World Happiness Report for Moldova 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Moldova: 71
- Happiness Score Moldova:5.816
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Moldova. MD.
Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe.
- It has a parliamentary representative democratic republic political structure.
- Wine production is a significant part of its economy and culture.
- Moldova is known for its rich folklore and traditional crafts.
Moldova A Comprehensive Overview
Early History and Ancient Civilizations
The territory of modern-day Moldova has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Neolithic era. The region was home to various ancient civilizations, including the Cucuteni-Trypillian culture, which flourished around 5000-3000 BC and is renowned for its intricate ceramics and advanced urban planning.
Kingdoms and Empires
Throughout its history, the land of Moldova has been part of various kingdoms and empires. In the 7th century AD, it fell under the influence of the First Bulgarian Empire. Later, it was incorporated into the Principality of Moldavia, a medieval Romanian state established in the 14th century. The principality played a crucial role in the region’s cultural and political development until it came under Ottoman suzerainty in the 16th century.
Colonial Period
Moldova’s territory was never formally colonized, but it experienced periods of foreign occupation and influence. In the 19th century, the region became a part of the Russian Empire, leading to significant social and economic changes.
Independence and Modern Era
After the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917, Moldova briefly joined the Kingdom of Romania before being forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940. It remained a part of the USSR until declaring independence on August 27, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The early post-independence years were marked by a complex process of nation-building and a brief armed conflict in the breakaway region of Transnistria.
Current Political Situation
Moldova is a unitary semi-presidential republic with a multi-party democratic system. The current government is led by President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean. Recent elections have seen a shift towards pro-European Union policies and efforts to combat corruption.
International Relations
Moldova maintains close ties with Romania and has sought to strengthen its integration with the European Union. However, the unresolved conflict in Transnistria and Russia’s influence in the region remain significant challenges. Moldova is also a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Human Development and Economy
Moldova is a lower-middle-income country with an economy heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly wine production, and remittances from Moldovans working abroad. The country faces challenges related to poverty, corruption, and brain drain but has made progress in areas like healthcare and education.
Cultural Highlights
Moldova has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its Romanian roots and diverse ethnic communities. The country is known for its traditional folk music, dances, and intricate handicrafts. The majority of the population is Eastern Orthodox Christian, with a significant minority of adherents to other faiths, including Protestantism and Islam.
Challenges and Opportunities
Moldova faces ongoing challenges related to economic development, corruption, brain drain, and the resolution of the Transnistrian conflict. However, the country’s strategic location, strong cultural ties with Europe, and efforts towards EU integration present opportunities for growth and progress. Addressing issues of governance, transparency, and enhancing the business environment remain priorities for Moldova’s future development.
Main facts
1. Location
Moldova is a landlocked country located in Eastern Europe, situated between Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south.
2. Map References
Moldova is located in the region of Southeastern Europe.
3. Area – Comparative
With an area of 33,846 sq km, Moldova is slightly larger than the U.S. state of Maryland.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Moldova shares a total border length of 1,389 km with the following countries:
5. Coastline
Moldova is a landlocked country and has no coastline.
6. Maritime Claims
As a landlocked country, Moldova has no maritime claims.
7. Climate
Moldova has a continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The climate is moderated by the country’s proximity to the Black Sea.
8. Terrain
Moldova’s terrain consists of rolling steppe, hilly plains, and a small portion of the Carpathian Mountains in the west.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Moldova is Dealul Balanești, at 430 meters (1,411 feet), while the lowest point is the Prut River, at 2 meters (7 feet) above sea level.
10. Natural Resources
Moldova’s main natural resources include lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, limestone, and arable land.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The main rivers in Moldova are the Prut, which forms the boundary with Romania, and the Dniester, which flows along the border with Ukraine.
12. Natural Hazards
Moldova is subject to occasional severe droughts and landslides.
13. Geography – Notes
Moldova’s strategic location between Romania and Ukraine has made it a frequent battleground and a transit corridor for military forces over the centuries. Additionally, the country’s fertile soil and temperate climate have made it an important agricultural region.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 12.60%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 5,115. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 74.20%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 47.41163128.369885.
- Capital: The capital of Moldova is Chișinău
- Major Cities:
- Chișinău – Population: 710,400
- Tiraspol – Population: 133,807
- Bălți – Population: 102,457
- Bender – Population: 91,000
- Population: 2,657,637
- Area(Km2): 33851
- Population Density( P/Km²):123. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:373
- Official Language(s):Moldova is Romanian (official) 80.2%, Ukrainian 8.4%, Russian 5.8%, Gagauz 4.4%, Bulgarian 1.9%, other 0.9% (2004 census)
- Currency: MDL
Main Economic Indicators
Moldova has a small, open economy driven primarily by agriculture and services. Its GDP was estimated at $11.9 billion in 2020, making it one of the poorest countries in Europe. Key economic challenges include low income levels, high vulnerability to external shocks, and a heavy reliance on remittances from Moldovans working abroad. Notable economic policies have focused on promoting foreign investment, liberalizing markets, and pursuing deeper EU integration.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 5.1% (World Bank data)
2020: 3.8% (World Bank data)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: B- (Stable)
Moody’s: B3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: B- (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 10.7% (2020 est.)
Industry: 16.6% (2020 est.)
Services: 72.7% (2020 est.)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Vegetables, fruits, wine, wheat, tobacco, beef
Industrial Products: Food products, agricultural machinery, furniture, clothing and footwear, construction materials
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 1.2 million (2020 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 133 out of 234 countries (CIA World Factbook)
Current Account Balance
2021: -$633 million (3.7% of GDP)
2020: -$356 million (2.1% of GDP)
Comparative Ranking: 144 out of 200 countries (CIA World Factbook)
Exports and Imports
Exports (2021): $3.05 billion
Main Export Partners: Romania, Germany, Italy, Russia, Turkey
Main Export Commodities: Machinery and equipment, vegetables, clothing and apparel, footwear
Imports (2021): $6.89 billion
Main Import Partners: Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, China
Main Import Commodities: Machinery and equipment, mineral products, chemicals, vehicles
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves (March 2022): $3.9 billion
Gold Reserves (March 2022): 0.2 million troy ounces
- GDP (Current US$):$11,955,435,457. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 17.70%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 38.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.80. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.31. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 5.47%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 71.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99.1%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:10.1. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:16. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.26. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 69.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 1,135,502. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):46.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Moldova’s military consists of the National Army, which has Land Forces and Air Forces components. The Land Forces include the Motorized Infantry Brigade, Operational Territorial Command, and the 22nd Peacekeeping Battalion. The Air Forces operate transport and training aircraft. Moldova also has a paramilitary force called the Carabinieri Troops, which is responsible for maintaining public order and border security.
Military Expenditures
Moldova’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years is as follows:
- 2022: 0.4%
- 2021: 0.35%
- 2020: 0.29%
- 2019: 0.36%
- 2018: 0.35%
Moldova ranks among the countries with the lowest military expenditures globally.
Personnel Strengths
Moldova has approximately 5,200 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:
- Land Forces: 4,250
- Air Forces: 950
The Carabinieri Troops, responsible for internal security, have an additional 6,500 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Moldova’s military equipment includes Soviet-era tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery systems. The Air Forces operate a small fleet of transport aircraft and helicopters. Moldova has limited domestic defense production capabilities and relies on imports for most of its military hardware.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Moldova has a conscription system for compulsory military service. Males between the ages of 18 and 27 are eligible for conscription, serving for 12 months in the National Army.
Military Deployments
Moldova has approximately 40 personnel deployed as part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).
Strategic Military Notes
Moldova’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining a small, professional military capable of territorial defense and contributing to international peacekeeping operations. The country is a member of the Partnership for Peace program with NATO and cooperates with the alliance on defense reforms and interoperability. Moldova has a neutral stance regarding military alliances but maintains close defense ties with Romania and Ukraine.
- Armed Forces Size: 5200. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 3.21
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 43.10%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.