Geography |
The Republic of Moldova, located in south-eastern Europe, is bordered on the north, east, and south by Ukraine and on the west by Romania. Its area is about 33 850 km2.
Most of Moldova consists of hilly plains broken by deep river valleys. The average elevation is about 150 m, with the highest point Mount Balaneshty (429 m) in the Kodry Hills in west-central Moldova. Uplands and steppes cover much of northern and eastern Moldova while a large plain stretches across the southern part of the country.
The Dniester River flows through the eastern portion of Moldova while the Prut River, a major tributary of the Danube, forms Moldova's western border with Romania. Other major rivers include the Yalpug, the Byk, and the Reut.
Moldova's climate is continental, although somewhat modified by the Black Sea. Winters are fairly mild, with average daily temperatures in January ranging from -5° to -3° C. Summers are quite warm, with average daily temperatures in July generally exceeding 20° C and daily highs occasionally reaching 40° C. Precipitation averages 350 mm per year at lower ele-vations, increasing to over 600 mm at higher elevations.
The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.