Geography of Macedonia – North Macedonia

The Republic of Macedonia – North Macedonia is located in Southeast Europe, in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula and has a position of strategic crossroads and a bridge between Europe and the nearby countries of Asia and North Africa. It belongs to the group of countries of the so-called Western Balkans and is surrounded by the following neighbors – Serbia and Kosovo to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west.

Macedonia – North Macedonia is a mountainous country with many lakes, waterfalls and stunning natural beauty with unique flora and fauna. Local wild animals include: wolves, bears, deer and the mysterious and endangered Balkan lynx.

Popova Shapka, Mavrovo, Ponikva, Pelister, and Krushevo are places adequate for both beginner and advanced skiers and are also attractive to hikers and nature lovers.

Lake Ohrid, Lake Prespa, and Lake Dojran are three tectonic lakes, each known by its unique flora and fauna.

The Republic of Macedonia – North Macedonia stretches over 25,713 square kilometers, a territory inhabited by a population of almost two million, and the capital is Skopje with about half a million inhabitants. It is a multiethnic and multicultural society hosting different religions. Besides Macedonians, many other ethnic groups also live in the country – Albanians, Turks, Serbs, Vlachs, Roma, and others; two-thirds of the population are Orthodox Christians, with the others being Muslims, Catholics, and others.

The official language is Macedonian, the flag is red with a golden-yellow sun with eight arms crossing along a diagonal, horizontal, and vertical line, and the currency is denar (1 euro – 61.5 denars)

Location:
Southeast Europe

Geographic Coordinates:  

41 50 N, 22 00 E

Area total:
25,713 sq km ( land 25,433 sq km/ water 280 sq km)

Land boundaries:
838 km

Border countries:
Albania 181 km

Bulgaria 162 km

Greece 234 km

Kosovo 160 km

Serbia 101 km

Terrain:
Мountainous with deep basins and valleys, three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line. The country is bisected by the Vardar River.

Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Vardar River 50 m
Highest point: Golem Korab  2,764 m

Natural resources:
Low-grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber, arable land

Land use: 

Agricultural land: 44.3%
arable land 16.4%; permanent crops 1.4%; permanent pasture 26.5%
Forest: 39.8%
Other: 15.9%

Climate in Macedonia – North Macedonia

In general, the climate is continental, with relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and warm, dry summers and autumns. Summer temperatures in the mountainous areas are notably cooler.

May and September are usually the best times to visit climate-wise unless you are coming for skiing (January and February are the best times for winter sports).