Moldova: flag, capital, currency and history

Flag of Moldova

Download the flag of Moldova as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇲🇩.

History of Moldova

The lands between the Carpathians and the Dniester were part of the medieval Principality of Moldavia, which emerged in the 14th century. From the 16th century Moldavia was under Ottoman suzerainty. In 1812 the eastern part, known as Bessarabia, was annexed by the Russian Empire. It united with Romania in 1918, was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, and became the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic. Moldova declared independence in 1991 as the Soviet Union dissolved. A conflict in 1992 left the Transnistria region outside central government control, and its status remains disputed. Its capital is Chisinau.

Key dates

1. c. 1359The Principality of Moldavia is established, traditionally under Bogdan I.
2. 16th centuryMoldavia comes under Ottoman suzerainty.
3. 1812The Russian Empire annexes Bessarabia under the Treaty of Bucharest.
4. 1918Bessarabia unites with the Kingdom of Romania.
5. 1940The Soviet Union annexes Bessarabia, and the Moldavian SSR is created.
6. 1991Moldova declares independence on 27 August.
7. 1992Armed conflict with Transnistrian forces ends with a ceasefire.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.

Currency of Moldova

Moldova uses the Moldovan leu (MDL, L). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.

Frequently asked questions

Neighbours of Moldova

RomaniaBucharestUkraineKyiv

More countries in Eastern Europe

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