The Republic of Moldova, commonly known as Moldova, has a few synonyms that may be used interchangeably. For instance, the country is sometimes referred to as the Republic of Moldavia, which is an alternative older spelling. Another synonym is Bessarabia, which was the name of the region before it became part of the Soviet Union. Moldova is also called the Land of the Sun, as it enjoys a relatively mild and sunny climate compared to other countries in the region. Lastly, it is occasionally referred to as the Wine Country, as Moldova is known for its rich wine-making traditions and exports.