Macedonia

Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991, but Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols delayed international recognition, which occurred under the provisional designation of "the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." In 1995, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations. The United States began referring to Macedonia by its constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia, in 2004 and negotiations continue between Greece and Macedonia to resolve the name issue. Some ethnic Albanians, angered by perceived political and economic inequities, launched an insurgency in 2001 that eventually won the support of the majority of Macedonia's Albanian population and led to the internationally-brokered Framework Agreement, which ended the fighting by establishing a set of new laws enhancing the rights of minorities. The undetermined status of neighboring Kosovo, implementation of the Framework Agreement, and a weak economy continue to be challenges for Macedonia.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 2,055,915 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Macedonian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Macedonian

Official Language(s): Macedonian

Major Languages Spoken: Albanian, Macedonian, Serbian, Turkish

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Macedonia

Country Name (short form): Macedonia

Country Name (local long form): Republika Makedonija

Country Name (local short form): Makedonija

Name of Capital: Skopje

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Macedonia: Serbia, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece

Land Area: 24856 sq km

Water Area: 477 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly larger than Vermont

Total Land Boundry: 766 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

National Holiday: Ilinden Uprising Day, 2 August (1903); note - also known as Saint Elijah's Day

International Phone Code: 389

Currency Code: Macedonian denar (MKD)

Internet Country Code: .mk

US Embassy Location: Bul. Ilindenska bb, 1000 Skopje

US Embassy Mailing Address: American Embassy Skopje, US Department of State, 7120 Skopje Place, Washington, DC 20521-7120 (pouch)

Services In, and Related to Macedonia

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