Macedonia

Overview

North Macedonia is a country of the south-central Balkans. It is bordered to the north by Kosovo and Serbia, to the east by Bulgaria, to the south by Greece, and to the west by Albania.

The capital is Skopje.

The Capital, Skopje

Skopje is the capital, a city that lies in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, at the crossroad of important communications, a city with a 2000 years old tradition. Skopje is a modern city with population of almost one million and presents Macedonia’s major political, economic, educational and cultural centre. It continues to be a focus for new residents, economic development, construction and refurbishment.

Skopje also is a very attractive tourist destination with its fortress, cultural and historical monuments, archaeological sites, sport halls, caves in the canyon of the River Treska and Lake Matka and a health spa in the eastern part of the city.

Skopje is steadily becoming a vital regional route for international flight operators. The town with the beautiful quay of the Macedonian river “Vardar”, the narrow streets in the Old Bazaar which is the biggest bazaar preserved in the Balkans today, the town is internationally famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa.

History

The area was part of ancient Macedonia, the Roman and Byzantine empires and later the Ottoman Empire. It became independent from Yugoslavia in 1991 and was renamed North Macedonia in 2019.

Food & culture

Tavče gravče (baked beans), ajvar (roasted pepper relish) and shopska salad are national favourites.

Wildlife

Mavrovo, Galičica and Pelister national parks protect bears, wolves and the rare Balkan lynx.

Festivals & events

The Ohrid Summer Festival and the Vevčani Carnival in January are the best known.

Things to see

Lake Ohrid and its churches, the old bazaar in Skopje, Matka Canyon and Heraclea Lyncestis near Bitola.

Interesting facts

Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in Europe. Mother Teresa was born in Skopje.

Macedonia

At a glance

Before you go