The document provides information about the country of Moldova in 3 paragraphs. It discusses Moldova's location in Eastern Europe, population which is mostly Moldovan, and land area of 33,371 square km bordered by Romania and Ukraine. It then describes Moldova's landscape including natural reserves, geological monuments, and forests. The third paragraph notes Moldova's rich history and the influences of various ethnic groups on its culture including Dacian-Latin origins seen in folklore, music, and customs.

1. GARABAJII Ecaterina, GUŢU Olga, ROŞU Dorin
IFAG, SOFIA, 2013

2. Location: Eastern Europe
Country Name: Republic of Moldova (short: Moldova)
Capital City: Chisinau
Population: 3 559.5
Ethnic groups: Moldovan 78.2%, Ukrainian 8.4%, Russian 5.8%, Gagauz
4.4%, Bulgarian 1.9%, other 1.3%
Land Area: 33,371 sq km
Land Boundaries: Romania and Ukraine
Languages: Moldavian (the only official language, virtually the same as
the Romanian language), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect), Bulgarian
Official Currency: Moldavian Leu (MDL)

3. Despite its small area, Moldova has an unusual variety of landscape reserves or natural landscapes and
unique geological monuments of European and world value

4. Moldova is an integral part of Europe and has a rich history. This country is situated in
the contact zone between different cultural and historic trends – Carpathian-Balkan,
Central-European and Eurasian, and during its multi-millennial history harmoniously
absorbed diverse cultural traditions of Proto-Indo-Europeans and archaic Indo-
European peoples, including the Thracians, Slavs, Celts, Goths, Huns, etc., thus
obtaining specific and unparalleled features.

6. The Moldovan folklore has a strong basis of Dacian-Latin origin and embraces a system of popular
confessions and customs, which are specifically defined by means of music and dance, oral poetry and prose,
mythology, rites, popular theatre etc. This cultural inheritance in all its manifestations represents a large area
of national art of special value, which not only preceded its cultural forms but also continued to develop in
the modern era conferring to the professional culture its ethnical originality.

8. The culture of the Republic of Moldova represents a large gamut of cultural activities: literature, theatre,
music, fine arts, architecture, cinematography, broadcasting and television, photographic art, design, circus,
folk art, archives and libraries, books editing, scientific research, cultural tourism and so on.
Three concert performing institutions carry out the academic concert activity: ”Serghei Lunchevici” National
Philharmonic Society (2 concert halls, symphony orchestra, choral chapel, folk songs group); Organ Hall
(chamber orchestra and chamber choir); National Palace („Moldova-concert” Concert and Impresario
Organization: artistic formations of music and folk dance, light music).

9. The Republic of Moldova has a total of 22 theatrical performance institutions: 18 drama theatres, an opera
and ballet theatre, an ethno-folkloric theatre and 2 puppet shows. 17 are situated in the country capital and
5 – in other areas. The most important theaters successfully participate in festivals abroad, organize
international festivals inside the country, tours to France, Italy, USA, Russia, Japan, China, Romania, other
countries.

10. Moldovan cuisine has had a great influence on the traditional food of the other nationalities that live on this
territory. At the same time some elements have been incorporated from Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Gagauzian
and Russian cuisine, as well as elements taken some centuries ago from Greek and Turkish food.

12. Chisinau is closer to European values, business and comfort. This is a youthful city due to the large number
of schools, universities, and jobs. In Chisinau, people follow the fashion trends. It is the place where most
business is done, and daily cultural events are happening. There are many enjoyable activities in this city:
Theaters, Opera, Concerts, Movies, Sports, Dance, delicious food, outdoor festivals and activities, and much
more.

15. Wine growing in Moldova is a century-old tradition. The famous Moldovan wines are well known and
appreciated at home and far beyond the country borders. The wines can be dry, sweet and strong, they have
a varied bouquet of flavours and colours. For wine producing European vines are used such as: Sauvignon,
Cabernet, Muscat, etc., as well as Moldovan varieties: Feteasca, Black Rara, Moldova, etc.

17. Natural monuments: Prut Toltres, Natural unity “The Hundred Knolls”, "Emil Racovita" Cave, Taul Park
Reservations: “Padurea din Domneasca” Reservation, "Codrii" Reservation,
„Iagorlîc” Reservation, „Prutul de Jos” Reservation, „Plaiul Fagului” Reservation
Museums: "Alexei Mateevici" House & Museum, "Alexandr Pushkin" House & Museum, "Constantin
Stamati" House & Museum, Igor Vieru House and Museum, Museum Complex "Old Orhei", National
Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, National Archaeology and History Museum of Moldova, the
Museum of Popular Art, National Gagauz history and ethnographic museum "Dumitru Cara-Ciobanu"
Сountry estates: "Zamfir Ralli-Arbore" Mansion, the Hunting Castle of Manuc Bei
Monasteries and Churches: Capriana Monastery, Hincu Monastery, Rudi Monastery, Saharna Monastery,
Tipova Monastery, Curchi Monastery, Frumoasa Monastery, Cosauti Monastery, Japca Monastery, the
Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church
Wineries: Cricova Winery, Milestii Mici Winery, Purcari Winery, Cojusna Winery

18. Old monasteries, slumberous forests, endless hills, fair sky and friendly sun give a special charm to this
country. People from Moldova are famous for their hospitality. They are always happy to host you in their
houses, to tell you about their culture and traditions, to treat you with their wine... Come to Moldova and
you will find yourself in the world which delights both your soul and eye.

20. M magic
O optimistic
L liberal
D dynamic
O open
V valuable
A ambitious

21. KEEP
CALM
AND
LOVE
MOLDOVA