Moldova is the poorest country in Europe and one of the least recognized globally. Situated in Eastern Europe, between Romania and Ukraine, it has a population of approximately 2.4 million people, representing a rich mix of ethnic groups, including Ukrainians, Gagauz, Roma, Russians, and Bulgarians.
Around 24.5% of the population, or about 640,700 people, live below the poverty line.
Approximately 25.2% of the population, or 610,700 people, are aged 60 and above. Many depend on monthly pensions ranging from 115 to 170 Euros, and during the winter months, they are often forced to choose between food and heating.
In 1992, Moldova faced conflict with the breakaway Transnistria, causing lasting instability and ongoing challenges to its territorial integrity, with Transnistria remaining a Russian-backed separatist region.
In 2020, Moldova elected its first president to distance the country from Russia’s influence, marking a pivotal moment as the last nation to step fully out of the Soviet Union’s shadow.
Moldova is on a clear and determined path toward EU membership, with aspirations to join by 2030.
The official language of Moldova is Romanian.
