About Macedonia

By | April 21, 2022

Get acquainted with the origins of Orthodoxy in the Balkans, see with your own eyes ancient monasteries and ancient architecture, swim and fish in the cleanest rivers and engage in the best eco-tourism in Europe – this is what cozy Macedonia offers foreign guests.

Geography of Macedonia

According to extrareference, the Republic of Macedonia is located on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. Completely surrounded by neighbors and has no access to the sea. In the north it borders with Serbia and Kosovo, in the west with Albania, in the south with Greece, and in the east with Bulgaria. Most of the territory of Macedonia (25,333 km²) is made up of the mountain ranges of the Skopska-Crna-Gora and Pirin systems, the highest point of the country is Mount Korab, 2753 meters above sea level. The mountain systems are separated by the valleys of two large rivers that feed the entire country. These are the Strumitsa and Vardar rivers. Three lakes are partially located on the territory of Macedonia: Prespa, Ohrid and the largest Lake Doyran.

Capital

Skopje

Area

The area of Macedonia is 25,333 km. sq., occupies the 145th place in the world by area.

Population

2057284

Currency

The national currency is the Macedonian Denar.

Language

Official language – Macedonian

Weather in Macedonia

In Macedonia, the climate varies from temperate (in most of the country) to subtropical (in the south). The local climate is characterized by mild and humid winters with average January temperatures from -1°C to -3°C and hot, dry summers, with an average temperature in July ranging from +18°C to +22°C. The period between May and September is the tourist season in Macedonia and the most pleasant to visit the country.

Transport

Direct charters run from Moscow to Macedonia (Ohrid). Regular flights to Belgrade (Serbia) are offered by such airlines as Aeroflot and Yugoslav Airlines, from Belgrade you can easily get to Skopje or Orchid in Macedonia by regional airlines. With many neighbors to Macedonia, you can choose from a variety of routes available, we have only listed the most popular. In total, the country has two international airports: in Skopje and Ohrid. Macedonia has a small but well-functioning railway network. In total, two main lines operate here: Skopje – Gradsko – Titov Veles – Gevgelia (border with Greece) and Skopje – Gradsko – Prilep – Bitola. For tourists, this transport is the least convenient, since all the sights are at a sufficient distance from the stations. There is no domestic air service in Macedonia. The most convenient intercity transport in Macedonia are the buses connecting Skopje with all settlements in the country. Public urban transport in Macedonia is represented by a network of bus routes. Tickets for them are purchased from the driver or at the box office. Travel tickets can be purchased at tobacconists. Taxis are no less common urban transport than buses. They are found everywhere and are quite affordable. You can also rent a car at Ohrid or Skopje airport rental offices, for which you will need to pay a deposit, depending on the brand of the selected car. An international driver’s license is required. The roads in the country are of fairly good quality, but there may occasionally be no signs or appropriate signs,

Currency exchange in Macedonia

All payments in Macedonia take place through the local currency: denar. You can exchange money at multiple currency exchange points or bank branches. It is also not difficult to cash out a bank card, but it is already more difficult to pay with it somewhere. Bank cards are accepted for payment only in isolated cases, such as trendy restaurants and hotels in the capital. Mostly banks in Macedonia are open from Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 13:00, only some large branches operate until 19:00 on weekdays and until 13:00 on Saturdays. Currency exchange offices are open from 7:00 to 19:00.

Electricity

Mains voltage 220V, 50Hz. Sockets are standard, European type C with two horizontal round pins.

Religion

Most of the local residents of Macedonia (67%) are Orthodox and consider themselves to be members of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. 30% of the population are Muslims, the remaining 3% adhere to various other concessions, but their numbers are minimal.

Security

Definitely Macedonia cannot be called a completely safe country for foreign tourists. It is strongly recommended not to visit the territories adjacent to Kosovo and Serbia, as well as residential areas of Albanians, here no one can guarantee your safety. Otherwise, with the exception of the indicated zones in Macedonia, tourists are not threatened by anything other than petty pickpocketing. Valuables, documents and large amounts of cash should be left in the hotel safe and not carried with you. Be careful: pay for any service / purchase only after receiving it, otherwise you risk being left with nothing.

Health

As in many countries around the world, emergency care is free in Macedonia, but you have to pay for everything else, so having health insurance can be very useful when traveling. The range of drugs in local pharmacies is very extensive, they can find all the basic tools. No vaccinations are required before visiting Macedonia.

About Macedonia