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Gagauzia (or Gagauz-Yeri) is a semi-autonomous region within Moldova, located along the border with Ukraine, inhabited by the Gagauz, a Turkic people who are ethnically and culturally distinct from other Moldovans. The population is approximately 169,000, of which about 82.5 percent are ethnic Gagauz. Comrat is the largest city, with over 40 percent of the region's total population (approx. 75,000).

Key points in Gagauz history:

• 1812 - The Gagauz settled in southern Bessarabia after Russia´s annexation of Bessarabia.
• 1856 - Territorial changes in the region put part of Gagauzia under Moldavian administration (Romanian administration after 1859, when Moldavia united with Wallachia).
• 1878 - Russia regains the areas lost in 1856.
• World War II: The territory of Gagauzia was divided between the Moldovian SSR and the Ukraine.
• 1980 - The Gagauz campaign for self-determinationSelf-determination is a principle in international law that a people ought to be able to determine their own governmental forms and structure free from outside influence. This principle was first articulated by Woodrow Wilson in his Fourteen Points; and w began.
• 19891989 is a common year starting on Sunday (click on link for calendar). Events January January 7 Akihito becomes Emperor of Japan following the death of Hirohito. The Heisei period begins January 8 the Kegworth Air Disaster A British Midland Boeing 737 cra - A Law on Languages was enacted in Moldova, which was perceived as discriminatory by the Gagauz.
• 1990Events January January 3 Former leader of Panama Manuel Noriega surrenders to American forces. January 7 The Leaning Tower of Pisa is closed to the public due to safety concerns. January 9 Lt Gen Bazilio Olara Okello The man who led the coup aginst Dr Apo - An independent Republic of Gagauzia was proclaimed in several southern districts of Moldova.
• 19941994 is a common year starting on Saturday, and was designated the International year of the Family''. Events January events January 1 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) goes into effect January 6 Nancy Kerrigan is clubbed on the right leg by an - The status of Region of Gagauzia was recognised as an autonomous region within Moldova. Gaguzia became member of the UNPO.

• 1995 - The elections for the National Assembly of the Region of Gagauzia were conducted. An end to the five-year conflict between Moldova and Gagauzia was officially declared.