Introduction to North Macedonia

Book excerpt: North Macedonia is a landlocked country located in the Balkan Peninsula of southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Kosovo to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west. North Macedonia has a diverse landscape that ranges from high mountains to pristine lakes and rivers. The country's climate varies, with warm summers and cold winters in the interior and mild winters and hot summers in the south. North Macedonia has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its location at the crossroads of various empires and civilizations throughout history. The country has a mix of ethnic groups, with Macedonians being the largest group, followed by Albanians, Turks, and Roma. North Macedonia has a developing economy that is based on industry, agriculture, and tourism. North Macedonia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and became a UN member in 1993. The country has a parliamentary democracy with a mixed presidential-parliamentary system of government. The president is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. North Macedonia has made significant progress in its democracy and economy since the early 2000s, but it still faces challenges, such as political instability, corruption, and high unemployment rates. The country has a strong relationship with the European Union and NATO and is currently in the process of joining the EU. North Macedonia's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and friendly people make it a fascinating destination for tourists.