Your guide to being an expatriate in North Macedonia

Demographics of North Macedonia:

Religion Overview

North Macedonia is predominantly Orthodox Christian (Macedonian Orthodox Church and Serbian Orthodox Church) and Muslim (Sunni).

Major Religions

Climate

North Macedonia has a transitional climate between Mediterranean in the south and continental in the north, with mild winters and hot summers in lowlands and snowy winters in highlands.

Economy Overview

The Macedonian economy has shown remarkable progress in recent years due to political stabilization, privatization, and trade liberalization. Industry contributes around 30% of the GDP, followed by services and agriculture. Opportunities exist in various sectors such as IT, textiles, food processing, and tourism. Major companies operating in North Macedonia include Konstantin Saloniki Insurance and Cafe Koper.

Key Industries

• IT
• Textiles
• Food Processing
• Tourism
• Energy and Infrastructure

Major Companies

Culture and Language Overview

North Macedonian culture reflects a colorful mix of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Slavic influences. Traditional costumes, dances, and festivals add vibrancy to the modern cosmopolitanism. Swiss-style chalets in picturesque mountain landscapes, medieval castles, and ancient Roman ruins provide a glimpse into the country's diverse past. Macedonian, Turkish, and Albanian are the main spoken languages, with Serbian, Bulgarian, and Greek also having significant linguistic presence.

Cultural Highlights

• Ilindenski Danovi (Ilinden Uprising) festival commemorates the Macedonian struggle for freedom from Ottoman rule in July.
• Kalabankja Pop Fest showcases Macedonia's vibrant music scene in June.
• Skopje Jazz Festival in November features renowned international and local performers.
• Ohrid Summer Festival from July to August offers a variety of cultural events, from theater and dance to music concerts and exhibitions.

Geography and Landmarks Overview

North Macedonia's breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks offer both awe-inspiring natural beauty and historical insights. : Ohrid, the birthplace of Cyril and Methodius, hosts the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the same name with its ancient churches, monasteries, and fortresses. Skopje Old Bazaar, the largest preserved Ottoman bazaar in the Balkans, is a hub for shopping, dining, and people-watching. Lake Ohrid, considered the jewel of Balkan lakes, is rich in aquatic flora and fauna, besides its cultural significance.

Notable Landmarks

• Ohrid Old Town and Lake Ohrid, Ohrid
• Skopje Old Bazaar, Skopje
• Matka National Park, near Skopje
• Kratovo, a medieval fortress and town
• Kokino, site of an ancient astronomical observatory and settlement

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• New Year's Eve (December 31)
• Independence Day (October 11)
• St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day (May 24)
• St. Clement of Ohrid Day (November 14)
• St. Archangel Michael Day (November 8)
• Republic Day (November 17)
• Christmas Day (December 25)
• Boxing Day (December 26)
• Epiphany (January 19)

Political Stability

Although North Macedonia has made significant progress in recent years towards political stability, it continues to face some challenges, including a deep-seated political divide resulting from the Prespa Agreement with Greece, nationalist sentiment against ethnic Albanians, and concerns over media freedoms.