Overview of North Macedonia

Profile

North Macedonia is a multi-ethnic state that gained independence from the Yugoslav Federation in 1991, featuring majestic natural sites such as Lake Ohrid and the Šar Mountains, alongside historical monuments spanning from Ancient Rome, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire. Although small at approximately 26,000 km², it is rich in cultural and linguistic diversity, with urban landscapes ranging from Ottoman-era Old Bazaars to socialist brutalist architecture. While advancing EU accession negotiations and economic modernization, the country remains committed to preserving its unique culture, including traditional folk music, local cuisine, and religious festivities.

Official name: Republic of North Macedonia
Common name: North Macedonia
Numeric code: 807
Alpha-3 code: MKD
Alpha-2 code: MK
Population: approximately 2.1 million (2023)
Population density: approximately 81
Primary languages: Macedonian, Albanian
Major religions: Macedonian Orthodox Church, Islam
National anthem: Denes nad Makedonija (Today Over Macedonia)
Calling code: +389
Internet TLD: .mk

History

As part of the ancient Macedonian region, it underwent Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule, became a Yugoslav constituent republic in the 20th century, and gained independence in 1991. The country name was changed to North Macedonia in 2019, and it joined NATO in 2020.

Incorporated into the Roman Empire's province of Macedonia from ancient times, it passed through the Bulgarian and Serbian Empires during the Middle Ages before falling under Ottoman rule from the late 14th century. After a period of national awakening in the late 19th century and the Balkan Wars, it was annexed into the Kingdom of Serbia. Post-World War II, it became the Socialist Republic of Macedonia within Tito's Yugoslav Federation, undergoing massive redevelopment following the 1963 Skopje earthquake. After peaceful independence in 1991, it faced a long-standing name dispute with Greece. The 2018 Prespa Agreement added 'North' to the name, officially changed in 2019. The country is currently pursuing EU accession negotiations and economic reforms.

Geography & climate

Mountains and basins occupy about 80% of the country, with the Vardar River running through the center connecting north and south. In the southwest lie the ancient lakes Ohrid and Prespa.

Mixed continental and Mediterranean climate

Area: Europe / 25713 km²
Capital: Skopje
Largest city: Skopje
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Ohrid, Lake Prespa, Lake Dojran
Bordering countries: Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Kosovo

Natural resources

Lead, Zinc, Nickel, Copper, Iron ore, Lignite, Chromium, Silver, Timber, Hydropower

Politics

Government: Republic, Parliamentary system

Economy

Currency: Macedonian Denar (MKD)

GDP (nominal): approximately 14.9 USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): approximately 50.8 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Macedonian, Albanian

Time zone: Central European Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, Bosniaks, Vlachs (Aromanians), Torbeš, Gorani

Life expectancy

76.6

Literacy rate

97.8

National sports

Football, Basketball, Handball, Wrestling, Volleyball