Moldova is the poorest country in Europe. But every tourist who comes there decides by himsilf/herself if it is true or not. However it has been called “the poorest” for some years by mass media. You are about to travel along the remote places of Moldova, its villages and cities.
There are two types of roads in Moldova: mud is dry and mud is sodden.
Their pension is about 38 euros.
They still use horses for transportation, there are a lot of them in every village. Not everyone can afford a car.
People protect their crops by themselves.
The most usual fields here are with corns, sunflowers, grapes.
They drink a lot in villages. The reasons are lack of jobs, home winemaking.
Even if you ask to give you some water, you are given wine.
These people are religious. Crosses can often be seen as well as symbols of crucifixion.
They want to be in friendly relations with Russia. Members of almost each second family go to Russia for earning. Russian is taught at school. Young people have no much practice while the Soviet generation can speak it fluently.
Many farms have been abandoned since the Soviet times.
This is the Dniester and the bank of Ukraine.
It must be mentioned that the Moldovans are the most hospitable after the Caucasians.
Houses are decorated with national elements.
Transnistria, Ukraine and Moldova unite here.
This is a monument to V. Lenin. They do not remove such monuments, who knows what can hapen tomorrow…
Hominy is the national dish made of corn flour.
It is an ancient fortress in Soroki.
This monument is called “The Cadle of Gratitude”. It is erected over the Dniester. It is one of the most important constructions in the modern history of Moldova. It symbolizes a revival of the Moldovan culture. This monument is devoted to all ruined monuments of the long-suffering culture.
Their apples are so tasty!
It’s a view from the terrace of “the Candle of Gratitude” at the ancient Dniester separating Ukraine and Moldova.
Moldova proves that poverty can be beautiful as well.
via 3boi
seems like in the 1920′s..but this country is beautiful.
The Cadle of Gratitude is so amazing – wanna see it
many countries worldwide have the rich at the top and the poor at the bottom, sad but true
There is nothing wrong with that,as long as the rich don’t interfere in a bad way with the poor.Not all of the rich are arrogant A******s.They wen’t to college so they could have better lives,and some donate to the poor and charity’s.Most of the poor can up their living standards if they wan’t to!I am not concerned about how the rich live because this world needs doctors and dentists ect!However politics can always improve!!
Thanks very much for a wonderful photo which I enjoyed very much. I have visited Moldova twice (total two weeks), many years ago. I would like to return their one day but sadly it doesn’t look like things have changed very much. The people are some of the friendliest I know!!
Doug Mein near Toronto, Canada
You can laugh all you want, but when the debt bomb explodes, the Euro collapses, and the “civilized” people of Western Europe are hacking each other to pieces for food because none of them knows how to farm or live off the land anymore, the people you see in these pictures will be just fine.
“Whaaat? End of the World? Again??” (Rincewind)
You are taking it to extremes but I see where you are coming from. West Europe has skipped a part of its regular cycle (neighbourhood war every 30-60 years). Nobody knows what the reaction will be when an economic downturn becomes an economic collapse. High levels of social fragmentation from drugs, alcohol, immigration and family break down are not being dealt with. And this is while we still have funds and a nice atmosphere to sort it out.
Westerners know quite well how to farm, that’s why we export food to the rest of the world. If you’re waiting for the collapse of farming in USA, Canada, Australia, Argentina, you’re going to be disappointed…
Moldova looks like this because of the Soviet ocupation and now because of the russian influence.
In a few years Moldova will be part of the NATO and EU so the russians will be just a bad memory.
The roads and all the infrastructure will be made in Moldova by EU and Romania, not by Russia
“They dislike Romanians, want to be in friendly relations with Russia.” Buahahahahahaha!
@skopeil
seems like Poland in the 80′s
Poverty is relative. In some ways, these people are more free than the typical Westerner since they are not living lives of credit fueled excess. Plus, they are not spiritually bankrupt and leading meaningless lives in search of the next trivial consumerist diversion. In some ways, I envy them.
I’m sure most of them, especially the young ones, would have no problems trading places with you should you like to volunteer.
“Poverty is relative”, it is still poverty. And it is still a yoke around your neck that limits your freedom just as is living on credit. My guess is they would envy your kind of freedom moreso then you do theirs.
“They dislike Romanians, want to be in friendly relations with Russia. Members of almost each second family go to Russia for earning”
) Really? Have you noticed that all the signs indicating settlements are written in Romanian (with Latin alphabet): Micleușeni, Nimereuca, Chișinău, Soroca. This is also the case for educational facilities: Liceul Teoretic A. Pușkin (A. Pushkin Theoretical Highschool) and even public bars: Cafenea Nistru (Dniestr Cafe). Moldavians cannot hate Romanians because they ARE Romanians. The only people in Moldova who hate Romanians are ethnic minorities who don’t belong in Moldova! Romania is full of Romanians born in Moldova! ER, please change or delete those lines. I really respect this blog and read almost every article, so please pay some respect yourself!
I went from Romania to Moldova last Sunday.I spoked my own language all the way, from the border to stores, oil station everyway. It’s a miracle how two people that are “so” different speak the same language, have the same habits, love the same thing and respects the same values
The only thing that causes national poverty in modern times is corruption. The less corruption a country has, the higher their standard of living. Check the list of the poorest and richest countries in the world and you’ll see the connection.
“They dislike Romanians”, they ARE Romanians!
Looks like good, fertile soil. Normally, this is a fine precondition for at least some wealth !
who sayes that the moldavian peopel hate romanians ? i think the russian people. moladavians speak and write the same languge like the romanian.russia back in time send a lot of people in from moldavia (bessarabia) in siberia and “filled”the country with russians . transdniestr is not a country is a piece o moldavia , no one except russia accept that .
Transnistria was never part of any form of Moldova before the USSR. It was created by Moldovan Communists from a piece of land that was part of Rus, Lithuania, Poland, then Russia to stage a Communist revolution in Moldova, which was outside the Soviet Union.
They do not miss Soviet Union Regime of oppression, I would destroy the Lenin statue.
“They dislike Romanians, want to be in friendly relations with Russia.”
I see that not much has changed since USSR and Russian propaganda is still for brainless people.
All nations around the world are eager to join “the third Rome”/”the peace loving SU” etc …
It’s weird that they hate Romanians and yet public signs aren’t written in Cyrillic, or at least that’s what your photo’s captured.
while photos are great, the article is obviously biased. Saying that they love russians and dislike romanians when half the population has romanian citizenship and consider themselves romanian is obviously wrong. And to call Transnistria a “state”!?!?
Again, the author is clearly biased, clearly russian. You could have tried to refrain from commenting and limit yourself to only observing. this would have been much more enjoyable.
Moldovans are dead, Stalin killed them. Only Gypsies, Romanians, and Russians left.
Thanks for removing those untrue lines, ER. I am Romanian and i want Romania and Russia to be very good friends, like the Orthodox sisters they are. I love Russian culture and language, but I’ll never abandon the truth: Bessarabia and Bukowina are Romanian lands! There is no Moldovan people, but only Romanians.
The article is a bit biased. Moldovans do not give wine if somebody wants water. If a Moldovan offers wine, it means that he/she treats you as a guest. Moldovans do not go to Russia to maintain good relationships with them. If a Moldovan goes to Russia, it means that he/she needs a job to support the family. These are only some cases. Finally, in this article is shown only the poorest side of the country. However, in these pictures everyone may see the zest of our traditions. In villages people respect traditions the most. If somebody is interested in Moldovian culture, is better to have a journey in our country, the nature is amazing, people are hospitable, and things are not as bad as are shown in the article.
I live in Chisinau, yet I never been to these places, a bit ashamed
But the contrast is large compared to capital, but it’s probably the fact that all money is being made and/or stolen here in Chisinau, these rural parts get almost no state funding…
Although the agriculture of Moldava appears backward, it is not so energy intensive, and appears more than sufficient for the needs of the people. They eat (and drinks!) well!
As farmer though, I’d reccomend the practice of following the land contours with the row-crops. Better for the soils.
Cine vrea poate sa traduca…
Nu exista nicio diferenta intre moldoveni si romani…Ne desparte doar un gard ca pe doi frati…Avem aceleasi radacini ,calitati si metehne…Cine nu e de acord nu vede padurea din cauza copacilor…
Respect site-ul dar de data asta m-a dezamagit PROFUND…Nu cred ca mai intru pe aici daca nu isi cer iertare sau se informeaza mai bine si nu mai scriu ori din auzite ori la comanda…Pacat!!!
Who cares about income when Freedon is in danger? Brave Moldovanians freed themselves from the chains of the Communist dictatorship. Yes it came at a cost of a dramatic drop in the standards of living, access to education, healthcare, technology etc., yes infant mortality rate skyrocketed more than ten times and life expectancy was cut by a third: but nothing in this world comes for free and freedom is one of such things. They are poor, but free and happy.
I’m British and after reading the post and looking at the pictures I was surprised by the comments. I know nothing of this part of the world but still I like to learn. I view this site regularly in an attempt to learn more than what I see out my own door. I don’t often read the comments but on this occasion I’m glad I did. The comments have taught me more about Moldova but also of Russia, bias can tell is as much about the people writing the article.
Moldova is Romania, because more than half of the former Moldavian Principality is now in Romania. The capitals of Moldova, Baia, Suceava, Iasi, are all in Romania.
There are 10 million Moldavians in this world, and more than 5 million of them are living in Romania.
To be Moldavian is to be Romanian.
And sooner or later, the eastern part of our beloved Moldova, the part that was brainwashed by the Russians, will come home. Will be a part of Romania again.
End of story.
Am fost și vom fi!
Moldova is Moldova.
Not Romanian, not Russian.
Has it own sovereigty and history.
Nobody can erase its the present and its past. I believe that their respect for those both cultures is what make Moldavians unique. Even more strong of their identity conviction, with the transnistrian scar they face in their international legal territory. As they are also not anymore a province of Romania.
Accept it.
I`d rather live in a country like this with all it`s hardships than in this crime infested and drug addled country called the UK.
Crime is everywhere in the FSU and Moldova is no different i’m sure. And they drink more then about anyone in Europe as well, so expect all the societal ills that come with that too. Photos of life in the UK’s “crime infested and drug addled” countryside and cities probably looks idyllic to them too. As you know the reality is often different.
“It must be mentioned that the Moldovans are the most hospitable after the Caucasians.” Even the two regions looks the same… I think this kind of poverty you can find in all Russia, moldavia as ex soviet state make no exception.
When it comes to studies that measure peoples happiness it turns out some of the happiest people in the world happen to be people we in the west consider to be poor, impoverished. Yet it is we who are usually unhappy with the quality of our lives.
btw didn’t mean that Moldovans are happy by that, just a general comment. Depending on the surveys you look fore Moldova they are the poorest in Europe, the unhappiest of 60 nations surveyed, and drink the most too which would make sense given the other two. lol
Judging be the consistency of the comments it’s clear Moldovans dislike Russian propoganda and think they are delusional.
I save all pics of Lenin monuments. Thanks, ER!
Moldova is Romania.I see here pictures only from villages..i bet russian villages looks the same way,and if u ask water they give u vodka.:)
Ce comentarii rusinoase de la unii. Unde e spiritul lui Stefan, Eminescu, Porumbesru?
Basarabie frumoasa,
Bine te-ai gatit, mireasa,
Ca ti-aducem petitor, petitor
Mandrul nostru tricolor.
Sadly a very very biased article, very few articles about Moldova and none are actually interesting or wroth reading… Taking a few pictures of decaying villages does not describe the country, if you go Russian villages outside the Moscow rim you will get exactly the same impression of poverty if not more, especially the drinking part…
Saying that Romanians are hated is bullshit at best, sure there are those who do, mostly those who associate themselves with Communist Party of Moldova, mainly because of the way that this party does its politics…
“they do not destroy Lenin statues..” – this one is funny… Most statues of Lenin were destroyed in the early 90′s with only some still standing, mainly in the Transnistrean territory…
In any case, this article is very bad in so many ways, and if you really want to know more about the country and especially of quality of life in more developed regions – check out this page right here – http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=538485&page=22
As a general comment the presentation in this article is by far objective seems that the reporter has a limited view and unilateral approcah. Love this country, was often there even if I am a russian I hate this “professionals” making comments on other’s house without looking at how their grandparent live in s..t.
Shame on you!
“aplause”
The Cadle of Gratitude looks like Sojuz rocket!
Moldovians hate russians,people!they went to some village,took some photos and now reveal ‘the truth’ lol go to the cities too a******s, and you will see how half of the people live.
true
Hej.
I must to say that I`m really interested in that country. Do anyone know any documentary movie about Moldova. I only found bad quality on utube. Please text me at karol_gromadzki@wp.pl. Thanks.
Poland 20 years ago, but without grapes
. Still they are haven’t fast shit food from american dream, clean air and bullshit rulez from Brussel.
It seems that a russian made this article.
I am from Moldova, and I can say that I become more and more angry on this russians.Bothers me the fact that they not only deported, killed and destroyed people and culture, but also not leave us now! They did a crime, such as fascists, and still they were not judged!
The first, i am not russian. The second, where u found in my article I said about romanians something bad? I just wrote what I saw and what people said to me! And more, when I went to Romania by train wagons was almost empty, I was alone in coupe, both ways.But try to go by trian from Kishineu to st.Peterburg, crowdy!
If you go by train it is a one hour delay at border for change to gauge russian type to standard track gauge. Many prefers transport with buses to Romania!
Your argument is inept
MOLDOVA PAMANT ROMANESC!
Hi
Love the pictures, in july we traveled from Transnistria to Odessa by small mini bus and lots of the landscape was like in the photos.
I found people to be very hospitable and welcomed you into there country, i can respect the people who live from the land and coming from a country that most things are available for most people but you can’t buy happiness which Moldovan people seem to have from the music to the wonderful country.
I travel back to Transnistria again in January
“To be Moldavian is to be Romanian. And sooner or later, the eastern part of our beloved Moldova, the part that was brainwashed by the Russians, will come home. Will be a part of Romania again.”
“In a few years Moldova will be part of the NATO and EU so the russians will be just a bad memory. The roads and all the infrastructure will be made in Moldova by EU and Romania, not by Russia”
Deși Moldova a fost și va fi mereu pământ românesc, aceasta nu se va alipi romaniei in urmatorii 500-1000 de ani. Romania nu poate accepta să „hrănească” mai multi oameni fara nici un beneficiu și să folosească toți banii pentru crearea de școli, șosele și spitale în zonele defavorizate (Moldova). NICIODATA !!
Romania doesn’t want unification of Moldova with us. That would mean a disaster for us.
I happened to read about Moldova, because of the title, poorest country in Europe. But I don’t think it is poor. It is rich by means of good people and hospitality. None of the respected Moldovans made any bad comments or insulted when this site decided to undermine them. I think I must visit this country once..
May be there is no infrastructure, but if they are not diabetic, suffering from stress and high blood pressure, cancer, restlessness, sporadic killings of schools or the like diseases of the modern world, they are blessed more than who live in modern world.
I hope they have good health clinics, schools and colleges.
being an Indian, I love you Moldovans.. Bless you all with seamless peace of mind.. You all will prosper one day and still you maintain your benevolence.
What are the odds a 40 year old American man could move over there to Moldova and find a wife? Do people there hate Americans?
It depends on who’s POV it is about them being poor. Sure they dont have alot of the luxuries that the western world does, but I bet they are so much happier and at peace in life. It reminds of the Philippines. They had next to nothing but were the happiest/most hospitable group of people I have ever met. I don’t think they are that poor. Again not lots of money, but they are surrounded by friends and family, and in the end that is really all you need.
@Erich, yes, Eastern Europeans hate americans. If you wonder why, look into the 1999 NATO bombings of Yugoslavia. Kosovo was torn apart and took away from our brothers serbs by the americans.
Must be proud too
Never seen so many comments on an ER album.
beautiful country….full of natural beauty….no noise pollution,no environmental pollution want to live that country for some times…..
beautiful country….full of natural beauty….no noise pollution,no environmental pollution want to live that country for some times…..
well it does not look like they are poor to me. poor are these eastern block countries that lost their way and gained nothing but plastic and rednecks to lead their countries
Stalin murdered many thousands of innocent people in all countries he conquered. Soviet crimes were never accounted for unlike the Nazi crimes.
Nowadays Moldova is still a result of Ribbentrop-Molotov plot and Stalin’s brutal aggression. I wish the Moldovans reunion with Romania, NATO and EU soon. This is the only chance they get better life.
I see intelligent and stupid people like everywhere in the world give moldovians the tools and they no longer will be poor only the elements of nature can destroy them likewise America.
“Moldova proves that poverty can be beautiful as well.”
Is just shows that this post was written by a foreigner who has never fully experienced the Moldovan life. The pictures are taken in the most remote vilages, which clearly do not show a true picture of how poor or rich Moldovans are. Certain foregners can be ignorant and assume things, but I would suggest you take a trip into the city and take note of people’s life there, the clothes they wear, the cars they drive and the holidays they take… then tell me that moldova is a poor country.