I'm not going to blame you for probably not knowing or being unable to locate Moldova on a map. Almost two months ago, I wouldn't have been able to tell you anything about this small and unknown country in Eastern Europe. To whet your traveler's appetite, here's a list of interesting facts about Moldova that you probably don't know:
1. It is the least visited country in the world.
Moldova is one of the least visited countries in the world. Meeting a tourist on the street is a real find.
2. With the largest collection of wines
The winery with the largest wine collection in the world, numbering about 2 million wines, is located in Moldova. It is known as Milestii Mici and was listed in the Guinness Book of Records in 2005.
3. And the longest underground cellars
About 60 meters underground, you can visit the world's largest underground cellars, about 100 km long, by electric train. The streets where the Cricova wineries are located have their own names and road signs.
4. Russia doesn't like their wine
His wine has been banned in neighboring Russia since 2006 due to a diplomatic dispute, causing great damage to the local economy.
5. The Soviet Union still exists
In the eastern part of the country, the unrecognized independent state of Transnistria is considered the last Soviet corner of Europe. Walking through its streets is like stepping back 40 years.
6. Stefan the Great is their national hero
Stefan III of Moldavia (1433-1504), better known as Stefan the Great (Stefan cel Mare) was one of the country's greatest leaders, winning 34 out of 36 battles against the Ottoman Empire during his reign.
7. They speak three languages
Most Moldovans are bilingual or even trilingual. They speak Romansh as their first language, Russian, and some also speak Gagauz, a nearly dead language of Turkish origin spoken by a minority in the south of the country.
8. This is a poor country.
Moldova is the poorest country in Europe, with a per capita income of about $1,500. To give you an idea, Bulgaria, the poorest EU member state, has a per capita income of $6,800.
9. And a very cheap destination
And therefore, it is a very cheap destination, where you can visit a museum for 10 lei (10 Moldovan lei is equivalent to 0.49 euros) or take a bus for 2 billion (0.10 euros).
10. Polenta is a national dish
One of the most outstanding dishes of the local gastronomy is a kind of "bread" made from corn semolina. Many typical dishes are garnished with what is known in the local language as mãmãligã, seasoned with cottage cheese, sour cream and pork rind.
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