2014 Edition

Background

Part of Romania during the interwar period, Moldova was incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although the country has been independent from the USSR since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Nistru River supporting the separatist region of Transnistria, composed of a Slavic majority population (mostly Ukrainians and Russians), but with a sizeable ethnic Moldovan minority. One of the poorest nations in Europe, Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a communist, Vladimir VORONIN, as its president in 2001. VORONIN served as Moldova's president until he resigned in September 2009, following the opposition's gain of a narrow majority in July parliamentary elections and the Communist Party's (PCRM) subsequent inability to attract the three-fifths of parliamentary votes required to elect a president and, by doing so, put into place a permanent government. Four Moldovan opposition parties formed a new coalition, the Alliance for European Integration (AEI), iterations of which have acted as Moldova's governing coalitions since. Moldova experienced significant political uncertainty between 2009 and early 2012, holding three general elections and numerous presidential ballots in parliament, all of which failed to secure a president. Following November 2010 parliamentary elections, a reconstituted AEI-coalition consisting of three of the four original AEI parties formed a government, and in March 2012 was finally able to elect an independent as president. As of late May 2013, the ruling coalition - comprised of two of the original AEI parties and a splinter group from a third - is called the Pro-European Coalition. In November 2013, the Moldovan Government initialed an Association Agreement with the European Union (EU), advancing the coalition's policy priority of EU integration.

Area

33,851 sq km 32,891 sq km 960 sq km

total

33,851 sq km

water

960 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than Maryland

Climate

moderate winters, warm summers

Coastline

0 km (landlocked)

Elevation extremes

Dniester (Nistru) 2 m Dealul Balanesti 430 m

highest point

Dealul Balanesti 430 m

lowest point

Dniester (Nistru) 2 m

Environment - current issues

heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater; extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods

Environment - international agreements

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands none of the selected agreements

party to

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

1.07 cu km/yr (14%/83%/4%) 290 cu m/yr (2010)

per capita

290 cu m/yr (2010)

total

1.07 cu km/yr (14%/83%/4%)

Geographic coordinates

47 00 N, 29 00 E

Geography - note

landlocked; well endowed with various sedimentary rocks and minerals including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone

Irrigated land

2,283 sq km (2011)

Land boundaries

1,390 km Romania 450 km, Ukraine 940 km

border countries

Romania 450 km, Ukraine 940 km

total

1,390 km

Land use

53.47% 8.77% 37.75% (2011)

arable land

53.47%

other

37.75% (2011)

permanent crops

8.77%

Location

Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

Natural hazards

landslides

Natural resources

lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, arable land, limestone

Terrain

rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea

Total renewable water resources

11.65 cu km (2011)

Age structure

17.7% (male 326,968/female 306,948) 14.2% (male 262,559/female 246,283) 43.9% (male 785,392/female 786,421) 13.1% (male 214,899/female 255,046) 10.7% (male 151,629/female 247,143) (2014 est.)

0-14 years

17.7% (male 326,968/female 306,948)

15-24 years

14.2% (male 262,559/female 246,283)

25-54 years

43.9% (male 785,392/female 786,421)

55-64 years

13.1% (male 214,899/female 255,046)

65 years and over

10.7% (male 151,629/female 247,143) (2014 est.)

Birth rate

12.21 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Child labor - children ages 5-14

72,364 16 % (2009 est.)

percentage

16 % (2009 est.)

total number

72,364

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

3.2% (2005)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

67.8% (2005)

Death rate

12.6 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Dependency ratios

39.3 % 23.2 % 16.1 % 6.2 (2014 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

16.1 %

potential support ratio

6.2 (2014 est.)

total dependency ratio

39.3 %

youth dependency ratio

23.2 %

Drinking water source

urban: 99.5% of population rural: 93.7% of population total: 96.5% of population urban: 0.5% of population rural: 6.3% of population total: 3.5% of population (2012 est.)

rural

6.3% of population

total

3.5% of population (2012 est.)

urban

0.5% of population

Education expenditures

8.4% of GDP (2012)

Ethnic groups

Moldovan 75.8%, Ukrainian 8.4%, Russian 5.9%, Gagauz 4.4%, Romanian 2.2%, Bulgarian 1.9%, other 1%, unspecified 0.4% internal disputes with ethnic Slavs in the Transnistrian region (2004 est.)

Health expenditures

11.4% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.7% (2012 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

1,300 (2012 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

18,700 (2012 est.)

Hospital bed density

6.2 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

12.93 deaths/1,000 live births 14.82 deaths/1,000 live births 10.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)

female

10.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)

total

12.93 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Moldovan 58.8% (official; virtually the same as the Romanian language), Romanian 16.4%, Russian 16%, Ukrainian 3.8%, Gagauz 3.1% (a Turkish language), Bulgarian 1.1%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.4% percentages represent lanugage usually spoken (2004 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

70.12 years 66.25 years 74.24 years (2014 est.)

female

74.24 years (2014 est.)

total population

70.12 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 99% 99.5% 98.5% (2011 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

98.5% (2011 est.)

male

99.5%

total population

99%

Major urban areas - population

CHISINAU (capital) 677,000 (2011)

Maternal mortality rate

41 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

35.7 years 33.9 years 37.7 years (2014 est.)

female

37.7 years (2014 est.)

male

33.9 years

total

35.7 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

23.7 (2011 est.)

Nationality

Moldovan(s) Moldovan

adjective

Moldovan

noun

Moldovan(s)

Net migration rate

-9.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

21.2% (2008)

Physicians density

3.64 physicians/1,000 population (2011)

Population

3,583,288 (July 2014 est.)

Population growth rate

-1.02% (2014 est.)

Religions

Orthodox 93.3%, Baptist 1%, other Christian 1.2%, other 0.9%, atheist 0.4%, none 1%, unspecified 2.2% (2004 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 89.2% of population rural: 84.4% of population total: 86.7% of population urban: 10.8% of population rural: 15.6% of population total: 13.3% of population (2012 est.)

rural

15.6% of population

total

13.3% of population (2012 est.)

urban

10.8% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

12 years 12 years 12 years (2012)

female

12 years (2012)

male

12 years

total

12 years

Sex ratio

1.06 male(s)/female 1.07 male(s)/female 1.07 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female 0.6 male(s)/female 0.94 male(s)/female (2014 est.)

0-14 years

1.07 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.07 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.6 male(s)/female

at birth

1.06 male(s)/female

total population

0.94 male(s)/female (2014 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.56 children born/woman (2014 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

13.1% 12.8% 13.4% (2012)

female

13.4% (2012)

total

13.1%

Urbanization

47.7% of total population (2011) 0.79% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.79% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

47.7% of total population (2011)

Administrative divisions

32 raions (raioane, singular - raion), 3 municipalities (municipii, singular - municipiul), 1 autonomous territorial unit (unitatea teritoriala autonoma), and 1 territorial unit (unitatea teritoriala) Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Briceni, Cahul, Cantemir, Calarasi, Causeni, Cimislia, Criuleni, Donduseni, Drochia, Dubasari, Edinet, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Hincesti, Ialoveni, Leova, Nisporeni, Ocnita, Orhei, Rezina, Riscani, Singerei, Soldanesti, Soroca, Stefan-Voda, Straseni, Taraclia, Telenesti, Ungheni Balti, Bender, Chisinau Gagauzia Stinga Nistrului (Transnistria)

autonomous territorial unit

Gagauzia

municipalities

Balti, Bender, Chisinau

raions

Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Briceni, Cahul, Cantemir, Calarasi, Causeni, Cimislia, Criuleni, Donduseni, Drochia, Dubasari, Edinet, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Hincesti, Ialoveni, Leova, Nisporeni, Ocnita, Orhei, Rezina, Riscani, Singerei, Soldanesti, Soroca, Stefan-Voda, Straseni, Taraclia, Telenesti, Ungheni

territorial unit

Stinga Nistrului (Transnistria)

Capital

Chisinau in Romanian (Kishinev in Russian) pronounced KEE-shee-now (KIH-shi-nyev) 47 00 N, 28 51 E UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

47 00 N, 28 51 E

name

Chisinau in Romanian (Kishinev in Russian)

time difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Constitution

previous 1978; latest adopted 29 July 1994, effective 27 August 1994; amended 2003 (2011)

Country name

Republic of Moldova Moldova Republica Moldova Moldova Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic

conventional long form

Republic of Moldova

conventional short form

Moldova

former

Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form

Republica Moldova

local short form

Moldova

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador William H. MOSER (since 6 September 2011) 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009 use embassy street address [373] (22) 40-8300 [373] (22) 23-3044

chief of mission

Ambassador William H. MOSER (since 6 September 2011)

embassy

103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009

FAX

[373] (22) 23-3044

mailing address

use embassy street address

telephone

[373] (22) 40-8300

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Igor MUNTEANU (since 7 September 2010) 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 667-1130 [1] (202) 667-2624

chancery

2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Igor MUNTEANU (since 7 September 2010)

FAX

[1] (202) 667-2624

telephone

[1] (202) 667-1130

Executive branch

President Nicolae TIMOFTI (since 23 March 2012) Prime Minister Iurie LEANCA (since 25 April 2013; acting until 30 May 2013, sworn in on 31 May 2013) Cabinet selected by president with approval of Parliament president elected by Parliament for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 16 March 2012 (next to be held in March 2016); note - prime minister designated by the president upon consultation with Parliament; within 15 days from designation, the prime minister-designate must request a vote of confidence from the Parliament regarding his/her work program and entire cabinet; the prime minister and Cabinet received a vote of confidence on 30 May 2013 Nicolae TIMOFTI elected president; parliamentary votes - 62 of 101 votes Iurie LEANCA designated prime minister; parliamentary votes of confidence - 58 of 101

cabinet

Cabinet selected by president with approval of Parliament

chief of state

President Nicolae TIMOFTI (since 23 March 2012)

election results

Nicolae TIMOFTI elected president; parliamentary votes - 62 of 101 votes Iurie LEANCA designated prime minister; parliamentary votes of confidence - 58 of 101

elections

president elected by Parliament for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 16 March 2012 (next to be held in March 2016); note - prime minister designated by the president upon consultation with Parliament; within 15 days from designation, the prime minister-designate must request a vote of confidence from the Parliament regarding his/her work program and entire cabinet; the prime minister and Cabinet received a vote of confidence on 30 May 2013

head of government

Prime Minister Iurie LEANCA (since 25 April 2013; acting until 30 May 2013, sworn in on 31 May 2013)

Flag description

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; emblem in center of flag is of a Roman eagle of gold outlined in black with a red beak and talons carrying a yellow cross in its beak and a green olive branch in its right talons and a yellow scepter in its left talons; on its breast is a shield divided horizontally red over blue with a stylized aurochs head, star, rose, and crescent all in black-outlined yellow; based on the color scheme of the flag of Romania - with which Moldova shares a history and culture - but Moldova's blue band is lighter; the reverse of the flag does not display any coat of arms one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides - the others are Paraguay and Saudi Arabia

Government type

republic

Independence

27 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, CIS, EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of Justice (consists of a chief judges, 3 deputy-chief judges, 45 judges, and 7 assistant judges); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president and 6 judges) note - the Constitutional Court is autonomous to the other branches of government; the Court interprets the Constitution and reviews the constitutionality of parliamentary laws and decisions, decrees of the president, and acts of the government. Supreme Court of Justice judges appointed by Parliament upon the recommendation of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy; all judges serve 4-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court judges appointed 2 each by Parliament, the Moldovan president, and the Higher Council of Magistracy; court president elected by other court judges for a 3-year term; other judges appointed for 6-year terms Courts of Appeal; Court of Business Audit; municipal courts

highest court(s)

Supreme Court of Justice (consists of a chief judges, 3 deputy-chief judges, 45 judges, and 7 assistant judges); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president and 6 judges)

judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court of Justice judges appointed by Parliament upon the recommendation of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy; all judges serve 4-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court judges appointed 2 each by Parliament, the Moldovan president, and the Higher Council of Magistracy; court president elected by other court judges for a 3-year term; other judges appointed for 6-year terms

subordinate courts

Courts of Appeal; Court of Business Audit; municipal courts

Legal system

civil law system with Germanic law influences; Constitutional Court review of legislative acts

Legislative branch

unicameral Parliament or Parlamentul (101 seats; members elected on an at-large basis by popular vote to serve four-year terms) last held on 28 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2014); note - this was the third parliamentary election in less than two years; the earlier parliaments (elected 5 April 2009 and 29 July 2009) were dissolved after they could not elect a presidential candidate with the necessary three-fifths majority percent of vote by party - PCRM 39.3%, PLDM 29.4%, PD 12.7%, PL 10%, other 8.6%; seats by party - PCRM 42, PLDM 32, PD 15, PL 12; note - in November of 2011, 3 legislators defected from the Communist Party (PCRM) and voted with the PLDM, PD, and PL governing coalition - termed the Alliance for European Integration (AEI) - to reach a 62-seat majority sufficient to elect a new president; the 3 former PCRM legislators are now aligned with the Party of Socialists, and in 2012 an additional 5 legislators defected from the PCRM; 1 PLDM legislator also defected and is independent

election results

percent of vote by party - PCRM 39.3%, PLDM 29.4%, PD 12.7%, PL 10%, other 8.6%; seats by party - PCRM 42, PLDM 32, PD 15, PL 12; note - in November of 2011, 3 legislators defected from the Communist Party (PCRM) and voted with the PLDM, PD, and PL governing coalition - termed the Alliance for European Integration (AEI) - to reach a 62-seat majority sufficient to elect a new president; the 3 former PCRM legislators are now aligned with the Party of Socialists, and in 2012 an additional 5 legislators defected from the PCRM; 1 PLDM legislator also defected and is independent

elections

last held on 28 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2014); note - this was the third parliamentary election in less than two years; the earlier parliaments (elected 5 April 2009 and 29 July 2009) were dissolved after they could not elect a presidential candidate with the necessary three-fifths majority

National anthem

"Limba noastra" (Our Language) Alexei MATEEVICI/Alexandru CRISTEA adopted 1994

lyrics/music

Alexei MATEEVICI/Alexandru CRISTEA

name

"Limba noastra" (Our Language)

National holiday

Independence Day, 27 August (1991)

National symbol(s)

aurochs (a type of wild cattle)

Political parties and leaders

Communist Party of the Republic of Moldova or PCRM [Vladimir VORONIN] Democratic Party or PD [Marian LUPU] Liberal Democratic Party or PLDM [Vladimir FILAT] Liberal Party or PL [Mihai GHIMPU] Liberal Reformers Party or PLR [Ion HADARCA] Pro-European Coalition (coalition of the PD, PLDM, and PLR) Christian Democratic People's Party or PPCD [Iurie ROSCA] Conservative Party or PC [Natalia NIRCA] Ecological Party of Moldova "Green Alliance" or PEMAVE [Vladimir BRAGA] European Action Movement or MAE [Veaceslav UNTILA] For Nation and Country Party or PpNT [Sergiu MOCANU] Humanist Party of Moldova or PUM [Valeriu PASAT] Labor Party or PM [Gheorghe SIMA] National Liberal Party or PNL [Vitalia PAVLICENKO] Party of Socialists or PSRM [Igor DODON] Patriots of Moldova Party or PPM [Mihail GARBUZ] Popular Republican Party or PPR [Nicolae ANDRONIC] Republican Party of Moldova or PRM [Andrei STRATAN] Roma Social Political Movement of the Republic of Moldova or MRRM [Ion BUCUR] Social Democratic Party or PSD [Victor SELIN] Social Political Movement "Equality" or MR [Valeriy KLIMENCO] United Moldova Party or PMUEM [Vladimir TURCAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders

NA

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

vegetables, fruits, grapes, grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, tobacco; beef, milk; wine

Budget

$2.931 billion $3.071 billion National Public Budget (2013 est.)

expenditures

$3.071 billion

revenues

$2.931 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-1.8% of GDP (2013 est.)

Central bank discount rate

3.5% (31 December 2013) 4.5% (31 December 2012) this is the basic rate on short-term operations

Commercial bank prime lending rate

12.26% (31 December 2013 est.) 13.34% (31 December 2012 est.)

Current account balance

-$507.7 million (2013 est.) -$495.3 million (2012 est.)

Debt - external

$6.218 billion (30 September, 2013 est.) $5.984 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

33 (2010) 33.2 (2003)

Economy - overview

Despite recent progress, Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in Europe. With a moderate climate and good farmland, Moldova's economy relies heavily on its agriculture sector, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Moldova also depends on annual remittances of about $1.6 billion from the roughly one million Moldovans working in Europe, Russia, and other former Soviet Bloc countries. With few natural energy resources, Moldova imports almost all of its energy supplies from Russia and Ukraine. Moldova's dependence on Russian energy is underscored by a growing $5 billion debt to Russian natural gas supplier Gazprom, largely the result of unreimbursed natural gas consumption in the separatist Transnistria region. In August 2013, work began on a new pipeline between Moldova and Romania that may eventually break Russia's monopoly on Moldova's gas supplies. The government's goal of EU integration has resulted in some market-oriented progress. Moldova experienced better than expected economic growth in 2013 due to increased agriculture production, to economic policies adopted by the Moldovan government since 2009, and to the receipt of EU trade preferences. Moldova is poised to sign an Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU during fall 2014, connecting Moldovan products to the world’s largest market. Still, growth has been hampered by high prices for Russian natural gas, a Russian import ban on Moldovan wine, increased foreign scrutiny of Moldovan agricultural products, and by Moldova’s large external debt. Over the longer term, Moldova's economy remains vulnerable to political uncertainty, weak administrative capacity, vested bureaucratic interests, corruption, higher fuel prices, Russian pressure, and the illegal separatist regime in Moldova's Transnistria region.

Exchange rates

Moldovan lei (MDL) per US dollar - 12.592 (2013 est.) 12.112 (2012 est.) 12.369 (2010 est.) 11.11 (2009) 10.326 (2008)

Exports

$2.399 billion (2013 est.) $2.162 billion (2012 est.)

Exports - commodities

foodstuffs, textiles, machinery

Exports - partners

Russia 26.3%, Romania 17.2%, Italy 7.7%, Ukraine 5.9%, Turkey 5.3%, Germany 4.7%, GB 4.4% (2012 est.)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

92.9% 20.6% 22.6% 1.7% 44.1% -81.9% (2013 est.)

exports of goods and services

44.1%

government consumption

20.6%

household consumption

92.9%

imports of goods and services

-81.9%

investment in fixed capital

22.6%

investment in inventories

1.7%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

13.8% 19.9% 66.2% (2013 est.)

agriculture

13.8%

industry

19.9%

services

66.2% (2013 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$3,800 (2013 est.) $3,500 (2012 est.) $3,500 (2011 est.) data are in 2013 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

8.9% (2013 est.) -0.7% (2012 est.) 6.8% (2011 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$7.932 billion (2013 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$13.25 billion (2013 est.) $12.16 billion (2012 est.) $12.26 billion (2011 est.) data are in 2013 US dollars

Gross national saving

16.9% of GDP (2013 est.) 16.1% of GDP (2012 est.) 11.8% of GDP (2011 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

3.3% 26% (2010 est.)

highest 10%

26% (2010 est.)

lowest 10%

3.3%

Imports

$5.493 billion (2013 est.) $5.213 billion (2012 est.)

Imports - commodities

mineral products and fuel, machinery and equipment, chemicals, textiles

Imports - partners

Russia 14.3%, Romania 13.1%, Ukraine 12%, China 8.7%, Germany 7.2%, Turkey 6.9%, Italy 6.3% (2012 est.)

Industrial production growth rate

6.8% (2013 est.)

Industries

sugar, vegetable oil, food processing, agricultural machinery; foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines; hosiery, shoes, textiles

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

4.6% (2013 est.) 4.6% (2012 est.)

Labor force

1.206 million (2013 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

26.4% 13.2% 60.4% (2012 est.)

agriculture

26.4%

industry

13.2%

services

60.4% (2012 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$65.28 million (31 December 2012 est.) $51.46 million (31 December 2012) $20.71 million

Population below poverty line

21.9% (2010 est.)

Public debt

16.6% of GDP (2013 est.) 17.8% of GDP (2012 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$2.814 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $2.513 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of broad money

$4.974 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $4.088 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$108.2 million (31 December 2012) $88.42 million (31 December 2011)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$3.448 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $3.262 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$2.978 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $2.908 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$2.154 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $1.701 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

37% of GDP (2013 est.)

Unemployment rate

5.8% (2013 est.) 5.6% (2012 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

6.467 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - production

221 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

7,330 bbl (1 January 2013 est.)

Electricity - consumption

4.211 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

96.4% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

3.6% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)

Electricity - imports

3.297 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

439,900 kW excludes Transnistria (2013 est.)

Electricity - production

932 million kWh (2012 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

1.095 billion cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - imports

1.095 billion cu m excludes Transnistria (2012 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2013 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

15,320 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

552 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

15,280 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

321 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Broadcast media

state-owned national radio-TV broadcaster operates 2 TV and 2 radio stations; a total of nearly 40 terrestrial TV channels and some 50 radio stations are in operation; Russian and Romanian channels also are available (2007)

Internet country code

.md

Internet hosts

711,564 (2012)

Internet users

1.333 million (2009)

Telephone system

poor service outside Chisinau; some modernization is under way multiple private operators of GSM mobile-cellular telephone service are operating; GPRS system is being introduced; a CDMA mobile telephone network began operations in 2007; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 100 per 100 persons country code - 373; service through Romania and Russia via landline; satellite earth stations - at least 3 (Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik) (2011)

domestic

multiple private operators of GSM mobile-cellular telephone service are operating; GPRS system is being introduced; a CDMA mobile telephone network began operations in 2007; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 100 per 100 persons

general assessment

poor service outside Chisinau; some modernization is under way

international

country code - 373; service through Romania and Russia via landline; satellite earth stations - at least 3 (Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik) (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

1.206 million (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

4.08 million (2012)

Airports

7 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

2 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

2 (2013)

2,438 to 3,047 m

2

over 3,047 m

1

total

5

Airports - with unpaved runways

1 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

total

2

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 7, cargo 88, carrier 1, chemical tanker 3, passenger/cargo 7, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 11, specialized tanker 1 63 (Bulgaria 1, Denmark 1, Egypt 5, Greece 1, Israel 2, Lebanon 1, Pakistan 1, Romania 2, Russia 5, Syria 5, Turkey 18, UK 3, Ukraine 14, Yemen 4) (2010)

foreign-owned

63 (Bulgaria 1, Denmark 1, Egypt 5, Greece 1, Israel 2, Lebanon 1, Pakistan 1, Romania 2, Russia 5, Syria 5, Turkey 18, UK 3, Ukraine 14, Yemen 4) (2010)

total

121

Pipelines

gas 1,906 km (2013)

Railways

1,190 km 1,176 km 1.520-m gauge 14 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

standard gauge

14 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

total

1,190 km

Roadways

9,352 km 8,835 km 517 km (2012)

total

9,352 km

unpaved

517 km (2012)

Waterways

558 km (in public use on Danube, Dniester and Prut rivers) (2011)

Manpower available for military service

1,143,440 1,156,958 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

1,156,958 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

1,143,440

Manpower fit for military service

875,224 969,903 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

969,903 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

875,224

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

28,213 26,614 (2010 est.)

female

26,614 (2010 est.)

male

28,213

Military branches

National Army: Land Forces Command, Air Forces Command (includes air defense unit), Logistics Command (2013)

National Army

Land Forces Command, Air Forces Command (includes air defense unit), Logistics Command (2013)

Military expenditures

0.3% of GDP (2012) 0.3% of GDP (2011) 0.3% of GDP (2010)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; male registration required at age 16; 1-year service obligation (2012)

Disputes - international

Moldova and Ukraine operate joint customs posts to monitor the transit of people and commodities through Moldova's break-away Transnistria region, which remains under the auspices of an Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe-mandated peacekeeping mission comprised of Moldovan, Transnistrian, Russian, and Ukrainian troops

Illicit drugs

limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for CIS consumption; transshipment point for illicit drugs from Southwest Asia via Central Asia to Russia, Western Europe, and possibly the US; widespread crime and underground economic activity

Refugees and internally displaced persons

1,998 (2012)

stateless persons

1,998 (2012)