Careers, Jobs and Education Resources for: Moldova

Economic Overview

Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in europe despite recent progress from its small economic base. it enjoys a favorable climate and good farmland but has no major mineral deposits. as a result, the economy depends heavily on agriculture, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. moldova must import almost all of its energy supplies. moldova's dependence on russian energy was underscored at the end of 2005, when a russian-owned electrical station in moldova's separatist transnistria region cut off power to moldova and russia's gazprom cut off natural gas in disputes over pricing. russia's decision to ban moldovan wine and agricultural products, coupled with its decision to double the price moldova paid for russian natural gas, slowed gdp growth in 2006. however, in 2007 growth returned to the 6% level moldova had achieved in 2000-05, boosted by russia's partial removal of the bans, solid fixed capital investment, and strong domestic demand driven by remittances from abroad. economic reforms have been slow because of corruption and strong political forces backing government controls. nevertheless, the government's primary goal of eu integration has resulted in some market-oriented progress. the granting of eu trade preferences and increased exports to russia will encourage higher growth rates in 2008, but the agreements are unlikely to serve as a panacea, given the extent to which export success depends on higher quality standards and other factors. the economy remains vulnerable to higher fuel prices, poor agricultural weather, and the skepticism of foreign investors. also, the presence of an illegal separatist regime in moldova's transnistria region continues to be a drag on the moldovan economy.

Environmental Issues

Heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides such as ddt, has contaminated soil and groundwater; extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods

Government Type

Republic

Population

4,324,450 (july 2008 est.)

Location

Eastern europe, northeast of romania

Area

Total: 33,843 sq km land: 33,371 sq km water: 472 sq km

Slightly larger than maryland

Country Aliases

Conventional long form: republic of moldova conventional short form: moldova local long form: republica moldova local short form: moldova former: moldavian soviet socialist republic, moldovan soviet socialist republic

Capital

Name: chisinau (kishinev) note: pronounced kee-shee-now geographic coordinates: 47 00 n, 28 51 e time difference: utc+2 (7 hours ahead of washington, dc during standard time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last sunday in march; ends last sunday in october

Military Service

18 years of age for compulsory military service; 12-month service obligation (2006)

International Disputes

Moldova and ukraine operate joint customs posts to monitor the transit of people and commodities through moldova's break-away transnistria region, which remains under osce supervision