The geography of Moldova has long been suited to wine growing, with fertile land and gentle slopes of green covering most of the country and helping to create some of the most popular tipples in the region. Moldova is one of the poorest nations in Europe and has been suffering from a poor economic standing for a long time now, but help from the World Bank and the EU mean that fortunes are being turned around, albeit slowly.

The status of Moldova as an independent republic has been one of international contention through the country’s history and it was only in the 20th century that the state was officially recognised as autonomous from Romania. In ancient times the country was a part of the larger region known as Moldavia, but even back then the larger state was subjected to countless invasions, annexations, occupations and new ownerships until things settled down relatively middle of the 14th century under the rule of Stephen the Great. Calm lasted until the encroaching Ottoman Turks became overwhelming in strength and took Moldavia as their own and the approaching Russians didn’t help the situation at all in the 1700s, the fighting that broke out saw Moldavia passed between the warring factions numerous times. A peace was brokered in 1812 by the Austrians, who acquired Northern Moldavia and renamed it Bucovina – the Russians were given the Eastern half of the country, renaming it Bessarabia, and the rest of the country ended up in Romanian control. The 1918 Bolshevik revolution brought about a chain of events that caused Bessarabia to unite with Romania for their defence against Ukraine, but the unification was never recognised by the Soviet Union and in 1924 a group of Russians loyal to Lenin formed the breakaway Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, which later became Transdniestr.

The Second World War brought the Romanians back into control of Moldavia, though their reign was short as the end of the war brought the Red Army back into town, who integrated the MASSR with Bessarabia to form the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic. Decades of relative quit followed under Communist rule, until Gorbachev came into power and the Soviet Union began crumbling – the new lease of life granted to the downtrodden nation gave a voice to the nationalist Moldovan Popular Front and the country began taking steps towards independence and a true Moldovan state. By 1991 the country had officially declared independence and had elected a new leader, and four months later the UN formally recognised the nation and admitted it to their ranks. The years since independence have not been kind to Moldova, however, with slowly implemented privatisation and a poor economic output, combined with ever-present problems in the Transdniestr region where the still Russian-loyal people claim autonomy from Moldova. Talks of compromise are ongoing, but progress has been very slow. There are still some ways to go, but Moldova is getting back on the right track and the nation is hopeful of possible EU entry within the next decade.

Investment-wise, Moldova could prove to be something of a minor goldmine. The poor economy is something that has lead to very low house prices, but the country is very slowly turning its fortunes around. Problems look to be going away or at least remaining stable and there have been positive inklings from the World Bank and other financial institutions as to giving the country financial aid again. It would certainly be a risk, but an off plan investor would reap the rewards if the future remains positive – and the chance to own a home in such a beautiful and welcoming country is something that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Standards of healthcare in Moldova are generally of a poor standard. A reciprocal agreement with the UK is in place meaning British citizens receive free treatment for emergencies, but the standards of treatment force the recommendation of seeking help elsewhere. Full health insurance is strongly advised.

Mobile phone coverage is limited to the middle of the country – elsewhere it is weak to non-existent. Landlines are widely available but outside of Chisinau are of a poor standard. Internet cafes are available in main towns.

General banking hours in most areas are from 0930 to 1730 Mondays to Fridays. Normal shopping hours from Mondays to Fridays for larger stores are generally from 0800 to 2000, whereas other stores tend to open from 0900 to 1700. 

Formal business etiquette applies to Moldovan business meetings, and smart attire is required. Due respect to the culture of the country should be paid. 

Whilst tips are not mandatory, they are gladly accepted and tend to be around the 10 percent mark