Chișinău is the capital and largest city of Moldova, serving as the nation's primary industrial and commercial center. Located in the middle of the country, it is situated on the river Bîc, which is a tributary of the Dniester. As the most economically prosperous locality in Moldova, the city functions as the country's main transport hub.
The city has a significant population presence; according to the 2024 Moldovan census, the city proper houses over 567,000 inhabitants, while the broader Municipality of Chișinău exceeds 720,000 people. Nearly one-third of Moldova's total population resides within the metropolitan area.