Transnistria

File:National anthem of Transnistria (orchestral instrumental version) (one verse).ogg

Romania MASSR 1920

Igor Smirnov

Billboard Commemorating 1990-2017 Independence - Tiraspol - Transnistria (36032671973)

Dmitry Medvedev 18 March 2009-2

Naddniestrze

Transnistria (Romanian: Transnistria; Russian: Приднестровье, Pridnestrovye), officially known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR), is a breakaway state located mostly on a strip of land between the Dniester River and the eastern Moldovan border with Ukraine. Despite its lack of widespread international recognition, Transnistria has established its own government, parliament, military, police, postal system, and currency. It declared independence from Moldova in 1990, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, leading to the Transnistria War in 1992.

History

The region that is now Transnistria has been historically contested. In the 18th century, it was a part of the Ottoman Empire before being annexed by the Russian Empire in 1792. During the 20th century, it was incorporated into the Moldavian SSR within the Soviet Union. As the Soviet Union began to collapse, tensions between Transnistria's Slavic-majority population and the Moldovan government escalated, culminating in a declaration of independence by Transnistria in 1990 and the subsequent war in 1992. A ceasefire was declared, and Russian peacekeepers were deployed to the region, where they remain to this day.

Geography

Transnistria is landlocked and borders Moldova to the west and Ukraine to the east. The region is narrow and elongated, following the course of the Dniester River. Its capital and largest city is Tiraspol. Despite its small size, the region has a varied geography, including hills, forests, and river valleys.

Politics

Transnistria is a presidential republic, with its own government and legislative body, the Supreme Soviet. The region is not recognized by the United Nations and has limited international recognition. It maintains a close relationship with Russia, which provides economic and military support. The political situation in Transnistria is a point of contention in Moldovan-Russian relations and is often discussed in the context of the wider geopolitical struggle in Eastern Europe.

Economy

The economy of Transnistria is mixed, with significant industrial and agricultural sectors. It includes steel production, electricity generation, and the manufacture of textiles and shoes. The region uses the Transnistrian ruble as its currency. Economic development is hampered by its unrecognized status, which affects its ability to trade and receive investment internationally.

Demographics

Transnistria has a diverse population, including ethnic Russians, Ukrainians, and Moldovans. The official languages are Russian, Ukrainian, and Moldovan (written in the Cyrillic script). The region has a complex identity, with significant Russian and Soviet influence evident in its culture, language, and political orientation.

Culture

Transnistria's culture reflects its diverse population and history. It includes Russian, Ukrainian, and Moldovan elements, with Orthodox Christianity being the predominant religion. The region celebrates a mix of traditional and Soviet-era holidays, and its cultural life includes music, literature, and cuisine that draw from its multi-ethnic composition.

International Relations

Due to its unrecognized status, Transnistria's international relations are limited. It relies heavily on Russia for economic and military support. The region's status is a significant issue in Moldovan-Russian relations and is also a concern for the European Union and the United States, which support Moldova's territorial integrity.