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The Republic of Macedonia, also known as Macedonia, is a landlocked country located in the southern Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. It borders Bulgaria to the east, Serbia to the north, Albania to the west, and Greece to the south. The ancient Macedonian region included the Republic of Macedonia and the northern Greek regions of Central Macedonia, Western Macedonia, and Eastern Macedonia-Thrace.
Regarding ancient Macedonia, Greece believes that the ancient Macedonians were a branch of the ancient Greeks and that the ancient Macedonian Kingdom belongs to Greek history. The Republic of Macedonia claims to be the successor of the Kingdom of Macedonia and the Socialist Republic of Macedonia, and therefore insists on using the name "Macedonia".
Slavs migrated to Macedonia in the 7th century. From the second half of the 10th century to 1018, Samoilo established the first Slavic state of Macedonia. Starting in the 14th century, Macedonia was under Byzantine and Turkish rule. After the First Balkan War in 1912, Serbian, Bulgarian, and Greek forces occupied Macedonia. The part geographically belonging to Serbia was called Vardar Macedonia. After World War I, Vardar Macedonia was incorporated into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes as part of Serbia. In 1929, it was renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. After World War II, the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia was established. Vardar Macedonia, formerly part of Serbia, became a constituent unit of the Yugoslav Federation, known as the Republic of Macedonia. On November 20, 1991, Macedonia declared independence. In 1993, it joined the United Nations under the provisional name "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia."
To promote economic development and accelerate integration into the European Union, the Macedonian government has vigorously promoted infrastructure development, driving the growth of related industries and earning it the title of one of Europe's fastest-growing countries. It ranks 36th out of 141 countries in the overall ranking, making it one of the best performing countries in Europe.
Macedonia's climate is mainly temperate continental. In most agricultural areas, the highest temperature in summer reaches 40℃ and the lowest temperature in winter reaches -30℃. The west is influenced by the Mediterranean climate, with an average summer temperature of 27℃ and an average annual temperature of 10℃.
Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid is the second largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula. A tectonic lake located on the border between Macedonia and Albania, it is 30 kilometers long, with an average width of 12 kilometers and a maximum width of 15 kilometers, covering an area of 365 square kilometers. The lake's surface is 695 meters above sea level. The lake is deep, reaching a maximum depth of 286 meters. Primarily fed by groundwater and mountain streams, the water level fluctuates minimally. Surrounded by mountains and steep shores, the lake is renowned for its scenic beauty. Lakeshore cities include Ohrid (Macedonia) and Pogradec (Albania).
Lake Prespa
Lake Prespa is a Balkan lake located at the border of Macedonia, Albania, and Greece. It is a tectonic lake, 23.8 kilometers long, 12.8 kilometers wide, and covers an area of 285 square kilometers. The lake surface is 853 meters above sea level. Its average depth is 20 meters, with the deepest point reaching 54 meters on the west shore. It is primarily fed by groundwater and mountain streams. Its mountainous shores are bordered by peninsulas and deep, narrow bays, creating a picturesque landscape.
Ohrid
The city of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire city and the surrounding lake area have become a popular tourist attraction. Ohrid was primarily built between the 7th and 19th centuries AD. During the Byzantine period, Ohrid became a significant economic and cultural center. As a center of Eastern Orthodox bishops, it established the first Slavic university in the 9th century. In the early 11th century, Ohrid became the capital of the Kingdom of Samuel, the greatest ruler of medieval Macedonia. Its fortified castle remains intact today.
During the Ottoman era, Ohrid retained its Orthodox bishop, the Archbishop of Ohrid, until 1726. During the Byzantine era, Ohrid gained prominence for its 365 churches and monasteries. The Ohrid City Museum houses over 800 Byzantine and post-Byzantine sculptures and icons, most dating from the 11th to the 14th centuries. These artistic treasures hold a significant place in the history of world civilization.
The Ohrid Theatre is located at the foot of King Samuel's Castle, near the Upper City Gate on the eastern slopes of Ohrid Mountain. From here, panoramic views of Lake Ohrid and the surrounding mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. Built over 2,000 years ago, during the late Hellenistic period or the beginning of Roman rule, it is the only surviving example of an ancient Greek theatre in Macedonia. Since only the lower half of the seating area has survived, its exact seating capacity is unknown.
Kale Castle
Kale Castle, located on the left bank of the Vardar River, was built in the early 6th century and offers a commanding view of Skopje. Emperor Justinian I originally built the fortress to defend against Slavs and Persians, but it ultimately proved ineffective. Every year on May 6th, Macedonia celebrates St. George's Day, a day of celebration marking the arrival of spring. Gypsies dress in festive attire and sing and dance in Kale Castle and Skopje's parks, believing St. George will bring a good harvest. The sun is a symbol of the Macedonian nation. The sun radiates eight rays, symbolizing its protection of the Macedonian people for generations.
St.Spas Church
St. Spas Church, built in 1826, was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970. Built underground, the church was prohibited from being taller than a mosque during Turkish rule. Its main attraction is a 10-meter-wide, 6-meter-high iconostasis, exquisitely carved entirely of walnut wood by the brothers Frckovski and Filipvoski, two highly skilled artists from the early 19th century. The church's courtyard leads to the tomb and museum of Goce Delcev, leader of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (IMRO) and a national hero who was murdered by the Turks in 1903.
St. Pantheleimon Church
The Church of St. Pantheleimon is located at the foot of the hill where King Samuel's Castle stands. In the past, Ohrid was the center of the Eastern Roman Empire and the seat of the Byzantine Church. Of the 360 churches that existed in Ohrid at the time, only 23 remain today. The Byzantine-era architecture reflects the city's centuries-long splendor. The Church of St. Pantheleimon is believed to have been built after St. Clement arrived in Ohrid. A church already existed on the site, but St. Clement, dissatisfied with its size, reportedly rebuilt it on the original foundations.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is one of Macedonia's most important monuments, built in the Middle Ages and remarkably preserved. Its interior boasts beautiful frescoes from the 11th to 13th centuries, a national masterpiece of art and cultural treasure. These frescoes tell stories of a bygone era. Hagia Sophia is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formerly the seat of the Archbishop of Orihede, it was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman invasion, much like Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and Thessaloniki.
Macedonia has a rich history influenced by Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. It was part of Yugoslavia before gaining independence in 1991. The country is significant for its cultural heritage, historic architecture, and natural landscapes, especially Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes.
Macedonia is located in the Balkans, bordering Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania. Entry is typically via Skopje International Airport. Within cities, taxis and buses are common; walking is convenient in city centers and tourist areas like Ohrid.
Advance booking is recommended for guided tours, boat trips on Lake Ohrid, and entrance to popular museums, ideally 1–2 weeks ahead. General city sightseeing usually does not require booking.
7–10 days to explore main cities, historical towns, lakes, and national parks.
Guided tours are available in Macedonian, English, and other European languages. Audio guides are offered in major museums and UNESCO sites.
Night views of the Millennium Cross and Skopje’s monuments are popular. Some cultural festivals and evening boat trips on Lake Ohrid are seasonal.
Major sites are less crowded during weekdays and outside summer holidays. Lake Ohrid is busiest in July–August.
Cash (Macedonian denar) is commonly used; cards are accepted in most restaurants, hotels, and urban shops, but less in remote areas.
Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but available in major cities; halal food is generally available due to local Muslim communities.