It’s home to an independent region

Transnistria declared independence from Moldova in 1990, a sliver of land that snakes along the Ukrainian border. Many people think of it as more Soviet than Moldovan. The country is not recognized by the United Nations, but it does have its own currency and border controls.

Tensions erupted in the late 1980s, when the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic moved to 'de-Russianize' the regions, thereby prohibiting the Russian language in the process. In order to protect its cultural heritage, Transnistria declared independence, sparking a violent military battle. Over 1,000 people were killed, and the region gained de facto independence as a result of the ceasefire. However, despite having its own currency and border controls, the territory is not legally recognized by any UN member.