Top 10 Moldova Cities By Population

Moldova, officially known as the Republic of Moldova, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. The population history of Moldova has been shaped by various historical events, geopolitical changes, and demographic trends. Here is an overview of the population history of Moldova:

- Early History: The region that encompasses present-day Moldova has been inhabited since ancient times. The area was part of different empires and states, including the Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and medieval Moldavian and Ottoman Empires. The population during these periods consisted of various ethnic groups, including local Moldavians, Romanians, Ukrainians, Russians, Jews, and others. However, detailed population data for this period is scarce.

- Russian Empire and Soviet Era: In the 18th century, the eastern part of Moldova, known as Bessarabia, came under the control of the Russian Empire. During this time, the region saw an influx of Russian settlers. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bessarabia experienced population growth, partly due to migration from neighboring regions.

After World War I, Bessarabia declared independence and united with Romania. During this period, the population of Moldova continued to grow steadily. However, in 1940, the Soviet Union occupied Bessarabia, and it was incorporated into the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.

During the Soviet era, the population of Moldova experienced various demographic changes. There was an increase in industrialization and urbanization, leading to population migration from rural to urban areas. The Soviet government also encouraged migration from other parts of the Soviet Union, which resulted in an influx of Russians, Ukrainians, and other ethnic groups into Moldova.

- Post-Soviet Period: With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Moldova declared its independence. The early years of independence were marked by political and economic challenges, which led to population emigration. Many Moldovans, particularly young people, left the country in search of better economic opportunities abroad. This emigration trend continued in subsequent years and had an impact on the population dynamics of the country.

According to the official census data, the population of Moldova reached its peak in 1992 at around 4.4 million people. However, since then, the population has been declining due to emigration, low birth rates, and negative natural population growth. The most recent available data from 2020 estimates the population of Moldova to be around 2.6 million.

It's important to note that the population figures provided are approximate and can vary depending on different sources and methodologies. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is advisable to refer to official statistical sources or demographic studies conducted by relevant institutions in Moldova.