Geodemographic Transformations Of The Rural Area In The Historic Region Of Moldova In Postcommunist Period

This paper examines geodemographic transformations of the rural area in the historic region of Moldova in postcommunism. The population of a territory, with its characteristics (number, natality, mortality, education and occupation) influences the economic, social, cultural aspects. All these characteristics are closely related and lead to the highlighting of positive or negative changes. During the communist period and after, Romanian village has undergone major transformations, being in a continuous process of change, which led to change of the localities specific, disrupting demographic, economic and social balance. First major changes in the traditional village appeared in the communist era, when massive processes of collectivization and industrialization from ‘50 – ‘70 led to change related to lifestyle habits and local economic activity. Thus the aim of this article is to identify the significant geodemographic changes occurring in the rural area during 1990 – 2011 in the historical region of Moldova. The study takes into account the region because, it has been highlighted in the communist period by the highest values of average annual growth rate compared to the rest of the country. Currently this area shows some demographic problems such as low birth rate, high mortality, aging and positive migratory balance. Also the paper highlights a number of classifications of rural area in this field as a result of geodemographic transformations occurring during that period.