Country profile - Distinguishing factors (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia)

Basic facts

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is relatively small, landlocked country, with an area of 25 713 km² and a population of 2 048 619, with an average of 79.7 residents/ km² (2008), around 60 % of whom live in urban areas. The significance of its geographical position as a central Balkan state bordering countries with different economic and development potential is underlined by the fact that they are directed linked by trade and the interrelationships of their economies, with the main trade routes passing through Macedonia’s territory.

Macedonia has diverse topography, with high hills and deep valleys attractively cut and surrounded by mountains, picturesque rivers, lakes and spas. Much of the country, 44.01 %, is at an altitude of between 500 and 1 000 m.

The hydrographic territory of Macedonia is a unique natural basin as 84 % of the available water quantity is internal and only 16 % external. Ohrid is the deepest natural lake in the Balkans, 285 m.

The Republic’s cultural and natural values have a distinct position in the world heritage, led by Lake Ohrid which is a UNESCO-protected as a natural and cultural site. Abundance and variety of species and ecosystems are the main features of biological diversity in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. According to the available information, this wealth comprises around 18 000 taxa, of which more than 900 are endemic.[1] .