Albania, Serbia, Kosovo and Bulgaria outline its borders from west to east, clockwise. Greece marks the southern edge. Since antiquity, Macedonia has been known as a mountainous land, a treasure trove of wild nature, steep valleys, deep gorges, and large lakes, such as Dojran, or the expansive Prespa and Ohrid basins in the south. Although it lacks direct access to the sea, the climate of Macedonia is generally mild, with dry summers and autumns, pleasant springs, and winters that are not too harsh despite heavy snowfall in the mountains. Despite its small size, seismic activity, and high emigration, Macedonia preserves an impressive artistic and cultural heritage, with outstanding achievements especially in painting, music, and architecture. In Macedonia, you’ll find some of Eastern Europe’s best-preserved Byzantine fresco cycles from the 11th to 16th centuries. The icons of Ohrid, in particular, are among the most valuable in the world. The capital Skopje sits in the north, close to the border with Serbia; it’s a city of about 600,000 residents that was heavily damaged in the 1963 earthquake. Other notable towns include Bitola, Prilep, Ohrid, and Kumanovo.
Macedonia at a glance
- Country: Macedonia
- Area: 25,713 km²
- Capital: Skopje
- Population: 2.1 million
- Language: Macedonian
- Religion: Orthodox, Muslim
- Government: Parliamentary Republic
- Main cities: Skopje, Bitola, Kumanovo, Prilep, Tetovo
Useful information for traveling in Macedonia
- Currency: Macedonian Denar (1 euro = 61.46 MKD)
- International dialing code: +389
- International car plate code: MK
- Driving side: Right
- Entry documents: ID card or Passport
- Vaccinations required: NN
- Electricity: 220 V AC 50 Hz
- Measurement system: Metric
- Time zone: Same as Italy
- Public holidays (fixed date): Orthodox Easter Monday (date varies); Orthodox Christmas, January 7; Christmas, December 25. Also Independence Day, September 8; National Day, October 11; Labor Day, May 1; Ilinden (Uprising Day 1903), August 2.
- Climate: Dry continental climate, hot and dry summers, cold winters with frequent snow
- Average temperatures: Hot summers up to 40°C, winters from -8°C to -15°C
- Transport: National airline MAT (Macedonian Airlines); many international carriers fly to and from Macedonia: Adria Airlines, Aeroflot, Austrian Airlines, Cross Air, Olympic Airlines, etc.
- Airports: Skopje, Ohrid
