Macedonia in Brief

With only 2 million people, no coast and surrounded by more famous neighbours you might not expect the Republic of Macedonia to hold much for the visitor, but you would be very wrong as this little country with its amazing lakes and many breathtaking mountains is simply packed with treats for the tourist. The capital Skopje is by far the largest city with 500,000 people, but the country is probably better known for the magical lake Ohrid, which more than makes up for the lack of a sea.

Geography

The large Vadar River runs through the country and in doing so defines its geography. The Republic of Macedonia is a landlocked country with mountains which circle the country and so define its tight borders – the largest of these being Mount Korab (2,764m), Šar Mountain (2,747m) and Baba Mountain (2,601 m).

There are over 50 lakes, the largest of which are Lake Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Dojran Lake, which lie to the south of the country. Ohrid is one of the deepest, oldest and most stunning lakes in the world, and the Republic shares its majesty with Albania. Sadly for the people of the region there has been much seismic activity, and the resulting earthquakes have killed many thousands over the years.

Climate

Recent summers have been amazingly hot; In 2007 the government declared a state of emergency at the height of the heat wave and consequently businesses were closed and people fled to the mountains and the lakes after people died. The winters are moderately cool however, as the climate is not wholly Mediterranean displaying some Continental features as well. In the summer expect extreme heat, often well over forty degrees, unless you are high in the mountains.

More about weather in Macedonia.

Politics

Since the fall of communism the country has been a Parliamentary democracy, with a ceremonial Presidential head of state and the power wielded by the government through the President of the Government. There are elections every five years to choose the representatives for the parliament. Often the political parties are split along ethnic lines between the majority Macedonians and minority Albanians. Since the war in 2001 Albanians have been granted greater rights and autonomy in the regions where they are in the vast majority.

People

Around 65 per cent of the population consider themselves as ethnic Macedonia, meanwhile around 25 per cent considering themselves as ethnic Albanian. The Albanian community swelled during the NATO led Kosovo war at the end of the twentieth century, but most people returned once the fighting had subsided. There are also smaller ethnic minorities in the country including Turkish, Roma and Serb.

By far the most famous Macedonian of all time is Mother Teresa (an ethnic Albanian born in Skopje). She rose to international prominence caring for the sick and needy in India where her mission attracted thousands to join in her work. Other well known Macedonians film maker Milčo Mančevski and writer Alexander Donski.

Religion

There are more than 1200 churches and 400 mosques in the country as well as more than 70 monasteries. And with famous people like Mother Teresa, it is a country bound up in religion. A majority are Orthodox Christian belonging to the Macedonian Orthodox Church and around one third are Muslim. Most, but not all of the Muslims are Bulgarian or Turkish, with some practicing Macedonian Muslims as well. In terms of percentage this gives Macedonia one of the largest Muslim populations in Europe.

Culture

If you are interesting in fresco paintings form the Byzantine ear, then Macedonia is probably the number one destination in the world with many beautifully preserved works in churches across the country. Byzantine music can also be heard in the traditional sounds of the region, which also has a rich cultural heritage in many spheres including poetry, architecture and art. When Ohrid was the centre of religious studies it produced many wonderful works which spread their influence across the region and the whole of Europe.

The monastery buildings are an architectural highlight, most of which were built between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries. Moreover, what is amazing is that most of these buildings are still in wonderful condition and open for the visitor to marvel at.

In terms of contemporary culture you can become emerged in poetry from all around the world (and plant a tree in the poets garden) in Struga or experience one of the best classical festivals in the world at the Ohrid Summer festival of classical music and drama. Also you can drop down into Skopje for the May Opera Evenings or the Open Youth Theatre and Jazz festivals.

Food and Drink

Every fruit and vegetable which is produced in the country is organic and so you can be sure that you’re be eating something free from anything dangerous during your stay, as the country it missed the negative period of urbanisation, something which also means it produces a vast variety of food, food which has fed the Balkans for centuries. The salads during summer are amazingly fresh and plentiful and will surely be one of the culinary highlights of your stay. But its not just vegetables as the cheese and yoghurts here also sublime. But over all what is exciting about the Macedonian cuisine is the mix of Turkish and Mediterranean styles, because of the five hundred years occupation and the geographical location and. A mixture of meat, beans, sauces and vegetables produce a mouth-watering array of flavours and spices which such keep the visitor busy sampling new dishes throughout their stay.

The wine from the region is much better than the beer. The high quality of grapes produce wonderful Vranec, classic Cabernet Sauvignon, and mellow Merlot. There are many small wineries where one can find local delicacies which many say surpass any French, Italian or California vintages.