1. Macedonia is officially known as the Republic of North Macedonia, having changed its name in 2019 as part of a historic agreement with Greece to resolve a long-standing dispute over the use of the name “Macedonia.”
2. The country is located in the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe and is bordered by Kosovo to the northwest, Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west.
3. Lake Ohrid, located in southwestern Macedonia, is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, known for its crystal-clear waters and rich biodiversity. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. Skopje, the capital and largest city of North Macedonia, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with a history dating back over 2,000 years.
5. North Macedonia is known for its diverse cultural heritage, influenced by various civilizations and empires, including the ancient Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Slavs.
6. The country is famous for its archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis, located near Bitola, which dates back to the 4th century BCE.
7. North Macedonia is a land of mountains, with over 80% of its territory covered by mountains and hills. The ล ar Mountains, located in the western part of the country, are particularly prominent.
8. Macedonian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean, Balkan, and Turkish influences, with dishes like ajvar (roasted red pepper spread), tavฤe gravฤe (baked beans), and shopska salad being popular.
9. North Macedonia is a multiethnic country, with Macedonians constituting the largest ethnic group, followed by Albanians, Turks, and Roma, among others.
10. Mother Teresa, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian, was born in Skopje in 1910. Her birthplace is now a memorial house and museum dedicated to her life and work.
11. North Macedonia is a parliamentary democracy, with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government.
12. The country is a candidate for membership in the European Union and has been actively pursuing reforms to meet the criteria for accession.
13. The Ohrid trout, a species of freshwater fish found in Lake Ohrid and its tributaries, is endemic to North Macedonia and is considered a delicacy.
14. North Macedonia has a rich tradition of folk music and dance, with performances often featuring colorful costumes and lively rhythms.
15. The city of Ohrid, located on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid, is known as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans” due to its numerous churches, monasteries, and religious heritage.
16. North Macedonia has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, although temperatures can vary significantly depending on altitude and location.
17. The country’s flag features a stylized sun with eight rays, symbolizing the “Star of Kutlesh,” an ancient symbol associated with the Macedonian dynasty of the same name.
18. North Macedonia has a rich literary tradition, with notable authors such as Kosta Racin, Blaลพe Koneski, and Slavko Janevski contributing to its cultural heritage.
19. The Matka Canyon, located near Skopje, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and boating along the Treska River.
20. North Macedonia is home to several ancient theaters, including the one in the city of Ohrid, which dates back to the 3rd century BCE and is still used for performances today.
21. The country celebrates its independence day on September 8th, commemorating the day in 1991 when it gained independence from Yugoslavia.