The Republic of Moldova is a landlocked country in Southeastern Europe, bordering Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east and south. The country has a troubled history, ranging from the founding of the Principality of Moldova to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Moldova has been independent since 1991, but the Transnistrian conflict has hindered the country's political development. Typical for the country is the traditional culture with pottery and viticulture. Sights include the Capriana Monastery, the Parliament building and the National Museum of the History of Moldova in Chisinau.
