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Formerly ruled by Romania, Moldova became part of the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although independent from the USSR since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Dniester River supporting the Slavic majority population, mostly Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a "Transnistria" republic. The poorest nation in Europe, Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a Communist as its president in 2001.
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Country
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Surface Area: 33,843 square km
Population: 4,446,455 (July 2004 est.)
Located in: Eastern Europe
Capital City: Chisinau
Head of State: Vladimir VORONIN
Prime Minister: Vasile TARLEV
Independent since: 27 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)
Currency: Moldovan leu (MDL)
Flag (image): 
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