city, northern Moldova, on the Răut (Reut) River. Bălţi, dating from the 15th century, is a major railway junction and the centre of the rich agricultural Bălţi Steppe. Most industries are concerned with processing farm produce, notably flour milling, sugar refining, and wine making, but furniture, agricultural machinery, and fur clothing also are made. Bălţi has a teacher-training institute and a medical school. Pop. (1991 est.) 164,900.