North Macedonia

Capital: Skopje (Скопје)
Total Area: 25,713 km² (9,928 mi²) (148th)
Approximate population: 1,823,009 (152th) - (2024 est.)
Location: Balkans (also known as "Southeastern Europe")
Official languages: Macedonian (official), Albanian (official), Turkish, Romani, Serbian, Bosnian, Aromanian - (2021 est.)
Religions: Christianity 60.4% [Eastern Orthodoxy 46.1%, Other Christian 14.3%], Islam 32.2%, Other and No religion 0.2%, unspecified 7.4% (2021 est.) Currency: Macedonian denar (MKD) Calling code: (+389)

Border countries (5): Albania 191 km, Kosovo 159 km, Serbia 62 km, Bulgaria 165 km, Greece 262 km.
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) but has three major natural lakes: Lake Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Lake Dojran. It has a water area of 857 km².
Organizations: United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization

The Republic of North Macedonia — (Macedonian: Северна Македонија, Severna Makedonija) mostly still referred to as simply Macedonia by its residents, is a landlocked country in the heart of the Balkans. One can expect a wonderful mix of architectural and ethnic heritage. The country represents the Balkans in the truest sense, consisting of a fascinating mix of Macedonian, Albanian, Turkish, and Mediterranean influences.
North Macedonia is covered by mountainous territory marked by deep basins and valleys filled with fruity goodness. There are three large lakes, Ohrid Lake, Prespa lake and Dojran Lake, each divided by a frontier line, and the country bisected by the Vardar River. Macedonia is blessed with outstanding natural beauty. Large lakes, Pelister Mountains, Shar Planina in the West, and the fascinating rolling hills and mountains of the East with its rice fields.
Macedonia is a former Yugoslav republic that gained independence in 1991.
Macedonia remains one of Europe’s last undiscovered countries: a natural paradise of mountains, lakes, and rivers, where life moves to a different rhythm, amidst the sprawling grandeur of rich historical ruins and idyllic villages that have remained practically unchanged for centuries. The majority population is ethnic Macedonian and Orthodox but there is also a significant Albanian Muslim minority. Therefore, one can expect a wonderful mix of architectural and ethnic heritage. The country represents the Balkans in the truest sense, consisting of a fascinating mix of Greek, Albanian, Turkish, and Mediterranean influences.

Administrative divisions of North Macedonia:
The Republic of North Macedonia is currently divided into 8 statistical regions, 80 municipalities and 1783 settlements (34 cities and 1749 villages) as of July 2021.

Regions and municipalities:

Cities, towns, and villages

• Skopje (Macedonian: Скопје, Albanian: Shkup, Turkish: Üsküp) — is the capital of North Macedonia; it is in the Povardarie region, and is the largest and most diverse city in the country. Skopje has been occupied by many different peoples since its foundation. This is evidenced by the several Byzantine churches and monasteries around the city, also by a few Roman sites, such as Scupi and Skopje's Aqueduct. However, the group that left the greatest mark on Skopje were the Ottomans. The Ottomans ruled Macedonia for hundreds of years and built a large number of mosques and other buildings.
  Today, Skopje is becoming a modern city. Home to about quarter of the entire population of the country, it is also home to many different types of people. Besides the majority Macedonians, many Albanians, Turks, Serbs, Bosniaks and others call Skopje home.
  
• Bitola (Битола) — North Macedonia's most "European" town, with an ancient city, Ottoman monuments, a lovely shopping promenade, great nightlife, and more.
• Kratovo (Macedonian: Кратово) a town in northeastern North Macedonia. It is on the western slopes of Mount Osogovo inside the crater of an extinguished volcano. In addition to its scenic location, it is best known for its medieval bridges and towers.
  A town in northeastern North Macedonia.
• Kruševo (Крушево) — a museum-city nestled high up in the mountains of southwestern North Macedonia; it is one of the most historically significant destinations in the country as it was the site of a revolt against the Ottoman Empire; also home to great skiing.
• Kumanovo (Macedonian: Куманово; Albanian: Kumanovë) —  located in the northern part of Eastern North Macedonia. Located in the middle of a long valley 35 km to the northeast of Skopje, Kumanovo is one of Macedonia’s larger cities. It is populated by Macedonians, Albanians, Serbians, Turks, and others.
  Kumanovo is named after the Cumans, a Turkic speaking people who immigrated to the area in the 12th century, escaping the Mongol invasion of Hungary, where they settled in the prior centuries.
  Kumanovo today is a modernizing town, where new offices, houses and restaurants are constantly being built. It is well-outfitted with sports grounds, theatres, internet cafes and eateries, and is especially famous throughout the country for its nightlife.
• Ohrid (Охрид) — is a town in southwestern North Macedonia on the shore of Lake Ohrid. A town of vast history and heritage, it was made a UNESCO heritage site in 1980. Nestled between high mountains up to 2,800 m and Lake Ohrid, it is not only a place of historic significance but also of outstanding natural beauty. Ohrid is the jewel in North Macedonia's crown.
• Prilep (Прилеп) — tobacco fields, medieval fortifications and monasteries, and strange rocks.
• Struga (Macedonian: Струга, Albanian: Strugë) — is a city in Western North Macedonia on Lake Ohrid. Nicknamed the "City of Poetry and World's Poetry City", it is known for its annual international poetry festival. Unlike larger and more popular Ohrid, Struga is situated on a plain and is more ethnically diverse.
• Štip (Штип) — an economic and cultural hub of eastern Macedonia with a long history. The town has existed for thousands of years, which is evidenced by its many archaeological sites.
• Tetovo (Macedonian: Тетово, Albanian: Tetovë) — is a town tucked into the northwestern corner of North Macedonia, in the shadow of Sar Mountain. The majority of the population is ethnic Albanians. Home to the Painted Mosque and Monastery of Lešok. It is a third largest city in North Macedonia. Travelers will be rewarded with local hospitality and beautiful scenery.
• Strumica (Струмица) — a city with one of the highest concentrations of historical sites in eastern Macedonia.
• Veles (Велес) — in the center of the country, a dense city on hills on both sides of the Vardar River.
• Stobi (Стоби) — an ancient city that is now one of the largest archaeological sites in the country.
• Vevčani (Вевчани, Vevchani) — historic mountain village known for its natural springs, its 1,400-year-old annual carnival and its attempts at autonomy.