...Cradle of Culture, Land of Nature...

     The Republic of Macedonia is a landlocked region located on the Balkan peninsula in Southeastern Europe. It has common boundaries with Serbia to the North, Greece to the South, Bulgaria to the East, and Albania to the West. The territory of the Republic of Macedonia is approximately 25,713 square kilometers.
     The majority of the population are Macedonian, while the most numerous among the minorities are the Albanians, Turks and Serbs, as well as the members of the ethnic communities of Romaines, Vlachs and others.  According to the most recent census, the Republic of Macedonia consists of about 2,000,000 inhabitants.

     The main administrative center of the Republic of Macedonia today is Skopje, with a population of over 600,000 inhabitants.  It is a town with a 2,000 year long tradition, and it represents an exquisite mixture of Eastern and Western cultures.
     The Republic of Macedonia abounds in natural beauties and rarities.  Many have named it "The Pearl of the Balkans".  The numerous mountains, forests, rivers and lakes present a great tourist attraction.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Area:  25,713 square km
• Population:  1,936,877
• Capital:  Skopje
• Language:  Macedonian
• Alphabet:  Cyrillic
• Religions:  Orthodox, Muslim, Roman Catholic
• Political Structure:  State with parliamentary democracy
• Localities under UNESCO protection:  The town of Ohrid and Ohrid Lake
• Currency:  Denar (MDen) = 100 deni
• Time:  GMT+1