Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia <div style="float: right; margin: 0 0 1em 1em"> <table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="border: 1px solid #9866FF; background-color: #f3f3ff" width="200"> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid #C9AFFF; background-color: #ddddff">Flag</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; padding: 2px">Image:mk-flag.png</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid #C9AFFF; border-top: 1px solid #C9AFFF; background-color: #ddddff">Quick Facts</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Capital'''</td><td>Skopje</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Government'''</td><td>parliamentary democracy </td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Currency'''</td><td>Macedonian denar (MKD)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Area'''</td><td>''total:'' 25,333 sq km ''water:'' 477 sq km ''land:'' 24,856 sq km</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Population'''</td><td>2,054,800 ''note:'' a Framework Agreement ratified by Macedonia on 16 November 2001 calls for a new census in 2002 (July 2002 est.)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Language'''</td><td>Macedonian 70%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, other 3%</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Religion'''</td><td>Macedonian Orthodox 67%, Muslim 30%, other 3%</td></tr> </table> </div>  The '''Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia''' (abbreviated: ''F.Y.R.O.M.'') is a landlocked country in the Balkans, in Mediterranean Europe. It has Serbia and Montenegro to the north, Albania to the west, Bulgaria to the east, and Greece to the south, and is often known simply as ''Macedonia'', despite the objections of the neighboring Greeks who have their own Macedonia (Greece)|Macedonia just across the border. The country controls a major transportation corridor from Western Europe|Western and Central Europe to the Aegean Sea and Southern Europe. Image:mk-map.png|frame|Map of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ==Regions== ==Cities== *Skopje - capital *Ohrid - lakeside resort, very popular with Balkan holiday-makers ; '''Administrative divisions''' : 123 municipalities (opstini, singular - opstina); Aracinovo, Bac, Belcista, Berovo, Bistrica, Bitola, Blatec, Bogdanci, Bogomila, Bogovinje, Bosilovo, Brvenica, Cair (Skopje), Capari, Caska, Cegrane, Centar (Skopje), Centar Zupa, Cesinovo, Cucer-Sandevo, Debar, Delcevo, Delogozdi, Demir Hisar, Demir Kapija, Dobrusevo, Dolna Banjica, Dolneni, Dorce Petrov (Skopje), Drugovo, Dzepciste, Gazi Baba (Skopje), Gevgelija, Gostivar, Gradsko, Ilinden, Izvor, Jegunovce, Kamenjane, Karbinci, Karpos (Skopje), Kavadarci, Kicevo, Kisela Voda (Skopje), Klecevce, Kocani, Konce, Kondovo, Konopiste, Kosel, Kratovo, Kriva Palanka, Krivogastani, Krusevo, Kuklis, Kukurecani, Kumanovo, Labunista, Lipkovo, Lozovo, Lukovo, Makedonska Kamenica, Makedonski Brod, Mavrovi Anovi, Meseista, Miravci, Mogila, Murtino, Negotino, Negotino-Polosko, Novaci, Novo Selo, Oblesevo, Ohrid, Orasac, Orizari, Oslomej, Pehcevo, Petrovec, Plasnica, Podares, Prilep, Probistip, Radovis, Rankovce, Resen, Rosoman, Rostusa, Samokov, Saraj, Sipkovica, Sopiste, Sopotnica, Srbinovo, Star Dojran, Staravina, Staro Nagoricane, Stip, Struga, Strumica, Studenicani, Suto Orizari (Skopje), Sveti Nikole, Tearce, Tetovo, Topolcani, Valandovo, Vasilevo, Velesta, Veles, Vevcani, Vinica, Vitoliste, Vranestica, Vrapciste, Vratnica, Vrutok, Zajas, Zelenikovo, Zeleno, Zitose, Zletovo, Zrnovci ''note:'' the seven municipalities followed by Skopje in parentheses collectively constitute "greater Skopje" ==Other destinations== ==Understand== ===Climate=== Warm, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall ===Terrain=== Mountainous territory covered with deep basins and valleys; three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line; country bisected by the Vardar River ; '''Natural hazards''' : high seismic risks ; '''Elevation extremes''' : ''lowest point:'' Vardar River 50 m ''highest point:'' Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,753 m ===History=== International recognition of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (F.Y.R.O.M.) independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 was delayed by Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols. Greece finally lifted its trade blockade in 1995, and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, despite continued disagreement over F.Y.R.O.M.'s use of "Macedonia." F.Y.R.O.M.'s large Albanian minority, an ethnic Albanian armed insurgency in F.Y.R.O.M. in 2001, and the status of neighboring Kosovo continue to be sources of ethnic tension. ; '''Independence''' : 8 September 1991 referendum by registered voters endorsing independence (from Yugoslavia) ; '''National holiday''' : Uprising Day, 2 August (1903); note - also known as Saint Elijah's Day and Ilinden ; '''Constitution''' : adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991 ''note:'' the Macedonian Parliament approved November 2001 a series of new constitutional amendments, strengthening minority rights ==Get in== ===By plane=== Macedonia has two international airports, the main airport in the capital Skopje (SKP) and a second airport of minor importance in Ohrid (OHD). An option to travel into Macedonia is to fly to Thessaloniki (SKG) or to Sofia (SOF) and get a taxi or bus from there. However, crossing the border usually takes extra time. A taxi from Sofia to Skopje should be less than 100 €. ===By train=== Regular train service connects Macedonia to Greece in the South and Serbia and Montenegro in the North. ===By car=== Be sure your Green Card (International Insurance Card) has an uncancelled "MK" box. Try to get a good map of Macedonia and/or try to be able to read Cyrillic letters. Although most street signs are printed in Cyrillic and Latin letters it can be helpful to have a little knowledge of the Cyrillic alphabet, especially in small towns. ===By bus=== There are bus connection from Serbia and Montenegro, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia and Turkey to Skopje. ===By boat=== ==Get around== If travelling by car, be sure your tyres are good enough. Especially in spring and autumn weather in the mountains (Lake Ohrid/Ohrid, Bitola) can differ significantly from the weather in the areas you're coming from. ==Talk== ; '''Languages''' : Macedonian 70%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, other 3% ==Buy== ==Eat== ===General=== Typical Macedonian food resembles the food of the southern Balkans. For example loads of grilled meat known as ''skara'' are served in many places. Note that usually side dishes have to be ordered separately. However, Macedonia is also famous for its ''shopska salata'' a mixed salad of cucumbers, tomatoes and grated ''sirenje''. ''Sirenje'' is a white cheese similar to feta cheese. Usually Macedonians will translate the English cheese to ''sirenje''. Another local speciality is ''ajvar'' which is either used as an appetizer or side dish. It is a red paste made from roasted paprika and tomatoes. Many households prepare their own ''ajvar''. Typical as well is ''tarator'' which might be comparable to the greek tzatziki. It is made of yoghurt, cucumbers and garlic and it is served as a cold soup. ===Fish=== Macedonia, being landlocked, does not offer a great variety of fresh fish. A notable exception is Ohrid, where freshly fished fish from the local lake can be enjoyed. There you can also taste the Ohrid trout, a fish of endemic nature. ==Drink== Rakia is a strong grape brandy which is drunken a lot in Macedonia. It is probably close to being the national drink. ==Sleep== ==Learn== ==Work== ==Stay safe== ==Stay healthy== ==Respect== ==Contact== ==External links== *[http://www.macedonia.org/ '''Macedonia.org'''] - A site providing additional information about Macedonia. Information in German, English and French is provided. {{stub}} fr:Macédoine WikiPedia:Macedonia Republic of Macedonia1 National Name: Republika Makedonija President: Branko Crvenkovski (2004) Prime Minister: Radmila Sekerinska (2004) Area: 9,928 sq mi (25,713 sq km) Population (2004 est.): 2,071,210 (growth rate: 0.4%); birth rate: 13.1/1000; infant mortality rate: 11.7/1000; life expectancy: 74.7; density per sq mi: 212 Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Skopje, 587,300 (metro. area), 452,500 (city proper) Other large cities: Bitola, 84,400; Kumanovo, 78,900; Prilep, 56,900 Monetary unit: Denar Languages: Macedonian 68%, Albanian 25% (both official); Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 2%, other 2% Ethnicity/race: Macedonian 64.2%, Albanian 25.2%, Turkish 3.8%, Roma (Gypsy) 2.7%, Serb 1.8%, other 2.3% (2002) Religions: Macedonian Orthodox 70%, Islam 29%, other 1% (1994) Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2003 est.): $13.81 billion; per capita $6,700. Real growth rate: 2.8%. Inflation: –2.6%. Unemployment: 36.7%. Arable land: 24%. Agriculture: rice, tobacco, wheat, corn, millet, cotton, sesame, mulberry leaves, citrus, vegetables; beef, pork, poultry, mutton. Labor force: 860,000; agriculture n.a., industry n.a., services n.a. Industries: coal, metallic chromium, lead, zinc, ferronickel, textiles, wood products, tobacco, food processing, buses. Natural resources: chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, tungsten, nickel, low-grade iron ore, asbestos, sulfur, timber, arable land. Exports: $1.346 billion (f.o.b., 2003 est.): food, beverages, tobacco; miscellaneous manufactures, iron and steel. Imports: $2.184 billion (f.o.b., 2003 est.): machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; food products. Major trading partners: Germany, Italy, U.S., Croatia, Greece, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, Austria. Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 408,000 (1997); mobile cellular: 12,362 (1997). Radio broadcast stations: AM 29, FM 20, shortwave 0 (1998). Radios: 410,000 (1997). Television broadcast stations: 31 (plus 166 repeaters) (1995). Televisions: 510,000 (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 6 (2000). Internet users: 100,000 (2001). Transportation: Railways: total: 699 km (2002). Highways: total: 8,684 km; paved: 5,540 km (including 133 km of expressways); unpaved: 3,144 km (1999 est.). Waterways: none, lake transport only. Ports and harbors: none. Airports: 18 (2002). International disputes: the Albanian government calls for the protection of the rights of ethnic Albanians in F.Y.R.O.M. while continuing to seek regional cooperation; ethnic Albanians in Kosovo continue to protest 2000 F.Y.R.O.M.-Serbia and Montenegro boundary treaty, which transfers small tracts of land to F.Y.R.O.M.; dispute with Greece over country's name persists. 1. The UN recognized the Republic of Macedonia on April 8, 1993, under the temporary name the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The U.S. recognized Macedonia as a state in Feb. 1994. ==Geography== ; '''Geographic coordinates''' : 41 50 N, 22 00 E ; '''Area''' : ''total:'' 25,333 sq km ''water:'' 477 sq km ''land:'' 24,856 sq km ; '''Area - comparative''' : slightly larger than Vermont ; '''Natural resources''' : chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, tungsten, nickel, low-grade iron ore, asbestos, sulfur, timber, arable land ; '''Land use''' : ''arable land:'' 23.59% ''permanent crops:'' 1.85% ''other:'' 74.56% (1998 est.) ; '''Irrigated land''' : 550 sq km (1998 est.) ; '''Environment - current issues''' : air pollution from metallurgical plants ; '''Environment - international agreements''' : ''party to:'' Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands ''signed, but not ratified:'' none of the selected agreements ==People== ; '''Population''' : 2,054,800 ; '''Nationality''' : ''noun:'' Macedonian(s) ''adjective:'' Macedonian ; '''Ethnic groups''' : Macedonian 66.6%, Albanian 22.7%, Turkish 4%, Roma 2.2%, Serb 2.1%, other 2.4% (1994) ; '''Religions''' : Macedonian Orthodox 67%, Muslim 30%, other 3% ==Government== ; '''Country name''' : ''conventional long form:'' The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ''conventional short form:'' none ''local long form:'' Republika Makedonija ''abbreviation:'' F.Y.R.O.M. ''local short form:'' Makedonija ; '''Legal system''' : based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts ; '''Judicial branch''' : Supreme Court - Parliament appoints the judges; Constitutional Court - Parliament appoints the judges; Republican Judicial Council - Parliament appoints the judges ; '''Diplomatic representation in the US''' : ''chief of mission:'' Ambassador Nikola DIMITROV ''chancery:'' Suite 302, 1101 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 ''consulate(s) general:'' New York ''FAX:'' [1] (202) 337-3093 ''telephone:'' [1] (202) 337-3063 ; '''Diplomatic representation from the US''' : ''chief of mission:'' Ambassador Laurence Edward BUTLER ''embassy:'' bul. Ilinden bb, 1000 Skopje ''mailing address:'' American Embassy Skopje, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-7120 (pouch) ''telephone:'' [389] (02) 116-180 ''FAX:'' [389] (02) 117-103 ; '''Flag description''' : a rising yellow sun with eight rays extending to the edges of the red field ==Economy== ; '''Economy - overview''' : At independence in November 1991, Macedonia was the least developed of the Yugoslav republics, producing a mere 5% of the total federal output of goods and services. The collapse of Yugoslavia ended transfer payments from the center and eliminated advantages from inclusion in a de facto free trade area. An absence of infrastructure, UN sanctions on Yugoslavia, one of its largest markets, and a Greek economic embargo over a dispute about the country's constitutional name and flag hindered economic growth until 1996. GDP subsequently rose each year through 2000. However, the leadership's commitment to economic reform, free trade, and regional integration was undermined by the ethnic Albanian insurgency of 2001. The economy shrank 4.6% because of decreased trade, intermittent border closures, increased deficit spending on security needs, and investor uncertainty. Growth recovered moderately in 2002 but unemployment at one-third of the workforce remained a critical problem. ; '''Industries''' : coal, metallic chromium, lead, zinc, ferronickel, textiles, wood products, tobacco, food processing, buses ; '''Agriculture - products''' : rice, tobacco, wheat, corn, millet, cotton, sesame, mulberry leaves, citrus, vegetables; beef, pork, poultry, mutton ; '''Exports - commodities''' : food, beverages, tobacco; miscellaneous manufactures, iron and steel ; '''Imports - commodities''' : machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; food products ; '''Currency''' : Macedonian denar (MKD) ; '''Currency code''' : MKD ; '''Exchange rates''' : Macedonian denars per US dollar - 64.757 (January 2001), 65.904 (2000), 56.902 (1999), 54.462 (1998), 50.004 (1997) ; '''Fiscal year''' : calendar year ==Communications== ; '''Telephones - main lines in use''' : 408,000 (1997) ; '''Telephones - mobile cellular''' : 12,362 (1997) ; '''Radio broadcast stations''' : AM 29, FM 20, shortwave 0 (1998) ; '''Radios''' : 410,000 (1997) ; '''Television broadcast stations''' : 31 (plus 166 repeaters) (1995) ; '''Televisions''' : 510,000 (1997) ; '''Internet country code''' : .mk ; '''Internet Service Providers (ISPs)''' : 6 (2000) ; '''Internet users''' : 100,000 (2001) ==Transportation== ; '''Railways''' : ''total:'' 699 km ''standard gauge:'' 699 km 1.435-m gauge (233 km electrified) ''note:'' a 56-km extension of the Kumanovo-Beljakovce line to the Bulgarian border at Gyueshevo is under construction (2001) ; '''Highways''' : ''total:'' 8,684 km ''paved:'' 5,540 km (including 133 km of expressways) ''unpaved:'' 3,144 km (1997) ; '''Waterways''' : ''note:'' lake transport only, on the Greek and Albanian borders ; '''Airports''' : 17 (2001) ; '''Airports - with paved runways''' : ''total:'' 10 ''2,438 to 3,047 m:'' 2 ''under 914 m:'' 8 (2002) ; '''Airports - with unpaved runways''' : ''total:'' 7 ''914 to 1,523 m:'' 3 ''under 914 m:'' 4 (2002) ==Military== ; '''Military branches''' : Army (ARM), Air and Air Defense Forces, Police Force ==Transnational Issues== ; '''Disputes - international''' : dispute with Greece over country's name persists; 2001 FYROM-Yugoslavia boundary delimitation agreement, which adjusts former republic boundaries, was signed and ratified and awaits demarcation; ethnic Albanians in Kosovo dispute legitimacy of the agreement, which cedes small tracts of Kosovo lands to FYROM ; '''Illicit drugs''' : major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and hashish; minor transit point for South American cocaine destined for Europe; while money laundering is a problem on a local level due to organized crime activities, the lack of a well-developed financial infrastructure limits the country's utility as a money-laundering center First page | Prev | Next | Last page |

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