Macedonia

Capital of Macedonia: Skopje
Population of Macedonia: 2,077,328
Total area of Macedonia: 25,713 km2

Macedonia is a small country located in Southeastern Europe. It is located on the Balkan Peninsula. Its flag is red and yellow. It consists of a red background with a star or sun configuration spread throughout the flag. Its emblem is multi-colored and consists of a large yellow sun, mountains, water, a red banner and foliage. It is a landlocked country bordered by Kosovo, Serbia, Greece, Albania and Bulgaria.

Macedonia population

The population of Macedonia is just over 2 million people. The greatest ethnic group within the country is the Macedonians at 64 percent, followed by the Albanians, the Turks and the Roma people. The capital city is Skopje to the north. It contains over a half million people. Most people in the Republic of Macedonia are Orthodox Christians, primarily the Macedonian Orthodox Church. Even so, Muslims comprise a third of the population. There is a faith called the Macedonian Muslim faith that many belong to. It is considered a very religious country and there is even an Orthodox theological college in Skopje. Tension exists between the Macedonian Orthodox Church and the Serbian Orthodox church. The Macedonian Byzantine Catholic Church was first established in 1918 and is related to the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Catholic Church. The official language of the country is Macedonian, which is a Slavic language.  

History of Macedonia

Macedonia was inhabited since antiquity by several tribes. The tribes spoke different languages until Greece took over. It came under the Roman rule in 146 BCE. Latin began to be spoken. In the 580s, the Byzantines took over and it came under Bulgarian rule in the 13th century. Turkish rule followed that. In the late 19th Century, there was an increase in Macedonian nationalism and the country worked to be independent. It became part of Southern Serbia in 1913 after the Balkan Wars. In 1929, it became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. It was occupied by Germany in WWII and it was part of Soviet Yugoslavia after WWII. In 1991, after the fall of Communism, it became an independent country.

Macedonia Tourism

The Republic of Macedonia in the middle of the Balkan peninsula is a mountainous country that is even made more beautiful by over 50 lakes and valleys plus churches and mosques that showcase Byzantine and Ottoman art and architecture. It is also a blissful destination for any outdoor activity (hiking, mountain climbing and many others) that can be done on sixteen mountains over 6000 feet in height. The Mavrovo National Park in Western Macedonia is perfect for skiing and viewing the remarkable alpine scenery. Sveti Naum monastery and Ohrid, with its picture-perfect churches and cobbled laneways that earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status, are must-see places for those interested in history and culture. In Skopje, any visitor should not miss the Kale Fortress and Stone Bridge dated several centuries ago as well as the stylish bars and cafés or the Old Bazaar in other areas of the capital city. To enjoy the best of Macedonia, visits are encouraged from May and September.

Macedonian as well as English, French and German is widely spoken in the country but ethnic groups speak their own languages. Locals are hospitable and helpful, knowing fully how their country’s breathtaking natural and cultural attractions draw 700,000 tourists annually. It is not surprising that tourism is an important contributor to its national economy. Macedonia’s rich cultural heritage in art, architecture, poetry, and music will definitely amaze any visitor who would be content with country’s natural beauty. No wonder that the culture, history, and daily life of the Macedonians have been the subject of many films by Macedonian and foreign filmmakers.