Country Overview
The Republic of Moldova is home to 4,460,000 people. It covers 13,143 square miles and is bordered by the Ukraine on one side and Romania on the other.

The capital city is Chisinau, population 735,000.

The language of Moldova is Romanian, although Russian and a Turkish dialect called Gagauz are also spoken. The majority of the people are of Moldavian-Romanian descent, with sizable Ukrainian and Russian communities as well. Gagauz, Jewish and Bulgarian minorities comprise the remainder of the population.

The chief unit of currency is the Moldavian leu (MDL).

Moldova is a Republic led by a president and a prime minister.
Moldavian citizens can vote at age 18. Two years of military service are mandatory for all men over 18.

Moldova has a long history of border disputes and struggle for freedom from occupation by political empires, first the Ottomans and more recently the Soviets, who established control in 1944. The collapse of Soviet Communism in the 1980's led to the rise of the nationalist Moldavian Popular Front.

After years of political readjustment, Moldova finally declared full independence in 1991, and communist Mircea Snegur as its first democratically elected president. The Republic's flag includes a band of red to represent the blood spilled in the fight for independence.

Presently, Moldova is in a state of economic, social and political transformation. The main focus of the new administration is the establishment of a firm foundation for the post-Communist economy. The citizens of Moldova are adjusting as well, as their society finds a new identity in the Republic of Moldova.

Moldova has a rich folk tradition, with fiery-spirited dances and songs. The dancers wear brightly embroidered dirndls and tunics as they move about to the accompaniment of bagpipes, flutes and violins. The Zhok Dance Ensemble is a source of national pride.

Famous musicians include the composer Eugeniu Dogha and singer Maria Bieshu, who is said by some to have been the best Madam Butterfly ever. Opera singer Michail Munteanu is well known in Europe.

Winemaking is a long standing tradition, and an important part of Moldavian life. The country is home to some of the largest vineyards in Europe. Many Moldavian wines and cognacs are of superior quality, and it is rumored that the wine 'Kagor' is a favorite of the Queen of England. Carpet weaving is another fine craft, and Moldavian carpets are well sought after in international markets.

Traditional foods of Moldova include grilled minced meat rolls, peppers and leeks stuffed with meat, sour soup with beans, and cottage cheese pie.

A particularly popular dish is tochitura Moldoveneasca, pan-fried pork in a spicy pepper sauce served with mamaliga (soft corn meal mush) and topped with fried egg. Jellied pork is a traditional holiday dish.

Meals in Moldova revolve around a main course of meat, fish or eggs. Tea is typically drunk throughout the day, with a tasty Moldavian wine enjoyed with dinner.

Breakfast and dinner are light meals of yogurt, porridge, poached eggs or bread served with tea or coffee.

Lunch is a large three-course meal. It typically begins with a soup course, and salad is generally eaten with the main course of meat or fish. Dessert is often apple pie, fruit salad or ice cream.

School
Education is compulsory from age 7 to 16 in Moldova. It is free, and the school year runs from September until June. Students generally attend classes from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. five days a week.

The general education system is divided into three levels. Primary education is comprised of the first four years, also called 'forms'. The second four years (or 'forms') are the 'gymnasium' level, and the final three are the 'lyceum'. Students who complete all levels successfully are awarded a Baccalaureate Diploma.

Nursery school and kindergarten are optional.

Continuing education rates are high, with almost two thirds of high school graduates going on to college.

Teenagers
Popular forms of recreation for Moldavian teenagers are similar to those in the U.S. -- meeting friends, going to parties, playing sports, listening to music and dancing. Teens often gather in cafÈs or at each other's homes. At about 15, they start going to dance clubs. In the summer, they often go to the countryside and have barbecues.

The most popular sports are football, basketball, volleyball, swimming and bodybuilding.

Many teens play a musical instrument, such as piano, guitar, or violin. The Moldavian national instrument is the nai, or panflute, which is popular as well.

Clothing styles are the same as for teens in most countries -- jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, and sneakers.

Teens start dating at age 15-16.

AIDS, sex and birth control are not openly discussed in public. Many people feel that these are private issues to be discussed at home.

Most teens do have a curfew, although times vary individually.

In Moldova, the legal age to obtain a driver's license is 18. Few teens drive or own cars, as it is significantly more expensive than in the U.S.

The legal drinking age in Moldova is 18, but the laws are not strictly upheld. It is normal for teens to drink on holidays and special occasions, such as birthdays and New Years Eve. Because it is more acceptable than in the U.S., drinking is not the 'thrill' that it can be for American teens. Drinking is often a part of social gatherings, but Moldavian teens don't generally drink for the sole purpose of getting drunk.

Community
Many middle class families have cable TV. The average teen may watch 1-2 hours on weekdays, and 3-4 hours on the weekends.
The typical business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is an hour break for lunch.

Cars are very expensive, so public transportation is the most common means of travel.

There are programs to recycle metal and glass.

The Family Generally, most families will have two working parents. However, in light of recent increases in unemployment, many families have only one parent working.

The average number of children varies from urban to rural areas. In the city, families have an average of 2 children, while in the country villages they tend to have 3-4 children. Pets are fairly common. Favorite pets are dogs, cats and birds.

Divorce rates are on the rise in Moldova. Some statistics show divorce rates as high as 50.

It is very common for Moldavians to live at home until they get married, generally at age 23-24.

Only very wealthy families can afford a housekeeper in Moldova. As a rule, most teens have designated household chores and must tend to their own space in the home.

Until recently, it was typical for elderly parents to live with their children. However, young couples today are more independent, and it is becoming less common for extended families to share a home.

Customs When strangers meet for the first time, they usually shake hands.

Upon meeting someone they know, men will generally shake hands and say 'hello', 'good day', etc. Women who know each other generally kiss as a form of greeting, with a 'hello' to their friend as well. As a sign of respect, a man will often kiss a woman's hand.

98.5% of Moldavians follow the Eastern Orthodox religion. The remaining 1.5% of Moldavians are Jewish. People do not attend religious services very often, but there is a growing trend in the celebration of religious holidays.

The most important holidays in Moldova are New Year's Day, Christmas, International Women's day, Easter, Martisor (the first day of spring), and Moldavian Independence Day, which is August 27.

Moldavians have a tree and exchange presents on New Year's Eve. Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, and is primarily a feast day.

International Women's Day is celebrated on the 8th of March, and is an official public holiday. It is typical for women to receive presents from men on this day.

Martisor is the Moldavian name for the month of March. Moldavians exchange gifts of small amulets on this day, which they wear until Easter. The amulet is meant to bring health and beauty.

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