Transnistria facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic Official names Russian: Приднестровская Молдавская Республика Moldavian (Romanian): Република Молдовеняскэ Нистрянэ (Republica Moldovenească Nistreană) Ukrainian: Придністровська Молдавська Республіка
Flag Emblem
Anthem:  Государственный гимн Приднестровской Молдавской Республики Gosudarstvennyj gimn Pridnestrovskoj Moldavskoj Respubliki "State Anthem of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic"
Status	Unrecognised state
Capital and largest city	Tiraspol 46°50′12″N 29°38′24″E / 46.83667°N 29.64000°E / 46.83667; 29.64000
Official languages	Russian Moldavian (Romanian) Ukrainian
Interethnic language	Russian
Ethnic groups (2015)	29.1% Russians 28.6% Moldovans/Romanians 22.9% Ukrainians 2.4% Bulgarians 1.1% Gagauz 0.5% Belarusians 0.2% Transnistrians 1.4% others (14% did not specify)
Demonym(s)	Transnistrian Pridnestrovian
Government	Unitary semi-presidential republic
• President	Vadim Krasnoselsky
• Prime Minister	Aleksandr Rozenberg
• Speaker of the Supreme Council	Tatyana Zalevskaya
Legislature	Supreme Council
Establishment
• Independence from Moldavian SSR declared	2 September 1990
• Independence from Soviet Union declared	25 August 1991
• Succeeds the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic	5 November 1991
• Transnistria War	2 March – 1 July 1992
Area
• Total	4,163 km2 (1,607 sq mi)
Population
• March 2024 estimate	367,776 (Moldovan estimate)
• 2015 census	475,373
• Density	73.5/km2 (190.4/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	2021 estimate
• Total	€1.0 billion (4th)
• Per capita	€2,200
Currency	Transnistrian ruble
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
Calling code	+373
+373 5 and +373 2.

Transnistria, officially called the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR), is a small, landlocked region in Eastern Europe. It is located between the Dniester River and the border with Ukraine. Most countries around the world see Transnistria as part of Moldova. However, Transnistria has its own government, laws, and money, and acts like an independent country. Its capital and largest city is Tiraspol.

The region's story began in 1924 as the Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic within the Ukrainian SSR. Later, in 1940, it became part of the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1990, as the Soviet Union was breaking apart, Transnistria declared itself a separate republic. This led to a short military conflict in 1992. Since then, a ceasefire has been in place, but the region's political status is still being discussed.

Transnistria has three official languages: Russian, Moldavian (which is like Romanian), and Ukrainian. The main groups of people living there are Russians, Moldovans, and Ukrainians.

Understanding the Name of Transnistria

The name Transnistria means "beyond the Dniester River" in Romanian. The government of Moldova calls the region "Left Bank of the Dniester." Transnistria's own authorities call it the "Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic," which means "land by the Dniester." In 2024, a law was passed to stop using the name Transnistria within the region.

A Brief History of Transnistria

Early Years and World War II

In 1924, the Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (MASSR) was created. It included the area that is now Transnistria. In 1940, the Soviet Union took over parts of Romania and combined them with parts of the former MASSR to form the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.

During World War II, from 1941 to 1944, Axis forces occupied the region, and Romania controlled it. Many people, including Ukrainian and Romanian Jews and Roma, were forced to move to Transnistria during this time. Many suffered greatly and lost their lives. After the war, Soviet authorities punished many inhabitants. Later, in 1949, many families were forced to move to other parts of the Soviet Union.

How Transnistria Became Separate

In the 1980s, changes in the Soviet Union allowed people to express more political ideas. This led to a rise in national pride in many Soviet republics, including Moldova. In the Moldavian SSR, many Moldovans wanted closer ties with Romania. They also wanted Moldovan to be the only official language and to use the Latin alphabet again.

These changes worried ethnic minorities, especially Russians, Ukrainians, and Gagauz people. They felt their language and culture were threatened. They were also concerned about Moldova possibly joining Romania. In response, the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic was declared in 1990. The Soviet President, Mikhail Gorbachev, said this declaration was not legal. However, the new authorities slowly gained control of the region. After the Soviet Union officially broke up in 1991, Transnistria declared its full independence and changed its name to the "Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic."

The Transnistria War

A military conflict, known as the Transnistria War, began in March 1992. It involved clashes between Transnistrian separatists and Moldovan forces. Volunteers from Russia also joined the separatist side. The fighting was intense, and about 700 people lost their lives. The conflict ended with a ceasefire agreement on July 21, 1992. Since then, Moldova has not had full control over Transnistrian authorities.

After the War: Seeking Peace

After the war, a special group called the Joint Control Commission, with members from Moldova, Russia, and Transnistria, was set up to make sure the ceasefire held. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has also tried to help find a peaceful solution.

Talks to resolve the situation, known as the "5+2 format," started in 2005 but were paused for a while. They restarted in 2011 and continued until 2018, with some small agreements reached. By 2023, Moldova stopped using the "5+2" term in discussions.

After Russia took over Crimea in 2014, Transnistrian officials asked Russia to include their region too.

In 2024, Transnistrian leaders asked Russia for economic help and called on the OSCE and European Parliament for support, saying Moldova was creating economic difficulties and affecting human rights. This led to suggestions that Russia might try to take over the region.

On January 1, 2025, the agreement for Russian gas to be delivered through Ukraine ended. This caused a serious energy crisis in Transnistria. An agreement was reached in August 2025 for gas to continue flowing through Moldova until March 31, 2026.

Geography of Transnistria

General map of Transnistria

Dniester River in Bender (Tighina)

Transnistria is landlocked and borders Moldova to the west and Ukraine to the east. It is a narrow strip of land that stretches north to south along the Dniester river. This river forms a natural boundary with Moldova.

The territory controlled by Transnistria includes ten cities and towns, and 69 smaller communities. However, some villages on the left bank of the Dniester are still controlled by the Moldovan government. Also, the city of Bender and some villages on the west bank of the Dniester are controlled by Transnistria.

People can usually travel easily between Transnistria, Moldova, and Ukraine. For international air travel, people use airports in Chișinău, Moldova, or Odesa, Ukraine.

The climate in Transnistria has warm summers and cool to cold winters. It rains fairly evenly throughout the year, with a bit more rain in the summer.

Government and Politics

How Transnistria is Governed

The supreme council building in Tiraspol, fronted by a statue of Vladimir Lenin

Transnistria is a semi-presidential republic, which means it has a strong president who is directly elected by the people. The president serves for five years and can be elected for a maximum of two terms. The current President is Vadim Krasnoselsky.

The Supreme Council is the law-making body. It has 33 members, also elected for five-year terms. There are different political parties, and the "Renewal" movement currently holds the most seats.

Elections and Referendums

Elections in Transnistria are not recognized by international groups like the European Union or many countries. There have been some concerns about whether these elections are always fair.

In a 2006 vote organized by the Transnistrian government, most people (97.2%) voted for independence from Moldova and closer ties with Russia. However, the EU and other countries did not recognize these results.

In autumn 2024, residents of Transnistria had the chance to vote in Moldova's referendum on joining the EU. There were no voting places in Transnistria itself, but people could travel to other parts of Moldova to cast their votes.

Administrative Divisions

Districts of Transnistria

Transnistria is divided into five districts and one main city, Tiraspol. Another city, Bender, which is on the other side of the Dniester River, is also controlled by Transnistrian authorities.

License plate of Transnistria

Border and Customs Issues

In 2006, Ukraine introduced new rules for goods crossing its border with Transnistria. This meant goods from Transnistria needed documents approved by Moldovan customs. Transnistria and Russia called this an "economic blockade."

The United States, the European Union, and the OSCE supported Ukraine's action. Transnistria responded by blocking Moldovan and Ukrainian transport for two weeks. This situation has made it harder to find a solution for Transnistria's status. Since March 2022, with the Ukrainian border closed, all trade goods to and from Transnistria must now flow through Moldova.

On December 30, 2024, the local energy company, Tirasteploenegro, released instructions for people to prepare for a possible gas shortage. On January 1, 2025, Gazprom's deal with Ukraine to transport gas through Ukraine ended. This caused a severe gas shortage, and only essential services were allowed to be heated.

Russian Military Presence

World War II-era Soviet T-34 in Tiraspol

The 1992 ceasefire agreement allowed Russian "peacekeepers" to be present in Transnistria. About 1,200 Russian soldiers are currently stationed there. Many countries, including Moldova, believe this presence is against international rules and that Russia should withdraw its troops.

In March 2022, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe stated that Transnistria is under military occupation by Russia.

Military Forces

Transnistrian soldiers in 2013

Transnistria has its own armed forces, with about 4,500 to 7,500 soldiers. They have tanks, armored vehicles, and other military equipment.

Human Rights and Schools

Some international organizations have raised concerns about human rights in Transnistria. People have faced unfair treatment, and there have been some limits on freedom of speech and assembly.

Public education in the Romanian language (called Moldavian in Transnistria) uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which is different from the Latin alphabet used in Moldova. Only a few schools are allowed to use the Latin alphabet. Some of these schools have faced difficulties, including being forced to close temporarily.

Transnistria's Political Status

Transnistrian territory in relation to the rest of Moldova, landlocked along the border with Ukraine. Note that this map treats lands at the west bank of the Dniester (such as Bender) as undisputed Transnistrian territory.

Political map of Transnistria with the differences between the de facto Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic and the de jure Autonomous Dniestrian Territory

All UN member states consider Transnistria a part of the Republic of Moldova. Only a few other regions that are also not fully recognized as independent countries, like South Ossetia and Abkhazia, have recognized Transnistria.

The Moldovan government passed a law in 2005 that gives a special legal status to the areas on the left bank of the Dniester within Moldova.

Many people in Transnistria have citizenship from Transnistria, but most also have Moldovan citizenship. Many also have Russian, Romanian, or Ukrainian citizenship.

Economy of Transnistria

Transnistria has a mixed economy, meaning it has both private businesses and some government control. Most companies are privately owned. The economy relies heavily on heavy industry (like steel production), electricity production, and manufacturing (like making textiles). These industries make up about 80% of all industrial goods produced.

Transnistria's central bank, the Transnistrian Republican Bank

Transnistria has its own central bank, the Transnistrian Republican Bank, which issues its own money, the Transnistrian ruble. This currency can only be used in Transnistria.

Some people have concerns about illegal trade of weapons or other goods in Transnistria. However, Transnistrian authorities deny these claims.

Economic Situation and Trade

After World War II, Transnistria became very industrial. In 1990, it produced 40% of Moldova's total goods and 90% of its electricity.

In the first half of 2023, the economic situation became more difficult. Imports increased, but exports fell. This created a large trade gap, which was mostly covered by not paying for natural gas supplies from Russia.

In 2020, Transnistria exported goods worth about $633 million and imported goods worth about $1,052 million. In the early 2000s, most exports went to countries like Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova.

After Moldova signed a trade agreement with the EU in 2014, Transnistria also benefited from tariff-free exports to the EU. This led to more trade with the EU and less with Russia.

Since March 2022, with the Ukrainian border closed, all trade goods to and from Transnistria have needed to flow through Moldova. This means Transnistria must follow Moldovan and EU standards for its exports. In the first half of 2023, 48% of Transnistria's exports went to the rest of Moldova, over 33% went to the EU, and 9% to Russia. Most imports (68%) came from Russia.

In 2024, because of the free trade agreement between Moldova and the European Union, Moldova decided that imports and exports to and from Transnistria should be treated the same as those for Moldova. This means Transnistrian importers might need to register and pay taxes to Moldova for certain goods.

Main Industries

The main industry is steel, from the Moldova Steel Works in Rîbnița. This company brings in about 60% of Transnistria's government income. Another large company is Tirotex, which makes textiles. The energy sector is mostly controlled by Russian companies. The largest power plant, Moldavskaya GRES, is owned by Inter RAO UES. The oldest alcohol producer, KVINT, makes brandy, wines, and vodka.

People and Population

Demographic evolution in Transnistrian regions and the city of Tiraspol. Purple: Moldovans (Romanians), green: Ukrainians, blue: Russians.

Population Changes

In October 2015, Transnistrian authorities conducted a census. The population was 475,373, which was a decrease from the 2004 census. About 70% of the people live in cities.

The main ethnic groups in 2015 were:

• Russians: 29.1%
• Moldovans: 28.6%
• Ukrainians: 22.9%
• Bulgarians: 2.4%
• Gagauz: 1.1%
• Belarusians: 0.5%

About 14% of the population did not state their nationality. For the first time, people could also identify as "Transnistrian."

In 2004, Moldovans were the largest group in the central and southern districts. Russians were the largest group in Tiraspol. Ukrainians were the largest group in the northern Rîbnița District.

Largest Cities

Religion in Transnistria

Noul Neamț Monastery

Most people in Transnistria (92%) follow Eastern Orthodox Christianity. About 4% are Roman Catholics, mainly in northern Transnistria where there is a Polish minority.

The government supports building and restoring Orthodox churches. It says there is freedom of religion and that many religious groups are officially registered. However, some religious groups have faced difficulties with registration.

Education System

Transnistria follows Russian educational standards and mainly uses the Russian school curriculum.

Diplomas from higher education in Transnistria are not recognized by most countries. This means graduates might find it hard to get jobs in Moldova or Western countries, often leading them to seek opportunities in Russia.

Culture and Media

Media in Transnistria

Transnistria has various news media, including television stations, newspapers, and radio stations.

However, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has noted that there are some limits on what the media can report. Most television, radio, and print publications are controlled by Transnistrian authorities, who often guide their editorial content.

Sports in Transnistria

Transnistria is known for the Sheriff Tiraspol football club. In 2021, this team became the first from Moldova to reach the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. However, in 2022, UEFA stopped Sheriff from playing home games in Transnistria.

See also

In Spanish: Transnistria para niños