[Countries] Moldova 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. Moldova Geography [Top of Page] 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: km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (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 | |
|