International recognition of Macedonia's independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 was delayed by Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols. Greece finally lifted its trade blockade in 1995 and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, although differences over Macedonia's name remain. The undetermined status of neighboring Kosovo, implementation of the Framework Agreement - which ended the 2001 ethnic Albanian armed insurgency - and a weak economy continue to be challenges for Macedonia.
Full Name: The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Area: 25,333 sq km (land: 24,856 sq km, water: 477 sq km)
Population: 2,055,915 (July 2007 est.)
Capital City: Skopje
People: Macedonian 64.2%, Albanian 25.2%, Turkish 3.9%, Roma 2.7%, Serb 1.8%, other 2.2% (2002 census)
Language: Macedonian 66.5%, Albanian 25.1%, Turkish 3.5%, Roma 1.9%, Serbian 1.2%, other 1.8% (2002 census)
Religion: Macedonian Orthodox 32.4%, other Christian 0.2%, Muslim 16.9%, other and unspecified 50.5% (2002 census)
Government Type: Parliamentary democracy
Chief of State President Branko CRVENKOVSKI (since 12 May 2004)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Nikola GRUEVSKI (since 28 August 2006)
GDP: $US 16.96 billion
note: Macedonia has a large informal sector (2006 est.)
GDP per Capita: $US 8,300 (2006 est.)
Inflation: 3% (2006 est.)
Unemployment: 36% (September 2006 est.)
Industries: Food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, iron, steel, cement, energy, pharmaceuticals
Currency: Macedonian denar (MKD)
Member of EU: No
|
Info provided by the CIA Wordfact Book
Updated 11/2007
|
|
