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)
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