Moldova

Official name: Republic of Moldova Political system: Republic Geographical location: in the South-Eastern Europe Area: 33,7 thousand sq. km Population: 4,46 milion people (1998), Moldavian - 65%, Ukrainian - 14%, Russian - 13% Capital: Chisinau - 662 thousand people (1995) Major cities: Tiraspol - 186 thousand people, Beltsy - 164 thousand people, Bendery - 140 thousand people (1990) Main languages: Moldavian (official), Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian Religions: Orthodox, Jews Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -4C in January, +20C in July Moneraty unit: Moldavian lei Local time: standart time - GMT+2; summer time - GMT+3 National holidays: August: 27th - the Independence Day (1991) Major tourist sights: Codry natural preserve, the world largest Winery in Cricov and Mileshty Mich; in Chisinau: Virgin Birth Church (18 century), Holy Gates and St. Tiron's Cathedral (19 century); Historical and Architectural Ensemble in Stary Orkh: ruins of geto-daksk fortifications (6-1 century B.C.) and Middle-age city (15 century); mountain Church (11 century) in Sakharna