27 August: Moldova Independence Day

Today is Moldova Independence Day. 10 things you might not know about Moldova:

1. Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordering with Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east and south.
2. The capital city is Chișinău. pronounced “Kishi-now”.
3. Wine is a big thing in Moldova. It produces more wine per person than any other country, and comes 22nd in terms of volume. Most of it is exported, but many families produce their own wine. Perhaps it's not surprising, then, that Moldovans drink more alcohol than any other nation, and that the country is home to the world's largest collection of quality wines. The Milestii Mici wine collection consists of 1.5 million bottles and has been recognised by Guinness World Records.
4. Bălănești Hill is the highest point, at 430 m (1,411 ft).
5. Moldova has a breakaway state called Transnistria, which declared independence in 1990. This was never recognised by Moldova or by the United Nations, but since the end of the War of Transnistria in 1992, has held a de facto independent status, and if you want to visit the place you will need your passport in order to cross the border.
6. Moldova is home to Europe's largest Jewish cemetery. Prior to World War II, Moldova had one of Europe’s largest Jewish populations. Many fled before the Germans arrived, but nearly 60,000 Jews were killed during the Holocaust in Moldova. Over 23,500 are buried in this cemetery which is located on the outskirts of Chisinau.
7. The country gets its name from the Moldova River, which, according to legend, was named by prince Dragoș, after his Dog, Molda, which drowned in the river during an aurochs-hunting expedition.
8. The currency in Moldova is the Moldovan Leu.
9. The National Anthem is "Limba noastră" which is Romanian "Our Language". It calls for the people to revive the usage of their native language. Romanian is the official language of Moldova.
10. The Flag is very similar to that of Romania, a vertical tricolor of blue, Yellow, and red, the difference being that Moldova's flag has the country's coat of arms in the centre stripe. The coat of arms features a dark golden eagle holding an Orthodox Christian cross in its beak and an Olive branch for peace. The shield on the eagle's chest shows the traditional symbols of Moldova: an aurochs' head, a Rose, a crescent and a star.