# Rîșcani

> town in Moldova

**Wikidata**: [Q1022131](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1022131)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rîșcani)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/riscani

## Summary
Rîșcani is a town in Moldova that serves as the administrative center of the Rîșcani District. Founded in 1602 and named after the boyar Gheorghe Râșcanu, the town covers an area of 5.83 square kilometers and has a population of 8,622 as of April 2024. It is situated in the northern part of the country and has historically been part of the Principality of Moldavia, the Russian Empire, Romania, and the Soviet Union.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: City (status granted in 1995).
- **Location**: Rîșcani District, Moldova.
- **Coordinates**: 47.956088° N, 27.553643° E.
- **Area**: 5.83 square kilometers.
- **Population**: 8,622 (as of April 8, 2024).
- **Demographics**: 3,884 male residents and 4,738 female residents (2024).
- **Founding**: Earliest written record dates to June 11, 1602.
- **Namesake**: Named after Gheorghe Râșcanu.
- **Postal Code**: MD-5600.
- **License Plate Code**: RS.
- **Local Dialing Code**: 256.
- **Twin Town**: Kolomyia, Ukraine (partnership started September 12, 2019).

## FAQs
**What is the population of Rîșcani?**
As of the census conducted on April 8, 2024, the population of Rîșcani is 8,622. This represents a decrease from the 2014 census, which recorded 9,259 residents.

**What countries has Rîșcani belonged to throughout history?**
Rîșcani has been governed by several states, starting with the Principality of Moldavia (1602–1812). It subsequently became part of the Russian Empire (1812–1917), the Moldavian Democratic Republic (1917–1918), the Kingdom of Romania (1918–1940), and the Soviet Union (1940–1941; 1944–1991), before becoming part of modern Moldova in 1991.

**What administrative regions is Rîșcani located in?**
The town is the capital of the Rîșcani District. Historically, it was part of the Rîșcani District starting in 1940, moved to Bălți County from 1999 to 2002, and returned to the Rîșcani District administrative structure in 2002.

**Who is the town named after?**
The town is named after Gheorghe Râșcanu, a historical figure (boyar) associated with the region's early history.

## Why It Matters
Rîșcani holds significance as a long-standing administrative and historical hub in the northern region of Moldova. Its establishment in 1602 places it among the older settlements in the region, providing a continuous historical narrative that spans the Principality of Moldavia through the Soviet era to independent Moldova. The town serves as a case study for the shifting borders and sovereignties of Eastern Europe, reflected in its transition through eight different governing states. As the capital of the Rîșcani District, it remains a central location for local governance and demographics, with its population trends and international twinning agreements (such as with Kolomyia) reflecting its ongoing social and political relevance.

## Notable For
- **Historical Continuity**: Possesses a documented history stretching back to 1602 under the Principality of Moldavia.
- **Administrative Role**: Serves as the capital of the Rîșcani District.
- **International Partnership**: Maintains a town-twinning relationship with Kolomyia, Ukraine, established in 2019.
- **Demographic Tracking**: Features detailed census records distinguishing male (3,884) and female (4,738) populations as of 2024.
- **Historical Documentation**: Included as a subject in the Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron.

## Body

### Geography and Demographics
Rîșcani is geographically positioned at 47.956088 degrees North and 27.553643 degrees East. The town encompasses a total area of 5.83 square kilometers. According to the 2024 census data (published in 2025), the town hosts a population of 8,622 people. The gender distribution is skewed slightly towards women, with 4,738 female residents and 3,884 male residents. This marks a population decline from the 2014 census, which recorded 9,259 inhabitants.

### History and Sovereignty
The earliest written record of Rîșcani dates to June 11, 1602. The town is named after Gheorghe Râșcanu. Over the centuries, the settlement has fallen under the jurisdiction of various sovereign states:
- **Principality of Moldavia** (1602–1812)
- **Russian Empire** (1812–1917)
- **Moldavian Democratic Republic** (1917–1918)
- **Kingdom of Romania** (1918–1940)
- **Soviet Union** (1940–1941)
- **Kingdom of Romania** (1941–1944)
- **Soviet Union** (1944–1991)
- **Moldova** (1991–Present)

The town was historically documented in the *Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron*, highlighting its presence in historical scholarship.

### Administrative Status and Location
Rîșcani functions as the capital of the Rîșcani District. Its administrative location has shifted over time:
- **1940–1999**: Rîșcani District
- **1999–2002**: Bălți County
- **2002–Present**: Rîșcani District

The town officially received the classification of "city" in 1995.

### Infrastructure and Identifiers
The town utilizes specific infrastructure codes and identifiers for administration and services:
- **Postal Code**: MD-5600
- **License Plate Code**: RS
- **Local Dialing Code**: 256
- **CUATM Statistical Code**: 7101000
- **CUATM Unique Identification Code**: 7101

### International Relations and Media
Rîșcani engages in international cooperation through a twinning agreement with Kolomyia, Ukraine, initiated on September 12, 2019. The town maintains a presence on Wikimedia Commons under the category "Rîșcani (city)" and has an associated image available at `Rîşcani_003.jpg`. It is covered by Wikipedia in over 20 languages, including English, Russian, Romanian, and German.

### Database Identifiers
The entity is indexed in multiple knowledge bases and geographical databases:
- **Wikidata**: Q12738180
- **VIAF ID**: 242300073
- **GeoNames ID**: 617482
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0d13kv
- **GNS Unique Feature ID**: -2277215
- **OpenWeatherMap City ID**: 617482
- **Who's on First ID**: 101876233

## References

1. [Source](https://kolrada.gov.ua/p/city-partnership)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. 2014 Moldovan census
5. 2024 Moldovan census. 2025
6. Q113255704
7. Q113112072
8. GeoNames
9. CUATM