State and identity
The national symbols
The flag, the coat of arms, the anthem and the currency of the Republic of Moldova — the symbols that define the identity of a young country with deep roots.
The state flag of the Republic of Moldova, with the coat of arms on the central yellow band.
The flag
The state flag of the Republic of Moldova is a tricolour of three equal vertical bands: blue (at the hoist), yellow (in the middle) and red. The state coat of arms sits at the centre of the yellow band.
It was adopted on 27 April 1990 and enshrined in the Constitution. The tricolour expresses the cultural and historical link with the Romanian space, while the central coat of arms preserves a distinct identity.
The coat of arms
The state coat of arms shows a cross-bearing eagle (an eagle holding a gold cross in its beak), carrying a green olive branch in its right talon and a gold sceptre in its left.
On the eagle’s breast is a shield divided horizontally — red above and blue below — charged with an aurochs head, the historic symbol of Moldavia. Between the aurochs’ horns is an eight-pointed star, flanked by a five-petalled rose and a crescent moon.
Description follows the official blazon. For the exact graphic rendering, consult state sources.
The national anthem
„Limba noastră" (Our Language)
The anthem of the Republic of Moldova takes its words from the poet and priest Alexei Mateevici, set to music by Alexandru Cristea. The poem is a tribute to the mother tongue, held to be a people’s most precious treasure.
It was adopted as the state anthem in 1994. Its opening line has become one of the best known in Romanian culture: „Limba noastră-i o comoară…" (Our language is a treasure…)
The currency
The official currency is the Moldovan leu (ISO code: MDL), divided into 100 bani. It was introduced in November 1993, replacing the transitional coupon.
The leu is issued by the National Bank of Moldova, the institution responsible for the country’s monetary policy. The banknotes carry a portrait of Ștefan cel Mare.
Direction
The European path
Association Agreement with the EU
Signed in 2014, it brought Moldova closer to the standards and the market of the European Union.
Candidate country status
In June 2022, the Republic of Moldova received official candidate status for accession to the EU.
Sources: the information on the state symbols and the organisation of the state comes from the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova and from the legislation on national symbols. For current exchange rates and economic data, consult the National Bank of Moldova.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the national symbols
What colours does the flag of the Republic of Moldova have?
The flag is a vertical tricolour — blue, yellow and red — with the state coat of arms at the centre of the yellow band. It was adopted on 27 April 1990.
What does Moldova’s coat of arms represent?
A cross-bearing eagle holding a cross in its beak, and an olive branch and a sceptre in its talons. On its breast it carries a shield with the aurochs head, the historic symbol of Moldavia.
What is Moldova’s national anthem?
The anthem is „Limba noastră" (Our Language), with words by Alexei Mateevici and music by Alexandru Cristea, adopted in 1994.
What is the official currency?
The Moldovan leu (code MDL), divided into 100 bani, issued by the National Bank of Moldova.
What is the official language of the Republic of Moldova?
The official language is Romanian.
Discover more about Moldova
From the regions and the history to the people who shaped the national identity.
