[0] In landmass, Pridnestrovie, as the country is called for short, is slightly smaller than Delaware and almost twice the size of Luxembourg. On a worldwide scale [0] it is larger than a full 10% of UN member countries. With a size of 4,163 square km, Pridnestrovie is six times larger than Singapore or Bahrain.

Historically [0], Pridnestrovie's territory was never part of Moldova. The two countries were forced into a joint nation in World War II when Hitler and Stalin redrew the borders of Europe. In the breakup of the Soviet Union, both countries withdrew from this forced and unnatural union.

[0] The country is landlocked, however, the Dniester River [0] forms the natural border with Moldova. This river has for centuries served as the area's main international border. Pridnestrovie shares this border with Moldova for 411 km. Its other international border is with Ukraine for 405 km.

Pridnestrovie's permanent population [0] consists of 555,000 people made up of 35 different nationalities. The majority are Slavs.

An independent state since 1990, Pridnestrovie exercises full and sole control over its territory: Juridical sovereignty, Westphalian sovereignty and domestic sovereignty. [0]

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PHOTOS: DEFENDING PRIDNESTROVIE'S BORDERS See how Pridnestrovie customs inspectors protect the country's borders. Just click on any photo to enlarge it - [0] [0] [0] [0] [0] [0] [0] [0] [0] [0] [0] [0] [0]