In Moldova, the little nation bordered by Ukraine and Romania

 “Everyone who wants to know what will happen ought to examine what has happened: everything in this world in any epoch has their replicas in antiquity.” ― Niccolò Machiavelli

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(on the northeastern Balkan Peninsula, in southeastern Europe) Moldova is bordered by Ukraine and Romania. Nearly half the country's population is Moldovan; there also are large numbers of Russians and Ukrainians, especially in Transdniestria (the self-proclaimed republic on the east bank of the Dniester River). Most of Moldova is a fertile region lying between the Dniester and Prut rivers; the northern and central regions are forested. The area of present-day Moldova consists of that part of the historic principality of Moldavia lying east of the Prut River (part of Romania before 1940) and (adjoining it on the south), the region of Bessarabia along the Black Sea coast. The two regions were incorporated as the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1940. In 1991 Moldavia declared independence from the Soviet Union. Moldova was admitted to the UN in 1992. Since1991, Moldova has been beset with an array of challenges stemming from four problematic situations. First, the country has sought to establish a viable state where no tradition of self-government had previously existed. Second, it was difficult for Moldova to agree on a constitution and to find political leaders untainted by association with the Soviet Union. Third, the transition from a controlled economy to a free-market economy has been rocky. (A largely agricultural economy based on state and collective farms had been developed under Soviet rule.) Finally, the economic transition was also impeded by the fact that much of Moldovan industry was located in the separatist region of Transdniestria, which had proclaimed independence from Moldova in 1990, resulting in a brief civil war. Although a cease-fire was declared in 1992, relations remained tense between Moldova and Transdniestria, and Russian troops are still present in the security zone. Transdniestria is also the source of much of Moldova’s electricity, which has been cut off at various times. Thus, Moldova’s road to nationhood continues to be plagued by lots of "potholes" and "roadblocks."

+ Yet, in recent years, the world has been awakened to the appeal of this little nation wedged between Romania and Ukraine. As one of Europe’s least visited countries, Moldova retains a measure of roads-less-travelled charm, one example of which is shown here: Old Orhei, the archaeological and ecclesiastical complex at Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei), to the north of Chişinău, the county's capital, which is an important historical site with great natural beauty. Occupying a rocky ridge, the complex, known for its Cave Monastery, includes ruins ranging from the earliest days of the Dacian tribes, more than 2000 years ago, through the Mongol and Tatar invasions of the early Middle Ages and the time of Ştefan cel Mare (Stephen III of Moldavia).