Transnistria, the country that doesn’t exist

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, several territories, were in a kind of limbo, are states not recognized by the other nations of the world. Transnistria is a de facto country, only recognized by three other countries that have the same status.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Republic of Moldavia declared its Independence, but one of its regions -called Transnitria or “Pridnestrovia”- proclaimed its autonomy, producing a violent military confrontation/clash, which caused many deaths. Since 1992, although the ceasefire came into force, the conflict still remains unresolved and Transnistria is de facto independent but unrecognized internationally as a republic, except by Abjasia, South Ossetia and Nagorno-Karabakh, which are also unrecognized republics.

The Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR), its official name, is a narrow strip of land of around 200 km. long, most of its territory on the east side of Dniéster River. It has its own government, military and police system, its flag, emblem and national anthem; its own economy, currency, schools and universities, and most important of all, a sense of nationhood. Transnistria citizens hold their national passports, although these are not legally valid outside the country. Most of its inhabitants are forced to choose another nationality or if not, face isolation.

When travelling along its territory, traces of monumentalist Soviet architecture and a strong presence of comunist symbols and iconography can be observed. A Pro-Russian sentiment prevails and is strong, which can be clearly perceived: people from Transnistria decorate their trolleybuses with vehicle advertisements that express “В ВУДУЩЕЕ ВМЕСТЕ В РАССИЕЙ!” which means.: “In the future together with Russia!”. A referendum was held in Transnistria in 2006 and most voters supported independence and a possible future integration with the Russian Federation.

After 25 years since its creation, the first generation of young people who identify themselves as “transnitrian” emerges as a social phenomenon. They were raised singing the national anthem and with respect for the flag of a country which is not internationally recognized as an independent republic.

Due to economic blockade, aimed to isolate this rebel zone, Transnistria’s economy deteriorates and its people cannot make progress, especially in small rural areas, so many, mostly young people, are forced to migrate to find new opportunities. In the last decade, Transnitria lost more than 200.000 inhabitants, almost one third of its population.