Moldova

Where the name comes from

Moldova is named after the Moldova River, now in Romania, through the medieval Principality of Moldavia; the river name’s origin is uncertain.

First people

Dacians lived here in ancient times, and the medieval Principality of Moldavia grew between the Carpathians and the Dniester; its people speak Romanian.¹

Known for

Moldova is known for its wine, and its Mileștii Mici cellars hold the largest wine collection in the world.²

Outside contact

Much of today’s Moldova lies in Bessarabia, which Russia annexed in 1812.^3,4

The modern country

It united with Romania in 1918, was taken by the Soviet Union in 1940 and became independent in 1991.³