Moldava

Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, situated between Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south. Although it has only a very short access to the Danube River, it has no coastline. The capital and largest city is Chișinău, which serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural centre. Moldova's location between Central and Eastern Europe has exposed it to various cultural and political influences throughout its history.

Geographically, Moldova is characterized by gently rolling plains, fertile hills, river valleys, and forests. The country lies mainly between the Prut River, which forms the border with Romania, and the Dniester River, which flows through eastern Moldova into the Black Sea. The highest point is Bălănești Hill, reaching about 430 metres above sea level. Moldova has highly fertile chernozem (black earth) soils, among the most productive agricultural soils in the world, making agriculture one of the country's most important economic activities. The climate is temperate continental, with warm summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall that generally supports crop production.

Moldova has a long and complex history influenced by its position between larger European powers. The territory was historically part of the Principality of Moldavia, founded in the 14th century. In 1812, following the Russo-Turkish War, the eastern part of Moldavia, known as Bessarabia, was annexed by the Russian Empire. After World War I, Bessarabia united with Romania, but in 1940 it was occupied by the Soviet Union under the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and became the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Moldova declared its independence on 27 August 1991. Shortly afterward, conflict arose in the eastern region of Transnistria, which declared itself independent but remains internationally recognized as part of Moldova. Since independence, Moldova has developed as a democratic republic while facing economic challenges, political reforms, and efforts to strengthen relations with European institutions. The country is a candidate for membership in the European Union and continues to modernize its economy and governance.

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of Moldova's economy due to its fertile soils and favourable climate. The country is particularly well known for its vineyards and wine production, with viticulture representing a centuries-old tradition and a major export industry. Moldova produces a wide variety of wines, brandies, and sparkling wines. Other important crops include wheat, maize (corn), barley, sunflower, sugar beet, tobacco, fruits, and vegetables. Orchards produce apples, plums, cherries, peaches, apricots, and walnuts. Livestock farming includes cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry, although crop production contributes more significantly to the national economy.
Fishery plays a relatively minor role because Moldova has no coastline. Freshwater fishing takes place mainly in the Dniester and Prut Rivers, as well as in reservoirs and fish ponds. Common fish species include carp, catfish, pike, perch, and bream. Aquaculture has developed to supplement natural fish stocks, with carp farming being particularly important. Sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems is necessary to maintain water quality and biodiversity.

Forestry is limited but environmentally important, with forests covering approximately 11–13% of Moldova's land area. The forests consist mainly of oak, beech, hornbeam, ash, and maple, with many concentrated in the central region known as the Codrii. Forestry contributes modestly through timber production, fuelwood, and non-timber forest products. More importantly, forests help prevent soil erosion, conserve biodiversity, regulate water systems, and reduce the impacts of climate change. Reforestation and sustainable forest management have become national priorities due to historical deforestation and environmental degradation.

Overall, Moldova is a country where fertile agricultural land has shaped both its economy and cultural traditions. Its history reflects centuries of changing political control and regional influences, while agriculture—particularly viticulture—remains the foundation of the economy. Although fisheries and forestry are relatively small sectors, they contribute to environmental sustainability and the country's rural development.

In 2008 Gerold and Klaudia managed to visit the Republic of Moldova after a 3000 km drive. Via Romania from the EU into the CIS entered with our old car. Took 1.5 hours to reach the border at Galati (Danube delta), then over, drove some kilometers and back again. The stay was quite short, but it was an entry.