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Moldova, as a country, is almost accidental. After World War II parts of Romania were occupied by the Soviets and amalgamated into the Soviet Republic of Moldavia. When The Ukraine split from Russia this tiny sliver of land was isolated and almost forced into independence.
Split in two by the Dniestr river; west of the river is historically Romanian, east historically Ukrainian. Today the eastern side of the country claims it is the Independent State of Trans-Dniestr. The capital of Moldova is Kishinev (often confusingly called Chisnau which, believe it or not is pronounced in the same way).
With the best will in the world Moldova has less to offer the tourist than almost any other country in Europe and how it is to approach its future is unclear.
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© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions and Andrew J. Müller
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller
© Web Design and Layout - Andrew J. Müller
2002
