MACEDONIA
Located in southeastern Europe, Macedonia is a very ancient, landlocked and largely mountainous country. It was only as late as 1991 that it proclaimed its independence from Yugoslavia.
Since it has the same name as Macedonia in Greece, it calls itself The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in order to avoid confusion. Although the country has is made up of aggressive ethnic groups, it is one of the most peaceful republic to emerge from Yugoslavia and those who visit the country find it the safest place to travel.
In 1993 the country was admitted as a member of the UNO.
If there is any country in the world which is the most suited for adventurous activities like hiking, biking, climbing and skiing, it is Macedonia, since eighty percent of its land is mountainous and forested.
For culture buffs, the Roman ruins and religious art are the biggest attractions that the country possesses. The country has a rich Hellenic heritage and its churches and mosques contain many splendid examples of art and architecture from the Byzantine and the Ottoman eras.
The city of Skopje is the capital of the country and Skopje has an abundance of historical relics, medieval fortresses and a bustling Ottoman style bazaar. The city has a very entertaining nightlife as it has lots of live music and night clubs.
LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY
Macedonia lies in the heart of the Balkans and has a total area of 25,333 sq. km. To its north lies Serbia, Kosovo to the northwest and Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south and Albania to the west.
This geographical and historical region has since 1913 been divided between Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria and only 40% of it is occupied by the independent state of Macedonia.
CLIMATE
The summers and autumns in Macedonia are warm and dry but the winters are very severely cold having heavy snowfall. During the months of July and August, the country sees a lot of sun making these months the months to visit the country.
CURRENCY AND ECONOMY
The Macedonian Denar (MKD) is the monetary unit employed by the country.
Trade accounts for more than 90% of the economy and the country has adopted an open economy. However, its GDP is the lowest in Europe and corruption, an ineffective legal system, a high unemployment and poverty rate have hampered its economic development.
PEOPLE AND LANGUAGES
The population of Macedonia is 2,061,315 and the largest ethnic group in the country is comprised by the Slavic speaking ethnic Macedonians. The western part of the country is dominated by the Albanians.
The Macedonian population largely belongs to the Orthodox Macedonian Church, though 33% of its people follow Islam.
Macedonian is the language that is most extensively used as the country’s spoken and written language, qualifying it for being the national language.
Being an ancient country, it has a rich cultural heritage in art, architecture, poetry and music.
MAJOR CITIES
Besides Skopje, the capital city of the country, some of the other larger cities of Macedonia include: Kumanovo, Bitola, Prilep, Ohrid, Veles, Stip and Tetovo.
HOW TO GO AROUND
Domestic flights are not scheduled or regular in Macedonia, making air travel in the country almost impossible.
Rail links are operated from Skopje to Kumonovo in the north, to Stip in the east, to Veles and Gevgelija in the south and Prilep and Bitola in the south west by the Makidonski Zeleznici railways.
The country has a well developed system of roads and frequent bus services operate Skopje to Ohrid and Bitola. But for long distance bus travels you will need to book well in advance.
HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
The capital city of Skopje has mostly been rebuilt owing to the earthquake in 1963 but the city is worth exploring especially the Skopje old town, which is the most attractive quarter of the town, having plenty of restaurants and shops to wander about in.
With its intricately carved ‘iconostasis’ or screens in orthodox churches on which icons are hung, the Church of the Holy Savior in the Skopje old town, is remarkable. Additionally the Kursumli An and Suli An caravansarais and the Daut Pasha Baths, which now houses an art gallery are also some of the other attractions in the old town.
The 15th century Mustafa Pasha Mosque, from the Ottoman era, as well as the 10th century Kale Fortress and the grand footbridge spanning the River Vardar, can all be seen at Skopje.
When you are in Skopje, very near it don’t miss visiting the Nerezi Monastery with the accompanying 12th century church of Pantleljmon housing the Byzantine frescoes.
At 18 kilometers from the Greek border, explore second largest Macedonian town of Bitola. Bitola was an important center of the Ottoman rule and the ruins of the ancient city of Heraclea are nearby the town.
The most attractive town of the country is perhaps Ohrid, which is situated on the River Ohrid. The first Slav University was founded in Ohrid by St. Clement. The Macedonian Tzar made Ohrid the capital of his state in the 10th and the 11th centuries and the within the walls of the old fortress concerts, plays and operas are now held. Ohrid also has a number of ancient churches and most noteworthy is the Cathedral of St Sophia, which contains the 11th century frescoes.
Shopping
The country is not exactly a shopping haven and you will not find very many souvenirs that you can take back but the pretty Makedonki shoes for women and children could make a nice gift.
Skopje’s flower market offers a few kiosks selling flowers for all occasions.
The city’s old market area is also brimming with fruits, vegetables, tobacco, herbs and plenty of Chinese items, in addition to a few cafes where you can sit and sip your café and see how the Macedonians go about with their daily lives.
Nightlife
Many of the bars and clubs have to shut down around midnight in Skopje due to its strict new opening hour licensing regime, taking the fun out of its vibrant nightlife. Yet it does have several places where you can have your fill of nocturnal entertainment up till midnight.
Food and drink
Skopje has several restaurants, though most of then serve the local foods and the quality of the food is reasonably good and the prices low.
You will find that the flavors of the Macedonian cuisine are very similar to that of Turkey and Greece. The most commonly found foods would be an infinite variety of kebabs and a dish called moussaka, which consists of aubergines and potatoes baked in layers with minced meat. However, gravce tavce (beans in a skillet) and the delicious Ohrid trout are the national delicacies to be sampled.
HOW TO REACH
Air
Macedonian Airlines is the national airlines and London is approximately five hours from Skopje. The main airport is at Skopje, which is 17 kilometers from the city and although there is no airport bus shuttle but taxis are available to take one into the city.
Rail
At present Skopje is linked by rail to Thessaloniki in Greece and soon Macedonia will be linked by rail to Bulgaria as well. There are also rail links between Skopje and Llubljana in Slovenia and Belgrade in Serbia.
WHERE TO STAY
There are two five star hotels in the country and both of them are in the capital city of Skopje. Additionally the capital also has some four and three star hotels as well.
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