Moldova
©Yoshifumi Kawabata
Map & Basic Information
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Area
33,843 square kilometers
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Population
2.64 million (2020: Moldovan National Statistics Office. Excluding residents of the Transnistria region)
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Capital
Chisinau
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Ethnicity
Moldovan (Romanian) (75.1%), Ukrainian (6.6%), Russian (4.1%), Gagauz (Turkish) (4.6%), etc. (2014: Moldova Census)
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Language
The official language is Moldovan (Romanian). Russian is also commonly spoken.
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Religion
Christianity (Orthodox), etc.
Issues to be addressed
In February 2022, Russian forces launched a military invasion of Ukraine, causing over 500,000 refugees to flee to Moldova. Most of them have passed through Moldova and taken refuge in other countries. But there are many refugees who stay in Moldova for economic and other reasons. Most refugees are women and children, as in principle men are prohibited from leaving Ukraine. The large influx of refugees is a burden for Moldova, which is economically poor compared to other European countries and has a small population.
Activities
Distribution of food and daily necessities
At several shelters in and near the capital city of Chisinau, AAR is providing hot meals and foodstuffs. We also distribute household appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators, furniture, and daily necessities. AAR also distributes food and hygiene items to refugees who are not staying in shelters but homes and hotels in the city.
Psychosocial Support
©Yoshifumi Kawabata
People who have experienced war, such as hearing the sound of bombs, suffer emotionally. To provide psychosocial support for mothers and children fleeing the ravages of war, AAR provides them with places where they can feel safe and play. At a student dormitory that hosts refugees, one room was used as a playground for children, and we provided toys and board games.