Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Moldova
Република Молдова
CapitalChișinău
Population2,360,527
GDP$20.4bn
Area33,844 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
A large portion of present-day Moldovan territory became a province of the Russian Empire in 1812 and then unified with Romania in 1918 in the aftermath of World War I. This territory was then incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although Moldova has been independent from the Soviet Union since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Nistru River in the breakaway region of Transnistria.
Years of Communist Party rule in Moldova from 2001 to 2009 ultimately ended with election-related violent protests and a rerun of parliamentary elections in 2009. A series of pro-Europe ruling coalitions governed Moldova from 2010 to 2019, but pro-Russia candidate Igor DODON won the presidency in 2016, and his Socialist Party of the Republic of Moldova won a plurality in the legislative election in 2019. Pro-EU reformist candidate Maia SANDU defeated DODON in his reelection bid in 2020, and SANDU's Party of Action and Solidarity won a parliamentary majority in an early legislative election in 2021. Prime Minister Natalia GAVRILITA and her cabinet took office in 2021. In early 2023, Moldova's parliament confirmed a new cabinet led by Prime Minister Dorin RECEAN, which retained the majority of the former ministers.
Reference: 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019Years of Communist Party rule in Moldova from 2001 to 2009 ultimately ended with election-related violent protests and a rerun of parliamentary elections in 2009. A series of pro-Europe ruling coalitions governed Moldova from 2010 to 2019, but pro-Russia candidate Igor DODON won the presidency in 2016, and his Socialist Party of the Republic of Moldova won a plurality in the legislative election in 2019. Pro-EU reformist candidate Maia SANDU defeated DODON in his reelection bid in 2020, and SANDU's Party of Action and Solidarity won a parliamentary majority in an early legislative election in 2021. Prime Minister Natalia GAVRILITA and her cabinet took office in 2021. In early 2023, Moldova's parliament confirmed a new cabinet led by Prime Minister Dorin RECEAN, which retained the majority of the former ministers.
Geography
Location
Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania
Map references
Europe
Area
total: 33,851 sq km
land: 32,891 sq km
water: 960 sq km
land: 32,891 sq km
water: 960 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Maryland
Land boundaries
total: 1,885 km
border countries: Romania 683 km; Ukraine 1202 km
border countries: Romania 683 km; Ukraine 1202 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
moderate winters, warm summers
Terrain
rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea
Elevation
highest point: Dealul Balanesti 430 m
lowest point: Dniester (Nistru) 2 m
mean elevation: 139 m
lowest point: Dniester (Nistru) 2 m
mean elevation: 139 m
Natural resources
lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, limestone, arable land
Land use
agricultural land: 74.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 56.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 8.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 9.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 11.3% (2023 est.)
other: 13.8% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 56.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 8.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 9.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 11.3% (2023 est.)
other: 13.8% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
2,150 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Major rivers (by length in km)
Dunărea (Danube) (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km; Nistru (Dniester) (shared with Ukraine [s/m]) - 1,411 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)
Population distribution
pockets of agglomeration exist throughout the country, with the largest in the center of the country around the capital of Chisinau, followed by Tiraspol and Balti
Natural hazards
landslides
Geography - note
landlocked; has many types of sedimentary rocks and minerals, including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Moldovan(s)
adjective: Moldovan
adjective: Moldovan
Ethnic groups
Moldovan 75.1%, Romanian 7%, Ukrainian 6.6%, Gagauz 4.6%, Russian 4.1%, Bulgarian 1.9%, other 0.8% (2014 est.)
Reference: 2014Languages
Languages: Moldovan/Romanian 80.2% (official) (56.7% Moldovan; 23.5% Romanian), Russian 9.7%, Gagauz 4.2% (a Turkish language), Ukrainian 3.9%, Bulgarian 1.5%, Romani 0.3%, other 0.2% (2014)
major-language sample(s): Cartea informativa a lumii, sursa indispensabila pentru informatii de baza. (Moldovan/Romanian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: data represent mother tongue; as of March 2023, "Romanian" replaced "Moldovan" as the name of Moldova's official language
Reference: 2023, 2014major-language sample(s): Cartea informativa a lumii, sursa indispensabila pentru informatii de baza. (Moldovan/Romanian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: data represent mother tongue; as of March 2023, "Romanian" replaced "Moldovan" as the name of Moldova's official language
Religions
Orthodox 90.1%, other Christian 2.6%, other 0.1%, agnostic
Age structure
0-14 years: 14.8% (male 266,493/female 266,166)
15-64 years: 70.2% (male 1,225,535/female 1,300,640)
65 years and over: 15% (2024 est.) (male 206,221/female 334,473)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 70.2% (male 1,225,535/female 1,300,640)
65 years and over: 15% (2024 est.) (male 206,221/female 334,473)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 42.5 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 21.1 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 21.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.7 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 21.1 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 21.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.7 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 39.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 38.6 years
female: 41.3 years
Reference: 2024male: 38.6 years
female: 41.3 years
Population growth rate
-0.58% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
8.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
14.2 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
pockets of agglomeration exist throughout the country, with the largest in the center of the country around the capital of Chisinau, followed by Tiraspol and Balti
Major urban areas - population
488,000 CHISINAU (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
25.2 years (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Maternal mortality ratio
19 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.61 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 97.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 87.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 92% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 2.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 12.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 8% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 87.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 92% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 2.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 12.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 8% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 7.8% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
4.02 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
5.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 98.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 82.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 89.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 17.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 10.3% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 82.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 89.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 17.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 10.3% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
18.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 7.45 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1.53 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 3.57 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.25 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 1.53 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 3.57 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.25 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 28.7% (2025 est.)
male: 54.2% (2025 est.)
female: 6.4% (2025 est.)
male: 54.2% (2025 est.)
female: 6.4% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
67% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 136,845 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 6 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 3,164 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 6 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 3,164 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Vasile Tofan | — | 2026-07-22 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Maia Sandu | — | 2020-12-24 | Current | Reported |
Country name
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
etymology: named for the Moldova River in neighboring eastern Romania; the river's name probably comes from the Indoeuropean root word mel, meaning "dark" or "black"
conventional short form: Moldova
local long form: Republica Moldova
local short form: Moldova
former: Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic
etymology: named for the Moldova River in neighboring eastern Romania; the river's name probably comes from the Indoeuropean root word mel, meaning "dark" or "black"
Capital
name: Chisinau in Romanian (Kishinev in Russian)
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
etymology: origin unclear but may derive from the Old Moldovan word kishineu ("spring" or "artesian well")
note: note: pronounced KEE-shee-now (KIH-shi-nyov)
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
etymology: origin unclear but may derive from the Old Moldovan word kishineu ("spring" or "artesian well")
note: note: pronounced KEE-shee-now (KIH-shi-nyov)
Administrative divisions
32 districts (raioane, singular - raion), 3 municipalities (municipii, singular - municipiul), 1 autonomous territorial unit (unitatea teritoriala autonoma), and 1 territorial unit (unitatea teritoriala)
districts: Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Briceni, Cahul, Cantemir, Calarasi, Causeni, Cimislia, Criuleni, Donduseni, Drochia, Dubasari, Edinet, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Hincesti, Ialoveni, Leova, Nisporeni, Ocnita, Orhei, Rezina, Riscani, Singerei, Soldanesti, Soroca, Stefan Voda, Straseni, Taraclia, Telenesti, Ungheni
municipalities: Balti, Bender, Chisinau
autonomous territorial unit: Gagauzia
territorial unit: Stinga Nistrului (Transnistria)
districts: Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Briceni, Cahul, Cantemir, Calarasi, Causeni, Cimislia, Criuleni, Donduseni, Drochia, Dubasari, Edinet, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Hincesti, Ialoveni, Leova, Nisporeni, Ocnita, Orhei, Rezina, Riscani, Singerei, Soldanesti, Soroca, Stefan Voda, Straseni, Taraclia, Telenesti, Ungheni
municipalities: Balti, Bender, Chisinau
autonomous territorial unit: Gagauzia
territorial unit: Stinga Nistrului (Transnistria)
Legal system
civil law system with Germanic law influences; Constitutional Court reviews legislative acts
Constitution
history: previous 1978; latest adopted 29 July 1994, effective 27 August 1994
amendment process: proposed by voter petition (at least 200,000 eligible voters), by at least one third of Parliament members, or by the government; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament within one year of initial proposal; revisions to constitutional articles on sovereignty, independence, and neutrality require majority vote by referendum; articles on fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended
Reference: 1994, 1978amendment process: proposed by voter petition (at least 200,000 eligible voters), by at least one third of Parliament members, or by the government; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament within one year of initial proposal; revisions to constitutional articles on sovereignty, independence, and neutrality require majority vote by referendum; articles on fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Moldova
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Moldova
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Maia SANDU (since 24 December 2020)
head of government: Prime Minister Dorin RECEAN (since 16 February 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet proposed by the prime minister-designate, nominated by the president, approved through a vote of confidence in Parliament
election/appointment process: president directly elected for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister designated by the president in consultation with Parliament; within 15 days from designation, the prime minister-designate must request a vote of confidence for his/her proposed work program from the Parliament
most recent election date: 3 November 2024
election results: 2024: In the second round of presidential elections, incumbent Maia SANDU (PAS) wins 55.4% of the vote, Alexandr STOIANOGLO (PSRM) 44.6; turnout is 54.3%
2020: Maia SANDU elected president in second round; percent of vote in second round - Maia SANDU (PAS) 57.7%, Igor DODON (PSRM) 42.3%
2016: Igor DODON elected president in second round; percent of vote - Igor DODON (PSRM) 52.1%, Maia SANDU (PAS) 47.9%
expected date of next election: 2028
Reference: 2028, 2024, 2023, 2020head of government: Prime Minister Dorin RECEAN (since 16 February 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet proposed by the prime minister-designate, nominated by the president, approved through a vote of confidence in Parliament
election/appointment process: president directly elected for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister designated by the president in consultation with Parliament; within 15 days from designation, the prime minister-designate must request a vote of confidence for his/her proposed work program from the Parliament
most recent election date: 3 November 2024
election results: 2024: In the second round of presidential elections, incumbent Maia SANDU (PAS) wins 55.4% of the vote, Alexandr STOIANOGLO (PSRM) 44.6; turnout is 54.3%
2020: Maia SANDU elected president in second round; percent of vote in second round - Maia SANDU (PAS) 57.7%, Igor DODON (PSRM) 42.3%
2016: Igor DODON elected president in second round; percent of vote - Igor DODON (PSRM) 52.1%, Maia SANDU (PAS) 47.9%
expected date of next election: 2028
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament (Parlament)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 101 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 9/28/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) (55); Electoral Bloc “Patriotic of Socialists, Communists, Heart and Future of Moldova” (26); Alternative Bloc (8); Our Party (6); Democracy at Home Party (6)
percentage of women in chamber: 37.6%
expected date of next election: September 2029
Reference: 2029, 2025legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 101 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 9/28/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) (55); Electoral Bloc “Patriotic of Socialists, Communists, Heart and Future of Moldova” (26); Alternative Bloc (8); Our Party (6); Democracy at Home Party (6)
percentage of women in chamber: 37.6%
expected date of next election: September 2029
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice (consists of the chief judge, 3 deputy-chief judges, 45 judges, and 7 assistant judges); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president and 6 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Justice judges appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Superior Council of Magistracy, an 11-member body of judicial officials; all judges serve 4-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court judges appointed 2 each by Parliament, the president, and the Higher Council of Magistracy for 6-year terms; court president elected by other court judges for a 3-year term
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Court of Business Audit; municipal courts
note: note: the Constitutional Court is autonomous; it interprets the Constitution and reviews the constitutionality of parliamentary laws and decisions, decrees of the president, and acts of the government
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Justice judges appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Superior Council of Magistracy, an 11-member body of judicial officials; all judges serve 4-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court judges appointed 2 each by Parliament, the president, and the Higher Council of Magistracy for 6-year terms; court president elected by other court judges for a 3-year term
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Court of Business Audit; municipal courts
note: note: the Constitutional Court is autonomous; it interprets the Constitution and reviews the constitutionality of parliamentary laws and decisions, decrees of the president, and acts of the government
Political parties
Common Action Party - Civil Congress or PAC-CC
Democracy at Home Party or PPDA
Future of Moldova Party or PVM
National Alternative Movement or MAN
Our Party or PN
Party of Action and Solidarity or PAS
Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova or PCRM
Party of Development and Consolidation of Moldova or PDCM
Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova or PSRM
Democracy at Home Party or PPDA
Future of Moldova Party or PVM
National Alternative Movement or MAN
Our Party or PN
Party of Action and Solidarity or PAS
Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova or PCRM
Party of Development and Consolidation of Moldova or PDCM
Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova or PSRM
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Vladislav KULMINSKI (since 5 September 2025)
chancery: 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-1130
FAX: [1] (202) 667-2624
email address and website: washington@mfa.gov.md
https://sua.mfa.gov.md/en
chancery: 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-1130
FAX: [1] (202) 667-2624
email address and website: washington@mfa.gov.md
https://sua.mfa.gov.md/en
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Nick PIETROWICZ (since 2025)
embassy: 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009
mailing address: 7080 Chisinau Place, Washington DC 20521-7080
telephone: [373] (22) 408-300
FAX: [373] (22) 233-044
email address and website: ChisinauACS@state.gov
https://md.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2025, 2009embassy: 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009
mailing address: 7080 Chisinau Place, Washington DC 20521-7080
telephone: [373] (22) 408-300
FAX: [373] (22) 233-044
email address and website: ChisinauACS@state.gov
https://md.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, CIS, EAEU (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
note: note: Moldova is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
note: note: Moldova is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
Independence
27 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)
Reference: 1991National holiday
Independence Day, 27 August (1991)
Reference: 1991Flag
description: three equal vertical bands of Prussian blue (left side), chrome yellow, and vermilion red; the Moldavan coat of arms in the center is a dark gold Roman eagle outlined in black, with a red beak and talons; the eagle carries a yellow cross in its beak, a green olive branch in its right talons, and a yellow scepter in its left talons; on the eagle's breast is a red-and-blue shield divided horizontally, with a stylized aurochs head, star, rose, and crescent in black and outlined yellow; the reverse of the flag displays a mirror image of the coat of arms
history: replaced the communist flag in 1990; the coat of arms is based on traditional designs
note: note 1: colors are based on the Romanian flag, but Moldova's blue band is lighter
note 2: one of three national flags that differ on each side -- the others are Paraguay and Saudi Arabia
Reference: 1990history: replaced the communist flag in 1990; the coat of arms is based on traditional designs
note: note 1: colors are based on the Romanian flag, but Moldova's blue band is lighter
note 2: one of three national flags that differ on each side -- the others are Paraguay and Saudi Arabia
National symbol(s)
aurochs (type of wild cattle)
National color(s)
blue, yellow, red
National anthem(s)
title: "Limba noastra" (Our Tongue)
lyrics/music: Alexei MATEEVICI/Alexandru CRISTEA
history: adopted 1994; originally a 12-verse poem, but only stanzas 1, 2, 5, 9, and 12 are included in the anthem
Reference: 1994lyrics/music: Alexei MATEEVICI/Alexandru CRISTEA
history: adopted 1994; originally a 12-verse poem, but only stanzas 1, 2, 5, 9, and 12 are included in the anthem
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Struve Geodetic Arc
selected World Heritage Site locales: Struve Geodetic Arc
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moldova official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of the Republic of Moldova | — | 101 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
upper middle-income Eastern European economy; sustained growth reversed by COVID-19; significant remittances; Russian energy and regional dependence; agricultural exporter; declining workforce due to emigration and low fertility
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $39.342 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $39.301 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $38.835 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $39.301 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $38.835 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $16,500 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $16,000 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $15,400 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $16,000 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $15,400 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 7.1% (2024 est.)
industry: 16.8% (2024 est.)
services: 62.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 16.8% (2024 est.)
services: 62.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 86.8% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 17.9% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 20% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.1% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 31.4% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -57.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 17.9% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 20% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.1% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 31.4% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -57.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
wheat, maize, sunflower seeds, grapes, apples, sugar beets, barley, milk, rapeseed, potatoes (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
sugar processing, vegetable oil, food processing, agricultural machinery; foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines; hosiery, shoes, textiles
Industrial production growth rate
3.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
1.358 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 3.3% (2024 est.)
male: 3.4% (2024 est.)
female: 3.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 3.4% (2024 est.)
female: 3.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
31.1% (2022 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2022note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 25.9 (2022 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2022note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 4.5% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 22.5% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2022highest 10%: 22.5% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 10.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 12% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 14% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 12% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 14% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $5.197 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $6.037 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $6.037 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 34.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
18.6% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$2.917 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$1.893 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.482 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$1.893 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.482 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $5.717 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $5.866 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.981 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $5.866 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.981 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Romania 31%, Ukraine 13%, Italy 6%, Germany 6%, Czechia 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
insulated wire, garments, refined petroleum, seed oils, wheat (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $10.418 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $9.84 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $10.265 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $9.84 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $10.265 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Romania 16%, Ukraine 13%, China 11%, Turkey 8%, Germany 7% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, cars, packaged medicine, plastic products (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $5.484 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $5.453 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.474 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $5.453 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.474 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $2.637 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Moldovan lei (MDL) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 17.792 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 18.164 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 18.897 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 17.68 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 17.322 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 17.792 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 18.164 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 18.897 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 17.68 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 17.322 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$2.917 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$1.893 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.482 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$1.893 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.482 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $5.717 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $5.866 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.981 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $5.866 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $5.981 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Romania 31%, Ukraine 13%, Italy 6%, Germany 6%, Czechia 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
insulated wire, garments, refined petroleum, seed oils, wheat (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $10.418 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $9.84 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $10.265 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $9.84 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $10.265 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Romania 16%, Ukraine 13%, China 11%, Turkey 8%, Germany 7% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, cars, packaged medicine, plastic products (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 779,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 5.674 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 94 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.264 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 550.069 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 5.674 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 94 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.264 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 550.069 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 88% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 1.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 3.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 6.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 1.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 3.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 6.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 90,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 86,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023imports: 86,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 22,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Natural gas
production: 10,000 cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 2.223 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 2.223 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 2.223 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 2.223 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 35.686 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 847,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
19 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 7.8% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
4.02 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
5.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
18.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 28.7% (2025 est.)
male: 54.2% (2025 est.)
female: 6.4% (2025 est.)
male: 54.2% (2025 est.)
female: 6.4% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system with Germanic law influences; Constitutional Court reviews legislative acts
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice (consists of the chief judge, 3 deputy-chief judges, 45 judges, and 7 assistant judges); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president and 6 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Justice judges appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Superior Council of Magistracy, an 11-member body of judicial officials; all judges serve 4-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court judges appointed 2 each by Parliament, the president, and the Higher Council of Magistracy for 6-year terms; court president elected by other court judges for a 3-year term
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Court of Business Audit; municipal courts
note: note: the Constitutional Court is autonomous; it interprets the Constitution and reviews the constitutionality of parliamentary laws and decisions, decrees of the president, and acts of the government
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Justice judges appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Superior Council of Magistracy, an 11-member body of judicial officials; all judges serve 4-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court judges appointed 2 each by Parliament, the president, and the Higher Council of Magistracy for 6-year terms; court president elected by other court judges for a 3-year term
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Court of Business Audit; municipal courts
note: note: the Constitutional Court is autonomous; it interprets the Constitution and reviews the constitutionality of parliamentary laws and decisions, decrees of the president, and acts of the government
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova (Forțele Armate ale Republicii Moldova): National Army (comprised of Land Forces, Air Force)
Ministry of Internal Affairs: General Inspectorate of Police (GPI), Border Police Department, Carabinieri Troops Department (2025)
note: note: the Carabinieri is a quasi-militarized gendarmerie responsible for protecting public buildings, maintaining public order, and other national security functions; the GPI is the primary law enforcement body, responsible for internal security, public order, traffic, and criminal investigations
Ministry of Internal Affairs: General Inspectorate of Police (GPI), Border Police Department, Carabinieri Troops Department (2025)
note: note: the Carabinieri is a quasi-militarized gendarmerie responsible for protecting public buildings, maintaining public order, and other national security functions; the GPI is the primary law enforcement body, responsible for internal security, public order, traffic, and criminal investigations
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 6,500 Moldovan Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory is limited and almost entirely comprised of Soviet-era equipment; in recent years, it has received donated equipment from Western European nations and the US (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; male registration required at age 16; 12-month service obligation (2024)
note: note: as of 2024, women made up about 23% of the military's full-time personnel
Reference: 2024note: note: as of 2024, women made up about 23% of the military's full-time personnel
Military - note
the National Army is responsible for defense against external aggression, suppressing illegal military violence along the state border or inside the country, and supporting other internal security forces in maintaining public order if necessary; its primary focuses are Transnistrian separatist forces and their Russian backers; the 1992 war between Moldovan forces and the Transnistrian separatists backed by Russian troops ended with a cease-fire; the separatists maintain several armed paramilitary combat units, plus other security forces and reserves; Russia maintains approximately 1,500 troops in the breakaway region, including some Transnistrian locals who serve as Russian troops; some of those troops are under the authority of a peacekeeping force known as a Joint Control Commission that also includes Moldovan and separatist personnel, while the remainder of the Russian contingent guard a depot of Soviet-era ammunition and train separatist forces
Moldova is constitutionally neutral but has maintained a relationship with NATO since 1992 and since 2022 has enhanced bilateral security cooperation with some NATO members; it has contributed small numbers of troops to NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) since 2014, and a civilian NATO liaison office was established in Moldova in 2017 at the request of the Moldovan Government to promote practical cooperation and facilitate support; in 2024, Moldova signed a security and defense partnership agreement with the EU; it maintains close security relations with Romania, a member of the EU and NATO (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2022, 2017Moldova is constitutionally neutral but has maintained a relationship with NATO since 1992 and since 2022 has enhanced bilateral security cooperation with some NATO members; it has contributed small numbers of troops to NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) since 2014, and a civilian NATO liaison office was established in Moldova in 2017 at the request of the Moldovan Government to promote practical cooperation and facilitate support; in 2024, Moldova signed a security and defense partnership agreement with the EU; it maintains close security relations with Romania, a member of the EU and NATO (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Vladislav KULMINSKI (since 5 September 2025)
chancery: 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-1130
FAX: [1] (202) 667-2624
email address and website: washington@mfa.gov.md
https://sua.mfa.gov.md/en
chancery: 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-1130
FAX: [1] (202) 667-2624
email address and website: washington@mfa.gov.md
https://sua.mfa.gov.md/en
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Nick PIETROWICZ (since 2025)
embassy: 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009
mailing address: 7080 Chisinau Place, Washington DC 20521-7080
telephone: [373] (22) 408-300
FAX: [373] (22) 233-044
email address and website: ChisinauACS@state.gov
https://md.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2025, 2009embassy: 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009
mailing address: 7080 Chisinau Place, Washington DC 20521-7080
telephone: [373] (22) 408-300
FAX: [373] (22) 233-044
email address and website: ChisinauACS@state.gov
https://md.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, CIS, EAEU (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
note: note: Moldova is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
note: note: Moldova is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1992-01-30 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1992-03-02 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, CIS, EAEU (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
note: note: Moldova is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
note: note: Moldova is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 136,845 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 6 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 3,164 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 6 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 3,164 (2024 est.)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
ER
Airports
10 (2025)
Heliports
1 (2025)
Railways
total: 1,171 km (2014)
standard gauge: 14 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
broad gauge: 1,157 km (2014) 1.520-m gauge
Reference: 2014standard gauge: 14 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
broad gauge: 1,157 km (2014) 1.520-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 75 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 1, general cargo 44, oil tanker 7, other 22
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 1, general cargo 44, oil tanker 7, other 22
Environment
Environmental issues
soil and water pollution from heavy use of agricultural chemicals; extensive soil erosion and declining soil fertility from farming methods
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol
Climate
moderate winters, warm summers
Land use
agricultural land: 74.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 56.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 8.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 9.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 11.3% (2023 est.)
other: 13.8% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 56.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 8.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 9.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 11.3% (2023 est.)
other: 13.8% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 43.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 7.093 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 219,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 3.087 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 3.786 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 219,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 3.087 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 3.786 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
12.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 3.981 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 36.9% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 36.9% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 160 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 583 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 55 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 583 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 55 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
12.27 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 847,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
state-owned national radio-TV broadcaster operates 1 TV and 1 radio station; total of nearly 70 terrestrial TV channels and about 50 radio stations; Russian and Romanian channels are available (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.md
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2,803,186 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 2,755,189 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 2,707,203 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 2,664,224 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 2,635,130 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 2,595,809 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 2,528,654 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 2,457,783 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 2,402,306 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 2,360,527 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $7,980,917,076 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $9,514,404,016 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $11,252,353,421 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $11,736,797,055 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $11,530,746,234 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $13,691,869,264 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $14,525,337,524 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $16,711,906,746 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $18,206,842,141 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $20,351,796,275 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 77,291 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 188,207 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 634,901 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 606,003 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 563,893 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 628,876 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 717,352 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 745,934 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 812,653 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 864,257 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -51,642 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -43,871 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -36,085 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -41,233 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -33,405 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -33,405 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 89,154 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -18,570 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -27,088 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -29,766 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,360,527 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 2,961,254 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 2,409,207 | 2024 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 188,207 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 6.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 864,257 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -29,766 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 419 | 2016 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 75 | 2016 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 5,846 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 3,021 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.652 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | -0.434 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.754 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.116 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 0.214 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 0.067 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.239 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1995; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 1994 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Forbids discrimination based on gender identity.; Yes / No (Sterilization is technically not required by law but the absence of a concrete legal framework regarding gender identity forces all individuals seeking legal gender change to go through a lengthy and highly bureaucratic process to seek recognition through the court system on an individual basis with mixed results often depending on each individual judge.) | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $20,351,796,275 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $8,622 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 2.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 7.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 1.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 71.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.7 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 43.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 77.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 31.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 60.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 92.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 99.4% | 2014 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 99.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 6.6% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 2,412 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 21.4% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 6.7% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 15.1 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 11.7% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 120.1 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 29.6 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 13,318 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 47.0167° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 28.8497° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 47.2500° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 28.5167° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | parliamentary republic, unitary state | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- Source: Eurostat (dataset/datacode: demo_pjan) Accessed September 19, 2026. Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:29