Lațcu also accepted conversion to Roman Catholicism around 1370, but his gesture was to remain without consequences. It is a village rest with all comforts both in summer and winter seasons. Log In. The fragmentation of the liberal bloc helped consolidate its power. De très nombreux exemples de phrases traduites contenant "Republic of Moldova" – Dictionnaire français-anglais et moteur de recherche de traductions françaises. About 14% of the population did not declare their nationality. The government plans to diversify the energy mix with renewables such as wind and solar. Moldova as a country itself is too small to have a dating site like Russian Cupid, but plenty of Moldova women are registered on that site. [32] The Polish state was powerful enough to counter the Hungarian Kingdom which was consistently interested in bringing the area that would become Moldova into its political orbit. [187], Public expenditure on health was 4.2% of the GDP and private expenditure on health 3.2%. Republic of Moldova Capital: Chisinau . [188] There are about 264 physicians per 100,000 people. In the 19th century, Moldavians from the territories of the medieval Principality of Moldavia, divided into Bessarabia, Bukovina, and Western Moldavia (after 1859, Romania), made a significant contribution to the formation of the modern Romanian culture. The cave was founded in 1959. The European Union adopted the new EU multiannual programing document for the period 2017-2020 (Single Support Framework). Republic of Moldova MONEYVAL profile Democracy through Law. Republic of Moldova. Investigations into activities at these three banks uncovered large-scale fraud by means of fraudulent loans to business entities controlled by a Moldovan-Israeli business oligarch, Ilan Shor, of funds worth about 1 billion U.S. Romanian forces, working with the Germans, deported or massacred about 300,000 Jews, including 147,000 from Bessarabia and Bukovina. [84] The Constitutional court repealed the decision on 15 June effectively ending the crisis. [185] The maternal mortality rate was 41 deaths/100,000 live births (in 2010)[186] and the infant mortality rate was 12.59 deaths/1,000 live births (in 2015). The touristic complex Chateau Vartely is situated in 45 km of Chisinau, in Orhei city. The Moldovan armed forces consists of the Ground Forces and Air Force. He has been fittingly dubbed "Epic Sax Guy". Igor Hîncu este fondatorul companiei EduJoc, care s-a remarcat pe piața din Republica Moldova prin viziunea sa neordinară față de producția companiei și prin demonstrarea spiritului civic de fiecare dată când societatea avea nevoie. [151], In September 2009, Moldova was the first country in the world to launch high-definition voice services (HD voice) for mobile phones, and the first country in Europe to launch 14.4 Mbit/s mobile broadband on a national scale, with over 40% population coverage. In a country with a population of 3.5 million, of which 1 million are abroad, there are more than 700,000 pensioners. National Commission of the Republic of Moldova for UNESCO Str. Also, for the first time, the population had the option to identify as "Transnistrian". Since 1996, the Republic of Moldova has been a full member of La Francophonie. [82] However, on 8 June, the NOW Platform DA and PAS reached an agreement with the Socialist party forming a government led by Maia Sandu as the new prime minister, pushing the Democratic Party out of power. The main means of transportation in Moldova are railways 1,138 km (707 mi) and a highway system (12,730 km or 7,910 mi overall, including 10,937 km or 6,796 mi of paved surfaces). Among most prominent classical musicians in Moldova are Maria Bieșu, one of the leading world's sopranos and the winner of the Japan International Competition; pianist Mark Zeltser, winner of the USSR National Competition, Margueritte Long Competition in Paris and Busoni Competition in Bolzano, Italy. Find information about the administration activities of Republic of Moldova [44] During this time there were anti-Semitic riots, leading to an exodus of thousands of Jews to the United States.[45]. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, a Bessarabian parliament, Sfatul Țării (a National Council), was elected in October–November 1917 and opened on December 3 [O.S. In November 2014, Moldova's central bank took control of Banca de Economii, the country's largest lender, and two smaller institutions, Banca Sociala and Unibank. Interest. The gross average monthly salary in the Republic of Moldova has registered a steady positive growth after 1999, being 5906 lei or 298 euros in 2018. 1.500 de porci din regiunea Nistrului sunt fericiți, grație fondurilor UE . Christmas is celebrated either on 7 January, the traditional date in Old Calendarists Eastern Orthodox Churches, or on 25 December, with both dates being recognized as public holidays.[197]. As a part of an ambitious economic liberalization effort, Moldova introduced a convertible currency, liberalized all prices, stopped issuing preferential credits to state enterprises, backed steady land privatization, removed export controls, and liberalized interest rates. Rugby union is popular as well. The retirement age will be lifted gradually by a few months every year until it is fully in effect in 2028. Trîntă (a form of wrestling) is the national sport in Moldova. Despite being disfavored by the brief union of Angevin Poland and Hungary (the latter was still the country's overlord), Bogdan's successor Lațcu, the Moldavian ruler also likely allied himself with the Poles. In the region east of the Dniester river, Transnistria, which includes a large proportion of predominantly russophone East Slavs of Ukrainian (28%) and Russian (26%) descent (altogether 54% as of 1989), an independent Pridnestrovian Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed on 16 August 1990, with its capital in Tiraspol. Due to its strategic location on a route between Asia and Europe, the territory of modern Moldova experienced many invasions in late antiquity and the Early Middle Ages, including by Goths, Huns, Avars, Bulgarians, Magyars, Pechenegs, Cumans, Mongols and Tatars. ", "Moldova Faces Turmoil as Court Outlaws New Govt", "A Constitutional Crisis in Moldova Produces an Unexpected Alliance", "Moldova Had Two Governments. [143] Moldova is a partner country of the EU INOGATE energy programme, which has four key topics: enhancing energy security, convergence of member state energy markets on the basis of EU internal energy market principles, supporting sustainable energy development, and attracting investment for energy projects of common and regional interest. [53][54] The newly communist Russia did not recognize Romanian rule over Bessarabia, considering it an occupation of Russian territory.[55]. Cambodia. Faits et informations sur la maladie du coronavirus (COVID-19) et la faune migratrice. or. [121] Excessive use of pesticides resulted in heavily polluted topsoil, and industries lacked emission controls. The western border of Moldova is formed by the Prut river, which joins the Danube before flowing into the Black Sea. While it received a setback in 1906–1907, the movement re-emerged even stronger in 1917. It is based on the Eastern Partnershippriorities to achieve a: 1/stronger economy, 2/ stronger governance, 3/ stronger connectivity and 4/ stronger society. The theme of the musical group is "Anonymous" as they perform with painted faces, hoodies and sunglasses. "[110] Moldova "has made noteworthy progress" on religious freedom since the era of the Soviet Union, but it can still take further steps to foster diversity," said the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief Heiner Bielefeldt, in Chișinău, in September 2011. Action of the Council of Europe in the Republic of Moldova The urbanization rate was 69.9%. Argentina. Lilian Mindov, Land Relations and Cadaster Agency, Republic of Moldova PDF Delimitation of public patrimony Cristina Nicolaescu, State Enterprise "Institute of Design for Territory Organization" PDF Presentations - Day 2: Presentation of the Action Plan Elena Bejenaru, Ministry or Regional Development and Construction, Republic of Moldova PDF After the constitutional referendum aimed to approve the reform failed in September 2010,[74] the parliament was dissolved again and a new parliamentary election was scheduled for 28 November 2010. If you continue browsing the site, you agree to the use of cookies on this website. Zamoyski reinstalled Ieremia Movilă to the throne, who put the country under the vassalage of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Corporate governance in the banking sector is a major concern. The signing comes after the accord has been initialed in Vilnius in November 2013. 27 March] 1918, the Sfatul Țării decided with 86 votes for, 3 against and 36 abstaining, to unite with the Kingdom of Romania. In the east, the Dniester is the main river, flowing through the country from north to south, receiving the waters of Răut, Bîc, Ichel, Botna. The original goal was to provide continuous support to health authorities and partners in improving population health through evidence-based, sustainable public health and health care interventions as well as to advice on health in all policies. [190], The percentage of adults (aged 15–49) living with HIV/AIDS was estimated in 2009 at 0.40%. Community See All. The early 2000s also saw a considerable growth of emigration of Moldovans looking for work (mostly illegally) in Russia (especially the Moscow region), Italy, Portugal, Spain, and other countries; remittances from Moldovans abroad account for almost 38% of Moldova's GDP, the second-highest percentage in the world, after Tajikistan (45%).[68][69]. Moldova is divided into 32 districts (raioane, singular raion), three municipalities and two autonomous regions (Gagauzia and Transnistria). Moldova reported 29 cases of the disease on 17 March 2020. 8 December] 1917). SunStroke Project featured again in the 2017 Eurovision entry "Hey Mama" which got third place.[196]. Between 2 March and 26 July 1992, the conflict escalated into a military engagement. According to the 2014 census preliminary data, 2,998,235 inhabitants lived in Moldova (within the areas controlled by the central government), an 11.3% decrease from the figure recorded at the 2004 census. The president appoints a prime minister who functions as the head of government, and who in turn assembles a cabinet, both subject to parliamentary approval. Since 2000 the GDP (PPP) has had a steady growth as follows:[16][128]. harvnb error: no target: CITEREFJackson2009 (, sfn error: no target: CITEREFSălăgean2005 (, sfn error: no target: CITEREFSpinei1986 (, sfn error: no target: CITEREFVásáry2005 (, Cristina Petrescu, "Contrasting/Conflicting Identities:Bessarabians, Romanians, Moldovans" in, Andrew Higgins, "In Expanding Russian Influence, Faith Combines With Firepower,", compelled to cede Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development, Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, Commission for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship in Moldova, Pridnestrovian Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova, Parliament failed to elect a new president, Commission for constitutional reform in Moldova, Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine, Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Learn how and when to remove this template message, controversy over ethnic and linguistic identity in Moldova, Moldovan Intelligence and Security Service, "The text of the Declaration of Independence prevails over the text of the Constitution", "Moldova: Romanian Recognized as the Official Language", "Președintele CCM: Constituția nu conferă limbii ruse un statut deosebit de cel al altor limbi minoritare", "Chişinău, (21.01.2021) Judecătorii constituționali au decis că limba rusă nu va avea statutul de limbă de comunicare interetnică pe teritoriul Republicii Moldova", "Președintele CC Domnica Manole, explică de ce a fost anulată legea cu privire la statutul special pentru limbia rusă", https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.PP.CD?locations=MD, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD?locations=MD, "The World Factbook — Central Intelligence Agency", http://www.natura2000oltenita-chiciu.ro/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Moldova-Pitoreasca-Picturesque-Moldavia-pdf-Vladimir-Toncea.pdf, "The End of the Soviet Union; Text of Accords by Former Soviet Republics Setting Up a Commonwealth", "GEOARCHAEOLOGY OF THE EARLIEST PALEOLITHIC SITES (OLDOWAN) IN THE NORTH CAUCASUS AND THE EAST EUROPE", "Phase and chemical composition analysis of pigments used in Cucuteni Neolithic painted ceramics", "Cetatea Soroca a Moldovei (1499 – prezent)", Letopiseţul ţărâi Moldovei, de când s-au descălecat ţara, "Bessarabia, Chapter X: The Survival of Roumanian", "Bessarabia, Chapter VIII: Russia Organizes the Province". [177] Likewise, more than half of preschool children in Moldova benefit from Romania funded program to renovate and equip kindergartens. [35] Moldavian chronicle Grigore Ureche which mentions that in 1584, some Moldavian villages from beyond the Dniester in the Kingdom of Poland were attacked and plundered by Cossacks. Throughout this period, SPPS employees showed professionalism, impeccable physical abilities, intellectual training and loyalty to those to whom they offered protection. [164], According to the last census in Transnistria (October 2015), the population of the region was 475,373, a 14.47% decrease from the figure recorded at the 2004 census. These efforts have helped maintain macroeconomic and financial stability under difficult external circumstances, enabled the resumption of economic growth and contributed to establishing an environment conducive to the economy's further growth and development in the medium term. Since the early 2000s, economic growth has averaged 4.6 per cent annually. The country is committed to implement the 2030 Agenda through combined efforts of key stakeholders to eliminate all forms of poverty, combat inequalities and tackle environmental and climate change, ensuring that no one is left behind.. [188] Health expenditure was US$138 (PPP) per capita in 2004. [19] The origin of the name of the river remains unclear. The name "Moldova" is derived from the Moldova River; the valley of this river was a political center when the Principality of Moldavia was founded in 1359 Welcome to Honorary Consulate of Moldova , … The Jewish minority was more numerous in the past (228,620 Jews in Bessarabia in 1897, or 11.8% of the population). Republic of Moldova Moldova is almost fully dependent on fossil fuel and electricity imports, with natural gas serving most of its energy needs. [129] Monetary policy has been successful in maintaining inflation within the NBM's target range. Carla's Dreams reached the top charts in multiple countries in Europe with the release of their song "Sub Pielea Mea" in 2016. [121], The environment of Moldova suffered extreme degradation during the Soviet period, when industrial and agricultural development proceeded without regard for environmental protection. About See All +373 691 64 312. www.ipsc.md. The Giurgiulești terminal on the Danube is compatible with small seagoing vessels. The territory of Moldova east of the river Dniester is split between parts of the Podolian Plateau, and parts of the Eurasian Steppe. The highest temperature ever recorded in Moldova was 41.5 °C (106.7 °F) on 21 July 2007 in Camenca. [16] The capital city is Chișinău. But "Transnistrian authorities continued to harass independent media and opposition lawmakers; restrict freedom of association, movement, and religion; and discriminate against Romanian speakers. [57] Between 1941 and 1944 partisan detachments acted against the Romanian administration. [46] On April 9 [O.S. Moldova has a climate which is moderately continental; its proximity to the Black Sea leads to the climate being mildly cold in the autumn and winter and relatively cool in the spring and summer.[115]. There are 3 historical wine regions: Valul lui Traian (south west), Stefan Voda (south east) and Codru (center), destined for the production of wines with protected geographic indication. His reign was one of the most successful in Moldavia's history. Employers stipulating jobs to persons of vulnerable groups to get subsidies in Moldova The Law on promotion of employment and... 10.08.2018. It had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 2.2/10, ranking it 158th globally out of 172 countries. Moldova's dependence on Russian energy is underscored by a growing US$5 billion debt to Russian natural gas supplier Gazprom, largely the result of unreimbursed natural gas consumption in the separatist Transnistria region. The Court is invested with the power of judicial review over all acts of the parliament, over presidential decrees, and over international treaties, signed by the country.[89]. In August 1939, the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and its secret additional protocol were signed, by which Nazi Germany recognized Bessarabia as being within the Soviet sphere of influence, which led the latter to actively revive its claim to the region. [188], Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, the country has seen a decrease in spending on health care and, as a result, the tuberculosis incidence rate in the country has grown. Following a period of political instability and massive public protests, a new Government led by Pavel Filip was invested in January 2016. The founding of the Principality of Moldavia began with the arrival of a Vlach voivode (military leader), Dragoș, soon followed by his people from Maramureș to the region of the Moldova River. Although only 4.1% are ethnic Russians, Russian is still used as the main language by 14.5% of the total population. [168][169] The Constitution of 1994 stated that the national language of the Republic of Moldova was Moldovan, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet. Germany's broadcaster Deutsche Welle also raised concerns over the alleged influence of Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc over the Filip government.[80]. The Moldavian Democratic Republic (Romanian: Republica Democratică Moldovenească), also known as the Moldavian Republic, was a state proclaimed on December 15 [O.S. [127], After the breakup from the USSR in 1991, energy shortages, political uncertainty, trade obstacles and weak administrative capacity contributed to the decline of economy. On 26 December 1991, the Soviet Union ceased to exist. It is home to three terrestrial ecoregions: Central European mixed forests, East European forest steppe, and Pontic steppe. Ialpug flows into one of the Danube limans, while Cogâlnic into the Black Sea chain of limans. Produsul intern brut în anul 2012, date actualizate, Produsul intern brut în Republica Moldova în anul 2013, date actualizate, Economia Moldovei a înregistrat o crestere de 4,6%, în 2014, și constituie 111 miliarde de lei, "Economia Republicii Moldova, în SCĂDERE în 2015; Ultimele cifre de la Statistică", "BNS: Economia Republicii Moldova a crescut cu 4,5% în anul 2017", "Salariului mediu lunar pe economie in anul 2018 este de 6150 lei / Editorial / Monitorul fiscal FISC.md", "INS: Salariul mediu pe economie, în creştere în iunie", "Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part", "Download entire World Economic Outlook database", http://www.natura2000oltenita-chiciu.ro/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wine-Road-in-Republic-of-Moldova-processed-by-Vladimir-Toncea.pdf, "Where in the world is the largest wine cellar? The new coalition and Igor Dodon argued that the president may call snap elections after consulting the parliament but is not obligated. Moldova is a partner country of the Eastern Partnership within the European Neighbourhood Policy. This article is about the modern state. [187] The life expectancy in 2015 was estimated at 70.42 years (66.55 years male, 74.54 years female). Ruxandra Lupu, the daughter of Moldavian voivode Vasile Lupu who married Tymish Khmelnytsky, lived in Rașcov according to Ukrainian tradition. 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 separatist regime in Moldova's Transnistria region. In Republic of Moldova, from Jan 3 to 3:59pm CET, 3 February 2021, there have been 160,725 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 3,462 deaths. [citation needed] Infotag is the state news agency. [121] Founded in 1990, the Ecological Movement of Moldova, a national, non-governmental, nonprofit organization which is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature has been working to restore the damage to Moldova's natural environment. The government's goal of EU integration has resulted in some market-oriented progress. Then Zdob și Zdub again represented Moldova in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest finishing 12th. Republic of Moldova The MigApp is IOM’s institutional tool that leverages current technology and the widespread use of mobile telecommunications to bring a secure, objective and user-friendly downloadable app which serves as a one-stop-shop platform where migrants can access current, reliable and practical information and IOM services. The WHO Country Office in the Republic of Moldova was established in 1995, in Chisinau. In 1971, the Council of Ministers of the USSR adopted a decision "About the measures for further development of the city of Kishinev" (modern Chișinău), that allotted more than one billion Soviet rubles (approximately 6.8 billion in 2018 US dollars) from the USSR budget for building projects.[63]. The band SunStroke Project with Olia Tira represented the country in the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest with their hit song "Run Away". Forgot account? Dragoș established a polity there as a vassal to the Kingdom of Hungary in the 1350s. USD 17.4204 ; EUR 20.8880 ; RUB 0.2305 ; RON 4.2849 ; UAH 0.6252 ; Weather forecast . After the Russian Revolution of 1905, a Romanian nationalist movement started to develop in Bessarabia. Trains between Republic of Moldova and Ukraine and between Republic of Moldova and Moscow will be suspended from 17 March in order to prevent the spread the virus. [140] Moldova has also achieved a Free Visa Regime[141] with the EU which represents the biggest achievement of Moldovan diplomacy since independence. [129] However, the near-term economic outlook is weak. President; Parliament; Government; Judicial Authority; Education. After the Romanian army occupied the region in early January at the request of the National Council, Bessarabia proclaimed independence from Russia on February 6 [O.S. Because of the irregular terrain, heavy summer rains often cause erosion and river silting. [65][67] In 1989, as opposition to the Communist Party grew, there were major riots in November. Official Soviet policy asserted that the language spoken by Moldovans was distinct from the Romanian language (see Moldovenism). UTM – Lider printre universitățile din Republica Moldova, conform Ranking Web of Universities 27.01.2021 În 2020 am învățat prin provocări să devenim mai puternici 11.01.2021 The "Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Moldova", the 2020 edition was published and posted in electronic format The yearbook contains the most recent statistical data available in various fields, for economic and social characterization of the country in 2019, as well as the evolution in recent years of the main indicators. Moldova's agricultural products include vegetables, fruits, grapes, wine, and grains.[150]. [1], The 1991 Declaration of Independence names the official language Romanian. [77] The large scale of the fraud compared to the size of the Moldovan economy are cited as tilting the country's politics in favour of the pro-Russian Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova. [189] According to a 2009 study, Moldova was struggling with one of the highest incidence rates of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the world. One Has Finally Resigned", "Moldova's Constitutional Court overturns all of its decisions that led to political crisis in country in 5 mins", "Moldova calls national code red alert over coronavirus, bans flights", "Moldova declares state of emergency over coronavirus outbreak", "Moldova reports first death from coronavirus, health ministry says", "The Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, 2000", "DECIS: Şeful statului va fi ales de popor; Modificarea din 2000 a Constituţiei privind alegerea preşedintelui de Parlament, NECONSTITUŢIONALĂ", "Europe's poorest nation passes IMF-backed retirement age increase", "Moldova Calls on Russian Troops To Leave Transdniestr", "Shooting at Checkpoint Raises Tensions in a Disputed Region Claimed by Moldova", "EU to grant €90 million to crisis-hit Moldova", "Moldova to get $570 million in IMF loans", "Poland will support Moldova in its European integration efforts", "First meeting of Romania and Rep. of Moldova Governments, concluded with initialling of several bilateral agreements", "Joint meeting of the Government of Romania and Government of the Republic of Moldova", Moldova elects pro-European judge Timofti as president, ending 3 years of political deadlock, "Băsescu: Următorul proiect de țară al României, unirea cu Basarabia", "European Union – EEAS (European External Action Service) – EU forges closer ties with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova", "European Commission – PRESS RELEASES – Press release – Remarks by President Barroso at the signing of the Association Agreements with Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine", "Moldova's military agreements to help strengthen regional security", "2014 – Embassy of the United States Chișinău, Moldova", "Ilascu and Others vs. Moldova and Russia", "Moldova 2011 Crime and Safety Report – Bureau of Diplomatic Security", "Moldova: UN human rights expert calls for more fostering of religious diversity", "Law on Preventing and Combating Family Violence", Clasificatorul unităţilor administrativ-teritoriale (CUATM), "An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm", "Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity - Supplementary Material", "European Partnership Fair for Civil Society Organizations in Moldova, p.25", "O suhaku, który z suchych stepów przybył", "Belarus, Moldova discuss bison exchange program", "Moldova – GDP (purchasing power parity) – Historical Data Graphs per Year", "2014 Article IV consultation and first post-program monitoring discussions – Staff report; press release; and statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Moldova". As part of this process, the Tsarist administration in Bessarabia gradually removed the Romanian language from official and religious use.[37]. Moldova (/ m ɒ l ˈ d oʊ v ə / , sometimes UK: / ˈ m ɒ l d ə v ə /; Romanian pronunciation: ), officially the Republic of Moldova (Romanian: Republica Moldova), is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. On 19 December 2016, Moldovan MPs approved raising the retirement age to 63 years[91] from the current level of 57 for women and 62 for men, a reform that is part of a 3-year-old assistance program agreed with the International Monetary Fund. This was followed by French, taken by less than 50% of students. Like the present-day republic and Romania's north-eastern region, it was known to the locals as Moldova. In April 2010, Romania offered Moldova development aid worth of €100 million while the number of scholarships for Moldovan students doubled to 5,000. Moldova's hills are part of the Moldavian Plateau, which geologically originate from the Carpathian Mountains. The Treaty of Paris (1856) returned the southern part of Bessarabia (later organised as the Cahul, Bolgrad and Ismail counties) to Moldavia, which remained an autonomous principality and, in 1859, united with Wallachia to form Romania. They were considered a characteristic animal of Scythia in antiquity. Key demographic indicators for Republic of Moldova: Under-Five Mortality Rate, Population. It has a vineyard area of 147,000 hectares (360,000 acres), of which 102,500 ha (253,000 acres) are used for commercial production. [79] Concerns over statewide corruption, the independence of the judiciary system, and the intransparency of the banking system, were expressed. [198] The most prestigious cycling race is the Moldova President's Cup, which was first run in 2004. Annual rainfall, which ranges from around 600 mm (24 in) in the north to 400 mm (16 in) in the south, can vary greatly; long dry spells are not unusual. Deforestation, demographic pressure, as well as excessive hunting eradicated the native saiga herds which is currently threatened with extinction. The Republic of Moldova’s intention to strengthen local self-government is supported by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe through the implementation of the project “ Reinforcing the culture of dialogue and consultation of local authorities in the Republic of Moldova ”.