Macedonia

Macedonia, officially known as the Republic of North Macedonia, is a landlocked country located in the Balkan Peninsula of Southeast Europe. It is bordered by Serbia to the north, Kosovo to the northwest, Albania to the west, Greece to the south, and Bulgaria to the east. The country has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse landscape, ranging from mountains to lakes and rivers. The capital and largest city of North Macedonia is Skopje. The country has a population of around 2.1 million people and its official language is Macedonian. Macedonian culture is heavily influenced by its history and traditions, which date back to ancient times. The country is also known for its delicious cuisine, traditional music and dance, and warm hospitality. In recent years, North Macedonia has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its stunning natural scenery, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture.

The Republic of Macedonia is a paradise of sun, mountains, rivers and lakes that offer the visitor a complete change from the stress and routine of everyday life. If you visit Macedonia from April to October, most places in Macedonia have an ideal climate that is perfect for relaxing & enjoying the beautiful nature of mountains and lakes, while the rest of the year you have the clear Macedonian mountains and ski resorts. While easily accessible from all points abroad, and boasting all the amenities of the Western world, Macedonia remains one of Europe’s last great undiscovered countries: a natural paradise of mountains, lakes and rivers, where life moves to a different rhythm, amidst the sprawling grandeur of rich historical ruins and idyllic villages that have remained practically unchanged for centuries.

Macedonian destination in alphabetical order: Berovo, Bitola, Bogdanci, Debar, Delcevo, Demir Hisar, Demir Kapija, Dojran, Gevgelija, Gostivar, Kavadarci, Kicevo, Kocani, Kozuf, Kratovo, Kriva Palanka, Krusevo, Kumanovo, Mak. Brod, Mak. Kamenica, Mavrovo, Negotino, Ohrid, Pehcevo, Popova Sapka, Prilep, Probistip, Radovis, Resen, Skopje, Stip, Struga, Strumica, Sveti Nikole, Tetovo, Valandovo, Veles and Vinica.

Macedonia is a region that contains a great historical - geographical value, in southeastern Europe, in the south central part of the Balkan Peninsula and also has a magnificent past, and is a land full of historic treasures from more successive civilizations spanning 5,000 years. Many civilizations governed the region: Thracians, Yllirians, ancient Macedonians, Dardanians, Romans, Byzantines, the Macedonian Slavs (Sclavinae) and the Ottoman Turks.

North Macedonia is a small country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse landscape, ranging from mountains to lakes and rivers. Here are some of the touristic highlights of North Macedonia:

  1. Historic Landmarks: North Macedonia has a rich history and is home to several historic landmarks, including the ancient city of Ohrid, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other notable landmarks include the Skopje Fortress, the Stobi archaeological site, and the Monastery of Saint Naum.
  2. Natural Landscapes: North Macedonia is blessed with stunning natural landscapes, including the Mavrovo National Park, which is a popular destination for hiking and skiing, and the Ohrid Lake, which is one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes. Visitors can also explore the beautiful Matka Canyon and the Pelister National Park.
  3. Culture and Arts: North Macedonia has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can explore the country's museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions. Some of the most famous cultural landmarks include the National Gallery of Macedonia, the Museum of Macedonian Struggle, and the Memorial House of Mother Teresa.
  4. Delicious Cuisine: North Macedonia is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as tavche gravche (baked beans), ajvar (red pepper relish), and kremna rezina (cream cake). Visitors can also taste a variety of local wines, which are produced in the country's vineyards.
  5. Festivals and Events: North Macedonia has a vibrant cultural scene, and visitors can participate in a range of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Ohrid Summer Festival, the Balkan Folklore Festival, and the Skopje Jazz Festival.

Macedonian national anthem is "Today over Macedonia - Denes nad Makedonija - Денес над Македонија" The song which was later chosen to be the National Anthem of Macedona, was composed by Todor Skalovski and the lyrics were written by Vlado Maleski in 1943.

The republic of Macedonia establishment August 2th 1944 (federal republic within Yugoslavia). Independence of Republic of Macedonia September 8th 1991.

Membership of Macedonia United Nations - since April 8th 1993 World Trade Organisation - since April 4th 2003 NATO - gained invitation on April 3th 2008. Not admitted due to the Greek veto EU - awaiting invitation

Macedonia major destinations Skopje (467,000), Bitola (80,000), Kumanovo (71,000), Prilep (68,000), Tetovo (60,000), Ohrid (51,000), Veles (48,000), Gostivar (46,000), Shtip (42,000), Strumica (35,000), Gevgelija (11,000), Mavrovo ski resort, Popova Sapka ski resort, Kozhuf ski resort.

The Macedonian Currency is the Macedonian Denar (MKD), since April 26th 1992.

Terrain in Macedonia Mountainous territory covered with deep basins and valleys; three large lakes (Ohrid, Prespa and Dojran), each divided by a frontier line; country bisected by the Vardar River. lowest point: Vardar River 44 m highest point: Golem Korab 2.764 m

Climate in Macedonia Warm, dry summers and autumns; relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall.