Chişinاوu ( / ˌ k ɪ ʃ ɪ ˈ n aʊ /; Romanian pronunciation: [ kiʃiˈnəw] ; ( in Russian : Кишинёв, Kishinjóv ); (in Ukrainian : Кишинів )), also known as Kishinev, is the capital of Moldova and its largest city. It is the main industrial and commercial center of Moldova. The city is located in the center of the country, on the Peak River . According to the preliminary census conducted in Moldova in 2014, its population reached 492,894 people. The population of residents in Chişinيناu (including neighboring communities) is estimated at 736,100 as of January 1, 2015. Chişinويu is the most prosperous region of Moldova and the largest Transportation center in it.The city of Chişinوu is located on the Peak River, one of the tributaries of the Dniester River, with coordinates, covering an area of about 120 square kilometers. The city is located in the center of Moldova and is surrounded by relatively flat natural areas with very fertile soil.