People

Who are the Moldavians?

     Moldovans or Moldavians are the native population of the medieval Principality of Moldavia, which nowadays corresponds to 8 north-eastern counties of Romania (out of 41), the Republic of Moldova, and small parts of Ukraine. There is an ongoing political controversy inside as well as outside the Republic of Moldova whether Moldovans constitute a part of the Romanian nation, or whether they form a separate ethnic group. Culturally and linguistically they are related to Romanians. The term Moldovans can also refer to the native population of Moldova and its citizens irrespective of their ethnic affiliation.

Multiethnical Moldova

     Moldova has a population of about 4 440 000. Although it is the most densely populated (132 person per sq km) of the former Soviet Republics it has very few large cities, the most valuable of which is Chisinau, the capital of the Republic. Other important cities are Tiraspol, Tighina (also known as Bender) and Balti. Moldovans constitute 76.1% of the population of Moldova. Their number is greater in the center and north of the Republic than in south. Other large ethnic groups are Ukrainians (13,8%) and Russians (13%). They migrated to Moldova in large numbers after World War II and settled mainly in the cities. Nearly all other people belong to such ethnic groups like Gagauz (3.5%), Bulgarians (2%) and Jews (1.5%). Gagauz are Turkish and Christian people who came to Moldova in the late 18th century. Bulgarians also came to the Republic at the end of 18th century. These 2 groups live mainly in rural area on the south of Moldova. Jews are overwhelmingly urban. They started settling in Bassarabia after 1800. However their number has been greatly reduced by World War II.

The Moldavian essence

     Moldavian people have managed to maintain strong family ties, tradition, a rich culture, a love beauty and the arts. Moldavians are extremely friendly and kind. Also, they love to socialize and make people feel comfortable. Friends will stop by each other’s homes without prior notice because they know they will be welcome. People are also not aggressive or competitive by nature.