Transnistria is a territory located in eastern Moldova between the Dniester River and Moldova's border with the Ukraine. Transnistria is also sometimes known as Trans-Dniester or Transdniestria. It has been governed as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR) since 1990 when it declared its de facto independence. The PMR itself claims the east bank of the Dniester River, the city of Bender and some of the surrounding land. Today, the country of Moldova does not recognize Transnistria's secession and all of the land the PMR claims is said to be controlled by Moldova itself. Transnistria is not recognized by any United Nations member states and has no relations with them.
History of Transnistria
The area of present-day Transnistria has a long history and was inhabited by several different tribes of people. Some of the largest of these were Germanic and Mongolian tribes during the Roman Empire. Slavic peoples were also present during the 6th century. In the 1200's however, Transnistria came under Mongol control after they invaded Europe in 1241.
In the 15th century, the northern part of Transnistria was controlled by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and then the Kingdom of Poland. In 1792, Transnistria became a part of the Russian Empire after the sixth Russo-Turkish War. It remained a part of Russia until the Russian Revolution in 1917 when it was divided between several different Russian provinces.
In 1924 the formation of the Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (Moldavian ASSR) led to Transnistria becoming an independent political region. In the 1980s, however, Mikhail Gorbachev started various policies in the Soviet Union which allowed for more political independence in small regions. This led to several political movements in the Moldavian ASSR- the most significant of which was the Popular Front of Moldova (PFM) which demanded that Soviet authorities to recognize Moldovan as the only state language, use the Latin alphabet and recognize Moldovans and Romanians as specific ethnic groups.
In 1989, these demands were granted and the Supreme Soviet of the Moldavian ASSR declared Moldovan as the area's only official language. These changes caused tensions among ethnic minorities though and the Yedinstvo or Unity Movement was established by the Slavic population of Moldova to give equal status to Russians and Moldovans. Tensions between the different ethnic groups in the region continued to increase however and in April 1990, Russian parliament members were attacked. The War of Transnistria between Transnistrian separatists and Moldova then followed in November 1990 and fighting grew through 1992 when a ceasefire agreement was signed.
Politics of Transnistria
Transnistria declared its independence in 1990 and today, it makes up the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic which consists of a multi-party system and a unicameral parliament. Its legislative branch is made up of a 43 member elected council. Transnistria's president is elected via popular vote for five year terms. Tiraspol is Transnistria's declared capital. Despite this political organization, Transnistria is still internationally recognized a part of Moldova.
Economics and Industry Transnistria
Transnistria's economy is considered mixed (one that is made up of public and governmental control) however, most businesses in Transnistria are privately owned. Heavy industry and manufacturing make up the majority of Transnistria's economy. The main industry however is steel production as Moldova Steel Works is one of the largest companies in the region. Transnistria also has its own central bank which issues the Transnistrian ruble.
Geography and Climate of Transnistria
The region making up Transnistria (map) borders Moldova to the west and the Ukraine to the east. It fills a narrow valley and runs north to south along the Dniester River. Tiraspol is the largest city and the capital of Transnistria with around 160,000 people.
More Facts about Transnistria
• Transnistria's population as of 2007 was 537,000
• The total land area of Transnistria is 1,607 square miles (4,163 sq km)
• Transnistria's official languages are Russian, Moldovan and Ukrainian
Reference
Wikipedia. (2010, Marh 11). Transnistria- Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transnistria