Country Profile: Moldova

Moldova, located in Eastern Europe, has a diverse geography characterized by rolling steppes and a moderate climate. With a population of approximately 3.58 million, the country exhibits a rich cultural heritage influenced by its historical ties to both Russia and Romania. Moldova's economy is upper middle-income, primarily driven by agriculture and significant migrant remittances, while it also faces challenges such as a declining workforce and energy dependence on Russia. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Moldova has been navigating its political landscape with various shifts between pro-European and pro-Russian parties.

Geography

Moldova is situated in Eastern Europe, bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south. The country is landlocked with an area of 33,851 square kilometers and features a diverse terrain that slopes gradually towards the Black Sea. Climate conditions include moderate winters and warm summers, which are conducive to agriculture.

• 33,851 sq km - Total area
• 1,885 km - Total land boundaries
• 74.1% - Agricultural land usage (2023)
• 11.3% - Forest cover (2023)
• 430 m - Highest point (Dealul Balanesti)
• 2 m - Lowest point (Dniester River)

People and Society

Moldova's population is estimated at 3,578,930 in 2025, with a notable ethnic composition including Moldovan, Romanian, Ukrainian, and Gagauz communities. The official language is Moldovan, which is largely interchangeable with Romanian. The predominant religion is Orthodox Christianity, with a significant portion of the population identifying as agnostic or atheist.

• 75.1% - Moldovan ethnic majority
• 90.1% - Orthodox Christians
• 40.4 years - Median age (2025)
• -0.57% - Population growth rate (2025)
• 8.35 births/1,000 - Birth rate (2025)
• 43.4% - Urban population (2023)

Economy

Moldova's economy is classified as upper middle-income, with a heavy reliance on agriculture as a major export sector. The country experienced economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic but benefits from significant remittances from Moldovans working abroad. Key industries include food processing and agricultural machinery.

• $39.342 billion - Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
• 1.5% - Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
• 31.1% - Population living below the poverty line (2022 est.)
• 10.5% - Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
• 62.3% - Services sector contribution to GDP (2024 est.)
• $18.2 billion - GDP at official exchange rate (2024 est.)

Government

Moldova operates as a parliamentary republic with a unicameral legislature, known as the Parliament, consisting of 101 seats. Following recent elections, President Maia SANDU and Prime Minister Dorin RECEAN lead the country. The political environment has historically oscillated between pro-European and pro-Russian influences.

• President: Maia SANDU (since 2020)
• Prime Minister: Dorin RECEAN (2023)
• 101 - Number of parliamentary seats
• 18 years - Minimum voting age
• Independence Day: August 27, 1991

Military and Security

Moldova's military is primarily defensive, maintaining a small army to address security challenges, particularly in relation to the breakaway region of Transnistria. The country has a non-aligned status but engages in cooperative relationships with NATO, having enhanced its security agreements in recent years.

• 6,500 - Approximate number of active military personnel (2025)
• 0.6% - Defense expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024)
• 18-27 years - Age range for compulsory military service

Energy

Moldova's energy landscape is heavily reliant on imported natural gas and electricity, primarily from fossil fuels. The country has made strides in increasing its renewable energy sources, though a significant portion of its electricity generation remains fossil fuel-based.

• 100% - Electricity access rate (2022)
• 88% - Fossil fuels contribution to electricity generation (2023)
• 2.223 billion cubic meters - Natural gas consumption (2023)

Environment

Moldova faces environmental challenges, including soil and water pollution due to agricultural practices, and issues related to soil erosion. The country is a party to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these concerns.

• 7.093 million metric tonnes - CO2 emissions total (2023 est.)
• 74.1% - Agricultural land use (2023)
• 36.9% - Municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)

Transportation

Moldova's transportation infrastructure includes a network of railways and roads, with several airports serving civil aviation needs. The country has a developing merchant marine with various types of vessels.

• 1,171 km - Total railway network (2014)
• 10 - Number of airports (2025)
• 75 - Total merchant marine vessels (2023)

Communications

Moldova has a well-developed communications sector with a high percentage of the population using the internet. The telecommunications market features both fixed and mobile services, supporting a robust media landscape.

• 80% - Internet usage rate (2023)
• 3.64 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024)
• 847,000 - Fixed line subscriptions (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,578,930 (2025 est.)
Area	33,851 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$39.342 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	1.5% (2024 est.)
Birth rate	8.35 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Energy consumption per capita	35.686 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Life expectancy	70.1 years (2024 est.)