North Macedonia is a country located in the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. It was previously known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia until it changed its name in 2019 as part of a settlement with Greece. The country is landlocked and borders Serbia to the north, Kosovo to the northwest, Albania to the west, Greece to the south, and Bulgaria to the east.

North Macedonia has a population of approximately 2.1 million people and its capital and largest city is Skopje. The official language is Macedonian and Albanian is also widely spoken. The country has a diverse ethnic and religious makeup, with Macedonians being the largest ethnic group, followed by Albanians, Turks, Roma, and Serbs.

The economy of North Macedonia is largely based on manufacturing, agriculture, and services. It has made progress in recent years in attracting foreign investment, improving infrastructure, and strengthening its democratic institutions. North Macedonia has also made efforts to integrate into European Union institutions and was granted candidate status in 2005.

North Macedonia is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The country has numerous historical and archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Stobi and the medieval monasteries of Ohrid and St. Naum. The country is also home to the stunning Lake Ohrid, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Mavrovo National Park, which offers opportunities for hiking and skiing.

North Macedonia's cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, with dishes such as burek, ajvar, and tavče gravče being popular. The country is also known for its wine industry, producing several varieties of high-quality wine.

Overall, North Macedonia offers a unique cultural experience and a chance to explore a lesser-known corner of Europe.

Telephone Code
389

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 94; Fire: 93; Police: 92

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

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

Currency (Code)
Macedonian denars (MKD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages
Macedonian, Albanian, Turkish, Romani, Serbian

Major Religions
Macedonian Orthodox 64.8%, Muslim 33.3%, other Christian 0.4%

Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Mavrovo National Park; Bitola; Kratovo; Pelister National Park

Major Sports
Soccer, handball, basketball

Cultural Practices
Sometimes instead of saying "no," Macedonians will click their tongues and shake their heads slightly.

Tipping Guidelines
Common practice in restaurants is to round up the bill for a tip, but in finer dining establishments a 10-15% tip is appreciated. Tipping taxi drivers is not common.

Souvenirs
Religious icons and marble statues, jeweled crosses, rosaries, wood carvings, spices

Traditional Cuisine
Tavče Gravče — fresh white beans and other vegetables baked and served in a traditional unglazed earthenware pot

Geography
Area
total: 25,713 sq km
land: 25,433 sq km
water: 280 sq km

Climate
warm, dry summers and autumns; relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall

Natural resources
low-grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber, arable land

People and Society
Population
2,133,410 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Macedonian 58.4%, Albanian 24.3%, Turkish 3.9%, Romani 2.5%, Serb 1.3%, other 2.3%, persons for whom data were taken from administrative sources and no ethnic affiliation data was available 7.2% (2021 est.)

Languages
Macedonian (official) 61.4%, Albanian (official) 24.3%, Turkish 3.4%, Romani 1.7%, other (includes Aromanian (Vlach) and Bosnian) 2%, persons for whom data were taken from administrative sources and no language data was available 7.2% (2021 est.); note - data represent mother tongue; minority languages are co-official with Macedonian in municipalities where they are spoken by at least 20% of the population; Albanian is co-official in Tetovo, Brvenica, Vrapciste, and other municipalities; Turkish is co-official in Centar Zupa and Plasnica; Romani is co-official in Suto Orizari; Aromanian is co-official in Krusevo; Serbian is co-official in Cucer Sandevo

Religions
Macedonian Orthodox 46.1%, Muslim 32.2%, other Christian 13.8%, other and non-believers 0.5%, unspecified 0.2%, persons for whom data were taken from administrative sources and no religious affiliation data was available 7.2% (2021 est.)

Population growth rate
0.11% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary republic

Capital
name: Skopje

Economy
Economic overview
growing upper middle-income European economy; EU accession stalled due to Bulgarian dispute; new NATO member; private consumption-driven growth; investment declined due to COVID-19; regional economic power gains since Greek naming resolution

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$34.007 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$16,500 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, grapes, wheat, potatoes, green chillies/peppers, cabbages, tomatoes, maize, barley, watermelons

Industries
food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, iron, steel, cement, energy, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts

Exports
$9.157 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Germany 45%, Serbia 8%, Bulgaria 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
support catalysts, centrifuges, insulated wiring, vehicle parts, buses, seats (2019)

Imports
$11.354 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
United Kingdom 14%, Germany 14%, Greece 8%, Serbia 8% (2019)

Imports - commodities
platinum, refined petroleum, laboratory ceramics, cars, insulated wiring (2019)