Codru (forest)

While the Moldovans today speak a Romance language, the name "codru" is likely of pre-Roman origin, and possibly derived from the indigenous Paleo-Balkan languages such as Thraco-Illyrian (which includes Daco-Thracian), spoken by the pre-Roman and pre-Hellenic people of the region.

Although the rolling hills represent about 80%–90% of the territory of Moldova, the forested area has decreased after 1800 due to intensive agriculture of the fertile land to about 12%.

Despite the fact that there are still several big forests that have been preserved, including some designated as national parks, the country currently suffers from acute insufficiency of forests (with respect to its normal ecology), translated into poorer and less water for human and irrigation use.

These uplands are interlaced by deep, flat valleys, ravines, and landslide-scoured depressions separated by sharp ridges.

The highest point in Moldova, Bălănești Hill (Dealul Bălănești; 429 m or 1,407 ft) is located in the Cornești Hills, located between Prut and Răut rivers, in the core codrii area.