Sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is the poorest country in Europe. Many people forget that Moldova is part of the Old Continent and many people don’t even know it exists. It’s also one of those countries that everyone forgets it was a part of the Soviet Union. Today, it’s the least visited country in Europe. Check out our articles to get some helpful Moldova travel tips and suggestions (from a local) before you visit.
Basic Information About Moldova
Population
Moldova is home to 2.6 million people. Around 75.1% of the total population consists of ethnic Moldovans. The main minority ethnic groups are Romanian, Ukrainians, Russian, Bulgarians and others.
Official Language
The official language is Moldovan-Romanian.
Currency
Moldova’s official currency is the Moldovan leu (currency code MDL). One Euro/USD is equal to roughly 20-18 MDL.
Geography
With a territory of 33,846 square kilometers, Moldova is the 33rd largest country in Europe. Moldova is a landlocked country, though it is close to the Black Sea. The largest part of the nation lies between two rivers, the Dniester and the Prut. Moldova also borders with Romania and Ukraine.
Climate
Moldova has a moderately continental climate with four different seasons. The winters (December-March) are normally cold regularly have temperatures between -4°C to -7°C while the summers are warm and long with the average temperature ranging between 20 and 25 °C.
Economy & Budget
The economy of Moldova is one of the poorest in Europe with a mixed economy. The average monthly income is MDL 6,153 (300 Euros), making Moldova a budget-friendly country for European standards. Backpackers can survive with around $30 per day, while mid-range travelers spend between $50 and $70 per day on average.
Capital
Chisinau is the capital city of Moldova with population of 669,694.
Books to read before traveling to Moldova
More Moldova Travel Tips
- 40 Fun Facts About Moldova You Probably Didn’t Know
- 45 Important Historical Sites from the 45 countries of Europe
- Which are the 22 least visited countries in the world and why?
- The most common tourist scams in Eastern and Central Europe and how to avoid them
- Why should you visit Moldova: a charming country stuck in eternal transition
- Why should you consider backpacking Europe in the winter?
