Leova is a district (Moldovan: raion) in the central part of Moldova, bordering Romania, with the administrative center at Leova. The other major city is Leova. As of 1 January 2011, its population was 53,800.
Localities with the oldest documentary attestation of the district are: Tigheci, Tochile Raducani, Leova, they are first attested in the years 1436-1489 period. In the 16th and 17th centuries, most of all to develop trade, agriculture and there is a significant population increase. During this period the Tirgul Sarata (Leova today), is developing intensively. In 1812, after the Russo-Turkish War (1806-1812), is the occupation of Basarabia, Russian Empire during this period (1812–1917), there is an intense russification of the native population. In 1918 after the collapse of the Russian Empire, Bessarabia united with Romania in this period (1918–1940, 1941–1944), the district is part of the Lapusna County. In 1940 after Molotov-Ribbentrop Treaty, Basarabia is occupied by the USSR. In 1991 as a result of the proclamation of Independence of Moldova, part and residence of the Lapusna County (1991–2003), and in 2003 became administrative unit of Moldova.
Leova is a city in Moldova, located 92 km southwest of the national capital, Chișinău. It is the administrative center of Leova District. The city is situated on the east bank of the river Prut bordering Romania.
The ethnic structure of the city according to the 2004 census:
Leova is twinned with:
Coordinates: 46°29′N 28°15′E / 46.483°N 28.250°E / 46.483; 28.250