Which ethnic groups live in Moldova?

The population of Moldova is ethnically diverse, with ethnic Moldovans comprising approximately three-fourths of the total population. The remaining population consists of several minority groups, including:1

• Ukrainians: The largest minority group, consisting of both native inhabitants and those who migrated during periods of Russian and Soviet control.1
• Russians: Primarily arrived during the eras of Russian imperial and Soviet rule, often serving as civil servants or laborers.1
• Gagauz: A mainly rural people who have resided on the Bugeac Plain since the late 18th century.1
• Bulgarians: Also primarily rural, they inhabit southern districts where they settled at the end of the 18th century.1
• Roma: A small percentage of the population identifies as Roma.1

While ethnic Moldovans are the majority, they are more concentrated in rural areas, whereas significant portions of the Ukrainian and Russian populations reside in urban centers, including the breakaway region of Transdniestria.2