Moldova is a small landlocked state in southeastern Europe – one of the most highly populated republics of the former USSR . To the north, east and south Moldova , is bound by Ukraine ; to the west by Romania . The River Prut constitutes the border with Romania . The country has rich pastures and wooded slopes, ideal for wine-growing.
Although Moldova is a picturesque country with an interesting history and many places to visit, it remains a fairly unknown tourist destination. The country has very strong links with Russia and Romania . The decision to ally with one or the other of its two more powerful neighbours dominated Moldovan politics during the 20th century. Moldova next experienced a period of independence in 1918, in the course of the Russian Revolution, and then voted to become part of Romania . However, the Soviet Union objected and brought it within the Soviet orbit. It was then occupied by Soviet forces in 1940 under the terms of the Nazi-Soviet Pact. The German invasion of the Soviet Union put Moldova back under Nazi control; a brief period of unification with Romania followed before the Red Army overran it in 1944.
The Moscow government pursued a policy of attempting to detach Moldova – which was now confirmed as one of the 15 constituent republics of the Soviet Union – from its Romanian roots. This policy was pursued with notable vigour by Leonid Brezhnev, the Communist party leader in Moldova in the early 1950s, who later rose to become leader of the Soviet Union . Gorbachev’s reform programme reversed the suppression of national characteristics within the Soviet Union and, by the late 1980s, Romanian was in common and official use in Moldova . Along with the other peripheral Soviet republics, Moldova started to move towards independence from 1991 onwards.
The terrain consists of rolling steppe with a gradual slope towards the Black Sea . The proximity to the Black Sea provides Moldova with a mild and sunny climate though winters can be cold. The fertile soil of the river valleys supports wheat, corn, barley, tobacco and sugar beet. Moldova is a wine-growing country and the vineyards and wine cellars of Mileshti and Krikova-Veki are famous throughout the region and popular tourist destinations. The Moldovan capital of Chisinau (formerly Kishinev ) is worth a visit. Moldova , a magnificent country with rolling hills, beautiful villages, and some of the finest vineyards in Europe , invite you. Its rich heritage, colorful cultural events and wonderful hideaway resorts make Moldova the hidden holiday gem of the millennium! But there is something more unique about Moldova than any other tourist destination – its the people!
