister) River supporting the Slavic majority population (mostly Ukrainians and Russians) who have proclaimed a "Transnistria" republic. |
| Location: Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania Geographic coordinates 47 00 N, 29 00 E Map references Commonwealth of Independent States Area total:33,843 sq km land:33,371 sq km water:472 sq km Area - comparative slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries total:1,389 km border countries:Romania 450 km, Ukraine 939 km Coastline 0 km (landlocked) Climate moderate winters, warm summers Terrain rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea Elevation extremes lowest point:Nistru River 2 m highest point:Dealul Balanesti 430 m Natural resources lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, arable land Land use arable land:53% permanent crops:14% permanent pastures:13% forests and woodland:13% other:7% (1993 est.) Irrigated land 3,110 sq km (1993 est.) Natural hazards landslides (57 cases in 1998) Environment - current issues heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater; extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods Environment - international agreements party to:Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified:Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants |
| Background of Moldova |