The Republic of Moldova is a state in southeastern Europe. Its area itself is modest, and more than 10% of the territory is beyond the control of the authorities. Since the 90s of the last century, these lands have been part of the unrecognized country – Transnistria. The “frozen conflict” also affected the population: some large cities “broke away” from Moldova. 
The largest city in the republic is the capital Chisinau: almost 700 thousand people live there. The next largest is Balti with almost 150 thousand. And then there are settlements with 30 thousand inhabitants or less.
Kishinev
The capital of Moldova stands on seven hills. City blocks stretch along the banks of the Byk River. The area of the Mazaraki Church is the historical center of Chisinau. And the modern center was formed around Stefan the Great Avenue. Not only restaurants and shops are concentrated here, but also iconic attractions, including the monument to Stephen III, the Academy of Sciences, and the Opera and Ballet Theater.
Population – 690,000 people (2018). 
Balti
It stands at the confluence of the Reutsel and Reut rivers in the north of the country. There are many monuments and memorial complexes in the city: Alley of Classics, T-34 Tank, monuments to Mihai Eminescu, Stephen the Great, Boris Glavan. Other attractions: the Flachera Palace of Culture, the Selection Park, the Antioch Cantemir Art Gallery, the Church of St. Nicholas, the Museum of History and Ethnography.
Population – 145,800 people (2016). 
Ungheni
The center of the region of the same name in western Moldova. The customs city is the last frontier when crossing the border with Romania. The local railway bridge over the Prut River was reconstructed by engineer Gustav Eiffel. In 2012, construction began on a temple in honor of the country’s patroness, the Gerbovetsky Icon of the Mother of God. In addition, the city has two large Orthodox churches - Alexander Nevsky and St. Nicholas.
Population – 30,800 people (2014). 
Cahul
The resort town is divided by the Frumoasa River into northern and southern parts. The Cathedral in honor of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel was built in 1850. The local history museum houses artifacts of the Trypillian culture. The warm mineral spring made it possible to turn Cahul into a balneological resort. The modern sanatorium “Nuferul Alb” receives the most guests.
Population – 30,000 people (2014). 
Magpies
The city is located in such a way that, standing at the Thanksgiving Candle monument, you can see the territory of Ukraine. The monument is located on a hill near the Bekirovsky Yar rock. There is also a Monk's Cave here, which also attracts tourists. On the border between Ukraine and Moldova there is a small pier for a cruising ferry. The street development is compact, most houses are one-story.
Population – 22,100 people (2014). 
Orhei (Orhei)
From here to the capital is about 40 kilometers. Thanks to the hilly terrain and the river bed of the Reut, the area looks picturesque. On the territory of Orhei there are several parks with a total area of 22 hectares. The local church of Saint Demetrius is depicted on the 5 lei banknote. In the vicinity of the city it is interesting to see the Kurkovsky Monastery, which is under the auspices of UNESCO, the Museum of Folk Crafts and the Orhei National Park.
Population – 21,000 people (2014). 
Straseni
There are two versions of the origin of the name: from the word “scary”, since the area was unsightly, and from the word “strikha” - a type of house with a long canopy. Chisinau is located 23 kilometers from the city. Straseni is adjacent to the artificial reservoir “Ghidighi Reservoir”, whose area is about a thousand hectares. The area is covered with vineyards. Mainly varieties grown are used for the production of white sparkling wines.
Population – 18,300 people (2014). 
Ceadir-Lunga
Located in the Gagauz autonomy. On the site of the Church of the Icon of the Kazan Mother of God, destroyed in 1972, an exact copy was built. The local stud farm and hippodrome are the only ones in the country. The restored merchant's house was equipped as a local history museum. In 1997, the Gagauz National Theater named after Mikhail Chakir opened, which still stages performances.
Population – 16,600 people (2014). 
Causeni
Although the old name is often used, the correct version is Causeni. The city stands on the banks of the Botna River. One of the traditional “wine” tourist routes passes through this area. The Assumption Church, built at the beginning of the 18th century, is famous for its interior paintings. In Causeni there are several monuments to Moldovan writers, as well as monuments in honor of the heroes of World War II.
Population – 15,900 people (2014). 
Edinet
This northern Moldovan city includes the villages of Noi Gordinesti and Alexandreni. Edinet has been operating a local history museum for more than 40 years, and an art gallery has also been opened. There is an Old Believer Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Before World War II, most of the population were Jews. Now the population predominantly professes Christian movements.
Population – 15,500 people (2014). 
Drochia
The center of the district of the same name in the north of the country. Translation of the name from Moldavian is “bustard”. The Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady attracts not only believers, but also tourists: its frescoes are unique and were painted by an artist from Romania, Petre Aquiteni. The main monuments are to Stephen the Great and the poet Mihai Eminescu. Residents work in the production of sugar, butter and cheese.
Population – 13,100 people (2014). 
Ialoveni
It stands on the Ishnovets River. Chisinau is only 12 kilometers away. Half of Ialovena's formal area is agricultural land. There are two Orthodox churches. One of the monuments in honor of the events of World War II was replaced by a stone with a sign “In memory of the victims of repression of the communist regime.” City Day is celebrated on October 27, which coincides with the Orthodox holiday St. Parascovia's Day.
Population – 12,500 people (2014). 
Hincesti
Located on the coast of the Kogylnik River. Chisinau is approximately 35 kilometers away. Local historical and architectural beauties: Manuk Bay Palace and the Hunting Castle, turned into a museum. There are two iconic attractions in the district: “Hincesti Forest” - the largest nature reserve in the country and “Sarata Galbena” – the largest nature reserve in Moldova with medicinal herbs.
Population – 12,400 people (2014). 
Singerei
Founded in the 16th century. A city in the central part of the country. Includes the village of Vranesti in its territorial composition. Until 1991, Singerei was called Lazovsk and was a village. Among the attractions, the ethnographic museum with its constantly updated exhibitions and temporary exhibitions deserves attention. Agriculture and gardening remain the main occupations for residents.
Population – 12,400 people (2014). 
Falesti
The name comes from an old Romanian word translated as "glory". Sights: monument to the poet Eminescu and the historical museum. Every year Falesti hosts an ethnic festival, where special attention is paid to national winter and summer traditions.
Population – 12,000 people (2014). 
Floresti
It stands on the Reut River. The most popular monument in the city is the airplane monument. The main architectural attraction is the railway station building, erected in the last years of the nineteenth century. There is a holy spring near the bus station. Excavations were carried out near the city in the middle of the last century. Their result is the discovery of a Late Neolithic settlement.
Population – 11,900 people (2014). 
Cimislia
Regional center in the south of the country. Most of the streets are located on three hills. The Kogylnik River flows through Cimislia. Among the monuments, the following stand out: monuments in honor of the heroes and victims of World War II, as well as monuments to Mihai Eminescu and Stephen the Great. The old Jewish cemetery has been preserved and has become a landmark of the city. The local winery was for some time considered the largest in Europe.
Population – 11,900 people (2014). 
Rubber
Includes 3 villages in its territorial composition. The city stands on the right bank of the Dniester. Downstream there are waterfalls and cave monasteries. The cement plant both provides jobs for residents and causes them concern due to excessive environmental pollution. The Rezina prison houses all Moldovan prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment.
Population – 11,000 people (2014). 
Calarasi
It is located 50 kilometers from the capital and includes the village of Orikova in its territorial composition. The city was first mentioned in chronicles of the 15th century. Several large enterprises provide jobs for residents. Among them, a wine and cognac production plant stands out. Calarasi is characterized by one-story buildings interspersed with green areas - parks and squares.
Population – 10,800 people (2014). 
Anenii-Noy
Another frequently used name is New Anenii. They include 6 villages in their territorial composition. The city stands at the junction of two major highways. The streets of Anenii Noi are lined with several iconic monuments, including a bust of Emenis and a monument in honor of Stefan cel Mare. In the area there are ancient mounds left over from nomadic tribes from the 2nd-4th centuries.
Population – 10,800 people (2014). 
Nisporeni
The center of the district of the same name in the west of the country. The document on the delimitation of territories first mentions Nisporeni in 1618. In the past, there were two villages on this site - Upper and Lower Nisporeni - which were later merged into one. The city produces shoes, alcohol, mainly wine, and tourist souvenirs. There is an ethnographic museum. Among other things, it contains rarities found during excavations.
Population – 10,000 people (2014). 
Riscani
It includes the villages of Balanul Nou and Ramazan. Riscani was granted city status in 1994. Tobacco has been grown in the area for decades. Several prominent social and cultural figures came from this area, including German President Horst Köhler and Brazilian theater critic Jaco Ginzburg. Like some other cities in the country, before the war the population here was predominantly Jewish.
Population – 9,200 people (2014). 
Glodeni
The village of Styrcha is part of the territorial composition of the city. Glodeni received its current administrative status in the 90s of the last century. The economy is based on the cultivation and processing of agricultural products. Hiking enthusiasts will find much to discover when exploring the toltras, the limestone hills that cover the area. It is believed that they remained here after the drying up of two ancient seas.
Population – 8,600 people (2014). 
Bessarabka
The village of Romanovka in 1957 was united with the former German colony of Heinrichsdorf. This is how the city of Bessarabka, located on the border with Ukraine, turned out. Sights: Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, city government building, Mound of Friendship, railway bridge, source of living water. In addition to the House of Culture and the House of Creativity, the Phoenix youth center has been opened.
Population – 8,400 people (2014). 
Leova
Located on the right bank of the Prut River. The first mentions of the settlement date back to the 15th century. Trade played a large part in the formation and development of the city. Residents are engaged in the production of cheese, butter and wine. In the past, the area was inhabited by Jews, during the Second World War they either fled or were exterminated, so the national composition of Leova has changed significantly over the past 100 years.
Population – 7,400 people (2014). 
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