North Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991 under the name of “Macedonia.” Greek objection to the new country’s name, insisting it implied territorial pretensions to the northern Greek province of Macedonia, and democratic backsliding for several years stalled the country’s movement toward Euro-Atlantic integration. Immediately after Macedonia declared independence, Greece sought to block Macedonian efforts to gain UN membership if the name “Macedonia” was used. The country was eventually admitted to the UN in 1993 as “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,” and at the same time it agreed to UN-sponsored negotiations on the name dispute. In 1995, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, but the issue of the name remained unresolved and negotiations for a solution continued. Over time, the US and over 130 other nations recognized Macedonia by its constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia. Ethnic Albanian grievances over perceived political and economic inequities escalated into a conflict in 2001 that eventually led to the internationally brokered Ohrid Framework Agreement, which ended the fighting and established guidelines for constitutional amendments and the creation of new laws that enhanced the rights of minorities. In January 2018, the government adopted a new law on languages, which elevated the Albanian language to an official language at the national level, with the Macedonian language remaining the sole official language in international relations. Relations between ethnic Macedonians and ethnic Albanians remain complicated, however.
North Macedonia’s pro-Western government has used its time in office since 2017 to sign a historic deal with Greece in June 2018 to end the name dispute and revive Skopje’s NATO and EU membership prospects. This followed a nearly three-year political crisis that engulfed the country but ended in June 2017 following a six-month-long government formation period after a closely contested election in December 2016. The crisis began after the 2014 legislative and presidential election, and escalated in 2015 when the opposition party began releasing wiretapped material that revealed alleged widespread government corruption and abuse. Although an EU candidate since 2005, North Macedonia has yet to open EU accession negotiations. The country still faces challenges, including fully implementing reforms to overcome years of democratic backsliding and stimulating economic growth and development. In June 2018, Macedonia and Greece signed the Prespa Accord whereby the Republic of Macedonia agreed to change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. Following ratification by both countries, the agreement went in to force on 12 February 2019. North Macedonia signed an accession protocol to become a NATO member state in February 2019.
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North Macedonia Tourism Information…
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The Best of North Macedonia
Eastern North Macedonia
- Cities:
- Štip
- Strumica
- Towns:
- Kratovo
- Others Sights & Attractions:
- Osogovo Monestary
- Staro Nagoričane
Povardale
- Cities:
- Skopje
- Veles
- Towns:
- Čaška
- Negotino
- Others Sights & Attractions:
- Kavadarci Wine Region
- Stobi
Western North Macedonia
- Cities:
- Bitola
- Kruševo
- Ohird
- Villages:
- Vevčani
- Others Sights & Attractions:
- Galičica National Park
- Lake Ohrid
- Lake Prespa
- Mavrovo National Park
- Pelister National Park
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Here is a list of some of the most interesting and visited places. Cities or areas listed will always have more than just one thing see and do. With the popular cities or areas we list some of the best known, which should go on everyone’s, must see list when they visit. |
Galicica National Park Lake Ohrid St. Jovan Kaneo Tsar Samuel’s Fortress
Skopje Old Bazzar Macedonia Square Millennium Cross Stone Bridge St. Sophia Stobi ruins |
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North Macedonia Country Information…
Capital:
Skopje
Largest City:
Skopje
Government:
Parliamentary Republic
Currency:
Macedonian denar (MKD)
Area:
Total:25,713 km (9,928 sq. mi.) ranked (148th)
Climate:
Warm, dry summers and autumns; relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall
Population:
2,100,025 (July 2016 est.) ranked 146th
Language:
Macedonian (official) 66.5%, Albanian (official) 25.1%, Turkish 3.5%, Roma 1.9%, Serbian 1.2%, other 1.8% (2002 est.)
Ethnic Groups:
Macedonian 64.2%, Albanian 25.2%, Turkish 3.9%, Roma 2.7%, Serb 1.8%, other 2.2% (2002 est.)
Religion:
Macedonian Orthodox 64.8%, Muslim 33.3%, other Christian 0.4%, other and unspecified 1.5% (2002 est.)
Electricity:
230V, 50Hz (European plug C, F )
Telephone Code:
+389
Local Emergency Phone Number:
Ambulance: 94; Fire: 93; Police: 92
Internet TLD:
.mk
Time Zone:
CET (UTC+1) / Summer CEST (UTC+2) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Road Driving Side:
Right
Anthem:
Денес над Македонија Denes nad Makedonija Today over Macedonia
President:
Stevo Pendarovski
Prime Minister:
Zoran Zaev
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Holidays and Observances in North Macedonia in 2021
| Date | Name | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Friday | New Year’s Day | National holiday |
| Jan 6 | Wednesday | Orthodox Christmas Eve | Optional Holiday |
| Jan 7 | Thursday | Orthodox Christmas Day | National holiday, Orthodox |
| Jan 19 | Tuesday | Epiphany (Orthodox) | Optional Holiday |
| Jan 27 | Wednesday | St Sava’s Day | Optional Holiday |
| Feb 14 | Sunday | Valentine’s Day | Observance |
| Mar 8 | Monday | Mothers’ Day/International Women’s Day | Observance |
| Mar 20 | Saturday | March Equinox | Season |
| Mar 28 | Sunday | Daylight Saving Time starts | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
| Apr 2 | Friday | Good Friday | Observance |
| Apr 3 | Saturday | Easter Saturday | Observance |
| Apr 4 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Observance |
| Apr 5 | Monday | Easter Monday | Optional Holiday |
| Apr 8 | Thursday | International Romani Day (for Romani community) | Optional Holiday |
| Apr 30 | Friday | Good Friday (Orthodox) | Optional Holiday |
| May 1 | Saturday | Easter Saturday (Orthodox) | Observance, Orthodox |
| May 1 | Saturday | Labor Day | National holiday |
| May 2 | Sunday | Easter Sunday (Orthodox) | Observance, Orthodox |
| May 3 | Monday | Easter Monday (Orthodox) | National holiday, Orthodox |
| May 13 | Thursday | Eid al-Fitr | National holiday |
| May 21 | Friday | Friday before Pentecost | Optional Holiday |
| May 23 | Sunday | Vlach’s National Day (for Vlach community) | Optional Holiday |
| May 24 | Monday | Saints Cyril and Methodius’ Day | National holiday |
| Jun 21 | Monday | June Solstice | Season |
| Jul 20 | Tuesday | Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | Optional Holiday |
| Aug 2 | Monday | Republic Day | National holiday |
| Aug 28 | Saturday | Feast of the Assumption of Mary (Orthodox) | Optional Holiday |
| Sep 8 | Wednesday | Independence Day | National holiday |
| Sep 12 | Sunday | Fathers’ Day | Observance |
| Sep 16 | Thursday | First day of Yom Kippur (Jewish community) | Optional Holiday |
| Sep 22 | Wednesday | September Equinox | Season |
| Sep 28 | Tuesday | International Bosniaks’ Day (for Bosniak community) | Optional Holiday |
| Oct 11 | Monday | Day of People’s Uprising | National holiday |
| Oct 23 | Saturday | Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle | National holiday |
| Oct 31 | Sunday | Halloween | Observance |
| Oct 31 | Sunday | Daylight Saving Time ends | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
| Nov 1 | Monday | All Saints’ Day | Optional Holiday |
| Nov 22 | Monday | Albanian Alphabet Day (Albanian community) | Optional Holiday |
| Dec 8 | Wednesday | Saint Kliment Ohridski’s Day | National holiday |
| Dec 21 | Tuesday | Turkish Language Day (Turkish community) | Optional Holiday |
| Dec 21 | Tuesday | December Solstice | Season |
| Dec 24 | Friday | Christmas Eve | Observance |
| Dec 25 | Saturday | Christmas Day | Optional Holiday |
| Dec 31 | Friday | New Year’s Eve | Observance |
Travel Facts
US State Dept. Travel Advisory:
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to the United Kingdom due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.
Passport/Visa Requirements:
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 6 months.
US Embassy/ Consulate:
[44] 20 7499-9000; Embassy of the United States of America, 33 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW11 7US (mailing postcode), SW8 5DB (driving/GPS postcode), United Kingdom; SCSLondon@state.gov; https://uk.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code:
44
Local Emergency Phone:
112, 999
Internet TLD:
.uk
Vaccinations:
See WHO recommendations at http://www.who.int
Climate
Temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one half of the days are overcast
Currency (Code)
British pounds (GBP)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s):
230 V / 50 Hz / plug type(s): G
Major Languages:
English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, Irish, Cornish
Religions:
Christian (includes Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Hindu 1.3%, none 25.7%
Time Zone
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October; note: applies to the United Kingdom proper, not to its crown dependencies or overseas territories
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
London (includes the Tower of London, British Museum, Parliament, Trafalgar Square); Windsor Castle; Stonehenge; Roman Baths & Georgian City of Bath; York Minster & historic Yorkshire; Chester Zoo; Cotswolds & Lake District; Hadrian’s Wall; Edinburgh; Cardiff
Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, rugby, badminton, tennis, netball, field hockey
Cultural Practices
It is considered rude to wave one’s hand or to call when summoning a waiter at a restaurant.
Tipping Guidelines
It is customary to leave 10-15% of the total bill as a tip when eating out, although some restaurants add on a service charge instead. Tip bartenders 1 pound. It is polite to tip 10-15% of the taxi fare, or round up to the nearest pound as a convenience. Tip porters 2 pounds to bring luggage to your room.
Government
Chief of State:
Queen ELIZABETH II
Government:
Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Capital:
London
Largest City:
London
Legislature:
London
Judiciary:
London
Ambassador to US:
Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires Michael Tatham
US Ambassador:
Ambassador Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson IV
Geography
Area:
Total: 243,61km world rank 80th, land: 241,930km, water: 1,680km
Natural Resources:
Coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, tin, limestone, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, potash, silica sand, slate, arable land
People & Society
Population:
64,430,428 (July 2016 est.) world rank 23rd England 84%, Scotland 8%, Wales 5%, Northern Ireland 3%
Population Growth:
0.51% (2018 est.)
Ethnic Groups:
White 87.2%, black/African/Caribbean/black British 3%, Asian/Asian British: Indian 2.3%, Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 1.9%, mixed 2%, other 3.7% (2011 est.)
Urbanization:
Urban population: 83.7% of total population (2019)
rate of urbanization: 0.89% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
Economy
Economic Overview:
Leading trading power and financial center; third-largest economy in Europe after Germany and France; large coal, natural gas, and oil resources; banking, insurance, and business services, drive GDP growth
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)
$2.92 trillion (2017 est.)
GDP per capita
$44,300 (2017 est.)
Exports:
$441.2 billion (2017 est.)
partners: US 13.2%, Germany 10.5%, France 7.4%, Netherlands 6.2%, Ireland 5.6%, China 4.8%, Switzerland 4.5% (2017)
Travel Facts
US State Dept. Travel Advisory:
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to the United Kingdom due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.
Passport/Visa Requirements:
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 6 months.
US Embassy/ Consulate:
[44] 20 7499-9000; Embassy of the United States of America, 33 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW11 7US (mailing postcode), SW8 5DB (driving/GPS postcode), United Kingdom; SCSLondon@state.gov; https://uk.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code:
44
Local Emergency Phone:
112, 999
Internet TLD:
.uk
Vaccinations:
See WHO recommendations at http://www.who.int
Climate
Temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one half of the days are overcast
Currency (Code)
British pounds (GBP)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s):
230 V / 50 Hz / plug type(s): G
Major Languages:
English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, Irish, Cornish
Religions:
Christian (includes Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Hindu 1.3%, none 25.7%
Time Zone
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October; note: applies to the United Kingdom proper, not to its crown dependencies or overseas territories
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
London (includes the Tower of London, British Museum, Parliament, Trafalgar Square); Windsor Castle; Stonehenge; Roman Baths & Georgian City of Bath; York Minster & historic Yorkshire; Chester Zoo; Cotswolds & Lake District; Hadrian’s Wall; Edinburgh; Cardiff
Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, rugby, badminton, tennis, netball, field hockey
Cultural Practices
It is considered rude to wave one’s hand or to call when summoning a waiter at a restaurant.
Tipping Guidelines
It is customary to leave 10-15% of the total bill as a tip when eating out, although some restaurants add on a service charge instead. Tip bartenders 1 pound. It is polite to tip 10-15% of the taxi fare, or round up to the nearest pound as a convenience. Tip porters 2 pounds to bring luggage to your room.
Government
Chief of State:
Queen ELIZABETH II
Government:
Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Capital:
London
Largest City:
London
Legislature:
London
Judiciary:
London
Ambassador to US:
Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires Michael Tatham
US Ambassador:
Ambassador Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson IV
Geography
Area:
Total: 243,61km world rank 80th, land: 241,930km, water: 1,680km
Natural Resources:
Coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, tin, limestone, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, potash, silica sand, slate, arable land
People & Society
Population:
64,430,428 (July 2016 est.) world rank 23rd England 84%, Scotland 8%, Wales 5%, Northern Ireland 3%
Population Growth:
0.51% (2018 est.)
Ethnic Groups:
White 87.2%, black/African/Caribbean/black British 3%, Asian/Asian British: Indian 2.3%, Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 1.9%, mixed 2%, other 3.7% (2011 est.)
Urbanization:
Urban population: 83.7% of total population (2019)
rate of urbanization: 0.89% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
Economy
Economic Overview:
Leading trading power and financial center; third-largest economy in Europe after Germany and France; large coal, natural gas, and oil resources; banking, insurance, and business services, drive GDP growth
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)
$2.92 trillion (2017 est.)
GDP per capita
$44,300 (2017 est.)
Exports:
$441.2 billion (2017 est.)
partners: US 13.2%, Germany 10.5%, France 7.4%, Netherlands 6.2%, Ireland 5.6%, China 4.8%, Switzerland 4.5% (2017)
Imports:
$615.9 billion (2017 est.)
partners: Germany 13.7%, US 9.5%, China 9.3%, Netherlands 8%, France 5.4%, Belgium 5% (2017)