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The largest part of the country lies between two rivers, the Nistru and the Prut. Moldova's rich soil and temperate continental climate have made the country one of the most productive agricultural regions and a major supplier of agricultural products in the region. The western border of Moldova is formed by the Prut river, which joins the Danube before flowing into the Black Sea. In the north-east, the Dniester is the main river, flowing through the country from north to south. The country is landlocked, even though it is very close to the Black Sea. While the northern part of the country is hilly, elevations never exceed 430 metres (1,411 ft)—the highest point being the Dealul Balanesti. Moldova has a temperate continental climate, with warm summers, but mild winters. The official language is Moldovan; this is by all accounts a form of Daco-Romanian, and is essentially the same as Romanian. There is no particular linguistic break at the Prut River, which divides Moldova from Romania. In formal use, the languages are identical except for minor orthographical issues (the Moldovans write î in some contexts where Romanians would use â; this same form used to be normal in Romania). There is, however, some regional variation, as might be found within any linguistic territory, and the common speech of areas such as Chisinau or Transnistria can be distinguished from the speech of Iasi, a Romanian city that is also part of the former Principality of Moldavia. In general, the larger the Slavic-speaking population of a region is, the greater the difference from standard Romanian. The country's main cities are the capital Chisinau, in the centre of the country, Tiraspol (in Transnistria), Balti and Bender. Largest cities of Moldova are: Chisinau, Tiraspol, Tighina, Balti, Ungheni, Soroca, Orhei. Moldova has very few culturally specific festivals or calendar highlights, and usually a trip there is combined with a trip to neighbouring Romania. It's worth taking this into consideration when deciding when to go, but as a general rule the best time to visit is September or October. May through to August can also be pleasant, although you run the risk of a snow flurry or two and low temperatures early in the season. The following tourist attractions provide a basic introduction for Chisinau visitors. Triumphal Arch. Located in the heart of Chisinau’s city centre, this clock-bearing structure is a combination of Corinthian columns and other styles reflecting Greek and Roman traditions. A giant copper bell is suspended from the arch’s dome, but chimes (and not the bells) actually sound the hours. The large bells and several smaller bells were cast in 1839 using metal war booty that the Russians had collected in their recent defeat of the Turks. The bells of the arch thus signal a change in the Moldovan land control from the Turks to the Russians. Now that Moldova is truly independent, the arch and its bells are a mixed-feeling reminder to residents and visitors of the Russian takeover. Cathedral of Chisinau. Originally built in the 1830s to honor the nativity, this grand church is sometimes known as the Christmas Cathedral. As part of the Russian plan to develop the city centre, the church stood gloriously for over 100 years before becoming badly damaged by WWII fighting. Although restoration work was done immediately, Soviet leadership eventually converted the church to secular use and forcefully removed the bell tower. Upon declaring its independence from the USSR, Moldova began converting the cathedral back into a holy space, restoring the bell tower and recommencing services. Stefan cel Mare Park. Celebrating the great Moldovan leader who defended his people against invading armies in the 15th century, this park features a bronze statue of Steven the Great. In fact, the park runs along a boulevard which also bears his name. Continuing the trend of greenery in Chisinau, this park and its fountain provide a pictureqsue backdrop for weddings, chess matches, and family strolls. This relaxing yet lively chunk of green space is like a smaller-scale version of New York’s Central Park. Chisinau Market. Just off the Boulevard Stefan cel Mare, near Tighina Street, is the main outdoor market in Chisinau. Although it may not seem like a spectacular destination for visitors, it is a place to see Moldovan residents buying food, trading goods, and engaging in the everyday commerce that combines old folkways with a new economy. It’s colorful and even hectic – a must-see. Other Attractions: Cathedral of Saint Tiron. An almost Baltic blue, this Orthodox church was just renovated in 2004. City Hall. This is a pleasingly ornate government building, a far cry from Stalinist box-like architecture. Romulus and Remus statue: A simple symbol for the legend of Rome’s origin! National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History: In addition to archaeological artifacts, it houses a collection of folk art and costumes. St. Panteleimon Church: Designed by an Italian architect, this is an exemplary cruciform church. Water Tower: This stubby tower has been turned into a city museum which leads visitors through exhibits chronologically as they proceed upward. Republic of Moldova National name: Republica Moldova Area: 13,067 sq mi (33,843 sq km) Population (2006 est.): 4,466,706 (growth rate: 0.3%); birth rate: 15.7/1000; infant mortality rate: 38.4/1000; life expectancy: 65.7; density per sq mi: 347 Capital: Chisinau Other cities: Tiraspol, Beltsy, Bendery (Tighina) Currency : Leu Languages: Moldovan (official; virtually the same as Romanian), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect) Ethnicity: Moldavian/Romanian 78.2%, Ukrainian 8.4%, Russian 5.8%, Gagauz 4.4%, Bulgarian 1.9%, other 1.3% (2004) Religions: Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5% (2000) Literacy: 99% Approx. Moldova Flag Moldova Map Moldova Longitude & Latitude
Moldova Nationl Anthem/Song
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