International organization participation:
ACCT, BSEC, CE, CEI, CIS, EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU,
GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU,
ITUC, MIGA, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,
UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Nicolae CHIRTOACA chancery: 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 667-1130 FAX: [1] (202) 667-1204
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Michael D. KIRBY embassy: 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [373] (22) 40-8300 FAX: [373] (22) 23-3044
Flag description:
same color scheme as Romania - 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 ox
head, star, rose, and crescent all in black-outlined yellow
Economy Moldova
Economy - overview:
Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in Europe despite
recent progress from its small economic base. It enjoys a favorable
climate and good farmland but has no major mineral deposits. As a
result, the economy depends heavily on agriculture, featuring
fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Moldova must import almost
all of its energy supplies. Moldova's dependence on Russian energy
was underscored at the end of 2005, when a Russian-owned electrical
station in Moldova's separatist Transnistria region cut off power to
Moldova and Russia's Gazprom cut off natural gas to Moldova in
disputes over pricing. The economy achieved six percent or more GDP
growth every year from 2000-2005, though this was based largely on
consumption fueled by remittances received from Moldovans working
abroad. Russia's decision to ban Moldovan wine and agricultural
products, coupled with its decision to double the price Moldova paid
for Russian natural gas, slowed GDP growth in 2006 and greatly
exacerbated Moldova's economic troubles. Economic reforms have been
slow because of corruption and strong political forces backing
government controls; nevertheless, the government's primary goal of
EU integration has resulted in some market-oriented progress. The
economy remains vulnerable to higher fuel prices, poor agricultural
weather, and the skepticism of foreign investors. Also, the presence
of an illegal separatist regime in Moldova's Transnistria region
continues to be a drag on the Moldovan economy.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$8.971 billion (2006 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate):
$2.588 billion (2006 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
4.6% (2006 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$2,000 (2006 est.)