North Macedonia

Country Summary

Introduction

Background

North Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991 under the name of "Macedonia." In June 2018, Macedonia and Greece signed the Prespa Accord whereby the Republic of Macedonia agreed to change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia, and the agreement went into force on 12 February 2019.

Geography

Area

total: 25,713 sq km
land: 25,433 sq km
water: 280 sq km

Climate

warm, dry summers and autumns; relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall

Natural resources

low-grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber, arable land

People and Society

Population

2,133,410 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups

Macedonian 58.4%, Albanian 24.3%, Turkish 3.9%, Romani 2.5%, Serb 1.3%, other 2.3%, persons for whom data were taken from administrative sources and no ethnic affiliation data was available 7.2% (2021 est.)

Languages

Macedonian (official) 61.4%, Albanian (official) 24.3%, Turkish 3.4%, Romani 1.7%, other (includes Aromanian (Vlach) and Bosnian) 2%, persons for whom data were taken from administrative sources and no language data was available 7.2% (2021 est.); note - data represent mother tongue; minority languages are co-official with Macedonian in municipalities where they are spoken by at least 20% of the population; Albanian is co-official in Tetovo, Brvenica, Vrapciste, and other municipalities; Turkish is co-official in Centar Zupa and Plasnica; Romani is co-official in Suto Orizari; Aromanian is co-official in Krusevo; Serbian is co-official in Cucer Sandevo

Religions

Macedonian Orthodox 46.1%, Muslim 32.2%, other Christian 13.8%, other and non-believers 0.5%, unspecified 0.2%, persons for whom data were taken from administrative sources and no religious affiliation data was available 7.2% (2021 est.)

Population growth rate

0.11% (2023 est.)

Government

Government type

parliamentary republic

Capital

name: Skopje

Executive branch

chief of state: President Stevo PENDAROVSKI (since 12 May 2019)
head of government: Caretaker Prime Minister Talat XHAFERI (since 28 January 2024)

Legislative branch

description: unicameral Assembly - Sobranie in Macedonian, Kuvend in Albanian (between 120 and 140 seats, currently 120; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by closed-list proportional representation vote; possibility of 3 directly elected in diaspora constituencies by simple majority vote provided there is sufficient voter turnout; members serve 4-year terms)

Economy

Economic overview

growing upper middle-income European economy; EU accession stalled due to Bulgarian dispute; new NATO member; private consumption-driven growth; investment declined due to COVID-19; regional economic power gains since Greek naming resolution

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$34.007 billion (2021 est.)
$32.71 billion (2020 est.)
$34.839 billion (2019 est.)

Real GDP per capita

$16,500 (2021 est.)
$15,800 (2020 est.)
$16,800 (2019 est.)

Agricultural products

milk, grapes, wheat, potatoes, green chillies/peppers, cabbages, tomatoes, maize, barley, watermelons

Industries

food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, iron, steel, cement, energy, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts

Exports

$9.157 billion (2021 est.)
$7.19 billion (2020 est.)
$7.8 billion (2019 est.)

Exports - partners

Germany 45%, Serbia 8%, Bulgaria 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities

support catalysts, centrifuges, insulated wiring, iron alloys, seats (2021)

Imports

$11.354 billion (2021 est.)
$8.773 billion (2020 est.)
$9.605 billion (2019 est.)

Imports - partners

United Kingdom 14%, Germany 14%, Greece 8%, Serbia 8% (2019)

Imports - commodities

platinum, refined petroleum, laboratory ceramics, cars, insulated wiring (2019)

Exchange rates

Macedonian denars (MKD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
52.102 (2021 est.)
54.144 (2020 est.)
54.947 (2019 est.)
52.107 (2018 est.)
54.665 (2017 est.)


Page last updated: Tuesday, March 26, 2024