Moldova - MD - MDA - MDA - Europe
Last updated: July 16, 2025
Moldova Images
Moldova Factbook Data
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Daniela DIPIERRO (since June 2024)
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/
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/
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)
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)
This is the population pyramid for Moldova. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
Geographic coordinates
47 00 N, 29 00 E
Sex 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.)
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.)
Natural hazards
landslides
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Maryland
slightly larger than Maryland
Military 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: as of 2024, women made up about 23% of the military's full-time personnel
note: as of 2024, women made up about 23% of the military's full-time personnel
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.
Environment - current issues
soil and water pollution from heavy use of agricultural chemicals; extensive soil erosion and declining soil fertility from farming methods
Environment - international 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
Military expenditures
0.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Population below poverty line
31.1% (2022 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 4.3% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 22.1% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
highest 10%: 22.1% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
insulated wire, garments, refined petroleum, seed oils, wheat (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
Romania 31%, Ukraine 13%, Italy 6%, Germany 6%, Czechia 4% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
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)
raions: 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)
Agricultural products
wheat, maize, sunflower seeds, grapes, apples, sugar beets, barley, milk, rapeseed, potatoes (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
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: 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: 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
Budget
revenues: $4.487 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $4.684 billion (2022 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
expenditures: $4.684 billion (2022 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
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: 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: pronounced KEE-shee-now (KIH-shi-nyov)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, cars, packaged medicine, plastic products (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Climate
moderate winters, warm summers
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
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
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
Exchange rates
Moldovan lei (MDL) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
17.792 (2024 est.)
18.164 (2023 est.)
18.897 (2022 est.)
17.68 (2021 est.)
17.322 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
17.792 (2024 est.)
18.164 (2023 est.)
18.897 (2022 est.)
17.68 (2021 est.)
17.322 (2020 est.)
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
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
Flag description
three equal vertical bands of Prussian blue (hoist side), chrome yellow, and vermilion red; emblem in center of flag is a Roman eagle of dark gold 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; colors are based on the Romanian flag, but Moldova's blue band is lighter; the reverse of the flag displays a mirror image of the coat of arms
note: one of three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides -- the others are Paraguay and Saudi Arabia
note: one of three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides -- the others are Paraguay and Saudi Arabia
Independence
27 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)
Industries
sugar processing, vegetable oil, food processing, agricultural machinery; foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines; hosiery, shoes, textiles
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: 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: 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
Land boundaries
total: 1,885 km
border countries (2): Romania 683 km; Ukraine 1202 km
border countries (2): Romania 683 km; Ukraine 1202 km
Land use
agricultural land: 69.3% (2022 est.)
arable land: 52.4% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 6.7% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 10.2% (2022 est.)
forest: 11.8% (2022 est.)
other: 18.9% (2022 est.)
arable land: 52.4% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 6.7% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 10.2% (2022 est.)
forest: 11.8% (2022 est.)
other: 18.9% (2022 est.)
Legal system
civil law system with Germanic law influences; Constitutional Court reviews legislative acts
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: 7/11/2021
parties elected and seats per party: Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) (63); Electoral Bloc of Communists and Socialists (BECS) (32); Șor Party (PPȘ) (6)
percentage of women in chamber: 40%
expected date of next election: September 2025
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: 7/11/2021
parties elected and seats per party: Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) (63); Electoral Bloc of Communists and Socialists (BECS) (32); Șor Party (PPȘ) (6)
percentage of women in chamber: 40%
expected date of next election: September 2025
Literacy
total population: 99.6%
male: 99.7%
female: 99.5% (2021)
male: 99.7%
female: 99.5% (2021)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
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: Moldova is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
note: Moldova is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
National holiday
Independence Day, 27 August (1991)
Nationality
noun: Moldovan(s)
adjective: Moldovan
adjective: Moldovan
Natural resources
lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, limestone, arable land
Geography - note
landlocked; has many types of sedimentary rocks and minerals, including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone
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
Political parties
Bloc of Communists and Socialists or BCS
Party of Action and Solidarity or PAS
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
standard gauge: 14 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
broad gauge: 1,157 km (2014) 1.520-m gauge
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Terrain
rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea
Government type
parliamentary republic
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"
Location
Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania
Map references
Europe
Irrigated land
2,150 sq km (2022)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Viorel URSU (since 12 December 2022)
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
Internet users
percent of population: 80% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.md
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees (country of origin): 116,855 (Ukraine) (as of 7 April 2024)
stateless persons: 1,701 (2022)
stateless persons: 1,701 (2022)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$16.539 billion (2023 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Total renewable water resources
12.27 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2021)
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2021)
Urbanization
urban population: 43.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 0.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 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)
Drinking water source
improved:
urban: 98.9% of population
rural: 87% of population
total: 92.1% of population
unimproved:
urban: 1.1% of population
rural: 13% of population
total: 7.9% of population (2020 est.)
urban: 98.9% of population
rural: 87% of population
total: 92.1% of population
unimproved:
urban: 1.1% of population
rural: 13% of population
total: 7.9% of population (2020 est.)
National anthem
name: "Limba noastra" (Our Language)
lyrics/music: Alexei MATEEVICI/Alexandru CRISTEA
note: adopted 1994
lyrics/music: Alexei MATEEVICI/Alexandru CRISTEA
note: adopted 1994
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Moldova. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.
Major urban areas - population
488,000 CHISINAU (capital) (2023)
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Physician density
4.02 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
5.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
National symbol(s)
aurochs (type of wild cattle)
Mother's mean age at first birth
25.2 years (2019 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate
56% (2020)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 85.3% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 18.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 19.7% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 35.5% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -59.6% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
government consumption: 18.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 19.7% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 35.5% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -59.6% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
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.)
youth dependency ratio: 21.1 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 21.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.7 (2024 est.)
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
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
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
ER
Sanitation facility access
improved:
urban: 99% of population
rural: 83.1% of population
total: 89.9% of population
unimproved:
urban: 1% of population
rural: 16.9% of population
total: 10.1% of population (2020 est.)
urban: 99% of population
rural: 83.1% of population
total: 89.9% of population
unimproved:
urban: 1% of population
rural: 16.9% of population
total: 10.1% of population (2020 est.)
Ethnic groups
Moldovan 75.1%, Romanian 7%, Ukrainian 6.6%, Gagauz 4.6%, Russian 4.1%, Bulgarian 1.9%, other 0.8% (2014 est.)
Religions
Orthodox 90.1%, other Christian 2.6%, other 0.1%, agnostic <0.1%, atheist 0.2%, unspecified 6.9% (2014 est.)
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: data represent mother tongue; as of March 2023, "Romanian" replaced "Moldovan" as the name of Moldova's official language
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: data represent mother tongue; as of March 2023, "Romanian" replaced "Moldovan" as the name of Moldova's official language
Moldovan/Romanian audio sample
Imports - partners
Romania 16%, Ukraine 13%, China 11%, Turkey 8%, Germany 7% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
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
Health expenditure
7.8% of GDP (2021)
12.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
12.3% of national budget (2022 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)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 160 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 580 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 60 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 580 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 60 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 3,981,200 tons (2015 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 609,920 tons (2015 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.3% (2015 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 609,920 tons (2015 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.3% (2015 est.)
Air pollutants
particulate matter emissions: 12.37 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 5.12 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 3.29 megatons (2020 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 5.12 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 3.29 megatons (2020 est.)
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)
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)
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)
Major 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
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Struve Geodetic Arc
selected World Heritage Site locales: Struve Geodetic Arc
Coal
consumption: 90,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 86,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 86,000 metric tons (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.)
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.)
Natural gas
production: 10,000 cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 2.223 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 2.223 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 2.223 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 2.223 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 22,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.61 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
67% (2023 est.)
Remittances
12.17% of GDP (2023 est.)
14.04% of GDP (2022 est.)
15.48% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
14.04% of GDP (2022 est.)
15.48% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
National color(s)
blue, yellow, red
Labor force
1.378 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
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: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
male: 3.4% (2024 est.)
female: 3.3% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 39.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 38.6 years
female: 41.3 years
male: 38.6 years
female: 41.3 years
Debt - external
$2.637 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Maternal mortality ratio
19 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$5.477 billion (2024 est.)
$5.453 billion (2023 est.)
$4.474 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$5.453 billion (2023 est.)
$4.474 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
34.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Total fertility rate
1.26 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
1.4% (2024 est.)
1.6% (2023 est.)
0.9% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
1.6% (2023 est.)
0.9% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Population
total: 3,599,528 (2024 est.)
male: 1,698,249
female: 1,901,279
male: 1,698,249
female: 1,901,279
Carbon dioxide 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.)
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.)
Area
total : 33,851 sq km
land: 32,891 sq km
water: 960 sq km
land: 32,891 sq km
water: 960 sq km
Taxes and other revenues
18.8% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$38.969 billion (2023 est.)
$38.666 billion (2022 est.)
$40.708 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$38.666 billion (2022 est.)
$40.708 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Airports
10 (2025)
Infant mortality rate
total: 13.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male: 16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.5 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 16 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 4.01 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 127 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 127 (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
25.7 (2021 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
4.7% (2024 est.)
13.4% (2023 est.)
28.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
13.4% (2023 est.)
28.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$1.893 billion (2023 est.)
-$2.482 billion (2022 est.)
-$1.699 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$2.482 billion (2022 est.)
-$1.699 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$15,900 (2023 est.)
$15,300 (2022 est.)
$15,700 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$15,300 (2022 est.)
$15,700 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 841,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 27 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 27 (2023 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.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
18.9% (2016)
Energy consumption per capita
35.686 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Death rate
14.2 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
8.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
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.)
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.)
Merchant marine
total: 75 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 1, general cargo 44, oil tanker 7, other 22
by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 1, general cargo 44, oil tanker 7, other 22
Imports
$9.84 billion (2023 est.)
$10.265 billion (2022 est.)
$7.915 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$10.265 billion (2022 est.)
$7.915 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$5.866 billion (2023 est.)
$5.981 billion (2022 est.)
$4.197 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$5.981 billion (2022 est.)
$4.197 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Heliports
1 (2025)
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 847,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2023 est.)
Alcohol 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.)
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.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 70.1 years (2024 est.)
male: 66.1 years
female: 74.4 years
male: 66.1 years
female: 74.4 years
Real GDP growth rate
0.78% (2023 est.)
-5.02% (2022 est.)
13.93% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
-5.02% (2022 est.)
13.93% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
-11.74% (2023 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 7.6% (2023 est.)
industry: 17.4% (2023 est.)
services: 61.1% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
industry: 17.4% (2023 est.)
services: 61.1% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Education expenditure
6.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
15.9% national budget (2023 est.)
15.9% national budget (2023 est.)
Population growth rate
-0.58% (2024 est.)