View source for Place:Chișinău

{{Short description|Capital of Moldova}}
{{EngvarB|date=June 2019}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = 
| official_name      = Chișinău
| other_name         = 
| settlement_type    = Capital city and municipality
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                   = infobox
| total_width              = 280
| image_style              = border:1;
| perrow                   = 1/2/2/3
| image1                   =  Clădirea fostei Dume Orășenești. Astăzi Primăria și Consiliul Municipal Chișinău. Foto 3.jpg
| alt1                     = 
| image2                   = Arcul_de_Triumf_din_Chișinău_11_-_May_-_2019_18.09.59_67.jpg
| alt2                     =  
| image3                   = Moldova, Chisinau King Stephen - Flickr - Dave Proffer.jpg
| alt3                     = 
| image4                   = Кишиневский цирк Circul din Chisinau Chisinau Circus (39697257692).jpg
| alt4                     = 
| image5                   = Parcul Valea Morilor 15.jpg
| alt5                     = 
| image6                   = Endava Tower, Кишинев, Республика Молдова Endava Tower, Chisinau, Republic Moldova Endava Tower, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova (51191814936).jpg
| alt6                     = 
}}
| image_caption      = Views of Chișinău: Chișinău City Hall, Triumphal Arch and Nativity Cathedral, Stephen the Great Monument, Chișinău State Circus and Valea Morilor Park, Endava Tower
| image_flag         = Flag of Chișinău.svg
| image_shield       = Coat of Arms of Chișinău.svg
| nickname           = {{lang|ro|Orașul din piatră albă}}<br />({{lit|The city of white stone}})
| motto              = 
| mapsize            = 230px
| map_caption        = Location of Chișinău in Moldova
| pushpin_map        = Moldova#Europe
| pushpin_relief     = 0
| coordinates        = {{coord|47|01|22|N|28|50|07|E|region:MD|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|Moldova}}
| established_title  = First written mention
| established_date   = 14 October 1436<ref>{{cite book|last1=Brezianu|first1=Andrei|last2=Spânu|first2=Vlad|year=2010|title=The A to Z of Moldova|page=81|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SsF94kyuHs4C&pg=PA81|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=9781461672036|access-date=26 December 2013|archive-date=17 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517203117/https://books.google.com/books?id=SsF94kyuHs4C&pg=PA81|url-status=live}}</ref>
| leader_title       = Mayor
| leader_name        = Ion Ceban<br/>(National Alternative Movement)
| area_footnotes     = <ref name=PUG>{{cite press release |url= http://www.chisinau.md/download.php?file=cHVibGljL3B1YmxpY2F0aW9ucy8xMDA0NTAxX21kX3B1Z19jaGlzaW5hdS5wZGY%3D |title= Planul Urbanistic General al Municipiului Chișinău |publisher= Chișinău City Hall |access-date= 20 January 2013 |archive-date= 4 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091514/http://www.chisinau.md/download.php?file=cHVibGljL3B1YmxpY2F0aW9ucy8xMDA0NTAxX21kX3B1Z19jaGlzaW5hdS5wZGY%3D |url-status= live }}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 123
| area_total_sq_mi   = 47
| area_metro_km2     = 571.6
| area_metro_sq_mi   = 217.5
| elevation_m        = 85
| elevation_ft       = 279
| population_total   = 532,513<!--Do not replace with estimates numbers as these numbers are from the most recent census data-->
| population_as_of   = 2014 census
| population_footnotes = <ref name=Census2014>{{cite press release |url= http://www.statistica.md/newsview.php?l=ro&idc=168&id=5583&parent=0 |title= Principalele rezultate ale RPL 2014 |publisher= National Bureau of Statistics of Moldova |date= 31 March 2017 |access-date= 7 September 2017 |archive-date= 7 September 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170907165635/http://www.statistica.md/newsview.php?l=ro&idc=168&id=5583&parent=0 |url-status= live }}</ref>
| population_density_km2 = 4,329
| pop_est_as_of      = 2019
| population_est     = 639,000
| pop_est_footnotes  = <ref name=Anuar2019>{{cite web |url= https://statistica.gov.md/public/files/publicatii_electronice/Chisinau/Chisinau_in_cifre_2018.pdf |title= Chișinău în cifre. Anuar statistic 2018 – p. 10 |publisher= National Bureau of Statistics of Moldova |access-date= 18 January 2021 |archive-date= 22 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210522110213/https://statistica.gov.md/public/files/publicatii_electronice/Chisinau/Chisinau_in_cifre_2018.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>
| population_urban   = 702,300
| population_urban_footnotes = <ref name=Anuar2019/>
| population_rural   = 77,000
| population_rural_footnotes = <ref name=Anuar2019/>
| population_metro   = 779,300
| population_metro_footnotes = <ref name=Anuar2019/>
| demographics_type2 = GDP
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://statbank.statistica.md/PxWeb/pxweb/en/40%20Statistica%20economica/40%20Statistica%20economica__13%20CNT__Serii%20intrerupte__SCN93__CNT170/CNT170100reg.px/?rxid=9a62a0d7-86c4-45da-b7e4-fecc26003802 |title= Regional Gross Domestic Product by economic activities, 2013–2015|access-date=10 October 2022 |publisher=NBS |website=statbank.statistica.md |year=2015 |location=Chișinău}}</ref>
| demographics2_title1 = Capital city and municipality
| demographics2_info1 = €3.448 billion (2015)
| demographics2_title2 = Per capita
| demographics2_info2 = €5,400 (2015)
| blank3_name        = [[Engineering:Human Development Index|HDI]] (2021)
| blank3_info        = 0.770<ref name=Global>{{Cite web |url= https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/table/shdi/MDA/?levels=1+4&years=2021&interpolation=0&extrapolation=0 |title= Sub-national HDI – Area Database – Global Data Lab |website= hdi.globaldatalab.org |language= en |access-date= 2018-09-13 |archive-date= 23 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |url-status= live }}</ref><br />{{colour|#0e0|
high}} · 1st
| postal_code_type   = Postal code
| postal_code        = MD-20xx
| area_code          = +373-22
| iso_code           = MD-CU
| website            = {{URL|http://www.chisinau.md/|chisinau.md}}
| footnotes          = <sup>a</sup> As the population of the Municipality of Chișinău (which comprises the city of Chișinău and 34 other suburban localities)<ref name=comune>{{cite press release |url= http://www.statistica.md/public/files/Recensamint/Recensamint_pop_2014/Rezultate/Tabele/Caracteristici_populatie_Comune_RPL_2014_rom_rus_eng.xls |title= Population by commune, sex and age groups |publisher= National Bureau of Statistics of Moldova |date= 31 March 2017 |access-date= 7 September 2017 |archive-date= 14 November 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171114200135/http://www.statistica.md/public/files/Recensamint/Recensamint_pop_2014/Rezultate/Tabele/Caracteristici_populatie_Comune_RPL_2014_rom_rus_eng.xls |url-status= live }}</ref>
| timezone           = [[Eastern European Time|EET]]
| utc_offset         = +02:00
| timezone_DST       = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]]
| utc_offset_DST     = +03:00
| government_type    = Mayor–council government
}}

'''Chișinău''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|k|ɪ|ʃ|ᵻ|ˈ|n|aʊ}} {{respell|KISH|in|OW}}, {{IPAc-en|USalso|ˌ|k|iː|ʃ|iː|ˈ|n|aʊ}} {{respell|KEE|shee|NOW}}; {{IPA-ro|kiʃiˈnəw|lang|Ro-Chișinău.ogg}}), formerly known as '''Kishinev''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|ɪ|ʃ|ᵻ|n|ɒ|f|,_|-|n|ɛ|f}} {{respell|KISH|in|off|,_-|ef}}, {{IPAc-en|USalso|-|n|ɛ|v}} {{respell|-|ev}}; {{lang-ru|Кишинёв|Kishinyov}}), is the capital and largest city of Moldova.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.natura2000oltenita-chiciu.ro/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Moldova-Pitoreasca-Picturesque-Moldavia-pdf-Vladimir-Toncea.pdf |title=Moldova Pitorească |trans-title=The picturesque Moldova |access-date=10 October 2022 |archive-date=18 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518103311/http://www.natura2000oltenita-chiciu.ro/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Moldova-Pitoreasca-Picturesque-Moldavia-pdf-Vladimir-Toncea.pdf |url-status=live |website=natura2000oltenita-chiciu.ro}}</ref> The city is Moldova's main industrial and commercial centre, and is located in the middle of the country, on the river Bîc, a tributary of the Dniester. According to the results of the 2014 census, the city proper had a population of 532,513, while the population of the Municipality of Chișinău (which includes the city itself and other nearby communities) was 700,000. Chișinău is the most economically prosperous locality in Moldova and its largest transportation hub. Nearly a third of Moldova's population lives in the metro area.

Moldova has a history of winemaking dating back to at least 3,000 BCE, and as the capital city, Chișinău hosts the yearly national wine festival every October.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Erizanu |first=Paula |date=2023-06-01 |title=I've come to love Chișinău: my home city in Moldova deserves the spotlight |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/jun/01/ive-come-to-love-chisinau-my-home-city-moldova-deserves-the-spotlight |access-date=2023-07-05 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-30 |title=Chisinau city guide: Where to eat, drink and stay in Moldova's capital |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/moldova/chisinau-travel-guide-best-hotels-city-restaurants-things-to-do-b1926513.html |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> Though the city's buildings were badly damaged during the [[Social:World War II|Second World War]] and earthquakes, there remains a rich architectural heritage, especially in the form of [[Social:Socialist realism|Socialist realism]] and Brutalist architecture. The city's central railway station boasts a Russian-Imperial architectural style, and maintains direct rail links to Romania. The Swiss-Italian-Russian architect Alexander Bernardazzi designed many of the city's most impressive buildings, including the Chișinău City Hall, Church of Saint Theodore, and the Church of Saint Panteleimon. The city hosts the National Museum of Fine Arts, Moldova State University, Brancusi Gallery, the National Museum of History of Moldova with over 236,000 exhibits, and bustling markets in the north of the city, including the house where Alexander Pushkin once resided while in exile from Alexander I of Russia, and which has now been turned into a museum. The city's Nativity Cathedral, located at the centre of the city and constructed in the 1830s, has been described as a "masterpiece" of [[History:Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical architecture]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martus |first=Vladlena |date=2019-06-12 |title=The Nativity Cathedral in Chisinau, a masterpiece of Neoclassicism |url=https://www.itinari.com/the-nativity-cathedral-in-chisinau-a-masterpiece-of-neoclassicism-tcd3 |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=itinari |language=en}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The origin of the city's name is unclear. A theory suggests that the name may come from the archaic Romanian word {{lang|ro|chișla}} (meaning "spring", "source of water") and {{lang|ro|nouă}} ("new"), because it was built around a small spring, at the corner of Pușkin and Albișoara streets.<ref>{{Cite web|language=ro |url=http://www.kishinev.info/history_ro/ |title=History of Chișinău |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030722230610/http://www.kishinev.info/history_ro/ |archive-date=22 July 2003 |url-status=dead |website=Kishinev.info |access-date=12 October 2008}}</ref>

The other version, formulated by Ștefan Ciobanu, Romanian historian and academician, holds that the name was formed the same way as the name of Chișineu (alternative spelt as ''Chișinău'') in Western Romania, near the border with Hungary. Its Hungarian name is {{lang|hu|Kisjenő}}, from which the Romanian name originates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.basarabiaveche.com/monografia-chisinaului-1925/istoria-orasului-i/ |title=Istoria Orașului I |access-date=2010-06-11 |url-status=dead |website=BasarabiaVeche.Com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301171153/http://www.basarabiaveche.com/monografia-chisinaului-1925/istoria-orasului-i/ |archive-date=1 March 2012 |language=ro}}</ref> Kisjenő comes from {{lang|hu|kis}} "small" and the Jenő, one of the seven Hungarian tribes that entered the Carpathian Basin in 896. At least 24 other settlements are named after the Jenő tribe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sebok2.adatbank.transindex.ro/ |title=Transindex – Határon túli magyar helységnévszótár |website=Sebok2.adatbank.transindex.ro |access-date=2016-12-17 |archive-date=22 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222084914/http://sebok2.adatbank.transindex.ro/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://mnytud.arts.unideb.hu/doktorik/racz_anita.pdf |title=Racz Anita |website=Mnytud.arts.unideb.hu |access-date=2016-12-17 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714224011/http://mnytud.arts.unideb.hu/doktorik/racz_anita.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Chișinău is known in Russian as {{transl|ru|Kishinyov}} ({{lang|ru|Кишинёв}}, {{IPA-ru|kʲɪʂɨˈnʲɵf|pron}}), while Moldova's Russian-language media call it {{transl|ru|Kishineu}} ({{lang|ru|Кишинэу}}, {{IPA-ru|kʲɪʂɨˈnɛʊ|pron}}). It is written {{lang|gag|script=Latn|Kişinöv}} in the Latin Gagauz alphabet. It was also written as ''Chișineu'' in pre-20th-century Romanian<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/basarabiainseco00arbugoog|title=Basarabia in secolul XIX ...|last=Zamfir C. Arbure|date=1 January 1898|publisher=C. Göbl|via=Internet Archive}}</ref> and as {{lang|ro|script=Cyrl|Кишинэу}} in the [[Social:Moldovan Cyrillic alphabet|Moldovan Cyrillic alphabet]]. Historically, the English-language name for the city, '''Kishinev''', was based on the modified Russian one because it entered the English language via Russian at the time Chișinău was part of the [[Place:Russian Empire|Russian Empire]] (e.g. Kishinev pogrom). Therefore, it remains a common English name in some historical contexts. Otherwise, the Romanian-based ''Chișinău'' has been steadily gaining wider currency, especially in [[Social:Written language|written language]]. The city is also historically referred to as {{lang-de|Kischinau}}, ({{IPA|de|ˌkɪʃiˈnaʊ̯|lang|audio=De-Kischinau.ogg}}); {{lang-pl|Kiszyniów}}, ({{IPA|pl|kʲiʂɨˈɲuf|lang|audio=Pl-Kiszyniów.ogg}}); {{lang-uk|Кишинів|Kyshyniv}}, ({{IPA|uk|ˈkɪʃɪnʲiv|lang|audio=LL-Q8798 (ukr)-Tohaomg-Кишинів.wav}}); or {{lang-yi|קעשענעװ|Keshenev}}.

==History==
{{Quote box
| width = 25em
| align = left
| bgcolor = #B0D4DE
| title = Historical affiliations
| fontsize = 85%
| quote = <poem>{{flagicon image|Flag of Moldavia.svg}} [[Place:Moldavia|Principality of Moldavia]] 1436–1812
{{flag|Russian Empire}} 1812–1917
{{flagicon|Russia}} Russian Republic 1917
{{flagicon image|Flag of Sfatul Tarii reverse (1918).svg}} Moldavian Democratic Republic 1917–1918
{{flag|Kingdom of Romania}} 1918–1940
{{flag|Soviet Union}} 1940–1941
{{flag|Kingdom of Romania}} 1941–1944
{{flag|Soviet Union}} 1944–1991
{{flag|Moldova}} 1991–present</poem>
}}
===Moldavian period===
Founded in 1436 as a monastery village, the city was part of the [[Place:Moldavia|Principality of Moldavia]] (which, starting with the 16th century became a vassal state of the Ottoman Empire, but still retaining its autonomy). At the beginning of the 19th century Chișinău was a small town of 7,000 inhabitants.

===Russian Imperial period===
[[File:Chișinău 1889 1.jpg|thumb|right|Chișinău, 1889]]

In 1812, in the aftermath of the Russo-Turkish War (1806–1812), the eastern half of Moldavia was ceded by the Ottomans to the [[Place:Russian Empire|Russian Empire]]. The newly acquired territories became known as Bessarabia.

Under Russian government, Chișinău became the capital of the newly annexed oblast (later guberniya) of Bessarabia. By 1834, an imperial townscape with broad and long roads had emerged as a result of a generous development plan, which divided Chișinău roughly into two areas: the old part of the town, with its irregular building structures, and a newer city centre and station. Between 26 May 1830 and 13 October 1836 the architect Avraam Melnikov established the Catedrala Nașterea Domnului with a magnificent bell tower. In 1840 the building of the Triumphal Arch, planned by the architect Luca Zaushkevich, was completed. Following this the construction of numerous buildings and landmarks began.

On 28 August 1871, Chișinău was linked by rail with Tiraspol, and in 1873 with Cornești. Chișinău-Ungheni-[[Place:Iași|Iași]] railway was opened on 1 June 1875 in preparation for the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878). The town played an important part in the war between Russia and the [[Place:Ottoman Empire|Ottoman Empire]], as the main [[Engineering:Staging area|staging area]] of the Russian invasion. During the Belle Époque, the mayor of the city was Carol Schmidt, considered{{by whom|date=July 2020}} one of Chișinău's best mayors. Its population had grown to 92,000 by 1862, and to 125,787 by 1900.<ref>Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition</ref>

====Pogroms and pre-revolution====
In the late 19th century, especially due to growing anti-Semitic sentiment in the [[Place:Russian Empire|Russian Empire]] and better economic conditions in Moldova, many Jews chose to settle in Chișinău. By the year 1897, 46% of the population of Chișinău was Jewish, over 50,000 people.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Jewish Community of Kishinev |url=https://dbs.bh.org.il/place/kishinev |publisher=The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot |access-date=24 June 2018 |archive-date=24 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624121317/https://dbs.bh.org.il/place/kishinev |url-status=live }}</ref>

As part of the pogrom wave organized in the Russian Empire, a large anti-Semitic riot was organized in the town on 19–20 April 1903, which would later be known as the Kishinev pogrom. The rioting continued for three days, resulting in 47 Jews dead, 92 severely wounded, and 500 suffering minor injuries. In addition, several hundred houses and many businesses were plundered and destroyed.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://muse.jhu.edu/article/172771|title=The Kishinev Pogrom of 1903: A Turning Point in Jewish History|first=Monty Noam|last=Penkower|date=10 September 2004|journal=Modern Judaism|volume=24|issue=3|pages=187–225|doi=10.1093/mj/kjh017|s2cid=170968039|via=Project MUSE|access-date=27 January 2019|archive-date=7 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407144217/https://muse.jhu.edu/article/172771|url-status=live}}</ref> Some sources say 49 people were killed.<ref>Encyclopaedia Judaica, Vol 10, page 1066. Jerusalem, 1971.</ref> The pogroms are largely believed to have been incited by anti-Jewish propaganda in the only official newspaper of the time, ''Bessarabetz'' (''Бессарабецъ''). Mayor Schmidt disapproved of the incident and resigned later in 1903. The reactions to this incident included a petition to Tsar Nicholas II of Russia on behalf of {{wipe|United States}} by US President [[Biography:Theodore Roosevelt|Theodore Roosevelt]] in July 1903.<ref name=pogrom>{{cite web |url=http://kishinev.moldline.net/pogrom.html |title=VIRTUAL KISHINEV – 1903 Pogrom |website=Kishinev.moldline.net |access-date=2016-12-17 |archive-date=27 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927004139/http://kishinev.moldline.net/pogrom.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 22 August 1905, another violent event occurred: the police opened fire on an estimated 3,000 demonstrating agricultural workers. Only a few months later, on 19–20 October 1905, a further protest occurred, helping to force the hand of Nicholas II in bringing about the October Manifesto. However, these demonstrations suddenly turned into another anti-Jewish pogrom, resulting in 19 deaths.<ref name=pogrom/>

===Romanian period===
[[File:Monumentul a lui Stefan cel Mare, Chisinau Stefan the Great Monument, Chisinau, Moldova (49601054843).jpg|thumb|left|Stephen the Great monument]]

Following the Russian October Revolution, Bessarabia declared independence from the crumbling empire, as the Moldavian Democratic Republic, before joining the [[History:Kingdom of Romania|Kingdom of Romania]]. As of 1919, Chișinău, with an estimated population of 133,000,<ref name=Kaba>{{cite book|last=Kaba|first=John|title=Politico-economic Review of Basarabia|year=1919|publisher=American Relief Administration|location=United States|page=12|url=http://www.wdl.org/en/item/7313/view/1/12/|access-date=3 October 2013|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005001320/http://www.wdl.org/en/item/7313/view/1/12/|url-status=live}}</ref> became the second largest city in Romania.

Between 1918 and 1940, the center of the city undertook large renovation work. Romania granted important subsidies to its province and initiated large scale investment programs in the infrastructure of the main cities in Bessarabia, expanded the railroad infrastructure and started an extensive program to eradicate illiteracy.

In 1927, the Stephen the Great Monument, by the sculptor Alexandru Plămădeală, was erected. In 1933, the first higher education institution in Bessarabia was established, by transferring the Agricultural Sciences Section of the University of Iași to Chișinău, as the [[Organization:Agricultural State University of Moldova|Faculty of Agricultural Sciences]].

===World War II===
[[File:Moldova-chisineu-war-memorial-site.jpg|thumb|''Eternity'' – a memorial complex dedicated to the soldiers who fell in World War II and the military conflict in Transnistria]]
[[File:Trenul durerii.jpg|thumb|left|[[Social:Memorial to Victims of Stalinist Repression|Train of Pain]] – the monument to the victims of communist mass deportations in Moldova]]
[[File:State Art Museum (80-ies). (8257398062).jpg|thumb|State Art Museum, during the [[History:Cold War|Cold War]] period]]
[[File:Prospectul Păcii (1980).jpg|thumb|Prospectul Păcii in 1980]]

On 28 June 1940, as a direct result of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, Bessarabia was annexed by the Soviet Union from Romania, and Chișinău became the capital of the newly created [[Place:Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic|Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic]].

Following the Soviet occupation, mass deportations, linked with atrocities, were executed by the [[Social:NKVD|NKVD]] between June 1940 and June 1941. More than 400 people were summarily executed in Chișinău in July 1940 and buried in the grounds of the Metropolitan Palace, the Chișinău Theological Institute, and the backyard of the Italian Consulate, where the NKVD had established its headquarters.<ref name=Brez2010>{{cite book|author1=Andrei Brezianu|author2=Vlad Spânu|title=The A to Z of Moldova|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bgcCelRuTboC&pg=PA116|date=26 May 2010|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-8108-7211-0|pages=116–|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221141455/https://books.google.com/books?id=bgcCelRuTboC&pg=PA116|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the policy of political repression of the potential opposition to the Communist power, tens of thousand members of native families were deported from Bessarabia to other regions of the USSR.

A devastating earthquake occurred on 10&nbsp;November 1940, measuring 7.4 (or 7.7, according to other sources) on the [[Richter scale]]. The [[Epicenter|epicenter]] of the quake was in the Vrancea Mountains, and it led to substantial destruction: 78 deaths and 2,795 damaged buildings (of which 172 were destroyed).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.iitk.ac.in/nicee/wcee/article/WCEE2012_2123.pdf |title=Building Damage vs. Territorial Casualty Patterns during the Vrancea (Romania) Earthquakes of 1940 and 1977 |access-date=29 April 2018 |archive-date=31 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031113003/http://www.iitk.ac.in/nicee/wcee/article/WCEE2012_2123.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://stiridegalati.ro/75-de-ani-de-la-cutremurul-din-1940/|title=75 de ani de la cutremurul din 1940|date=10 November 2015|access-date=29 April 2018|archive-date=29 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429160412/http://stiridegalati.ro/75-de-ani-de-la-cutremurul-din-1940/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 1941, in order to recover Bessarabia, Romania entered [[Social:World War II|World War II]] under the command of the German Wehrmacht, declaring war on the Soviet Union. Chișinău was severely affected in the chaos of the Second World War. In June and July 1941, the city came under bombardment by Nazi air raids. However, the Romanian and newly Moldovan sources assign most of the responsibility for the damage to Soviet NKVD destruction battalions, which operated in Chișinău until 17&nbsp;July 1941, when it was captured by Axis forces.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Virgil |last=Pâslariuc |url=http://www.historia.ro/exclusiv_web/general/articol/cine-devastat-chisinaul-iulie-1941 |title=Cine a devastat Chișinăul în iulie 1941? |trans-title=Who devastated Chisinau in July 1941? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620132238/http://www.historia.ro/exclusiv_web/general/articol/cine-devastat-chisinaul-iulie-1941 |archive-date=20 June 2012 |url-status=dead |website=Historia.ro |language=ro}}</ref>

During the German and Romanian military administration, the city suffered from the Nazi extermination policy of its Jewish inhabitants, who were transported on trucks to the outskirts of the city and then summarily shot in partially dug pits. The number of Jews murdered during the initial occupation of the city is estimated at 10,000 people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/memories-of-the-holocaust-kishinev-introduction-and-acknowledgements |title=Ghettos: Memories of the Holocaust: Kishinev (Chișinău) (1941–1944) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311011254/https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/memories-of-the-holocaust-kishinev-introduction-and-acknowledgements |archive-date=11 March 2017 |website=[[Jewish Virtual Library]] |access-date=11 October 2022}}</ref> During this time, Chișinău, part of Lăpușna County, was the capital of the newly established Bessarabia Governorate of Romania.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.rtsa.ro/rtsa/index.php/rtsa/article/view/166|title=Administrarea teritoriului României în timpul celui de-al doilea Război Mondial|first=Viorel|last=Stănică|journal=Transylvanian Review of Administrative Sciences|volume=9|issue=19|year=2007|pages=107–116|language=ro}}</ref>

As the war drew to a conclusion, the city was once again the scene of heavy fighting as German and Romanian troops retreated. Chișinău was captured by the Red Army on 24&nbsp;August 1944 as a result of the Second Jassy–Kishinev offensive.

===Soviet period===
After the war, Bessarabia was fully reintegrated into the Soviet Union, with around 65 percent of its territory as the Moldavian SSR, while the remaining 35 percent was transferred to the Ukrainian SSR.

Two other waves of deportations of Moldova's native population were carried out by the Soviets, the first one immediately after the Soviet reoccupation of Bessarabia until the end of the 1940s and the second one in the mid-1950s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.moldova.org/en/70-years-ago-today-13-14-june-1941-300000-were-deported-from-bessarabia-221894-eng/|title=70 years ago today: 13–14 June 1941, 300,000 were deported from Bessarabia|first=Autor|last=invitat|website=Moldova.org|date=15 June 2011|access-date=7 April 2019|archive-date=7 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407144219/https://www.moldova.org/en/70-years-ago-today-13-14-june-1941-300000-were-deported-from-bessarabia-221894-eng/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.languagesoftheworld.info/russia-ukraine-and-the-caucasus/stalins-ethnic-deportations-gerrymandered-ethnic-map.html|title=Stalin's Ethnic Deportations—and the Gerrymandered Ethnic Map|last=Pereltsvaig|first=Asya|website=LanguagesOfTheWorld.info|date=8 October 2014|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-date=26 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426012346/https://www.languagesoftheworld.info/russia-ukraine-and-the-caucasus/stalins-ethnic-deportations-gerrymandered-ethnic-map.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:LOWA ET54.jpg|thumb|left|Trams in Chișinău (pictured Gothawagen ET54) were discontinued in 1961.]]
In the years 1947 to 1949, the architect Alexey Shchusev developed a plan with the aid of a team of architects for the gradual reconstruction of the city. {{citation needed|date=March 2015}}

There was rapid population growth in the 1950s, to which the Soviet administration responded by constructing large-scale housing and palaces in the style of Stalinist architecture. This process continued under Nikita Khrushchev, who called for construction under the slogan "good, cheaper, and built faster." The new architectural style brought about dramatic change and generated the style that dominates today, with large blocks of flats arranged in considerable settlements. {{citation needed|date=March 2015}} These Khrushchev-era buildings are often informally called Khrushchyovka.

The period of the most significant redevelopment of the city began in 1971, when the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union adopted a decision "On the measures for further development of the city of Kishinev," which secured more than one billion rubles in investment from the state budget,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kishinev.info/architecture_en |title=Chisinau – the capital of Moldova: Architecture |website=kishinev.info |access-date=2010-06-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513230114/http://kishinev.info/architecture_en/ |archive-date=13 May 2010 }}</ref> and continued until the independence of Moldova in 1991. The share of dwellings built during the Soviet period (1951–1990) represents 74.3 percent of total households.<ref>{{cite web|title=Energy consumption in households|url=http://www.statistica.md/pageview.php?l=en&id=5413&idc=350|website=NBS |access-date=14 April 2017|archive-date=15 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415103718/http://www.statistica.md/pageview.php?l=en&id=5413&idc=350|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 4 March 1977, the city was again jolted by a devastating earthquake. Several people were killed, and panic broke out.

On 22 April 1993, the city inaugurated the Monument to the Victims of Jewish Ghettos, a public monument centring on a bronze statue of the [[Religion:Prophet|Biblical prophet]] [[Biography:Moses|Moses]], which serves as a symbol of remembrance to the thousands of Jews who perished during the holocaust. The monument was designed by architect Simeon Shoihet and sculptor Naum Epelbaum. It stands on Ierusalim Street, marking the site of the main entrance to the Chisinau ghetto, which was established in the lower part of the city in July 1941, shortly after the German and Romanian troops occupied the area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Monument to the Victims of Jewish Ghetto in Chisinau, Moldova |url=https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/monument-to-the-victims-of-jewish-ghetto-8352.html |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=GPSmyCity |language=en}}</ref>

===After independence===
Since Moldovan independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, many streets of Chișinău have been renamed after historic persons, places or events. Independence from the Soviet Union was followed by a large-scale renaming of streets and localities from a Communist theme into a national one.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Light|first1=Duncan|last2=Nicolae|first2=Ion|last3=Suditu|first3=Bogdan|date=September 2002|title=Toponymy and the Communist city: Street names in Bucharest, 1948-1965|url=http://link.springer.com/10.1023/A:1022469601470|journal=GeoJournal|volume=56|issue=2|pages=135–144|doi=10.1023/A:1022469601470|s2cid=140915309|access-date=15 March 2021|archive-date=29 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529150939/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1022469601470|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 5 September 2022, the country's first Christian university Universitatea Moldo-Americană opened its doors, supported by the Scandinavian broadcaster Visjon Norge and several donors in {{wipe|Norway}}, and run in cooperation with the [[Organization:Southeastern University (Florida)|American Southeastern University]] in Florida, {{wipe|United States}}.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-09-05 |title=First Christian university opens in Moldova |url=https://cne.news/article/1646-first-christian-university-opens-in-moldova |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=Christian Network Europe |language=en}}</ref>

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moldova allowed more than 600,000 Ukrainian civilians to flee Ukraine across their border. Despite being among the poorest states in Europe, Moldova has continued to host more than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees, many of them in Chișinău.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moldova's efforts in hosting and providing safe transit to Ukrainian refugees applauded by OSCE PA migration committee |url=https://www.oscepa.org/en/news-a-media/press-releases/press-2023/moldova-s-efforts-in-hosting-and-providing-safe-transit-to-ukrainian-refugees-applauded-by-osce-pa-migration-committee |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=www.oscepa.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Bryan |date=2023-02-24 |title=Ukrainian refugees in Moldova: Warmly welcomed but dreaming of home |url=https://www.euronews.com/2023/02/24/ukrainian-refugees-in-moldova-warmly-welcomed-but-dreaming-of-home |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Euronews |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Krasteva |first=Gergana |date=2023-04-16 |title=Tears of Ukrainian refugees in Moldova still in limbo as they wait to go home |url=https://metro.co.uk/2023/04/16/tears-of-ukrainian-refugees-in-moldova-still-in-limbo-as-they-wait-to-go-home-18606690/ |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Metro |language=en}}</ref>

On 23 November 2022, the Chișinău Court of Appeal ruled that Chișinău International Airport will return to state ownership, according to justice minister Sergiu Litvinenco, more than three months after an international court allowed Moldova to terminate a 49-year concession deal with airport operator Avia Invest.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moldova takes back control of Chisinau Airport - minister |url=https://seenews.com/news/moldova-takes-back-control-of-chisinau-airport-minister-805816 |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=seenews.com |language=en}}</ref> In April 2023, the Dutch government opened a new embassy in Chișinău.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaken |first=Ministerie van Buitenlandse |date=2023-04-19 |title=New Dutch embassy shows Dutch support for Moldova's future EU membership - News item - Government.nl |url=https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2023/04/19/new-dutch-embassy-in-moldova |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=www.government.nl |language=nl-NL}}</ref>

On 21 May 2023, tens of thousands of Moldovans took to the streets in a massive rally, the European Moldova National Assembly, to support the country's European Union membership bid.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Vilcu |first1=Irina |last2=Timu |first2=Andra |date=2023-05-21 |title=Moldovans Rally to Support EU Entry, Shift Away From Russia |language=en |work={{wipe|Bloomberg News}} |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-21/moldovans-rally-to-support-eu-entry-shift-away-from-russia |access-date=2023-07-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Moldova: Tens of thousands gather in pro-EU rally – DW – 05/22/2023 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/moldova-tens-of-thousands-gather-in-pro-eu-rally/a-65693417 |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref> Moldovan police said more than 75,000 demonstrators were present. Moldovan President Maia Sandu, whose government organised the rally, made a speech in which she said "We don't want to be on the outskirts of Europe anymore", and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola also addressed the crowd, in which she said that Europe would welcome Moldova "with open arms and open hearts".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanas |first=Alexander |date=2023-05-21 |title=Pro-government rally in Moldovan capital draws tens of thousands |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pro-government-rally-moldovan-capital-draws-tens-thousands-2023-05-21/ |access-date=2023-07-05}}</ref>

Later that month, Chișinău hosted a major international summit of the European Political Community organised to discuss the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as cybersecurity, migration and energy security, and regional issues in [[Place:Azerbaijan|Azerbaijan]], [[Place:Armenia|Armenia]], and clashes in Kosovo. 50 leaders from 47 countries were in attendance, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Irish |first=John |date=2023-05-30 |title=European leaders head to Moldova for symbolic summit on Ukraine's doorstep |language=en |work={{wipe|Reuters}} |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/european-leaders-head-moldova-symbolic-summit-ukraines-doorstep-2023-05-30/ |access-date=2023-07-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Timu |first1=Andra |last2=Vilcu |first2=Irina |date=2023-06-01 |title=Zelenskiy Visits Summit in Moldova as European Leaders Meet |language=en |work={{wipe|Bloomberg News}} |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-01/zelenskiy-visits-summit-in-moldova |access-date=2023-07-05}}</ref> Moldova and fellow countries reaffirmed their commitment to their condemnation of Russia's invasion and their support for Ukraine in the war. Ursula von der Leyen promised new financing and investment steps for Moldova, worth around €1.6 billion.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last1=Casert |first1=Raf |last2=Spike |first2=Justin |last3=Heintz |first3=Jim |date=2023-05-31 |title=EU aspirant Moldova prepares to host major international summit |url=https://apnews.com/article/moldova-european-summit-bulboaca-af8c00a1b860b77453732cbf092369b7 |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> Moldovan President Maia Sandu called the summit "a testament to growing unity on the [European] continent", and a "resolute reaffirmation of our unwavering dedication to peace, a strong condemnation of Russia's invasion (and of Moldova's) continued solidarity with Ukraine.<ref name=":0" />

==Geography==
[[File:Biserica de lemn din Hirișeni 3.jpg|thumb|"Museum of the village" (''Muzeul satului''), located on the southern outskirts of the city]]
Chișinău is located on the river Bâc, a tributary of the Dniester, at {{Coord|47|0|N|28|55|E|display=inline}}, with an area of {{cvt|120|km2|0}}. The municipality comprises {{cvt|635|km2|0}}.

The city lies in central Moldova and is surrounded by a relatively level landscape with very fertile ground.

===Climate===
[[File:Gradina botanica Chisinau (15).jpg|thumb|Botanical garden]]
Chișinău has a [[Earth:Humid continental climate|humid continental climate]] ([[Earth:Köppen climate classification|Köppen climate classification]] ''Dfa'') characterised by warm summers and cold, windy winters. Winter minimum temperatures are often below {{convert|0|°C|0|abbr=on}}, although they rarely drop below {{convert|-10|°C|0|abbr=on}}. In summer, the average maximum temperature is approximately {{convert|25|°C|0|abbr=on}}, however, temperatures occasionally reach {{convert|35|to|40|C|F|abbr=on}} in mid-summer in downtown. Although average precipitation and [[Physics:Humidity|humidity]] during summer is relatively low, there are infrequent yet heavy storms.

Spring and autumn temperatures vary between {{convert|16|and|24|C|F|abbr=on}}, and precipitation during this time tends to be lower than in summer but with more frequent yet milder periods of rain.
[[File:Grădina Publică "Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt" Foto 1.jpg|thumb|Bird's eye view of the Central park]]

{{Weather box
| width = auto
| location = Chișinău (1991–2020, extremes 1886–present)
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| Jan record high C = 16.6
| Feb record high C = 20.7
| Mar record high C = 25.7
| Apr record high C = 31.6
| May record high C = 35.9
| Jun record high C = 37.5
| Jul record high C = 39.4
| Aug record high C = 39.2
| Sep record high C = 37.3
| Oct record high C = 32.6
| Nov record high C = 23.6
| Dec record high C = 18.3
| year record high C = 39.4
| Jan high C = 1.1
| Feb high C = 3.4
| Mar high C = 9.2
| Apr high C = 16.4
| May high C = 22.3
| Jun high C = 26.1
| Jul high C = 28.4
| Aug high C = 28.3
| Sep high C = 22.3
| Oct high C = 15.5
| Nov high C = 8.1
| Dec high C = 2.7
| year high C = 15.3
| Jan mean C = -1.8
| Feb mean C = -0.2
| Mar mean C = 4.5
| Apr mean C = 11.0
| May mean C = 16.8
| Jun mean C = 20.7
| Jul mean C = 22.9
| Aug mean C = 22.6
| Sep mean C = 17.0
| Oct mean C = 10.8
| Nov mean C = 4.8
| Dec mean C = -0.2
| year mean C = 10.7
| Jan low C = -4.2
| Feb low C = -3.0
| Mar low C = 0.7
| Apr low C = 6.3
| May low C = 11.8
| Jun low C = 15.9
| Jul low C = 17.9
| Aug low C = 17.5
| Sep low C = 12.5
| Oct low C = 7.1
| Nov low C = 2.1
| Dec low C = -2.5
| year low C = 6.8
| Jan record low C = -28.4
| Feb record low C = -28.9
| Mar record low C = -21.1
| Apr record low C = -6.6
| May record low C = -1.1
| Jun record low C = 3.6
| Jul record low C = 7.8
| Aug record low C = 5.5
| Sep record low C = -2.4
| Oct record low C = -10.8
| Nov record low C = -21.6
| Dec record low C = -22.4
| year record low C = -28.9
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 36
| Feb precipitation mm = 31
| Mar precipitation mm = 35
| Apr precipitation mm = 39
| May precipitation mm = 54
| Jun precipitation mm = 65
| Jul precipitation mm = 67
| Aug precipitation mm = 49
| Sep precipitation mm = 48
| Oct precipitation mm = 47
| Nov precipitation mm = 43
| Dec precipitation mm = 44
| year precipitation mm = 
| Jan snow depth cm = 7
| Feb snow depth cm = 6
| Mar snow depth cm = 3
| Apr snow depth cm = 0
| May snow depth cm = 0
| Jun snow depth cm = 0
| Jul snow depth cm = 0
| Aug snow depth cm = 0
| Sep snow depth cm = 0
| Oct snow depth cm = 0
| Nov snow depth cm = 1
| Dec snow depth cm = 3
| year snow depth cm = 
| Jan humidity = 82
| Feb humidity = 78
| Mar humidity = 71
| Apr humidity = 63
| May humidity = 60
| Jun humidity = 63
| Jul humidity = 62
| Aug humidity = 60
| Sep humidity = 66
| Oct humidity = 73
| Nov humidity = 81
| Dec humidity = 83
| year humidity = 70
| Jan rain days = 8
| Feb rain days = 7
| Mar rain days = 11
| Apr rain days = 13
| May rain days = 14
| Jun rain days = 14
| Jul rain days = 12
| Aug rain days = 10
| Sep rain days = 10
| Oct rain days = 11
| Nov rain days = 12
| Dec rain days = 10
| year rain days = 132
| Jan snow days = 13
| Feb snow days = 13
| Mar snow days = 8
| Apr snow days = 1
| May snow days = 0.03
| Jun snow days = 0
| Jul snow days = 0
| Aug snow days = 0
| Sep snow days = 0
| Oct snow days = 0.4
| Nov snow days = 5
| Dec snow days = 11
| year snow days = 51
| Jan sun = 70
| Feb sun = 96
| Mar sun = 155
| Apr sun = 210
| May sun = 283
| Jun sun = 301
| Jul sun = 326
| Aug sun = 308
| Sep sun = 220
| Oct sun = 162
| Nov sun = 81
| Dec sun = 65
| year sun = 2277
| source 1 = Pogoda.ru.net<ref name=pogoda>{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191213144209/http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/climate/33815.htm
| archive-date = 13 December 2019
| url = http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/climate/33815.htm
| title = Климат Кишинева (Climate of Chișinău)
| access-date = 20 August 2023
| publisher = Погода и климат
| language = ru}}</ref> 
|source 2 = NOAA (sun, 1991–2020)<ref name = NOAA>{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230820205005/https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Moldova/CSV/Chisinau_33815.csv
| archive-date = 20 August 2023
| url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Moldova/CSV/Chisinau_33815.csv
| title = Chisinau Climate Normals 1991–2020
| work = World Meteorological Organization Climatological Standard Normals (1991–2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = 20 August 2023}}</ref>
| date=August 2010}}

== Law and government ==
[[File:Clădirea fostei Dume Orășenești. Astăzi Primăria și Consiliul Municipal Chișinău. Foto 4.jpg|thumb|Chișinău City Hall]]

=== Municipality ===

Moldova is administratively subdivided into 3 municipalities, 32 districts, and 2 autonomous units. With a population of 662,836 inhabitants (as of 2014), the Municipality of Chișinău (which includes the nearby communities) is the largest of these municipalities.<ref>Moldovan Law 764-XV from 27 December 2001, ''Monitorul Oficial al Republicii Moldova'', no. 16/53, 29 December 2001</ref>

Besides the city itself, the municipality comprises 34 other suburban localities: 6 towns (containing further 2 villages within), and 12 communes (containing further 14 villages within). The population, as of the 2014 Moldovan census,<ref name=comune/> is shown in brackets:

==== Cities/towns ====

{{colbegin|colwidth=25em}}
* Chișinău (532,513)
* Codru (15,934)
* Cricova (10,669)
* Durlești (17,210)
* Sîngera (9,966)
** ''Dobrogea''
** ''Revaca''
* Vadul lui Vodă (5,295)
* Vatra (3,457)
{{colend}}

==== Communes ====

{{colbegin|colwidth=25em}}
* Băcioi (10,175)
** ''Brăila''
** ''Frumușica''
** ''Străisteni''
* Bubuieci (8,047)
** ''Bîc''
** ''Humulești''
* Budești (4,928)
** ''Văduleni''
* Ciorescu (5,961)
** ''Făurești''
** ''Goian''
* Colonița (3,367)
* Condrița (595)
* Cruzești (1,815)
** ''Ceroborta''
* Ghidighici (5,051)
* Grătiești (6,183)
** ''Hulboaca''
* Stăuceni (8,694)
** ''Goianul Nou''
* Tohatin (2,596)
** ''Buneți''
** ''Cheltuitori''
* Trușeni (10,380)
** ''Dumbrava''
{{colend}}

=== Administration ===

[[File:Mapa chisinau vectorizata232.svg|200px|thumb|Administrative sectors of Chișinău: 1-Centru, 2-Buiucani, 3-Râșcani, 4-Botanica, 5-Ciocana]]

Chișinău is governed by the City Council and the City Mayor ({{lang-ro|Primar}}), both elected once every four years.

His predecessor was Serafim Urechean. Under the Moldovan constitution, Urechean — elected to parliament in 2005 — was unable to hold an additional post to that of an MP. The Democratic Moldova Bloc leader subsequently accepted his mandate and in April resigned from his former position. During his 11-year term, Urechean committed himself to the restoration of the church tower of the Catedrala Nașterea Domnului and improvements in public transport.

=== Local government ===

The municipality in its totality elects a mayor and a local council, which then name five ''pretors'', one for each sector. They deal more locally with administrative matters. Each sector claims a part of the city and several suburbs:<ref>[http://primar.md/?a=33&i=30 Moldovan Law 431-XIII from 19 April 1995] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722170932/http://primar.md/?a=33&i=30 |date=22 July 2011 }}, ''Monitorul Oficial al Republicii Moldova'', no. 31-32/340, 9 June 1995 {{in lang|ro}}</ref>

{{colbegin|colwidth=25em}}
;{{flagicon image|Drapelul_sectorului_Centru.jpg}} Centru
:* Codru
;{{flagicon image|Drapelul_sectorului_Buiucani.jpg}} Buiucani
:* Durlești
:* Vatra
:* Condrița
:* Ghidighici
:* Trușeni
:** ''Dumbrava''
;{{flagicon image|Drapelul_sectorului_Râșcani.png}} Râșcani
:* Cricova
:* Ciorescu
:** ''Făurești''
:** ''Goian''
:* Grătiești
:** ''Hulboaca''
:* Stăuceni
:** ''Goianul Nou''
;{{flagicon image|Drapelul_sectorului_Botanica.jpg|border=}} Botanica
:* Sîngera
:** ''Dobrogea''
:** ''Revaca''
:* Băcioi
:** ''Brăila''
:** ''Frumușica''
:** ''Străisteni''
;{{flagicon image|Drapelul_sectorului_Ciocana.jpg}} Ciocana
:* Vadul lui Vodă
:* Bubuieci
:** ''Bîc''
:** ''Humulești''
:* Budești,
:** ''Văduleni''
:* Colonița
:* Cruzești
:** ''Ceroborta''
:* Tohatin
:** ''Buneți''
:** ''Cheltuitori''
{{colend}}

==Economy==
[[File:Malldova Shopping, Кишинев, Республика Молдова Malldova Shopping, Chisinau, Republica Moldova Moldova Shopping, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova (51187661202).jpg|thumb|Malldova shopping centre]]
Historically, the city was home to fourteen factories in 1919.<ref name=Kaba/> Chișinău is the financial and business capital of Moldova. Its GDP comprises about 60% of the national economy<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.statistica.md/public/files/publicatii_electronice/Chisinau/Anuar_Chisinau_2013.pdf |title=CHIŞINĂU ÎN CIFRE : ANUAR STATISTIC |website=Statistica.md |access-date=2016-12-17 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924120331/http://www.statistica.md/public/files/publicatii_electronice/Chisinau/Anuar_Chisinau_2013.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> reached in 2012 the amount of 52&nbsp;billion lei (US$4&nbsp;billion). Thus, the GDP per capita of Chișinău stood at 227% of the Moldova's average. Chișinău has the largest and most developed mass media sector in Moldova, and is home to several related companies ranging from leading television networks and radio stations to major newspapers. All national and international banks (15) have their headquarters located in Chișinău.

Notable sites around Chișinău include the cinema Patria, the new malls Malldova, Megapolis Mall and best-known retailers, such as N1, Fidesco, Green Hills, Fourchette and Metro. While many locals continue to shop at the bazaars, many upper class residents and tourists shop at the retail stores and at Malldova. Elăt, an older mall in the Botanica district, and Sun City, in the center, are more popular with locals.

Several amusement parks exist around the city. A [[Place:Soviet Union|Soviet]]-era one is located in the Botanica district, along the three lakes of a major park, which reaches the outskirts of the city center. Another, the modern Aventura Park, is located farther from the center. A circus, which used to be in a grand building in the Râșcani sector, has been inactive for several years due to a poorly funded renovation project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.exutopia.com/urban-exploration-abandoned-soviet-circus/|title=Sneaking into an Abandoned Soviet Circus in Moldova|work=Ex Utopia|date=25 November 2013|access-date=9 July 2021}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{Historical populations
|title = City of Chișinău
|percentages = pagr
|align = right
|footnote = c-census; e-estimate
|cols = 3
|1812<ref name=demography>{{cite web |url=http://www.bessarabia.ru/demografic.htm |title=Evoluţia demografică a oraşelor basarabene în prima jumătate a secolului al XIX-lea |website=Bessarabia.ru |access-date=2016-12-17 |archive-date=6 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206085943/http://www.bessarabia.ru/demografic.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> | 7000
|1818<ref name=demography/> | 10966
|1835<ref name=demography/> | 34079
|1847<ref name=demography/> | 43965
|1851 | 58849
|1865 | 94047
|1897(c)<ref name=pop1>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishgen.org/bessarabia/files/projects/3GeographicalDictionary/JewishPopulationinBessarabia.htm |title=Jewish Population in Bessarabia and Transnistria – Geographical |website=Jewishgen.org |access-date=2016-12-17 |archive-date=26 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126220613/http://www.jewishgen.org/Bessarabia/files/projects/3GeographicalDictionary/JewishPopulationinBessarabia.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> | 108483
|1912 | 121000
|1930(c)<ref name=pop1/> | 114896
|1950 | 134000
|1963 | 253500
|1980 | 519200
|1991 | 676700
|2004(c)<ref name=census2004>{{cite web|url=http://www.statistica.md/pageview.php?l=en&idc=295&id=2234|title=// Population Census 2004|first=National Bureau of|last=Statistics|date=30 September 2009|access-date=10 June 2011|archive-date=14 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114023835/http://www.statistica.md/pageview.php?l=en&id=2234&idc=295|url-status=live}}</ref> | 589446
|2014(c)<ref name=Census2014/> | 532513
|2017(e)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://statbank.statistica.md/pxweb/pxweb/ro/20%20Populatia%20si%20procesele%20demografice/20%20Populatia%20si%20procesele%20demografice__POP010/POP010300reg.px/table/tableViewLayout1/?rxid=2345d98a-890b-4459-bb1f-9b565f99b3b9|publisher=National Bureau of Statistics of Moldova|trans-title=Permanent population in cities and districts on 1 January 2005–2017|title=Populatia stabila pe orase si raioane, la 1 ianuarie, 2005–2017|access-date=5 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107170926/https://statbank.statistica.md/pxweb/ErrorGeneral.aspx?aspxerrorpath=%2Fpxweb%2Fpxweb%2Fro%2F20%20Populatia%20si%20procesele%20demografice%2F20%20Populatia%20si%20procesele%20demografice__POP010%2FPOP010300reg.px%2F|archive-date=7 January 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> |685,900
|2019(e)<ref name=Anuar2019/> | 639000
}}
[[File:Chișinău population pyramid.svg|thumb|Chișinău population pyramid in 2021]]
{{Historical populations
|title = Municipality of Chișinău
|percentages = pagr
|align = right
|footnote = c-census; e-estimate; Source:<ref name=Anuar2019/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://statistica.gov.md/newsview.php?l=ro&idc=168&id=5596 |title=Cea mai mare comună din Republica Moldova are 11.123 de locuitori |access-date=18 January 2021 |archive-date=16 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116015352/http://statistica.gov.md/newsview.php?l=ro&id=5596&idc=168 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|cols = 2
|1959(c) | 258910
|1970(c) | 415956
|1979(c) | 589140
|1989(c) | 770948
|2004(c) | 712218
|2014(c) | 662836
|2017(e) | 820500
|2019(e) | 779300
}}

According to the results of the 2014 Moldovan census, conducted in May 2014, 532,513 inhabitants live within the Chișinău city limits. This represents a 9.7% drop in the number of residents compared to the results of the 2004 census.

Natural statistics (2015):<ref name=CITY2012/>
* Births: 6,845 (9.8 per 1,000)
* Deaths: 6,433 (7.7 per 1,000)
* Net Growth rate: 412 (2.1 per 1,000)

Population by sector:
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|- style="background:#c41e3a;"
! Sector
! Population (2004 cen.)<ref name=CITY2012>{{cite press release |url= http://www.statistica.md/public/files/publicatii_electronice/Chisinau/Anuar_Chisinau_2013.pdf |title= Chișinău în cifre. Anuar statistic 2012 |publisher= National Bureau of Statistics of Moldova |access-date= 22 April 2014 |archive-date= 24 September 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150924120331/http://www.statistica.md/public/files/publicatii_electronice/Chisinau/Anuar_Chisinau_2013.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>
! Population (2019 est.)<ref name=Anuar2019/>
|-
|Botanica
|156,633
|170,600
|-
|Buiucani
|107,744
|110,100
|-
|Centru
|90,494
|96,200
|-
|Ciocana
|101,834
|115,900
|-
|Râșcani
|132,740
|146,200
|}

===Ethnic composition===
<div width="100%" style="overflow:auto">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
|+ Population of Chișinău according to ethnic group (Censuses 1930–2014)
|-
! rowspan="2" | Ethnic<br/>group
! colspan="2" | 1930<sup>1</sup>
! colspan="2" | 1941<sup>2</sup>
! colspan="2" | 1959<sup>3</sup>
! colspan="2" | 1970<sup>4</sup> 
! colspan="2" | 1989<sup>5</sup>
! colspan="2" | 2004<sup>6</sup>
! colspan="2" | 2014<sup>7</sup>
|-
! Number
! %
! Number
! %
! Number
! %
! Number
! %
! Number
! %
! Number
! %
! Number
! %
|-
|style="text-align:left;"| Moldovans <sup>'''*'''</sup> 
| rowspan="2" | 48,456
| rowspan="2" | 42.17
| rowspan="2" | 43,024
| rowspan="2" | 81.24
| 69,722
| 32.38
| 137,942
| 37.90
| 366,468
| 51.26
| 481,626
| 68.94
| 304,860
| 67.18
|-
|style="text-align:left;"| Romanians <sup>'''*'''</sup> 
| 331
| 0.15
| 513
| 0.14
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | -
| 31,984
| 4.58
| 65,605
| 14.46
|-
|style="text-align:left;"| Russians
| 19,631
| 17.09
| 5,915
| 11.17
| 69,600
| 32.22
| 110,449
| 30.35
| 181,002
| 25.32
| 99,149
| 14.19
| 42,174
| 9.29
|-
|style="text-align:left;"| Ukrainians
| 563
| 0.49
| 1,745
| 3.29
| 25,930
| 12.00
| 51,103
| 14.04
| 98,190
| 13.73
| 58,945
| 8.44
| 26,991
| 5.95
|-
|style="text-align:left;"| Bulgarians
| 541
| 0.47
| 183
| 0.35
| 1,811
| 0.84
| 3,855
| 1.06
| 9,224
| 1.29
| 8,868
| 1.27
| 4,850
| 1.07
|-
|style="text-align:left;"| Gagauz
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| -
| 17
| 0.03
| 1,476
| 0.68
| 2,666
| 0.73
| 6,155
| 0.86
| 6,446
| 0.92
| 3,108
| 0.68
|-
|style="text-align:left;"| ''Others''
| 45,705
| 39.78
| 2,078
| 3.92
| 45,626
| 21.12
| 54,688 
| 15.03
| 47,525 
| 6.65
| 11,605
| 1.66
| 6,210
| 1.37
|-
! style="text-align:left;" | Total
! colspan="2" | 114,896
! colspan="2" | 52,962	
! colspan="2" | 216,005	
! colspan="2" | 363,940	
! colspan="2" | 714,928	
! colspan="2" | 712,218	
! colspan="2" | 469,402	
|-
| colspan="15" style="text-align:center;"|<small>'''*''' Since the independence of Moldova, there is an ongoing controversy over whether Moldovans and Romanians are the same ethnic group.<br/>'''**''' These percentages are for the 469,402 reviewed citizens in the 2014 census that answered the ethnicity question. An additional estimated 193,434 inhabitants of the Municipality of Chișinău weren't reviewed.</small>
|-
| colspan="15" style="text-align:center;"|<small><sup>'''1'''</sup>Source:[https://archive.org/stream/recensamntulgene02inst#page/n3/mode/2up]. <sup>'''2'''</sup>Source:[http://historymaps.ro/?p=246] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101055012/http://historymaps.ro/?p=246 |date=1 November 2018 }}. <sup>'''3'''</sup>Source:[http://www.demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/census.php?cy=3]. <sup>'''4'''</sup>Source:[http://www.demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/census.php?cy=4]. <sup>'''5'''</sup>Source:[http://www.demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/census.php?cy=6]. <sup>'''6'''</sup>Source:[http://www.statistica.md/pageview.php?l=ro&idc=295&]. <sup>'''7'''</sup>Source:[http://www.statistica.md/pageview.php?l=ro&idc=479&].</small>
|}
</div>

===Languages===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
|+ Languages usually spoken in Chișinău (Censuses 1989–2014)
|-
! rowspan="2" | First<br />language
! colspan="2" | 1989<sup>1</sup>
! colspan="2" | 2004<sup>2</sup>
! colspan="2" | 2014<sup>3</sup>
|-
! Number
! %
! Number
! %
! Number
! %
|-
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Social:Romanian language|Romanian]]<sup>'''*'''</sup>
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | -
| 258,910
| 37.06
| 197,101
| 43.78
|-
|style="text-align:left;"| Moldovan<sup>'''*'''</sup> 
| 117,527
| 17.34
| 199,547
| 28.56
| 133,027
| 29.55
|-
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Social:Russian language|Russian]]
| 482,436
| 71.20
| 234,037
| 33.50
| 115,434
| 25.64
|-
|style="text-align:left;"| ''Other languages''
| 77,627
| 11.46
| 6,106
| 0.87
| 4,635
| 1.03
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Total
! colspan="2" |714,928
! colspan="2" |712,218
! colspan="2" |469,402	
|-
| colspan="8" style="text-align:center;"|<small>'''*''' The Moldovan language represents the glottonym (dialect) given to the Romanian language in the Republic of Moldova.</small>
|-
| colspan="8" style="text-align:center;"|<small><sup>'''1'''</sup>Sursă:[http://www.demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/census.php?cy=6]{{Failed verification|date=October 2022}}. <sup>'''2'''</sup>Sursă:[http://www.statistica.md/pageview.php?l=ro&idc=295&]. <sup>'''3'''</sup>Sursă:[http://www.statistica.md/pageview.php?l=ro&idc=349&].</small>
|}

===Religion===
Chișinău is the seat of the Moldovan Orthodox Church, as well as of the Metropolis of Bessarabia. The city has multiple churches and [[Engineering:Synagogue|synagogue]]s.<ref name=Kaba/>

*[[Religion:Christianity|Christians]] – 90.0%
**[[Religion:Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Christians]] – 88.4%
**[[Religion:Protestantism|Protestant]] – 1.2%
***[[Religion:Baptists|Baptists]] – 0.6%
***Evangelicals – 0.4%
***Pentecostals – 0.2%
***Seventh-day Adventists – 0.1%
** Roman Catholics – 0.4%
*Other – 1.0%
*No religion – 1.4%
*Atheists – 1.5%
*Undeclared – 6.1%

==Cityscape==
{{Wide image|Telegentru at night panorama 01.jpeg|1200px|Panorama of Chișinău at night}}

===Architecture===
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| total_width       = 320
| image1            = Vorota kishineva.jpg
| alt1              = The Gate
| caption1          = Soviet-style apartment buildings in Chișinău
| image2            = Romashka Tower.jpg
| alt2              = Romashka Tower
| caption2          = Romashka Tower, the tallest building in Moldova
| footer            = 
}}


Chișinău's growth plan was developed in the 19th century. In 1836 the construction of the Kishinev Cathedral and its belfry was finished. The belfry was demolished in Soviet times and was rebuilt in 1997. Chișinău also displays a tremendous number of Orthodox churches and 19th-century buildings around the city such as Ciuflea Monastery or the Transfiguration Church. Much of the city is made from limestone quarried from Cricova, leaving a famous wine cellar there.

Many modern-style buildings have been built in the city since 1991. There are many office and shopping complexes that are modern, renovated or newly built, including Kentford, SkyTower, and Unión Fenosa headquarters. However, the old Soviet-style clusters of living blocks are still an extensive feature of the cityscape.

==Culture and education==

===Education===
The city is home to 12 public and 11 private universities, the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, a number of institutions offering high school and 1–2 years of [[Social:Higher education|college education]]. Among them are Moldova State University, the [[Organization:Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova|Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova]], Alexandru cel Bun Military Academy, Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and [[Organization:Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University|Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University]].

On 5 September 2022, the country's first Christian university Universitatea Moldo-Americană opened its doors, supported by the Scandinavian broadcaster Visjon Norge and several donors in {{wipe|Norway}}, and run in cooperation with the [[Organization:Southeastern University (Florida)|American Southeastern University]] in Florida, {{wipe|United States}}.<ref name=":2" />

In Chișinău there are several museums. The three national museums are the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Museum of History of Moldova. The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History was founded in October 1889 by baron Alexandru Stuart, moved to its current location in 1905, and is the oldest museum in Moldova.<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Museum Of Ethnography And Natural History |url=https://www.visit.md/en/tour/national-museum-of-ethnography-and-natural-history/ |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=Visit.MD |language=en-US}}</ref> It houses more than 135,000 exhibit pieces, among them a life-sized reconstruction of the skeleton of a dinothere, discovered in the Rezine region in 1966.<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Ethnography & Natural History {{!}} Chişinău, Moldova {{!}} Attractions |url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/moldova/chisinau/attractions/national-museum-of-ethnography-natural-history/a/poi-sig/447455/360144 |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=Lonely Planet |language=en}}</ref> It also includes exhibits on [[Earth:Natural history|natural history]], [[Natural science|natural sciences]], [[Earth:Archaeology|archaeology]], [[Biology:Paleontology|paleontology]], [[Earth:Geology|geology]], and [[Social:Ethnography|ethnography]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History registered in Smart Guide plaform |url=https://www.moldpres.md/en/news/2022/12/21/22009795 |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=www.moldpres.md |language=en}}</ref> The building was designed by the architect Vladimir Tsyganko in a distinctive Moorish architectural style with a signature frontal façade consisting of a triangular pediment supported by two Doric columns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History in Chisinau, Moldova |url=https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/national-museum-of-ethnography-and-natural-history-9970.html |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=GPSmyCity |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History - HiMoldova |url=https://www.himoldova.md/en/md/national-museum-of-ethnography-and-natural-history/ |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=www.himoldova.md}}</ref>

The National Library of Moldova is also located in Chișinău.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bnrm.md/|title=National Library of Moldova|date=2022|publisher=National Library of Moldova|access-date=27 April 2022}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed">
File:Триумфальная Арка, Кишинев, Республика Молдова Arcul de Triumf, Chisinau, Republica Moldova Arch of Triumph, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova (51161091844).jpg|Triumphal Arch
File:Museum of History (AP4L0086 1PS) (28922487610).jpg|Capitoline Wolf and National History Museum
Image:Scara cu cascade Valea morilor (2016) (2).jpg|Waterfall Steps at the Mill Valley Park
Image:Chisinau_Stefan_cel_Mare_park_fountain.jpg|Ștefan cel Mare Central Park
Image:Органный зал, Кишинев, Республика Молдова Sala cu orga, Chisinau, Republica Moldova Organ Hall, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova (50698302796).jpg|Organ Hall
Image:Teatrul National de Opera si Balet "Maria Biesu", Chisinau, Moldova Maria Biesu Opera Theatre, Chisinau, Moldova (49512942998).jpg|Moldova National Opera Ballet
 </gallery>

===Events and festivals===
Chișinău, as well as Moldova as a whole, still show signs of ethnic culture. Signs that say "Patria Mea" (English: My homeland) can be found all over the capital. While few people still wear traditional Moldavian attire, large public events often draw in such original costumes.

''Moldova National Wine Day'' and ''Wine Festival'' take place every year in the first weekend of October, in Chișinău. The events celebrate the autumn harvest and recognises the country's long history of winemaking, which dates back to at least 3,000 BCE.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rferl.org/media/photogallery/moldova-national-wine-day/25130047.html |title=Moldova's 'National Wine Day' |website=Rferl.org |date=2013-10-08 |access-date=2016-12-17 |archive-date=14 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914160321/http://www.rferl.org/media/photogallery/moldova-national-wine-day/25130047.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://moldova-online.travel/2013/09/national-wine-day-in-chisinau/ |title=National Wine Day in Chisinau |website=Moldova-online.travel |access-date=2016-12-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629020851/http://moldova-online.travel/2013/09/national-wine-day-in-chisinau/ |archive-date=29 June 2016}}</ref> Moldova has been called the wine capital of Europe and its yearly festival is a major cultural and tourist event, and every year the streets are filled with people enjoying food, wine, dance, and music taking over the streets.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2018-09-13 |title=On the trail of Moldovan wine |url=https://www.euronews.com/green/2018/09/13/on-the-trail-of-moldovan-wine |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=Euronews |language=en}}</ref> Moldova's most-awarded sommelier Mihai Druta has described Moldovan wine as being about "small producers and family wineries making premium wine. And nothing costs more than 100 Euro a bottle."<ref name=":3" /> ''The Daily Express'' in 2019 described the city as "Europe's latest hotspot" in which journalist Maisha Frost praised "its wines, monumental wineries and their epic tasting sessions."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frost |first=Maisha |date=2019-08-15 |title=MOLDOVA: wine, passion, ancient wonders and stranger things |url=https://www.express.co.uk/travel/shortbreaks/1163422/moldova-travel-europe-ussr-transnistria |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=The Daily Express |language=en}}</ref> She described the city's Carpe Diem wine bar as "the flagship for a flourishing new breed of craft-style makers."

===In popular culture===
The city is the main setting of the 2016 [[Company:Netflix|Netflix]] film ''Spectral'', which takes place in the near future during the fictional Moldovan War.

==Media==
The majority of Moldova's [[Social:Mass media|media industry]] is based in Chișinău. There are almost 30 FM-radio stations and 10 TV-channels broadcasting in Chișinău. The first radio station in Chișinău, Radio Basarabia, was launched by the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Company on 8 October 1939, when the religious service was broadcast on air from the Nativity Cathedral. The first TV station in the city, Moldova 1, was launched on 30 April 1958, while Nicolae Lupan was serving as the redactor-in-chief of TeleRadio-Moldova.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ianiro.com/NEWS_HOME/installazioni/ipna-moldavia_ENG.html |title=Teleradio Moldova |access-date=2012-01-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118093932/http://www.ianiro.com/NEWS_HOME/installazioni/ipna-moldavia_ENG.html |archive-date=18 January 2012 }}</ref>

The state national broadcaster in the country is the state-owned Moldova 1, which has its head office in the city. The broadcasts of TeleradioMoldova have been criticised by the Independent Journalism Center as showing 'bias' towards the authorities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ijc.md/en/about/Raport_septembrie_eng.pdf |title=Monitoring of programs on Radio Moldova and TV Moldova 1 |access-date=2006-11-29 |url-status=dead |work=Independent Journalism Center |year=2004 |location=Chișinău |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224164139/http://www.ijc.md/en/about/Raport_septembrie_eng.pdf |archive-date=24 February 2007 }}</ref>

Other TV channels based in Chișinău are Pro TV Chișinău, PRIME, Jurnal TV, Publika TV, CTC, DTV, Euro TV, TV8, etc. In addition to television, most Moldovan radio and newspaper companies have their headquarters in the city. Broadcasters include the national radio Vocea Basarabiei, Prime FM, BBC Moldova, Radio Europa Libera, Kiss FM Chișinău, Pro FM Chișinău, Radio 21, Fresh FM, Radio Nova, Russkoye Radio, Hit FM Moldova, and many others.

The biggest broadcasters are SunTV, StarNet (IPTV), Moldtelecom (IPTV), Satellit and Zebra TV. In 2007 SunTV and Zebra launched [[Engineering:Digital television|digital TV]] cable networks.


==Politics==
[[File:Кишинев, Президентский Дворец Palatul Prezidential din Chisinau Presidential Palace in Chisinau, Moldova (48055528712).jpg|thumb|Presidential Palace in Chișinău]]

===Elections===

==Transport==
[[File:Chisinau railway station (188802333 cropped).jpg|thumb|Chișinău Railway Station, exterior]]
[[File:Kišiněv, letiště, AKSM-321 (2019-03-17; 02).jpg|thumb|[[Engineering:Trolleybus|Trolleybus]] on the street]]

===Airport===
Chișinău International Airport offers connections to major destinations in Europe and Asia.

Air Moldova and FlyOne airlines have their headquarters, and Wizz-Air has its hub on the grounds of Chișinău International Airport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airmoldova.md/headofice-en/ |title=Air Moldova :: Contacts |website=Airmoldova.md |access-date=2016-12-17}}</ref>

===Road===
The most popular form of internal transport in Moldova is generally the bus.{{citation needed|date=May 2012}} Although the city has just three main terminals, buses generally serve as the means of transport between cities in and outside of Moldova. Popular destinations include Tiraspol, Odesa (Ukraine), [[Place:Iași|Iași]] and [[Place:Bucharest|Bucharest]] (Romania).

===Rail===
The second most popular form of domestic transportation within Moldova is via railways. The total length of the network managed by Moldovan Railway CFM ({{As of|2009|lc=y}}) is {{convert|1232|km|0|abbr=off}}. The entire network is single track and is not electrified. The central hub of all railways is Chișinău Central Railway Station. There is another smaller railway station – Revaca located on the city's ends.

Chișinău Railway Station has an international railway terminal with connections to [[Place:Bucharest|Bucharest]], [[Place:Kyiv|Kyiv]], [[Place:Minsk|Minsk]], Odesa, Moscow, Samara, [[Place:Varna, Bulgaria|Varna]] and St. Petersburg. Due to the simmering conflict between Moldova and the unrecognised Transnistria republic the rail traffic towards Ukraine is occasionally stopped.{{citation needed|date=May 2012}}

===Public transport===
====Trolleybuses====
There is wide [[Engineering:Trolleybus|trolleybus]] network operating as common public transportation within city. From 1994, Chișinău saw the establishment of new trolleybus lines, as well as an increase in capacity of existing lines, to improve connections between the urban districts. The network comprises 22 trolleybus lines being {{convert|246|km|0|abbr=on}} in length. Trolleybuses run between 05:00 and 03:00. There are 320 units daily operating in Chișinău. However the requirements are as minimum as 600 units.{{clarify|date=April 2022}} Trolleybus ticket costs at about 6 lei (ca. $0.31). It is the cheapest method of transport within Chișinău municipality.

====Buses====
There are 29 lines of buses within Chișinău municipality. At each public transportation stops there is attached a schedule for buses and trolleybuses. There are approximately 330 public transportation stops within Chișinău municipality. There is a big lack of buses inside city limits, with only 115 buses operating within Chișinău.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://diez.md/2016/09/01/numarul-de-troleibuze-si-autobuze-care-vor-circula-chisinau-fost-majorat/|title=Numărul de troleibuze şi autobuze care vor circula în Chișinău a fost majorat – #diez|access-date=6 October 2017|archive-date=6 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006212632/http://diez.md/2016/09/01/numarul-de-troleibuze-si-autobuze-care-vor-circula-chisinau-fost-majorat/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Minibuses====
In Chișinău and its suburbs, privately operated minibuses known as "''rutieras''" generally follow the major bus and [[Engineering:Trolleybus|trolleybus]] routes and appear more frequently.<ref>"Chisinau." Chisinau Infos. World Infos, n.d. Web. 9 November 2016.</ref>

As of October 2017, there are 1,100 units of minibuses operating within Chișinău.Minibuses services are priced the same as buses – 3 lei for a ticket (ca. $0.18).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moldpres.md/news/2017/09/25/17007341|title=Numărul microbuzelor care circulă pe itinerarele din capitală s-a micșorat cu 600 de unități|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925142258/http://www.moldpres.md/news/2017/09/25/17007341|archive-date=2017-09-25 |publisher=Moldpres|date=2017-09-25|access-date=2017-10-06}}</ref>

===Traffic===
The city traffic becomes more congested as each year passes. Nowadays there are about 300,000 cars in the city plus 100,000 transit transports coming to the city each day.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} The number of personal transports is expected to reach 550,000 (without transit) by 2025.{{citation needed|date=March 2015}}

==Sport==
[[File:Zimbru Stadium 2023.jpg|thumb|230x230px|Zimbru Stadium]]
There are three professional football clubs in Chișinău: Zimbru and Academia of the Moldovan National Division (first level), and Real Succes of the Moldovan "A" Division (second level). Of the larger public multi-use stadiums in the city is the Stadionul Dinamo (Dinamo Stadium), which has a capacity of 2,692. The Zimbru Stadium, opened in May 2006 with a capacity of 10,500 sitting places, meets all the requirements for holding official international matches, and was the venue for all Moldova's Euro 2008 qualifying games.
There are discussions to build a new olympic stadium with capacity of circa 25,000 seats, that would meet all international requirements. Since 2011 CS Femina-Sport Chișinău has organised women's competitions in seven sports.

==Notable people==
===Natives===
* Olga Bancic, known for her role in the French Resistance during World War II
* Petru Cazacu, Prime Minister of the Moldavian Democratic Republic in 1918
* Maria Cebotari, Romanian soprano and actress, one of Europe's greatest opera stars in the 1930s and 1940s
* Toma Ciorbă, Romanian physician and hospital director
* Claudia Cobizev, Moldovan sculptor
* Ion Cuțelaba, UFC light heavyweight fighter
* William F. Friedman, American cryptologist
* Dennis Gaitsgory, professor of mathematics at Harvard University
* Natalia Gheorghiu, pediatric surgeon and professor
* Sarah Gorby, French-Jewish singer
* Anatole Jakovsky, French art critic
* [[Biography:Boris Katz|Boris Katz]], computer scientist at MIT
* [[Biography:Nathaniel Kleitman|Nathaniel Kleitman]], American physiologist
* Avigdor Lieberman, Israeli politician
* [http://www.musicarussica.com/composers/grigory-lvovsky#:~:text=As%20a%20composer%2C%20Lvovsky%20studied,based%20on%20pre%2Dexisting%20chants. Grigory Lvovsky], composer
* Boris Mints, Russian billionaire
* Lewis Milestone, American motion picture director
* Sacha Moldovan, American expressionist and post-impressionist painter
* Ilya Oleynikov, comic actor and television personality
* Nina Pekerman, Israeli triathlete
* Lev Pisarzhevsky, Soviet chemist
* Vitaliy Pushkar, Ukrainian rally driver
* Andrew Rayel, stage name of Andrei Rață, a Moldovan DJ
* Yulia Sister, Israeli chemist
* Alexander Ulanovsky, the chief illegal "rezident" for Soviet Military Intelligence (GRU), prisoner in the Soviet Gulag
* Maria Winetzkaja, American opera singer in the 1910s–1920s
* Iona Yakir, Red Army commander executed during the Great Purge
* Chaim Yassky, Jewish physician killed in the Hadassah medical convoy massacre
* Sam Zemurray, American businessman who made his fortune in the banana trade
* Sergey Spivak, Moldovan Heavyweight UFC fighter
* Rusanda Panfili, Classical violinist & composer
*Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Classical Violinist

===Residents===
*Dan Balan, musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer
*[[Biography:George de Bothezat|Gheorghe Botezatu]], American engineer, businessman and pioneer of helicopter flight
*Eugen Doga, composer
*Nicolae Testemițanu, physician
*Timofei Moșneaga, physician
*[[Biography:Israel Gohberg|Israel Gohberg]], Soviet and Israeli mathematician
*Dovid Knut, poet and member of the French Resistance
*Sigmund Mogulesko, singer, actor, and composer
*Pasha Parfeny, Singer, Musician, songwriter and who represented for the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 and 2023
*SunStroke Project, Moldovan representative for the Eurovision Song Contests 2010 and 2017
*Zlata Tkach, composer and music educator
* Maria Biesu, operatic soprano

==Twin towns – sister cities==
Chișinău is twinned with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Oraşe înfrăţite|url=https://www.chisinau.md/tabview.php?l=ro&idc=526|website=chisinau.md|publisher=Chişinău|language=ro|access-date=2021-11-29}}</ref>
{{colbegin|colwidth=20em}}
*{{flagicon|ROU}} Alba Iulia, Romania (2011)
*{{flagicon|TUR}} [[Place:Ankara|Ankara]], Turkey (2004)
*{{flagicon|SWE}} Borlänge, Sweden (2009)
*{{flagicon|ROU}} [[Place:Bucharest|Bucharest]], Romania (1999)
*{{flagicon|UKR}} Chernivtsi, Ukraine (2014)
*{{flagicon|FRA}} Grenoble, France (1977)
*{{flagicon|ROU}} [[Place:Iași|Iași]], Romania (2008)
*{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Place:Kyiv|Kyiv]], Ukraine (1999)
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Place:Mannheim|Mannheim]], Germany (1989)
*{{flagicon|UKR}} Odesa, Ukraine (1994)
*{{flagicon|ITA}} Reggio Emilia, Italy (1989)
*{{flagicon|USA}} Sacramento, United States (1990)
*{{flagicon|ROU}} Suceava, Romania (2021)<ref>{{cite web |title=Chișinău și Suceava – orașe înfrățite. Consiliul Municipal Chișinău a votat, cu majoritatea voturilor, acordul de înfrăți între cele două municipii|url=https://tv8.md/2021/11/23/chisinau-si-suceava-orase-infratite-consiliul-municipal-chisinau-a-votat-cu-majoritatea-voturilor-acordul-de-infrati-intre-cele-doua-municipii/|website=tv8.md|publisher=TV8|language=ro|date=2021-11-23|access-date=2021-11-29}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|GEO}} [[Place:Tbilisi|Tbilisi]], Georgia (2011)
*{{flagicon|ISR}} [[Place:Tel Aviv|Tel Aviv]], Israel (2000)
*{{flagicon|ARM}} [[Place:Yerevan|Yerevan]], Armenia (2000)
{{colend}}

*{{flagicon|ENG}} Kingston Upon Hull, England (1982)

==Notes and references==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Refbegin}}
*{{Cite journal |last=Hamm |first=Michael F. |title=Kishinev: The character and development of a Tsarist Frontier Town |journal=Nationalities Papers |volume=26 |issue=1 |date=March 1998 |pages=19–37 |doi=10.1080/00905999808408548|s2cid=161820811 }}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
* [http://hartachisinau.net Map of Chișinău]
*[http://insecam.org/en/view/824511/ Chisinau online camera]



{{DEFAULTSORT:Chisinau}}
[[Category:Capitals in Europe]]

{{Sourceattribution|Chișinău}}