After the Roman withdrawal in AD 271, the population of Moldova was influenced by such cultures as the Byzantine Empire, the neighbouring Magyar and Slavic population, and later by the Ottoman Turks. A strong Western European influence in Moldovan literature and arts was prevalent in the 19th Century.

During the Soviet rule in Moldova, similarities with Romanian culture were hidden, exemplified in the Moldovan national costume, where the traditional Romanian moccasin was replaced by the Russian boot. A central part in traditional folk culture is played by the Miorita or Mesterul Manole, an ancient folk ballad. In the rural areas of Moldova, the making of such folk crafts as weaving and ceramics continue to be practiced today. The traditions of folk culture are further promoted on a national level, presented by the Moldova’s Republic Dance Company (Joc) and the folk choir Doina.

The first Moldovan books were mid-17th-century religious texts. Distinguished artists in the development of Moldova include the scholar and prince Dimitrie Cantemir, the philologist and historian Bogdan Hasdeu, writer Ion Creanga and the poet Mihai Eminescu. There are many prominent writers today in Moldova, such as Pavel Botu, Nicolae Dabija and Ion Druta. In 1991, some 520 books were published in the country, of which 402 written in the Romanian language, 108 in Russian, 2 in Bulgarian and 8 in Gagauz.