Călărași is a district (raion) in the centre of Moldova, with the administrative headquarters in Călărași. As of January 1, 2011, its population was 78,800.
The district territory is inhabited since Paleolithic, 50–40,000 years ago. Settlements with the earliest documentary attestation of the district are: Horodiște, Pitușca, and Sadova, they are certified in 1420. During the component was in the Principality of Moldova (1359-1812), the current Călărași territory held by the Orhei - Lăpușna County. After dividing the land Orhei - Lapusna in two separate counties, some localities have passed Orhei County and the other part Lăpușna County. From the 16th through the 18th centuries, the district developed economically (trade, wine), culturally (to build monasteries, Frumoasa, Hârbovăţ and Răciula) and grew in population. After the Treaty of Bucharest, Basarabia is occupied by the Russian Empire at this time there is an intense russification of the native population. In 1918 after the collapse of the Russian Empire, Basarabia united with the motherland Romania but for a short time (1918–1940, 1941–1944). In 1940 after the Molotov-Ribbentrop Treaty, the territory between the Prut and Nistru is busy again this time the USSR. In 1991 as a result of the proclamation of Independence of Moldova, part of the Ungheni County (1991–2003), and in 2003 became administrative unit of Moldova.
