Moldova is a small, landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south. The area that is now Moldova was historically part of the Principality of Moldavia, established in the 14th century, before falling under Ottoman domination. In the early 19th century, following the Russo-Turkish wars, the eastern part of Moldavia, known as Bessarabia, was annexed by the Russian Empire. After World War I, Bessarabia united with Romania, but it was incorporated into the Soviet Union as the Moldavian SSR in 1940. Moldova declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 27, 1991. Since independence, the country has faced significant political and economic challenges, including the unresolved breakaway region of Transnistria along its eastern border. Despite these obstacles, Moldova is known for its rich traditions, picturesque countryside, vibrant wine industry, and ongoing efforts to move towards closer integration with the European Union.