North Macedonia

North Macedonia is a landlocked country bordered by Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece. The Vardar River flows through its main valley and capital city Skopje, while high mountains such as Šar Planina and Baba Mountain surround glacial lakes, including Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. Vineyards cover the Tikveš plain, and national parks like Mavrovo protect lynx, bears, and beech forests.

The country is a parliamentary republic. Citizens elect a president and a 120-seat Assembly that chooses a prime minister and cabinet. Municipalities handle local schools, waste services, and bilingual signage in areas with large Albanian, Turkish, or Roma communities. North Macedonia joined NATO in 2020 and continues negotiations to join the European Union.

History includes ancient Paeonian tribes, the kingdom of Macedon, Roman and Byzantine provinces, and centuries within the Ottoman Empire. In the 20th century the region became part of Yugoslavia, then peacefully declared independence in 1991. The Prespa Agreement with Greece in 2018 settled the country's name, clearing the path for Euro-Atlantic integration.

North Macedonia's economy mixes agriculture, manufacturing, and growing technology services. Farmers cultivate grapes, peppers, and tobacco, while factories assemble automotive parts and electrical equipment. Hydropower plants on the Vardar and Crna Rivers supply electricity, and solar parks near Štip expand renewable energy. Road and rail projects aim to connect Corridor VIII between the Adriatic and Black Seas.

Culture combines Orthodox monasteries, mosques, and Ottoman bazaars with modern street art. Ohrid is known as the "Jerusalem of the Balkans" for its many churches and UNESCO-listed lake, and the town hosts a summer music festival. Folk dances called oro swirl during weddings, while ajvar roasted pepper spread and tavče gravče bean stew fill family tables. Schools encourage lessons in both Macedonian and Albanian languages, and museums honor human rights activist Mother Teresa, who was born in Skopje.