In Moldova, the poorest country in Europe, almost 80 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. Some 600,000 Moldovans have emigrated in search of better economic opportunities, compared to a population of 3.5 million remaining at home. But the capital, Chisinau, is far wealthier than the rest of the country, and is gradually modernizing. AFP photographer Daniel Mihailescu filed these photos of daily life in Chisinau and the northern city of Drochia. (11 photos)
A Day In The Life Of Moldova
1
A woman walks under the Triumphal Arch next to the Moldovan flag in Chisinau.
2
Passengers ride a trolleybus in Chisinau.
3
A flower market in the city center
4
A playground in a downtown park in the capital
5
A child plays near a fountain in a downtown park.
6
A photographer takes pictures of newlyweds in the city of Drochia, north of Chisinau.
7
Musicians play at a wedding ceremony in Drochia.
8
An ethnic Russian woman dries onions in the village of Dobrogea.
9
Passengers transport equipment in the village of Dobrogea.
10
High school students gather for a play about human trafficking organized by a local NGO. The performers invited members of the audience to share solutions.
11
Actors perform a short play about human trafficking at a high school in Drochia.