Moldova, independent republic in south-eastern Europe, bordered on the north, east, and south by Ukraine and on the west by Romania. It is also known as Moldavia, and was formerly the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The Prut River forms Moldova's western boundary, and the Dnestr River forms part of the nation's north-eastern and south-eastern boundaries. Chioinau, the capital, is also the largest city. Moldova's total area is about 33,700 sq km (13,008 sq mi).