Where is Moldova Located?

Where is Moldova located on the map? Moldova is an independent nation located in Eastern Europe. Check out the following images to see location of Moldova on maps.

Moldova Location in World Map

Moldova is located in south-eastern Europe.

Location Information of Moldova

Latitude and Longitude

Moldova is a landlocked country located in Eastern Europe. It lies between the countries of Romania to the west and Ukraine to the east. The approximate geographic coordinates of Moldova are 47.4116° N latitude and 28.3699° E longitude. Moldova’s position places it at the crossroads of the cultures of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. It is bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south.

The country has a varied landscape of hills, rivers, and fertile plains. The most significant river in Moldova is the Dniester River, which forms part of its eastern boundary with Ukraine. Moldova’s location makes it an important area for agriculture, trade, and cultural exchange between the Slavic world and the Romance-speaking countries of Europe.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Chișinău

The capital and largest city of Moldova is Chișinău, which serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. It is located in the central part of Moldova and has a population of about 700,000 people, making up nearly 20% of the nation’s total population. The city is home to the country’s main government institutions, universities, and cultural landmarks, as well as the country’s busiest airport, Chișinău International Airport.

Chișinău is known for its wide boulevards, parks, and Soviet-era architecture. Key sites in the city include the Stefan Cel Mare Park, Triumphal Arch, and National Museum of History of Moldova. Chișinău also features several vibrant markets, such as the Central Market, and offers a bustling nightlife and cultural scene with theaters, opera houses, and galleries.

Major Cities

1. Bălți: The second-largest city in Moldova, Bălți is located in the northern part of the country and has a population of approximately 150,000 people. Known as the “Northern Capital” of Moldova, Bălți is a regional economic hub with a focus on trade, agriculture, and manufacturing. It is a center for local industry, particularly in machinery and food production.
2. Tiraspol: Tiraspol is the largest city in the self-declared, but unrecognized, Transnistrian region of Moldova. It has a population of about 150,000 people and functions as the capital of the breakaway republic. The region has a Soviet-era feel, with statues of Lenin, red flags, and other reminders of Moldova’s past under the Soviet Union. Though unrecognized by the international community, Tiraspol is an important cultural and political center in the region.
3. Bender: Also located in the breakaway Transnistrian region, Bender (known as Tighina in Romanian) is another city with historical and cultural significance. It is smaller than Chișinău and Bălți but plays a role in the political and economic life of the Transnistrian region.
4. Cahul: Located in the southern part of Moldova, Cahul has a population of around 30,000 people. It is known for its proximity to Romania, making it a crucial cross-border trade and transportation hub. Cahul is also famous for its spa resorts, which attract both local and international tourists.
5. Ungheni: Ungheni, a city in the western part of Moldova, has a population of around 40,000 people. The city lies on the border with Romania, and its proximity to the Prut River makes it an important transportation and commercial link between the two countries.

Time Zone

Moldova operates under Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC +2:00. During the summer months, Moldova observes Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC +3:00. This time zone places Moldova in line with much of Eastern Europe, including countries like Romania, Ukraine, and Bulgaria.

Moldova follows the same time changes as other EU countries, shifting the clocks forward one hour in March for daylight saving time and shifting them back one hour in October to standard time.

Climate

Moldova experiences a continental climate, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Its climate is influenced by its position between the Black Sea and the Carpathian Mountains. While it enjoys relatively mild winters, temperatures can drop below freezing, particularly in January, which is the coldest month. The average winter temperature in January is around -2°C (28°F), although it can be colder, especially in the north.

1. Summer Climate

In contrast to the cold winters, Moldova has hot and humid summers. The summer months of June, July, and August see average temperatures of 25-30°C (77-86°F). July is typically the hottest month, with occasional peaks above 35°C (95°F). Summer is also the rainy season in Moldova, although rainfall is not excessive. The southern regions, being closer to Romania, tend to be hotter and drier than the northern regions.

2. Autumn and Spring

Both spring and autumn are transitional seasons in Moldova, marked by moderate temperatures and variable weather. Spring begins to warm up in March, and by May, temperatures can range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Similarly, autumn lasts from September to November, with temperatures gradually cooling from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in September to about 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) in November.

3. Precipitation

Moldova is considered a moderately dry country, with most of its rainfall occurring in the spring and summer months. The annual precipitation ranges from 400 to 600 mm (16 to 24 inches). Rainfall is more concentrated in the west and south of the country. Snowfall is common during the winter months but usually does not last long.

Economic Status

Moldova is classified as a lower-middle-income country, and its economy faces significant challenges. The country’s economy is largely agriculture-based, with a focus on wine production, tobacco, sunflower seeds, corn, and fruits. Moldova is one of the world’s largest producers of wine and is known for its wine cellars, such as those in Cricova and Mileștii Mici.

1. Agriculture and Trade

Agriculture contributes significantly to Moldova’s economy, accounting for a large portion of the workforce and GDP. The fertile soil and favorable climate conditions allow for high agricultural productivity, and Moldova is a major exporter of grapes, fruits, vegetables, and sunflower oil. However, agriculture remains vulnerable to climatic changes and geopolitical issues, such as trade restrictions from neighboring countries.

2. Energy and Industry

Moldova is heavily dependent on energy imports, particularly natural gas and electricity. The industrial sector is small, primarily focused on food processing, textiles, chemicals, and the production of alcoholic beverages, including wine and brandy.

3. Challenges

Moldova faces significant challenges, including political instability, corruption, and poverty. The ongoing conflict in the Transnistrian region, which declared independence in 1990, has further complicated Moldova’s efforts to modernize its economy and integrate with the European Union. Despite efforts to diversify its economy, Moldova remains one of Europe’s poorest nations, with a GDP per capita that ranks among the lowest in the region.

4. Remittances and Foreign Aid

Remittances from Moldovan migrants working in Western Europe, particularly in Italy and Russia, play an essential role in the country’s economy. Additionally, Moldova receives significant foreign aid, including support from the European Union, which has been used to improve infrastructure, governance, and human development.

Tourist Attractions

1. Cricova Winery Moldova is world-renowned for its wine industry, and the Cricova Winery is one of its most famous attractions. Located just outside Chișinău, Cricova boasts an extensive underground wine cellar that spans over 120 km (75 miles) and is considered one of the largest in the world. Visitors can take guided tours of the cellars, sample local wines, and learn about the history of winemaking in Moldova.
2. Orheiul Vechi A national historical and archaeological complex located north of Chișinău, Orheiul Vechi features ancient cave monasteries carved into limestone cliffs, as well as the ruins of an old fortified city dating back to the 13th century. The site offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and is an excellent place for hiking and exploration.
3. Saharna Monastery The Saharna Monastery is located near the village of Saharna in northern Moldova. The monastery, set in a beautiful valley surrounded by waterfalls and cliffs, is a spiritual and cultural site. Pilgrims visit the monastery for its religious significance, while visitors also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
4. Stefan Cel Mare Park (Chișinău) The largest park in Chișinău, Stefan Cel Mare Park is named after Moldova’s famous medieval ruler, Stephen the Great. The park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering walking paths, fountains, and statues. The park is home to a large monument dedicated to Stephen the Great and provides a relaxing environment for picnics, leisurely walks, and outdoor activities.
5. Transnistria For those interested in unique historical experiences, the unrecognized region of Transnistria offers a glimpse into a bygone Soviet era. The region has Soviet-era architecture, statues of Lenin, and a unique sense of history and identity that sets it apart from the rest of Moldova. Although Transnistria is not officially recognized, it attracts travelers interested in its peculiar political and cultural history.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens can visit Moldova without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. U.S. travelers must present a valid passport at the border, and it is recommended to have a return or onward ticket. If staying longer than 90 days, U.S. citizens will need to apply for a long-term visa or residency.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance to New York City

The distance from New York City to Chișinău, Moldova’s capital, is approximately 7,700 km (4,780 miles). Flights from New York to Chișinău typically require at least one layover, with total travel time ranging from 12 to 15 hours.

Distance to Los Angeles

The distance from Los Angeles to Chișinău is approximately 10,500 km (6,500 miles). Flights from Los Angeles generally require one or two layovers, with a travel time ranging from 15 to 17 hours, depending on the route.

Moldova Facts

Size	33,800 km²
Residents	3.55 million
Language	Romanian
Capital	Chișinău (Chisinau)
Longest river	Prut (border river to Romania)
Highest mountain	Dealul Bălăneşti (430 m)
Currency	Moldovan Leu