Republic of Moldova: area, population, president, capital, administrative-territorial division. Republic of Moldova: area, population, president, capital, administrative-territorial divisions Area of ​​Moldova in sq km per

They are under the control of the unrecognized state of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic.

Natural conditions of Moldova to a large extent formed under the influence of the neighboring regions of the southwestern part of the East European Plain and the Carpathian Mountains. Therefore, despite the small area, the territory of Moldova is distinguished by a variety of natural conditions. The relief is rugged, characterized by alternation of steppe plain spaces with forest and forest-steppe uplands. The climate is moderately continental. The largest rivers are Dniester and Prut. Chernozems prevail among the soils. Due to the high development of the territory, natural vegetation currently occupies small areas. For the same reason, the current animal world much poorer than the past.

Geological structure

Dniester near the village of Popenki

Minerals

The geological history of the territory of Moldova determined the formation of mainly non-metallic minerals, represented mainly by building materials. The most valuable are limestones. The most common is white saw limestone used in construction (kotel). There are also deposits of pure limestone used in the sugar industry (sakhkamen).

Within the country there are reserves of marl, chalk, tripoli, which are used in construction and the paint and varnish industry. Glass sands were found near Floresht, Kalarash, Tiraspol, and other places, serving as raw materials for glass production. In the Brichansky region, near the villages of Kriva and Drepkautsy, large deposits of gypsum have been discovered, which is used in construction, cement and chemical industries. Deposits of clays, loams, gravel, and in some places - bentonites and sandstones are widespread. There are small oil and gas fields.

During the intensive development of industry during the Soviet period, the needs of Moldova in minerals were satisfied through the extraction of 40 million tons of minerals and 300-350 million m³ of groundwater per year. Currently, only building materials are being mined: stone, gypsum, sand, gravel, resources for the production of cement. 98% of the resources for industrial needs are imported from abroad.

Relief

The surface of Moldova is a hilly plain, dissected by river valleys and gullies. The average height above sea level is 147 m, the maximum is 429.5 m (Mount Balanesti). The main forms of relief in Moldova are ravines, gullies, gyrtops, valleys. They are almost ubiquitous, except that the distribution is more limited.

The modern relay of the Republic of Moldova was formed over a long geological time under the influence of the interaction of endogenous and exogenous processes. Erosion and landslide processes have played an important role in the formation of the modern relief. A significant part of the territory of Moldova is affected by erosion. As a result of the long-term impact of landslide and erosion processes, landforms specific to Moldova, such as gyrtops, were formed. In the northern regions of Moldova, where readily soluble rocks (limestone, marl, gypsum) are exposed, karst processes develop, leading to the formation of caves.

Plains, plateaus and uplands of Moldova
Name Prevailing heights, m Absolute heights, m Location within Moldova
Moldavian plateau 240 320 north
North Moldavian Plain 200 250 north
Chuluk Upland 250 388 Centre
250 347 East
300 429 Centre
South Moldavian Upland 150-200 250 south
Tigechskaya Upland 200 301 southwest
Spurs of the Podolsk Upland 180 275 northeast
Lower Danube Plain 100 170 southeast

In the northern part of the Republic of Moldova there is Moldavian plateau with smoothed relief forms and flat interfluves. There is a strip in its western part of the Prut reefs, or toltrov (ridges of isolated rounded massifs up to 50-80 m high). South of the Moldavian plateau extends North Moldavian Plain with a slightly dissected ridged relief. In the middle part of the right bank of the Prut River basin is located Chuluk Upland... Its surface is complicated by a deep network of wide valleys and gullies. In the east, between the Reut and Dniester valleys, stretches Transnistrian Upland... It has a hilly character and is also heavily dissected by valleys and gullies.

In the middle part of Moldova there is Central Moldavian Upland- Codri - with the maximum heights for the republic 350-430 m. In the western part of Codri there is the highest point - Mount Balanesti. The relief here is complex, ridge-hilly, strongly intersected by deep valleys and gyrtops.

South of the Codri stretches South Moldavian Plain- with wide valleys, gullies and ravines. In the southwestern part of Moldova, between the Prut and Yalpug rivers, there is Tigechskaya Upland with hilly, erosional and landslide relief. In the northeast of the left bank of the Dniester, there are southwestern spurs of the Podolsk Upland, which are dissected by deep canyon-like valleys of its tributaries. In the southeast stretches Lower Dniester Plain, low-lying and slightly dissected.

Climate

In the spring the eastern circulation of air masses, characteristic of the winter period, is gradually giving way to the western one. Positive average daily temperatures are established, which gradually increase, but the weather in spring remains very unstable.

Summer in Moldova it is sunny, hot and dry. The average daily temperature in July in the north is + 19.5 ° C, and in the south + 22 ° C. At times, tropical air masses penetrate from southern latitudes, which bring very dry and hot weather with high temperatures up to 30-35 ° C. In summer, droughts are not uncommon, which are accompanied by dry winds. Precipitation occurs most often in the form of showers, which are sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms and hail.

First half autumn characterized by calm, clear, warm and sunny weather. In the second half, the penetration of colder air masses from the northeast and east gradually increases, which leads to a decrease in air temperature. Wet cyclones will pass from the west, contributing to an increase in rainy and cloudy days. The number of foggy days is increasing. At the end of November, it gets pretty cold and you can feel the approach of winter.

TO positive features The climate of Moldova includes high temperature conditions, duration of sunshine and length of the growing season. Negative sides - moisture deficit, sometimes leading to droughts, as well as heavy rains in the warm season, contributing to the development of erosion.

Water resources

Moldova is not rich surface waters... The entire water area of ​​the country only slightly exceeds 1% of its territory.

The rivers

The river network is represented by numerous permanent and temporary rivers. More dense - in the north, and more rare - in the south. All rivers of Moldova belong to the Black Sea basin. The largest rivers are Dniester and Prut. Among other rivers, the tributaries of the Dniester stand out - Reut, Byk, Botna, Ikel, as well as the Kogylnik (Kunduk) and Yalpug rivers. The main sources of water for the rivers are snow and rainwater.

The Prut and Dniester usually freeze in the second half of December, less often in January and are characterized by short freezing periods (1-2.5 months). Approximately once every 5-6 years, these rivers do not freeze at all, and in cold winters ice jams form on them. In late February - early March, they break open, the ice drift lasts 1-2 weeks. Small rivers, due to insignificant runoff, freeze through the earth, spring floods are small and short-lived.

Navigation along the Dniester and Prut rivers (to Leovo). Moldova has access to the Danube. Length coastline is less than 1 km.

Salt licks or solonetzic chernozems are formed where saline clays come to the surface. These soils need reclamation (adding gypsum and removing salts).

Forest soils are widespread on the heights of the forest-steppe zone at heights of more than 200 meters. They formed under deciduous forests and are characterized by a low humus thickness. They are subdivided into gray, dark gray and brown forest soils.

Gray and dark gray forest soils are relatively widespread within the uplands of the northern and central regions of Moldova. They are suitable for the cultivation of sugar beets and grain crops, orchards and vineyards and often require the introduction of organic and mineral fertilizers.

Soil in Codri

Brown forest Soils are found only in Codri and occupy the highest and most humid areas with absolute heights of more than 300 m. They were formed mainly under the influence of the long-term impact of beech forests. Brown forest soils are suitable for the cultivation of fruit crops, legumes and aromatic varieties of tobacco.

Floodplain meadow(alluvial) soils are widespread in river floodplains. They are characterized by a relatively high humus content and a variety of mechanical composition. Some of these soils are saline and waterlogged, and therefore require removal of salts and lowering the level of groundwater. These soils are favorable for the cultivation of vegetables, fodder and fruit crops.

Vegetation

The Republic of Moldova is located within two vegetation zones - forest-steppe and steppe, which in the past were covered with grassy steppe, meadow and forest vegetation. Most of the territory of Moldova is currently plowed up and modified by long-term human activities. The steppes were plowed up, the area of ​​meadows was significantly reduced, most of forests, swamps drained. About 1870 plant species grow in Moldova, of which about 13% are rare species.

The number of forests, green spaces, reserves and nature conservation areas in 2005 - 428.5 thousand hectares.

Forests

Forests in the past covered 20-25% of the territory, but now they occupy only 6%. Deciduous forests of the Central European type are widespread in Moldova. There are about 100 species of trees and shrubs in them. The most widely represented are oak forests with an admixture of ash, hornbeam, linden, maple, elm, and poplar. The undergrowth is usually rich and consists mostly of the following shrubs: euonymus, dogwood, svidina, hazel, common barberry, hawthorn. Of the herbs, the forest violet, the clefthoof, the hedgehog predominate, and the ivy of the lianas. The largest massifs of oak forests are found in Codri, in the north and the Transnistrian Upland.

The vegetation is richer in Codri, where all types of forest species known in the territory of Moldova grow. Beech groves have been preserved here. In the northern and western parts of the South Moldavian Plain, in a drier climate, there are small groves of fluffy oak (gyrnets), alternating with plowed steppe areas.

In the valleys of the Dniester and Prut, there are still small floodplain forests of poplar, willow, oak, maple, elm with undergrowth of ozhina, raspberry, viburnum, svidina, and wild grapes.

Meadows

Animal world

The variety of natural conditions in the past and the abundance of food contributed to the formation of a rich animal world in Moldova. However, due to the high development of the territory, the modern fauna of the republic has become significantly poorer. Over the past century, about 45 species of mammals (bear, bison, elk, wild horse, etc.) and birds (black grouse, Demoiselle crane, ogar, etc.) have disappeared. Despite this, the fauna of Moldova currently numbers more than 400 species of vertebrates. The predominant species are also found on the territory of Ukraine and Romania, there are also Western European and Balkan species.

Many species live near settlements and farms: rats, vole mice, etc. There are many birds in cities - sparrow, swallow, pigeon, crow.

From reptiles, there are green and quick lizards, already, a viper, from amphibians - different kinds frogs, green toad. There are about 12 thousand species of invertebrates in Moldova, of which 10 thousand are insects. Common pests include bread beetle, Colorado potato beetle, and white butterfly.

In Moldova, cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and rabbits are also raised.

Natural areas

  • North Moldavian forest-steppe region - 43.3% of the territory
  • Central Moldavian forest region, or Codry - 14.5% of the territory
  • South Moldavian steppe region - 42.2% of the territory

Protection of Nature

After gaining independence, Moldova began to pursue an active policy of maintaining international relations in the field of environmental protection with international organizations, governmental and non-governmental structural organizations different countries. To date, the Republic of Moldova has joined the following international conventions:

  • June 23, 1993:
    • to the Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents (Helsinki, March 17, 1992);
    • to the Convention on the Protection of Transboundary Watercourses and International Reservoirs (Helsinki, March 17, 1992);
    • to the convention on the assessment of the impact on environment in a transboundary context (Espoo, Finland, February 25, 1991);
    • to the Convention on the Conservation of Wild Animals and Natural Habitats in Europe (Bern, September 19, 1979);
  • March 16, 1995 - to the Convention on Biological Diversity (Rio de Janeiro, June 5, 1992);
  • July 9, 1995:
    • to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Rio de Janeiro, June 12, 1992);
    • to the convention on long-range transboundary air pollution (

Moldova is a state located in Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania. It borders on the west, with

The main territory of the country is a steppe, a gradual southern slope to the Black Sea. The country is landlocked, but well supplied with various sedimentary rocks and minerals. The climate of Moldova is moderate; it is characterized by warm summers.
- in the north, east and south. The total area of ​​the country is 33,851 square kilometers.

Moldova map



The flora of Moldova is represented by such species as: fruit trees, cereals, sugar beets, tobacco. The fauna of Moldova is represented by wild pigs, wild bison, deer, squirrels, horses. Several types of poisonous snakes can be found here. Natural resources: brown coal, phosphorites, gypsum, arable land, limestone.

Moldova is a republic. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister. The Cabinet of Ministers is elected by the President and approved by the Parliament. The president is elected by parliament for a four-year term and is eligible for a second term.

Administrative divisions - 32 districts, 3 municipalities, 1 autonomous territorial unit and 1 territorial unit. The capital is Chisinau. The most big cities: Tiraspol, Tighina, Balti, Bendery, Comrat.

The population of the country is 3619925 people, mainly Moldovans and Romanians (78.2%), Ukrainians (8.4%), Russians (5.8%), Gagauz (4.4%), Bulgarians (1.9%) and others peoples. Moldavian is the official language. Religion: Orthodox (98%), Baptists and others (0.5%). Literacy - 99.1% of men, 98.1% of women. Urban population: 47% of the total population. Population density: 127.5 people / km². Average age: for men - 33.5 years, for women - 37.4 years. Average life expectancy: 65.95 years for men, 73.94 years for women.

Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in Europe. The economy of Moldova is mainly driven by the agricultural sector. The country's economy is also heavily dependent on annual remittances from a million Moldovan citizens working in Europe and the former Soviet bloc. Economic reforms were slow due to corruption and significant political power in reserve government control.

Exported goods: food, textiles, machinery. Export partners: Russia, Romania, Italy, Germany, Ukraine. Imported goods: minerals and fuels, machinery and equipment, chemicals, textiles. Import partners: Romania, Ukraine, Germany, Russia, Italy, Turkey,.

Length highways is 9343 km. Length railways is 1190 km. The length of the waterways is 558 km. Pipelines: gas - 1906 km. There are 10 airports in Moldova.

Participation in international organizations: BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, CIS, EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), 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.

The Republic of Moldova is located in the center of Europe, in the north-east of the Balkans.

The capital of Moldova is the city of Chisinau, located in the central part of the country.

In the north, east and south, it borders on Ukraine. In the west, the border with Romania runs along the Prut River.

The total length of the state border is 1389 km, including 939 km of the common border with Ukraine and 450 km with Romania. Extreme points are the village of Naslavcha in the north, the village of Giurgiulesti in the south (the only settlement on the Danube), the village of Kriva in the west and the village of Palanka in the east. The total area of ​​the Republic of Moldova is 33843.5 km2, or about 0.3 percent of the entire territory of Europe.

The Republic of Moldova belongs to the group of countries located in the Black Sea basin. It maintains close mutually beneficial trade relations with the aforementioned countries, as well as with countries located in the Danube basin. The southern border of the country stretches almost to the Black Sea, which can be accessed through the Dniester estuary and the Danube river.

The physical and geographical position of the Republic of Moldova determines the peculiarities of its natural conditions.

The relief of the republic is a hilly plain sloping from northwest to southeast with an average height above sea level of 147 m. The central part of the country is occupied by the Central Moldavian (Codrinskaya) Upland. It is the most elevated topographic region with a maximum height of 429.5 m above sea level (Balanesti hill, Nisporeni district) and a landscape heavily indented by valleys, gullies and steep ravines. Erosional and landslide processes, as well as neotectonic movements, led to the formation of gyrtops. Many rural settlements are located in these natural amphitheatres. The picturesque landscape of Codru, reminiscent of a foothill area, was called Bessarabian Switzerland by Vasily Dokuchaev, a Russian geomorphologist and soil scientist. The landscape of the south-west of the republic and the lower reaches of the Dniester is a less rugged plain.

The minerals of the Republic of Moldova are mainly represented by sedimentary rocks, such as limestone, chalk, gypsum, clay, sand, sandstone, bentonite, tripoli and diatomite. The above rocks can be used in construction, production of cement and glass, food, chemical, metallurgical industry etc. Graphite, phosphorite, zeolite, fluorite, barite, iodine and bromine and several industrial metals: iron, lead, zinc and copper were also found on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. Moldova has small deposits of lignite, oil and natural gas.

Climate

The climate of the Republic of Moldova is temperate continental. It is characterized by a long frost-free period, short mild winters, long hot summers, limited rainfall and prolonged dry periods in the south. The average annual air temperature increases from 8-9 ° C in the north to 10-11 ° C in the south. The average annual precipitation is 600-650 mm in the north and center of the country and 500-550 mm in the south and southeast, which is largely determined by the features of the relief.

Hydrological network

The hydrological network includes more than 3000 large and small rivers, of which 10 exceed a length of 100 km. The main rivers of the country are the Dniester (1352 km, including 657 km within the republic), Prut (976 km, including 695 km within the republic), Raut (286 km), Kogylnik (243 km, including 125 km within the republic), Byk (155 km) and Botna (152 km). There are about 60 natural lakes and 3000 ponds and reservoirs on the territory of Moldova. The largest lakes are Beleu, Drachele, Rotunda, Fontan, Byk and Roshu, each with a water surface exceeding 1 km2. The largest reservoirs, each with a water capacity of over 30 million m3, are Costesti-Stinca, Dubasari, Kuciurgan, Taraclia and Gidigic.

Natural sources

There are about 2,200 natural sources in Moldova. Found and investigated about 20 deposits of mineral waters with more than 200 springs. The most valuable are those mineral waters that contain medicinal components such as sulfides, iodine, bromine, boron and radon. In terms of its therapeutic properties, Moldovan mineral waters are similar to such world famous mineral waters as Karlovy Vary in Czech Republic, Borjomi in Georgia and Essentuki-17 in the North Caucasus region of the Russian Federation.

Flora

The flora of the republic is rich and varied and includes more than 5.5 thousand species of wild plants. Such a botanical diversity of the country is due to the peculiarities of its geographic location, relief and climate. At the landscape level, the territory of the Republic of Moldova is located within three natural areas: forests, forest-steppe and steppe. Forests cover approximately 11% of the country's territory. Deciduous forests prevail, typical for countries Central Europe... The main forest areas located in the center of the republic are represented by the forest reserves of Kodriy and Playul Fagului. V forest ecosystems The country is home to 45 native tree species, 81 shrub species and 3 tree lianas. Among the main local species of woody plants in our forests are English oak (Quercus robur), rock oak (Quercus petraea), downy oak (Quercus pubescens), common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), smooth elm (Ulmus laevis) , sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), heart linden (Tilia cordata), warty birch (Betula pendula) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica).

Fauna

The fauna of the republic is relatively rich and diverse and contains more than 15.5 thousand species of animals, including 461 species of vertebrates and more than 15,000 species of invertebrates. Vertebrates are represented by 70 species of mammals, 281 species of birds, 14 species of reptiles, 14 species of amphibians and 82 species of fish. The most common local species mammals - long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus), late leather (Eptesicus serotinus), common hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), European mole (Talpa europaea), common shrew (Sorex araneus), red noctuary (Nyctalus noctula), common squirrel (vulgaris vulgaris) , European hare (Lepus europaeus), European ground squirrel (Citellus citellus), speckled ground squirrel (Citellus suslicus), house mouse (Mus musculus), gray rat (Rattus norvegicus), forest mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), yellow-throated mouse (Apoisdemus) , red vole (Clethrionomys glareolus), common vole (Microtus arvalis), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), badger (Meles meles), stone marten (Martes foina), forest weasel ( Mustela putorius) and weasel (Mustela nivalis).

On the territory of the Republic of Moldova there are 5 reserves with a total area of ​​about 19.4 thousand hectares. Two forest reserves - Codriy and Playul Fagului - are located in the central part of Moldova. Two other nature reserves - Prutul de Jos and Padurea Domneasca - are located in the Prut floodplain. The fifth reserve - Yagorlyk from Dubasari district - is intended for the protection and study of the unique aquatic ecosystem of the Dniester River.

- a state in the south-east of Europe. In the south, east and north it borders with Ukraine, in the west - with Romania.

The name of the country comes from the river Moldova.

Official name: The Republic of Moldova

Capital: Kishinev

The area of ​​the land: 33.7 thousand sq. km

Total population: 4.3 thousand people

Administrative division: Divided into 38 districts, 4 municipalities. In 1990, on part of the territory, the Gagauz Republic and the Dnieper Moldavian Republic were proclaimed, which were not recognized by the Parliament of Moldova.

Form of government: Republic.

Head of State: President elected for a term of 4 years.

Population composition: 64.5% - Moldovans, 13.8% - Ukrainians, 13% - Russians, 3.5% - Gagauz, 2% - Bulgarians, 1.3% - Jews, 0.3% Roma.

Official language: Moldavian, Russian - the language of interethnic communication, Gagauz.

Religion: 78% Roman Catholic, 5% Protestant, 4.5% other faiths, 9% undecided.

Internet domain: .md

Mains voltage: ~ 230 V, 50 Hz

Country dialing code: +373

Country barcode: 484

Climate

The climate of Moldova is moderately continental. Winters are mild and short; summers are hot and long. Atmospheric circulation is characterized by a predominance of warm western and sometimes humid Atlantic air masses.

Periodically, other air masses penetrate the territory of Moldova: warm and humid Mediterranean air, bringing abundant rains, dry temperate continental air from the east and southeast of the East European Plain, causing dry weather, as well as cold Arctic air, which is associated with harsh changes in weather and cooling.

The temperature regime is characterized by positive average annual temperatures air throughout Moldova; they range from +7.5 ° C in the north to +10 ° C in the south. Negative average daily temperatures are observed only in winter. The average temperature in January is -4 ° C, in July +21 ° C. The absolute minimum is -36 ° C, the maximum is +41 ° C.

Average annual precipitation ranges from 380-550 mm. Thus, the territory of Moldova belongs to the zone of insufficient moisture. Precipitation falls unevenly both over the years and over the seasons. About 70% annual precipitation falls in the period from April to October.

The average wind speed for the year is low - 2-4 m / s. When cyclones pass, vortex processes and strong storm winds with a speed of 10-15 m / s are often formed.

The positive features of the Moldavian climate include a high temperature regime, the duration of sunshine and the length of the growing season. Negative sides - moisture deficit, sometimes leading to droughts, as well as heavy rains in the warm season, contributing to the development of erosion.

Geography

The Republic of Moldova is located in the center of Europe, in the north-east of the Balkans. The capital of Moldova is the city of Chisinau, located in the central part of the country. In the north, east and south, it borders on Ukraine. In the west, the border with Romania runs along the Prut River.

The total length of the state border is 1389 km, including 939 km of the common border with Ukraine and 450 km with Romania. The total area of ​​the Republic of Moldova is 33843.5 km2, or about 0.3 percent of the entire territory of Europe.

The Republic of Moldova belongs to the group of countries located in the Black Sea basin. It maintains close mutually beneficial trade relations with the aforementioned countries, as well as with countries located in the Danube basin. The southern border of the country stretches almost to the Black Sea, which can be accessed through the Dniester estuary and the Danube river.

The physical and geographical position of the Republic of Moldova determines the peculiarities of its natural conditions.

The relief of the republic is a hilly plain sloping from northwest to southeast with an average height above sea level of 147 m. The central part of the country is occupied by the Central Moldavian (Codrinskaya) Upland. It is the most elevated topographic region with a maximum height of 429.5 m above sea level (Balanesti hill, Nisporeni region) and a landscape heavily indented by valleys, gullies and steep ravines.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

The vegetation of the republic is rich and varied and includes more than 5.5 thousand species of wild plants. Such a botanical diversity of the country is due to the peculiarities of its geographic location, relief and climate. At the landscape level, the territory of the Republic of Moldova is located within three natural zones: forests, forest-steppe and steppe.

Forests cover approximately 11% of the country's territory. Deciduous forests prevail, typical for Central European countries. The main forest areas located in the center of the republic are represented by the forest reserves of Kodriy and Playul Fagului. The forest ecosystems of the country are home to 45 native tree species, 81 species of shrubs and 3 species of woody lianas.

Among the main local species of woody plants in our forests are English oak (Quercus robur), rock oak (Quercus petraea), downy oak (Quercus pubescens), common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), smooth elm (Ulmus laevis) , sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), heart-shaped linden (Tilia cordata), warty birch (Betula pendula) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica).

Animal world

The fauna of the republic is relatively rich and diverse and contains more than 15.5 thousand species of animals, including 461 species of vertebrates and more than 15,000 species of invertebrates. Vertebrates are represented by 70 species of mammals, 281 species of birds, 14 species of reptiles, 14 species of amphibians and 82 species of fish.

The most common native species of mammals are the long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus), late leather (Eptesicus serotinus), common hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), European mole (Talpa europaea), common shrew (Sorex araneus), red nocturnal (Nyctalus noctula) (Sciurus vulgaris), European hare (Lepus europaeus), European ground squirrel (Citellus citellus), spotted ground squirrel (Citellus suslicus), house mouse (Mus musculus), gray rat (Rattus norvegicus), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), yellow-horned mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus), common vole (Microtus arvalis), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), badger (Meles meles), stone marten (Martes) , forest weasel (Mustela putorius) and weasel (Mustela nivalis).

sights

Moldova is a very picturesque country. Its green hills, pastoral villages, tranquil lakes and vast sunflower fields all have a unique charm that comes from the land's long and turbulent history. The country has some of the best vineyards in Europe. For a couple of dollars you can get as much excellent wine here as in Western countries would cost tens of euros.

Banks and currency

National currency - Moldovan leu (international designation - MDL), equal to 100 bani. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 MDL, as well as coins of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 bani.

Currencies in cash, including US dollars, euros and rubles, can be easily exchanged for lei at any of the many exchange offices and banks. The rate is approximately the same everywhere, but it should be borne in mind that in a number of small exchange offices the specified rate is valid only when exchanging amounts over $ 100-200. This is indicated in small letters at the bottom of the scoreboard, and when exchanging a smaller amount, an undervalued rate is used. Often, customers of exchange offices are cheated. Thus, it is better to change money at a bank, even if the rate is slightly lower than at a street exchange office.

Cashless payments in Moldova are gradually gaining popularity, although cash payments are in no hurry to give up their positions. Almost every major bank and a number of new shopping centers have ATMs. Credit cards are accepted in expensive hotels, in some of the largest shopping centers in Chisinau and in a number of restaurants.

The Pridnestrovian republic has adopted its own currency - the Pridnestrovian ruble, equal to 100 kopecks. It is an inconvertible currency that does not circulate outside of Transnistria. The conditions for exchanging foreign currency for the Transnistrian ruble are extremely tough and are constantly changing due to inflation. The denomination system of banknotes is extremely confusing. The use of credit cards and tourist checks on the territory of Transnistria is practically impossible.

Useful information for tourists

Cahul lies about 160 km south of Chisinau. The city is famous for its thermal and mineral spas, and during the existence of the USSR, its mud baths were very popular. The balneological resorts of Tyrdzhauk springs are also well known.

The Pridnestrovian republic has adopted its own currency - the Pridnestrovian ruble, equal to 100 kopecks. It is not a convertible currency that does not circulate outside of Transnistria. The conditions for exchanging foreign currency for the Transnistrian ruble are extremely tough and are constantly changing due to inflation. The use of credit cards and tourist checks on the territory of Transnistria is practically impossible. The denomination system of banknotes is extremely confusing.