Transnistria, Self-declared state between Moldova and Ukraine, Eastern Europe.
Transnistria stretches along the eastern bank of the Dniester River, forming a narrow strip of industrial centers and farmland. The area sits between Moldova and Ukraine, with Tiraspol serving as the largest city and administrative seat.
After the Soviet Union dissolved in 1990, the region declared independence from Moldova, triggering armed conflict. Tensions lasted until a ceasefire halted military actions in the mid 1990s.
Residents here speak Russian, Ukrainian or Moldovan depending on the community, and daily life reflects a blend of customs inherited from each group. Public squares still display Soviet monuments and cyrillic script, shaping how people gather and celebrate local events.
Travelers must obtain an entry document at the border, typically issued for a limited number of days. The local ruble is used only within this territory, so visitors should bring cash or exchange currency upon arrival.
The official flag still displays the hammer and sickle along with a red star, making it unlike any other flag in Europe. The government prints its own banknotes and coins, which circulate nowhere else and are not recognized by international institutions.
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