Country facts
The essential facts about the Republic of Moldova — geography, population, the state and practical information for travellers — gathered in one place, with pointers to the official sources.
Geography
- Area
- about 33,800 km²
- Capital
- Chișinău
- Neighbours
- Romania (west) and Ukraine (north, east, south)
- Main rivers
- Dniester and Prut
- Highest point
- Bălănești Hill, 430 m
Population & society
- Population
- about 2.41 million (2024 census)
- Official language
- Romanian
- Main religion
- Orthodox Christianity
- Largest cities
- Chișinău, Bălți, Tiraspol, Bender, Cahul
The state
- Form of government
- parliamentary republic
- Independence
- 27 August 1991
- UN member since
- 2 March 1992
- EU status
- candidate country (since 2022)
Practical (for travellers)
- Currency
- Moldovan leu (MDL); 1 leu = 100 bani
- Time zone
- EET, UTC+2 (UTC+3 in summer)
- Dialling code
- +373
- Internet domain
- .md
- Country code
- MD / MDA
Calendar
Public holidays
The non-working public holidays, set out in the Labour Code. One particularity of Moldova: Christmas is an official holiday both on 25 December and on 7 January.
In addition, every locality marks the patron saint’s day of its local church, declared a day off by the local council.
Note: the figures are indicative and may change. For official, up-to-date data (population, area, the holiday calendar) consult the National Bureau of Statistics (statistica.gov.md) and the legislation of the Republic of Moldova.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about the Republic of Moldova
How many people live in the Republic of Moldova?
According to the 2024 census, the usually resident population was about 2.41 million people (excluding the Transnistrian region).
What currency is used in Moldova?
The Moldovan leu (MDL), divided into 100 bani. It is a different currency from the Romanian leu.
What is Moldova’s dialling code?
The international dialling code is +373, and the national internet domain is .md.
What time zone is the Republic of Moldova in?
Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2, and UTC+3 in summer — the same as Romania.
What is the capital of the Republic of Moldova?
Chișinău, the country’s largest city and its main economic and cultural centre.
When is Moldova’s Independence Day?
On 27 August, the day on which, in 1991, the Republic of Moldova proclaimed its independence.
Book the route
Where to stay
Real hotels and guesthouses, with prices compared on the map across Booking, Airbnb and other platforms.
SeeGetting there from Romania
Plane, coach, train or car — real journey times, border crossings and the documents you need.
SeeTours & day trips
Organised trips with transport included — useful above all if you are going tasting.
SeeGet to know Moldova better
From the regions and the national symbols to history and traditions — explore the country in detail.
