Gagauzia is an autonomous region located in the southern part of Moldova, officially known as the Gagauz Autonomy. Established in 1994, it is home to the Gagauz people, an ethnic group of Turkic descent with unique language and cultural practices. The capital of Gagauzia is Comrat, which serves as the political and cultural center of the region.

The autonomy allows Gagauzia to have its own governing bodies, including the People’s Assembly which is responsible for local legislation and a Governor who oversees executive functions. The region operates under the laws of Moldova, but it enjoys certain privileges that enable it to preserve its cultural identity, including the use of the Gagauz language alongside Romanian and Russian.

Gagauzia’s population primarily identifies as Orthodox Christian, and the region has a rich folkloric tradition, with various festivals celebrating Gagauz culture, music, and cuisine. Geopolitically, Gagauzia has shown a pro-Russian stance, especially during periods of political tension in Moldova, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the country regarding integration with the European Union and relations with Russia. This unique blend of cultural identity and political dynamics makes Gagauzia a significant area of interest within the broader context of Moldovan society and regional geopolitics.