Ungheni is geographically situated in the Central-West part of the Republic of Moldova and its neighboring rayons are Nisporeni, Calarasi, Telenesti, Singerei and Falesti. In the west it borders the River Prut, which, by fact, is a state border between Romania and Moldova, and starting with 2007 – with European Union.
The rayon’s overall area is 108 300 hectares: 49 900 ha - agricultural area, 28 800 ha - forests and other forest land, 4700 ha - aquatic resources.
According to 2004 census, the population of the rayon counts 110,500 inhabitants, the average density - 102 persons per km2.
The share of working age population is 61.8%. The average age of the population is 34.3 years: males - 32.7 years, women - 35.9 years.
Ungheni district specific landscape is the Central Moldavian Plateau, with low hills, large valleys, Middle Prut Meadow.
It has a temperate continental climate, like throughout the country. Winter is mild and short, summer is warm and long. The average annual temperature is positive and ranges between 8 ° C and 9 ° C. The annual average of rainfall is between 350 and 380 mm
The administrative structure.
Ungheni rayon is structured 33 mayoralties, 12 villages, 19 communes and 2 cities: Ungheni and Corneşti.
Reserves and natural resources
Soil. The main soil types are: black soil (cernoziom), gray soil types, forest and limestone. The cernoziom soils predominate - 75-80%. Average creditworthiness of agricultural land as soil structure is 61 points.
The thickness of humus in soil exceed 1 meter.
The hydrological network comprises 2706 hectares and is represented mainly by the River Prut, which crosses the district on a length of 80.3 km, 9 tributaries and 132 ponds. For rural areas groundwater is the main source of household drinking water. They come to the surface through 6170 wells (70 artesian) and 67 springs. Most of them are watched and well arranged.
Deposits. In the district are deposits of building materials: clay, sand, pebble and gravel deposits that are extracted in open pits.
State Natural Reserve "Plaiul Fagului".
Having the aim to preserve and protect nature and various endangered species of plant and animals, the reserve was established in Rădenii Vechi village forests. It impresses with its abundance and beauty of landscapes, fascinating glades and lakes. The whole area is a real museum under the open sky. More than 77 rare plant species can be met here, fauna is represented by 200 species.
The Economy
Ungheni has a complex economic potential, given the fact that agriculture is a sector with large reserves and opportunities, determined by the soil quality, climatic factors and human resources. The agriculture is a traditional branch in this region and the agricultural activities are focused on cultivation of cereal crops, technical, vegetable, fruit, vines, cattle, pigs and poultry.
The agricultural production is processed by the economic agents by processing the raw material in mills, bakeries and flour and grain mill products, of the companies producing sausages, canned fruit and vegetables, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. A share of 80% of the Ungheni Rayon industry is fiber preparation, spinning, manufacture of carpets and rugs.
Pottery is a famous tradition in the rayon. A secular famous artistic pottery factory is still working in Ungheni.
More than 3650 small and medium enterprises of all branches of production and services have a special importance of the rayon’s economic development belongs.
An early progressive area is Telecommunications and information use. Diversity and quality of these services has increased considerably. The banking system is represented by 11 branches of banks in Moldova.
The most of the country insurance agents have subsidiaries on the insurance market of the rayon.
Business Opportunities
The rayon offers lot of advantages to attract foreign capital and domestic investment:
- Free Economic Zone „Ungheni-Business”;
- Natural resources;
- Cheap raw material;
- Geographical location (at the EU border);
- The business friendly legislative framework;
- Intellectual and industrial property rights;
There are many investment opportunities in the region, in the areas of agriculture, industry, tourism, service sector.
The Free Economic Zone (FEZ) „Ungheni - Business” is a special business opportunity for both foreign and local investors, , which grants a trade Preferences regime for its residents. There are 42 residents, with various field of activity, registered in the FEZ at the moment, which count more than 1900 of employers. The total figure of the investments has reached 31.8 mln. USD: 25,7 mln. USD – fixed assets investments and 6,1 mil. USD – in infrastructure.
Cultural activities
The cultural heritage of the district includes folkloric and artistic creations, customs and traditions specific to this beautiful area.
Many folk traditions are followed scrupulously during the winter holidays (Christmas, St. Vasile Holiday), on Easter, on the Patron saint days, weddings, baptizing, and other important events.
A district festival of winter traditions and customs takes place in the last decade of December, with the name "The ancient tradition," where we are witnessing a spectacular parade of costumes, masks and carols. Cultural and artistic activities are performed by amateur artistic bands: folk music and dancing team "Struguras Ungheni", a number of other folk and art bands, 28 of them having the title of "model".
The national festival of folk dances „Drăgaica” takes place every two years, in September, in Pîrliţa.
Folk art is also present in the handmade popular art, due to the skilled craftsmen hands. They create real masterpieces of art. The potters Fair held every two years, in September is one of the craftsmen exhibitions among the events and district manifestations.
Tourist destinations
- Museum of History and Ethnography Ungheni;
- Pîrliţa Museum;
- SA „Ceramica – Ungheni”;
- SA „Moldabela”;
- „Aleksandr Nevski” Church
- „Plaiul Fagului” Natural Reservation, Rădenii Vechi;
- Medieval military fortification of peers;
- Trinity Martyrs of the nation.
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