ABSTRACT
Since the Republic of Moldova became independent in 1992, diverse peculiarities have shaped Moldova’s migration flows. Moldova is one of several small newly formed states in Europe after the break-up of the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc. Following a short civil war in 1991, Moldova was divided into two parts, the internationally recognised Moldovan Republic and the unrecognised breakaway territory of Transdnestria. The main industries are located in Transdnestria; Moldova is mostly agricultural. Hence, the Moldovan Republic has, as a consequence of the conflict, lost control of its industrial potential. In addition, because the internal conflict has also led to tensions with Russia, a subsequent Russian economic embargo on wine in 2004 almost destroyed Moldova’s main export industry. The conflict also explains in part why Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe (UNDP 2006); indeed, 55.4 per cent of the population live below the poverty line (Milanovic 1998). 1 Notably rural communities have experienced severe poverty; not just lack of money or even food, but also lack of opportunities. 2 These conditions have forced the rural population in particular to abandon their life in the countryside and migrate to other countries in search of a better life.
