Population. Moldova
Moldova is a country with a small territory where tourism is not the main source of state income. It is located between the Prut and the Dniester, as well as on a narrow line of the left bank of the Dniester. The country has access to the Danube, where the coast stretches for 950 km. The tourism sector is poorly developed, despite the fact that there is something to see in the republic. Geographically, the country is located in South-Eastern Europe and shares a common border with Ukraine and Romania. More often, tourists visit the capital Chisinau, the port city on the Dnieper Bendery, Balti.
Climate and weather of Moldova
Climate in the country temperate continental with long, hot summers and mild, short winters without severe frosts. Warm westerly and humid Atlantic air masses circulate throughout the area. Sometimes Mediterranean winds come here, bringing heavy rains. Dry air from the southeast and east of the East European Plain causes the onset of dry weather. Occasionally, cold arctic air dominates here, causing sudden temperature changes and cold snaps.
The East European Plain and the Carpathian Mountains influenced the climate in the country. Despite the small area, there are varied natural conditions. The country's territory is 33.7 km. sq. Plain forest-steppes alternate with forest-steppe uplands and forests. The relief is formed by low hills and plains with an abundance of ravines.
The territories have long been developed by humans, so there are few wild areas of nature. For the same reason, the animal world is much poorer than in the past.
70% of annual precipitation falls between April and October. Rain falls unevenly across seasons and years. The average quantity varies from 380 to 550 mm. Thus, Moldova is classified as an area of insufficient moisture.
Strong winds occur only during the passage of cyclones (10-15 m/sec). In normal times, the wind speed is 2-4 m/sec.
The main rivers Prut and Dniester belong to the Black Sea basin. They freeze only in the second half of December, but not for long. Freeze-up does not last long - up to 2.5 months. Shallow rivers freeze to their entire depth. At the end of February - beginning of March, ice drift begins, lasting one to two weeks. Once every five to six years the rivers do not freeze at all.
Flora and fauna of Moldova
Since the country is located in two zones - steppe and forest-steppe, the vegetation is corresponding. There are 1,870 plant species here, 13 of them are rare. In the past, the country's expanses were covered with herbaceous, shrub and forest vegetation. But active human activity has led to the fact that large areas have been plowed.
In the past, forested areas accounted for 25% of the country; now it is only 6%. The forests are dominated by oaks, ash, hornbeam, linden, and maple.
The country's fauna has become significantly impoverished over the past 100 years. Bears, moose, lynxes, and wild horses disappeared. Birds include demoiselle crane and black grouse.
Despite this, 400 species of other animals live here. Roe deer, wild boars, foxes, martens and squirrels live in the forests. Rodents thrive in the steppes - hares, badgers, ferrets. Birds you can see include thrush, oriole, jay, woodpecker, cuckoo, and lark. Field pipits and quails nest in the steppe.
The ponds are home to otter, water rat, mink and birds - heron, bittern, gray goose, gray duck, reed harrier. Fish that live in rivers and lakes - crucian carp, bream, catfish, silver carp, pike perch, perch, carp.
Tourist seasons
The best time to visit Moldova is September, early October. This is due to the warm, persistent mild weather at this time and the ripening of all crops, which will allow you to fully appreciate the bounty of the local nature. This time is considered high season for tourists.
Whatever tour you choose, each will include a mandatory visit to wine cellars, the main pride of Moldovans.
It is pleasant to come to the country from May to September; the resorts operate at full capacity during this time. Please note that it can be very hot at the height of summer, and cooler evenings and nights creep in as autumn approaches.
Country holidays are popular now. The country attracts with its picturesque landscapes and landscapes, many wineries, hospitable and delicious cuisine and the hospitality of the residents.
Moldova is not yet considered a popular tourist destination. But it is famous for its winemaking and ancient Orthodox monuments. Here you will get acquainted with the rock monasteries of early Christianity and medieval temples.
A stork carrying a bunch of grapes in its beak is a symbol of local winemaking. Wine tours here are the most popular destination for tourism, because today there are hundreds of varieties of wines and cognac. For this purpose, you can come to the country all year round.
The almost complete absence of customs formalities is attractive. A visa to the country is not required.
In the summer months, you should stock up on sunscreen - milk or sunscreen, as well as hats, panama hats, caps and light clothing made from natural fabrics.
As autumn approaches, take a warm blouse or sweater on your trip to protect against the chill on fresh evenings. Please carry an umbrella with you at all times during your visit. If you are going to visit wild natural areas, buy comfortable shoes - sneakers or sneakers.
The most suitable accommodation for tourists would be hostels. This will cost the guest $15. If you rent a separate room, you will pay twice as much. In the capital you can choose from several two and three star hotels. You can rent a room privately, but in this case no one guarantees the quality of your stay.
Here you can buy digital equipment, local shoes and even cars at surprisingly low prices. It is best to buy wine in Chisinau or Bendery, where the largest sales of this truly national drink are.
Moldavian cuisine. The original cuisine of Moldova has absorbed the traditions of Turkish, Russian, Greek, Ukrainian and Jewish cuisines. However, the dishes are distinguished by their originality and variety. The main ingredients are vegetables and meat.
Many dishes are prepared using corn, the most common grain in the country. It is prepared in the traditional way, and it is used to make butter, flour, and flakes. Corn porridge mamaliga is a favorite dish of Moldovans. This delicious side dish is served with liver, fish, poultry, meat, milk and cheese.
When visiting a restaurant, do not be afraid to order dishes with names that are difficult to pronounce. There is no exotic food in the form of fried locusts or stewed toads in Moldavian cuisine.
Weather by seasons and months
Winter
The beginning of winter is marked by the arrival of cold atmospheric masses from the east and northeast and the onset of cold temperatures. In the north of Moldova, the average monthly temperature in January is -5 degrees, in the south of the country -3. In winter, the temperature here fluctuates greatly. The lowest thresholds are recorded at -30-36 degrees. There is little snow and does not last long - from 1 to 2.5 months. Ice and snowstorms occasionally occur.
Winter is quite a cold season here. The territory is not protected from the penetration of cold air masses; on the other hand, the Carpathian Mountains do not allow warm atmospheric air masses from the Atlantic to pass through. Snow cover persists in the north from January to mid-February, but in the south it may not exist at all.
Spring
In spring, easterly winds change to westerlies. The weather here at this time is capricious and unstable. Average daily temperatures become positive. The thermometer rises rapidly; at the beginning of May it is already hot in Moldova. The entire month is accompanied by severe thunderstorms.
Summer
Summers in the country are extremely dry and hot. The average July thermometer in the northern part is +19, in the southern part +22. Tropical winds often penetrate from warm latitudes, bringing with them dry and hot weather with temperatures up to +41 degrees, which often leads to drought with hot winds. Sometimes it rains in the form of showers with thunderstorms. It often hails.
Autumn
In the first half the weather is calm, warm and sunny. From mid-October, eastern and northeastern winds begin, bringing with them cold air, the temperature drops. Moist atmospheric masses arrive from the west along with cyclones, and it rains. Fogs are becoming more frequent, leaves are falling from the trees, indicating the rapid approach of winter.
The climate of Moldova is characterized positively by the large number of sunny days per year and high average daily temperatures, which leads to a long growing season for plants.
Moldova is rightly called the country of festivals. Professional, state and traditional holidays are celebrated here in a bright and colorful manner:
- Wine Day October 7-8. On this day there are processions of winemakers, tasting of young wine, and fiery Moldovan dances in the squares.
- Limba Noastre. Every year on August 31st the whole country celebrates the national holiday Limba Noastre. In every city, village or hamlet there are concerts in which folk art groups participate, as well as fights in the national wrestling “trynta”.
- On January 7-8, the country celebrates the Nativity of Christ. Tourists enthusiastically celebrate it together with the residents of Chisinau with fireworks and constant dancing. The streets are bustling with fun fairs with unique Moldovan treats.
- Martisor. Since ancient times in Rus' they have been saying goodbye to winter, and in Moldova it is customary to welcome spring on March 1st. On this day, Moldovans celebrate Martisor. Friends, relatives, and colleagues give each other boutonnieres with flowers, often made with their own hands from silk threads.
Moldova is at the very beginning of the development of the tourism business. But now it’s worth seeing this country with its historical and cultural attractions, holidays and festivals that they can organize here like nowhere else.
They are under the control of the unrecognized state of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic.
Natural conditions of Moldova were largely shaped by the influence of neighboring regions of the southwestern East European Plain and the Carpathian Mountains. Therefore, despite its small area, the territory of Moldova is distinguished by a variety of natural conditions. The relief is rugged, characterized by the alternation of steppe plains with forest and forest-steppe uplands. The climate is moderate continental. The largest rivers are the Dniester and Prut. Chernozems predominate among the soils. Due to the high development of the territory, natural vegetation currently occupies small areas. For the same reason, the current animal world is much poorer than the past.
Geological structure
Dniester near the village of Popenki
Minerals
The geological history of the territory of Moldova determined the formation of mainly non-metallic minerals, represented mainly by building materials. The most valuable are limestones. The most common white sawn limestone is used in construction (kotelets). There are also deposits of pure limestone used in the sugar industry (sugar stone).
Within the country there are reserves of marl, chalk, tripoli, which are used in construction and the paint and varnish industry. Glass sands, which serve as raw materials for glass production, have been found near Floresti, Calarasi, Tiraspol and other places. In the Brichansky district, near the villages of Kriva and Drepkautsi, large deposits of gypsum have been discovered, which is used in construction, cement and chemical industries. Deposits of clays, loams, gravels, and in some places bentonites and sandstones are widespread. There are small oil and gas deposits.
During the intensive development of industry during the Soviet period, Moldova's needs for minerals were met through the extraction of 40 million tons of minerals and 300-350 million m³ of groundwater per year. Currently, only construction materials are extracted: stone, gypsum, sand, gravel, resources for cement production. 98% of resources for industrial needs are imported from abroad.
Relief
The surface of Moldova is a hilly plain, dissected by river valleys and gullies. The average height above sea level is 147 m, the maximum is 429.5 m (Mount Balanesti). The main forms of relief in Moldova are ravines, gullies, gyrtops, and valleys. They are found almost everywhere, only gyrtops have a more limited distribution.
The modern landscape of the Republic of Moldova was formed over a long geological time under the influence of the interaction of endogenous and exogenous processes. Erosion and landslide processes played a major role in the formation of modern relief. A significant part of the territory of Moldova is affected by erosion. As a result of long-term exposure to landslides and erosion processes, such relief forms specific to Moldova as gyrtops were formed. In the northern regions of Moldova, where readily soluble rocks (limestone, marl, gypsum) are exposed, karst processes develop, leading to the formation of caves.
| Name | Predominant heights, m | Absolute heights, m | Location in Moldova |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moldavian plateau | 240 | 320 | north |
| North Moldavian Plain | 200 | 250 | north |
| Chuluk Upland | 250 | 388 | center |
| 250 | 347 | East | |
| 300 | 429 | center | |
| South Moldavian Upland | 150-200 | 250 | south |
| Tigech Upland | 200 | 301 | southwest |
| Spurs of the Podolsk Upland | 180 | 275 | northeast |
| Lower Danube Plain | 100 | 170 | southeast |
In the northern part of the Republic of Moldova is located Moldavian plateau with smoothed relief forms and flat interfluves. In its western part near the Prut there is a strip reefs, or toltrov (ridges of isolated massifs of a rounded shape up to 50-80 m high). To the south of the Moldavian plateau extends North Moldavian Plain with weakly dissected ridged relief. In the middle part of the right bank of the Prut River basin is located Chuluk Upland. Its surface is complicated by a deep network of wide valleys and gullies. In the east, between the Reut and Dniester valleys, it extends Transnistrian Upland. It has a hilly character and is also strongly dissected by valleys and gullies.
In the middle part of Moldova is located Central Moldavian Upland- Codri - with maximum heights for the republic of 350-430 m. In the western part of Codri there is the highest point - Mount Balanesti. The relief here is complex, ridge-hilly, strongly crossed by deep valleys and gyrtops.
To the south Codru extends South Moldavian Plain- with wide valleys, gullies and ravines. In the southwestern part of Moldova, between the Prut and Yalpuga rivers, it is located Tigech Upland with hilly, erosion-landslide terrain. In the northeast of the left bank of the Dniester there are southwestern spurs of the Podolsk Upland, which are dissected by deep canyon-like valleys of its tributaries. In the southeast it extends Lower Dniester Plain, low-lying and poorly dissected.
Climate
in spring The eastern circulation of air masses, characteristic of the winter period, gradually gives way to the western one. Positive average daily temperatures are established, which gradually increase, but the weather in spring remains very unstable.
Summer in Moldova it is sunny, hot and dry. The average daily July temperature in the north is +19.5 °C, and in the south +22 °C. At times, tropical air masses penetrate from southern latitudes, bringing very dry and hot weather with high temperatures up to 30-35 °C. In summer, droughts are common, which are accompanied by hot winds. Precipitation occurs most often in the form of showers, which are sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms and hail.
First half autumn characterized by calm, clear, warm and sunny weather. In the second half, the penetration of colder air masses from the northeast and east gradually increases, which leads to a decrease in air temperature. Wet cyclones are blowing in from the west, contributing to an increase in rainy and cloudy days. The number of days with fog is increasing. At the end of November it becomes quite cold and you can feel the approach of winter.
Positive features of the climate of Moldova include high temperatures, duration of sunshine and length of the growing season. Negative aspects are moisture deficiency, sometimes leading to droughts, as well as heavy rains in the warm season, which contribute to the development of erosion.
Water resources
Moldova is not rich in surface water. The entire water area of the country only slightly exceeds 1% of its territory.
Rivers
The river network is represented by numerous permanent and temporary rivers. More dense - in the north, and more rare - in the south. All rivers of Moldova belong to the Black Sea basin. The largest rivers are the Dniester and Prut. Among other rivers, there are the tributaries of the Dniester - Reut, Byk, Botna, Ikel, as well as the rivers Kogylnik (Kunduk), Yalpug. The main sources of river nutrition are snow and rainwater.
The Prut and Dniester usually freeze in the second half of December, less often in January and are characterized by short freeze-ups (1-2.5 months). About once every 5-6 years, these rivers do not freeze at all, and in cold winters ice jams form on them. At the end of February - beginning of March they open, the ice drift lasts 1-2 weeks. Small rivers, due to their insignificant flow, freeze through the ground, and their spring floods are small and short-lived.
Navigation on the Dniester and Prut rivers (to Leovo). Moldova has access to the Danube. The length of the coastline is less than 1 km.
Solontsy or solonetzic chernozems are formed where saline clays come to the surface. These soils need reclamation (adding gypsum and removing salts).
Forest soils are common in the uplands of the forest-steppe zone at altitudes of more than 200 meters. They formed under deciduous forests and are characterized by a low humus content. They are divided into gray, dark gray and brown forest soils.
Gray And dark gray forest soils are relatively widespread within the highlands of the northern and central regions of Moldova. They are suitable for cultivating sugar beets and grain crops, orchards and vineyards and often require the application of organic and mineral fertilizers.
Soil in Codri
Brown forest soils are found only in Codri and occupy the highest and most humid areas with absolute heights of more than 300 m. They were formed mainly under the influence of long-term influence of beech forests. Brown forest soils are suitable for the cultivation of fruit crops, legumes and aromatic tobacco varieties.
Floodplain-meadow(alluvial) soils are widespread in floodplains. They are characterized by a relatively high humus content and a variety of mechanical composition. Some of these soils are saline and swampy, and therefore need to remove salts and lower the groundwater level. These soils are favorable for the cultivation of vegetable, fodder and fruit crops.
Vegetation
The Republic of Moldova is located within two vegetation zones - forest-steppe and steppe, which in the past were covered with grassy steppe, meadow and forest vegetation. Most of the territory of Moldova is currently plowed and modified by long-term human activity. The steppes were plowed up, the area of meadows was significantly reduced, most of the forests were cut down, and swamps were drained. About 1,870 plant species grow in Moldova, of which about 13% are rare species.
The number of forests, green spaces, reserves and environmental areas for 2005 is 428.5 thousand hectares.
Forests
Forests in the past covered 20-25% of the territory, but now occupy only 6%. Broad-leaved forests of the Central European type are common in Moldova. There are about 100 species of trees and shrubs. The most widely represented forests are oak forests with an admixture of ash, hornbeam, linden, maple, elm, and poplar. The undergrowth is usually rich and consists mostly of the following shrubs: euonymus, dogwood, svidina, hazel, common barberry, hawthorn. The predominant herbs are forest violet, hoofweed, and hedgehog grass, and the predominant lianas are ivy. The largest tracts of oak forests are found in Codri, in the north and the Transnistrian Upland.
The vegetation of Codri is richer, where all types of forest species known on the territory of Moldova grow. Beech groves have been preserved here. In the northern and western parts of the South Moldavian Plain, in a drier climate, there are small groves of fluffy oak (gyrnets), alternating with plowed steppe areas.
In the valleys of the Dniester and Prut there are still small floodplain forests of poplar, willow, oak, maple, elm with an undergrowth of gorse, raspberry, viburnum, svidina, and wild grapes.
Meadows
Animal world
The diversity of natural conditions in the past and the abundance of food contributed to the formation of a rich animal world in Moldova. However, due to the high development of the territory, the modern fauna of the republic has become significantly impoverished. Over the last century, about 45 species of mammals (bear, bison, elk, wild horse, etc.) and birds (grouse, demoiselle crane, firebuck, etc.) have disappeared. Despite this, the fauna of Moldova currently includes more than 400 species of vertebrates. The predominant species are also found in Ukraine and Romania; there are also Western European and Balkan species.
Many species live near populated areas and farms: rats, voles, etc. There are many birds in cities - sparrow, swallow, pigeon, crow.
Among the reptiles there are green and quick lizards, grass snakes, vipers, and among amphibians - various types of frogs, the green toad. There are about 12 thousand species of invertebrates in Moldova, of which 10 thousand species are insects. Common pests include ground beetle, Colorado potato beetle, and white butterfly.
Cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and rabbits are also raised in Moldova.
Natural areas
- North Moldavian forest-steppe region - 43.3% of the territory
- Central Moldavian forest region, or Codri - 14.5% of the territory
- South Moldavian steppe region - 42.2% of the territory
Protection of Nature
After gaining independence, Moldova began to pursue an active policy of maintaining international relations in the field of environmental protection with international organizations, governmental and non-governmental structural organizations of various countries. To date, the Republic of Moldova has acceded to the following international conventions:
- June 23, 1993:
- to the Convention on the Transboundary Consequences of Industrial Accidents (Helsinki, 17 March 1992);
- to the Convention on the Protection of Transboundary Water Flows and International Reservoirs (Helsinki, March 17, 1992);
- to the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo, Finland, February 25, 1991);
- to the Convention on the Conservation of Wild Animals and Natural Habitats in Europe (Bern, September 19, 1979);
- March 16, 1995 - to the Convention on Biodiversity (Rio de Janeiro, June 5, 1992);
- July 9, 1995:
- to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Rio de Janeiro, June 12, 1992);
- to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (
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The entire territory of Moldova has a temperate continental climate. Summers are long and hot, winters are short and mild.
Average winter temperatures are concentrated in the range from 0 C° to -4 C, summer temperatures - from +21 C° to +30 C°. Winter is characterized by sudden changes in temperature and high humidity.
In summer there are a large number of sunny days and low average precipitation. The summer months are also characterized by heavy rains.
Weather in Moldova now
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They are under the control of the unrecognized state of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic.
Natural conditions of Moldova were largely shaped by the influence of neighboring regions of the southwestern East European Plain and the Carpathian Mountains. Therefore, despite its small area, the territory of Moldova is distinguished by a variety of natural conditions. The relief is rugged, characterized by the alternation of steppe plains with forest and forest-steppe uplands. The climate is moderate continental. The largest rivers are the Dniester and Prut. Chernozems predominate among the soils. Due to the high development of the territory, natural vegetation currently occupies small areas. For the same reason, the current animal world is much poorer than the past.
Geological structure
Minerals
The geological history of the territory of Moldova determined the formation of mainly non-metallic minerals, represented mainly by building materials. The most valuable are limestones. The most common white sawn limestone is used in construction (kotelets). There are also deposits of pure limestone used in the sugar industry (sugar stone).
Within the country there are reserves of marl, chalk, tripoli, which are used in construction and the paint and varnish industry. Glass sands, which serve as raw materials for glass production, have been found near Floresti, Calarasi, Tiraspol and other places. In the Brichansky district, near the villages of Kriva and Drepkautsi, large deposits of gypsum have been discovered, which is used in construction, cement and chemical industries. Deposits of clays, loams, gravels, and in some places bentonites and sandstones are widespread. There are small oil and gas deposits.
During the intensive development of industry during the Soviet period, Moldova's needs for minerals were met through the extraction of up to 40 million tons of minerals and 300-350 million m³ of groundwater per year. Currently, only construction materials are extracted: stone, gypsum, sand, gravel, resources for cement production. 98% of resources for industrial needs are imported from abroad.
Relief
The surface of Moldova is a hilly plain, dissected by river valleys and gullies. The average height above sea level is 147 m, the maximum is 429.5 m (Mount Balanesti). The main landforms of Moldova are ravines, gullies, gyrtops, and valleys. They are found almost everywhere, only gyrtops have a more limited distribution.
The modern relief of the Republic of Moldova was formed over a long geological time under the influence of the interaction of endogenous and exogenous processes. Erosion and landslide processes played a major role in the formation of modern relief. A significant part of the territory of Moldova is affected by erosion. As a result of long-term exposure to landslides and erosion processes, such relief forms specific to Moldova as gyrtops were formed. In the northern regions of Moldova, where readily soluble rocks (limestone, marl, gypsum) are exposed, karst processes develop, leading to the formation of caves. Toltras are the remains of ancient limestone reefs that appeared after the Sarmatian Sea retreated from this territory 10-20 million years ago.
| Name | Predominant heights, m | Absolute heights, m | Location in Moldova |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moldavian plateau | 240 | 320 | north |
| North Moldavian Plain | 200 | 250 | north |
| Chuluk Upland | 250 | 388 | center |
| Transnistrian Upland | 250 | 347 | East |
| Central Moldavian Upland | 300 | 429 | center |
| South Moldavian Upland | 150-200 | 250 | south |
| Tigech Upland | 200 | 301 | southwest |
| Spurs of the Podolsk Upland (Toltry) | 180 | 275 | northeast |
| Lower Danube Plain | 100 | 170 | southeast |
In the northern part of the Republic of Moldova is located Moldavian plateau with smoothed relief forms and flat interfluves. In its western part near the Prut there is a strip reefs, or toltrov (ridges of isolated massifs of a rounded shape up to 50-80 m high). To the south of the Moldavian plateau extends North Moldavian Plain with weakly dissected ridged relief. In the middle part of the right bank of the Prut River basin is located Chuluk Upland. Its surface is complicated by a deep network of wide valleys and gullies. In the east, between the Reut and Dniester valleys, it extends Transnistrian Upland. It has a hilly character and is also strongly dissected by valleys and gullies.
In the middle part of Moldova is located Central Moldavian Upland- Codri - with maximum heights for the republic of 350-430 m. In the western part of Codri there is the highest point - Mount Balanesti. The relief here is complex, ridge-hilly, strongly crossed by deep valleys and gyrtops.
To the south Codru extends South Moldavian Plain- with wide valleys, gullies and ravines. In the southwestern part of Moldova, between the Prut and Yalpuga rivers, it is located Tigech Upland with hilly, erosion-landslide terrain. In the northeast of the left bank of the Dniester there are southwestern spurs of the Podolsk Upland, which are dissected by deep canyon-like valleys of its tributaries. In the southeast it extends Lower Dniester Plain, low-lying and poorly dissected.
Climate
in spring The eastern circulation of air masses, characteristic of the winter period, gradually gives way to the western one. Positive average daily temperatures are established, which gradually increase, but the weather in spring remains very unstable.
Summer in Moldova it is sunny, hot and dry. The average daily July temperature in the north is +19.5 °C, and in the south +22 °C. At times, tropical air masses penetrate from southern latitudes, bringing very dry and hot weather with high temperatures up to 30-35 °C. In summer, droughts are common, which are accompanied by hot winds. Precipitation occurs most often in the form of showers, which are sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms and hail.
First half autumn characterized by calm, clear, warm and sunny weather. In the second half, the penetration of colder air masses from the northeast and east gradually increases, which leads to a decrease in air temperature. Humid cyclones penetrate from the west, contributing to an increase in rainy and cloudy days. The number of days with fog is increasing. At the end of November it becomes quite cold and you can feel the approach of winter.
Positive features of the climate of Moldova include high temperatures, duration of sunshine and length of the growing season. Negative aspects are moisture deficiency, sometimes leading to droughts, as well as heavy rains in the warm season, which contribute to the development of erosion.
| Climate of Chisinau | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Index | Jan. | Feb. | March | Apr. | May | June | July | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | Year |
| Absolute maximum, °C | 15,5 | 20,7 | 25,7 | 31,6 | 35,9 | 37,1 | 39,4 | 39,2 | 37,3 | 32,6 | 23,6 | 18,3 | 39,4 |
| Average maximum, °C | 0,9 | 2,6 | 8,1 | 15,4 | 22,0 | 25,2 | 27,5 | 27,2 | 21,5 | 15,1 | 7,5 | 2,3 | 14,6 |
| Average temperature, °C | −1,9 | −0,8 | 3,7 | 10,4 | 16,5 | 19,9 | 22,1 | 21,7 | 16,3 | 10,5 | 4,1 | −0,6 | 10,2 |
| Average minimum, °C | −4,3 | −3,6 | 0,2 | 5,9 | 11,6 | 15,2 | 17,3 | 16,9 | 12,0 | 6,8 | 1,6 | −2,8 | 6,4 |
| Absolute minimum, °C | −28,4 | −28,9 | −21,1 | −6,6 | −1,1 | 3,6 | 7,8 | 5,5 | −2,4 | −10,8 | −21,6 | −22,4 | −28,9 |
| Precipitation rate, mm | 36 | 31 | 34 | 39 | 46 | 65 | 62 | 56 | 62 | 36 | 37 | 39 | 543 |
| Source: Weather and Climate | |||||||||||||
Water resources
Moldova is not rich in surface water. The entire water area of the country only slightly exceeds 1% of its territory. On average, one resident of the country receives 100 liters per day, in Chisinau - 350 liters per day (standard indicators according to SNiP II-31-74 for water supply).
Rivers
The river network is represented by numerous permanent and temporary rivers. More dense - in the north, and more rare - in the south. All rivers of Moldova belong to the Black Sea basin. The largest rivers are the Dniester and Prut. Among other rivers, there are the tributaries of the Dniester - Reut, Byk, Botna, Ikel, as well as the rivers Kogylnik (Kunduk), Yalpug. The main sources of river nutrition are snow and rainwater.
The Prut and Dniester usually freeze in the second half of December, less often in January and are characterized by short freeze-ups (1-2.5 months). About once every 5-6 years, these rivers do not freeze at all, and in cold winters ice jams form on them. At the end of February - beginning of March they open, the ice drift lasts 1-2 weeks. Small rivers, due to their insignificant flow, freeze in winter, and their spring floods are small and short-lived.
Navigation on the Dniester and Prut rivers (to Leovo). Moldova has access to the Danube. The length of the coastline is less than 1 km.
Lakes and reservoirs
Main article: Lakes and reservoirs of MoldovaSoils
The heterogeneity of natural conditions led to the formation of diverse soil cover in the Republic of Moldova. The soils of Moldova have 745 varieties. 75% of the country's territory is covered with chernozems. About 10% is under brown and gray forest soils. About 7% are floodplain-meadow soils and about 8% of soils are under populated areas, reservoirs and other objects.
Chernozems Moldavia varies in quality. The most fertile of them are typical And leached chernozems- occupy large areas in the north of the republic. They contain the largest reserves of humus and produce high yields of early agricultural crops.
Horse on the background of a vineyard
Ordinary And carbonate chernozems distributed in lower, flat areas and river terraces, especially in the south within the South Moldavian Plain, less often in the central and northern regions of the country. These black soils are less fertile. They are most suitable for growing cereals, sunflowers, tobacco and grapes.
Solontsy or solonetzic chernozems are formed where saline clays come to the surface. These soils need reclamation (adding gypsum and removing salts).
Forest soils are common in the uplands of the forest-steppe zone at altitudes of more than 200 meters. They formed under deciduous forests and are characterized by a low humus content. They are divided into gray, dark gray and brown forest soils.
Gray And dark gray forest soils are relatively widespread within the highlands of the northern and central regions of Moldova. They are suitable for cultivating sugar beets and grain crops, orchards and vineyards and often require the application of organic and mineral fertilizers.
Soil in Codri
Brown forest soils are found only in Codri and occupy the highest and most humid areas with absolute heights of more than 300 m. They were formed mainly under the influence of long-term exposure to beech forests. Brown forest soils are suitable for the cultivation of fruit crops, legumes and aromatic tobacco varieties.
Floodplain-meadow(alluvial) soils are widespread in floodplains. They are characterized by a relatively high humus content and a variety of mechanical composition. Some of these soils are saline and swampy, and therefore need to remove salts and lower the groundwater level. These soils are favorable for the cultivation of vegetable, fodder and fruit crops.
Vegetation
The Republic of Moldova is located within two vegetation zones - forest-steppe and steppe, which in the past were covered with herbaceous, steppe, meadow and forest vegetation. Most of the territory of Moldova is currently plowed and modified by long-term human activity. The steppes were plowed up, the area of meadows was significantly reduced, most of the forests were cut down, and swamps were drained. About 1,870 plant species grow in Moldova, of which about 13% are rare species.
The number of forests, green spaces, reserves and environmental areas for 2005 is 428.5 thousand hectares.
Forests
Forests in the past covered 20-25% of the territory, but now occupy only 6%. Broad-leaved forests of the Central European type are common in Moldova. There are about 100 species of trees and shrubs. The most widely represented forests are oak forests with an admixture of ash, hornbeam, linden, maple, elm, and poplar. The undergrowth is usually rich and consists mostly of the following shrubs: euonymus, dogwood, svidina, hazel, common barberry, hawthorn. The predominant herbs are forest violet, hoofweed, and hedgehog grass, and the predominant lianas are ivy. The largest tracts of oak forests are found in Codri, in the north and the Transnistrian Upland.
The vegetation of Codri is richer, where all types of forest species known on the territory of Moldova grow. Beech groves have been preserved here. In the northern and western parts of the South Moldavian Plain, in a drier climate, there are small groves of fluffy oak (gyrnets), alternating with plowed steppe areas.
In the valleys of the Dniester and Prut there are still small floodplain forests of poplar, willow, oak, maple, elm with an undergrowth of gorse, raspberry, viburnum, svidina, and wild grapes.
Meadows
Animal world
The diversity of natural conditions in the past and the abundance of food contributed to the formation of a rich animal world in Moldova. However, due to the high development of the territory, the modern fauna of the republic has become significantly impoverished. More than 100 years ago, many species of large mammals (including bear, bison, wild horse, lynx, etc.) and birds (grouse, demoiselle crane, firebuck, etc.) disappeared. Despite this, the fauna of Moldova currently includes more than 400 species of vertebrates. The predominant species are also found in Ukraine and Romania; there are also Western European and Balkan species.
Many species live near populated areas and farms: rats, voles, etc. There are many birds in cities - sparrow, swallow, pigeon, crow.
On the territory of Moldova there are marsh turtle, 5 species of lizards, at least 8 species of snakes, among amphibians - various types of frogs, green toad. There are about 12 thousand species of invertebrates in Moldova, of which 10 thousand species are insects. Common pests
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