Slobozia is located in the southern part of Transnistria, south of Tiraspol. It had a population of 18,748 at the census in 1989, and 16,062 at the census in 2004. The population of the city is mostly made up of ethnic Moldovans (46%) and Russians (41%), while Ukrainians are an important minority (11%).[1]
The name of the city comes from the Romanian "slobozie", meaning "a tax-free colony (village)".[2]
^Transnistria's political status is disputed. It considers itself to be an independent state, but this is not recognised by any UN member state. The Moldovan government and the international community consider Transnistria a part of Moldova's territory.
1 In Transnistria. 2 Controlled by the Transnistrian authorities. 3 Also a municipality. 4 The seat of Dubăsari District is the commune of Cocieri (not a city).