Bălţi City
Balti City has the status of a separate administrative unit, called municipality. It is situated in the central part of Northern Moldova, and is surrounded by the districts of Riscani, Glodeni, Singerei and Falesti. The city is the biggest settlement in the Codri Heights, a hilly region crossed by plenty of wide flat valleys. Located in one of them, along the Raut River, is the picturesque 'Northern Capital' of Moldova, as Balti is often nicknamed. The 600-year-old city boasts a dynamic history, especially during World War II when it was a venue of crucial events. The ethnic map of the municipality is very colourful, consisting of roughly equal numbers of Moldovans, Russians and Ukrainians. Balti is a heavily industrialised city, which has retained its significance in spite of its severe decline after the fall of the communist regime. It is also known as one of the best places for shopping and nightlife in Moldova. The latter is concentrated around the main street, which measure as the longest esplanades in Europe.