Transnistria, officially known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR) is a breakaway country that officially does not exist. It is a small strip of land located between the Dniester river and the border of Moldova and Ukraine. Internationally Transnistria is recognised as belonging to Moldova.
Regardless of all this, the country that does not exist, is not internationally recognised and cannot be found on the map, it has its own government, parliament, military, police, currency and vehicle registration to name a few. Transnistria has its own flag, national anthem and coat of arms.
Transnistria declared independence from Moldova in 1990 and appointed Tiraspol as its capital.
Names
Some English variations on the name of Transnistria are as follows;
- Trans-Dniester
- Transdniestria
Both originate from the Romanian name for the region which refers to ‘beyond the Dniester River’.
International Recognition
Recognised as a sovereign entity by only three other states; Abkhazia, Artsakh and South Ossetia. All three of which are either unrecognised themselves or only partially recognised. All UN member states recognise Transnistria as belonging to the Republic of Moldova.
These unrecognised independent states are all classified as post-soviet frozen conflict zones. Meaning that active conflict has ended but the conflict has not been resolved by peace treaty or successful political framework. As a result, conflict could resume at any moment, making the region unstable.
Visiting Transnistria
Earlier this year, during a trip to Chisinau, Moldova, I took the opportunity to enter Transnistria. I was granted a 12hr visa or permit at the border crossing after declaring my passport. As I was extremely short on time, i used a guide to take me across the border and together we drove to the historical landmarks throughout Bender, Tiraspol and beyond. It is a territory absolutely filled to the brim with Soviet nostalgia and Communist symbols.
