Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
North Macedonia
Δημοκρατία της Βόρειας Μακεδονίας
CapitalSkopje
Population1,820,909
GDP$19.1bn
Area25,713 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
North Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991 under the name of "Macedonia." Greece objected to the new country’s name, insisting it implied territorial pretensions to the northern Greek province of Macedonia, and democratic backsliding for several years stalled North Macedonia's movement toward Euro-Atlantic integration. Immediately after Macedonia declared independence, Greece sought to block its efforts to gain UN membership if the name "Macedonia" was used. The country was eventually admitted to the UN in 1993 as "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia," and at the same time it agreed to UN-sponsored negotiations on the name dispute. In 1995, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, but the issue of the name remained unresolved amid ongoing negotiations. As an interim measure, the US and over 130 other nations recognized Macedonia by its constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia.
Ethnic Albanian grievances over perceived political and economic inequities escalated into an armed conflict in 2001 that eventually led to the internationally brokered Ohrid Framework Agreement, which ended the fighting and established guidelines for constitutional amendments and new laws that enhanced the rights of minorities. In 2018, the government adopted a new law on languages, which elevated the Albanian language to an official language at the national level and kept the Macedonian language as the sole official language in international relations, but ties between ethnic Macedonians and ethnic Albanians remain complicated.
In 2018, Macedonia and Greece signed the Prespa Agreement whereby Macedonia agreed to change its name to North Macedonia, and the agreement went in to force on 12 February 2019. North Macedonia joined NATO in 2020 after amending its constitution as agreed and opened EU accession talks in 2022 after a two-year veto by Bulgaria over identity, language, and historical disputes. The 2014 legislative and presidential election triggered a political crisis that lasted almost three years and escalated in 2015 when the opposition party began releasing wiretapped material revealing alleged widespread government corruption and abuse. The country still faces challenges, including fully implementing reforms to overcome years of democratic backsliding, stimulating economic growth and development, and fighting organized crime and corruption.
Reference: 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018Ethnic Albanian grievances over perceived political and economic inequities escalated into an armed conflict in 2001 that eventually led to the internationally brokered Ohrid Framework Agreement, which ended the fighting and established guidelines for constitutional amendments and new laws that enhanced the rights of minorities. In 2018, the government adopted a new law on languages, which elevated the Albanian language to an official language at the national level and kept the Macedonian language as the sole official language in international relations, but ties between ethnic Macedonians and ethnic Albanians remain complicated.
In 2018, Macedonia and Greece signed the Prespa Agreement whereby Macedonia agreed to change its name to North Macedonia, and the agreement went in to force on 12 February 2019. North Macedonia joined NATO in 2020 after amending its constitution as agreed and opened EU accession talks in 2022 after a two-year veto by Bulgaria over identity, language, and historical disputes. The 2014 legislative and presidential election triggered a political crisis that lasted almost three years and escalated in 2015 when the opposition party began releasing wiretapped material revealing alleged widespread government corruption and abuse. The country still faces challenges, including fully implementing reforms to overcome years of democratic backsliding, stimulating economic growth and development, and fighting organized crime and corruption.
Geography
Location
Southeastern Europe, north of Greece
Map references
Europe
Area
total: 25,713 sq km
land: 25,433 sq km
water: 280 sq km
land: 25,433 sq km
water: 280 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Vermont; almost four times the size of Delaware
Land boundaries
total: 838 km
border countries: Albania 181 km; Bulgaria 162 km; Greece 234 km; Kosovo 160 km; Serbia 101 km
border countries: Albania 181 km; Bulgaria 162 km; Greece 234 km; Kosovo 160 km; Serbia 101 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
warm, dry summers and autumns; relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall
Terrain
mountainous with deep basins and valleys; three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line; country bisected by the Vardar River
Elevation
highest point: Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,764 m
lowest point: Vardar River 50 m
mean elevation: 741 m
lowest point: Vardar River 50 m
mean elevation: 741 m
Natural resources
low-grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber, arable land
Land use
agricultural land: 49.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 16.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 31.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 40.9% (2023 est.)
other: 9.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 16.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 31.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 40.9% (2023 est.)
other: 9.5% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
844 sq km (2016)
Reference: 2016Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)
Population distribution
a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations
Natural hazards
high seismic risks
Geography - note
landlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and Central Europe to Aegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Macedonian(s)
adjective: Macedonian
adjective: Macedonian
Ethnic groups
Macedonian 58.4%, Albanian 24.3%, Turkish 3.9%, Romani 2.5%, Serb 1.3%, other 2.3%, no ethnic affiliation data available 7.2% (2021 est.)
note: note: data represent total resident population; Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 6.5–13% of North Macedonia’s population
Reference: 2021note: note: data represent total resident population; Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 6.5–13% of North Macedonia’s population
Languages
Languages: Macedonian (official) 61.4%, Albanian (official) 24.3%, Turkish 3.4%, Romani 1.7%, other (includes Aromanian (Vlach) and Bosnian) 2%, unspecified 7.2% (2021 est.)
major-language sample(s): Книга на Светски Факти, неопходен извор на основни информации. (Macedonian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: data represent mother tongue; minority languages are co-official with Macedonian in municipalities where at least 20% of the population are speakers, with Albanian co-official in Tetovo, Brvenica, Vrapciste, and other municipalities, Turkish in Centar Zupa and Plasnica, Romani in Suto Orizari, Aromanian in Krusevo, Serbian in Cucer Sandevo
Reference: 2021major-language sample(s): Книга на Светски Факти, неопходен извор на основни информации. (Macedonian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: data represent mother tongue; minority languages are co-official with Macedonian in municipalities where at least 20% of the population are speakers, with Albanian co-official in Tetovo, Brvenica, Vrapciste, and other municipalities, Turkish in Centar Zupa and Plasnica, Romani in Suto Orizari, Aromanian in Krusevo, Serbian in Cucer Sandevo
Religions
Macedonian Orthodox 46.1%, Muslim 32.2%, other Christian 13.8%, other and non-believers 0.5%, unspecified 7.4% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Age structure
0-14 years: 16% (male 176,423/female 164,945)
15-64 years: 68.4% (male 740,649/female 719,627)
65 years and over: 15.6% (2024 est.) (male 147,655/female 186,323)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 68.4% (male 740,649/female 719,627)
65 years and over: 15.6% (2024 est.) (male 147,655/female 186,323)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 46.2 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 23.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 22.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.4 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 23.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 22.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.4 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 40.5 years (2024 est.)
male: 39.4 years
female: 41.6 years
Reference: 2024male: 39.4 years
female: 41.6 years
Population growth rate
0.1% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
10.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
9.6 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations
Major urban areas - population
611,000 SKOPJE (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
26.9 years (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Maternal mortality ratio
3 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.74 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 98.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 97.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 97.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 2.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 2.2% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 97.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 97.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 2.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 2.2% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.5% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.94 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
4.2 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 98.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 98.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.4% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 3.9 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1.93 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.9 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 1.93 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.9 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
0.9% (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Currently married women (ages 15-49)
66.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0.3% (2019)
women married by age 18: 7.5% (2019)
Reference: 2019women married by age 18: 7.5% (2019)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 20,937 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 159 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 159 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Hristijan Mickoski | — | 2024-06-23 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova | — | 2024-05-12 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of North Macedonia
conventional short form: North Macedonia
local long form: Republika Severna Makedonija
local short form: Severna Makedonija
former: Democratic Federal Macedonia, People's Republic of Macedonia, Socialist Republic of Macedonia, Republic of Macedonia
etymology: the name derives from the ancient kingdom of Macedon (7th to 2nd centuries B.C.), whose name origin is unclear; it may derive from the mythological Macedon, the son of the Greek god Zeus; alternatively, it may come from the Greek word makednos, meaning "tail," or the Illyrian word maketia, meaning "cattle"
conventional short form: North Macedonia
local long form: Republika Severna Makedonija
local short form: Severna Makedonija
former: Democratic Federal Macedonia, People's Republic of Macedonia, Socialist Republic of Macedonia, Republic of Macedonia
etymology: the name derives from the ancient kingdom of Macedon (7th to 2nd centuries B.C.), whose name origin is unclear; it may derive from the mythological Macedon, the son of the Greek god Zeus; alternatively, it may come from the Greek word makednos, meaning "tail," or the Illyrian word maketia, meaning "cattle"
Capital
name: Skopje
geographic coordinates: 42 00 N, 21 26 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name is of Illyrian or Macedonian origin, and the meaning is unclear; derives from Scupi, its name during the Roman era
geographic coordinates: 42 00 N, 21 26 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name is of Illyrian or Macedonian origin, and the meaning is unclear; derives from Scupi, its name during the Roman era
Administrative divisions
80 municipalities (opstini, singular - opstina) and 1 city* (grad); Aracinovo, Berovo, Bitola, Bogdanci, Bogovinje, Bosilovo, Brvenica, Caska, Centar Zupa, Cesinovo-Oblesevo, Cucer Sandevo, Debar, Debarca, Delcevo, Demir Hisar, Demir Kapija, Dojran, Dolneni, Gevgelija, Gostivar, Gradsko, Ilinden, Jegunovce, Karbinci, Kavadarci, Kicevo, Kocani, Konce, Kratovo, Kriva Palanka, Krivogastani, Krusevo, Kumanovo, Lipkovo, Lozovo, Makedonska Kamenica, Makedonski Brod, Mavrovo i Rostuse, Mogila, Negotino, Novaci, Novo Selo, Ohrid, Pehcevo, Petrovec, Plasnica, Prilep, Probistip, Radovis, Rankovce, Resen, Rosoman, Skopje*, Sopiste, Staro Nagoricane, Stip, Struga, Strumica, Studenicani, Sveti Nikole, Tearce, Tetovo, Valandovo, Vasilevo, Veles, Vevcani, Vinica, Vrapciste, Zelenikovo, Zelino, Zrnovci
*the Greater Skopje area is composed of 10 municipalities: Aerodrom, Butel, Centar, Chair, Gazi Baba, Gjorce Petrov, Karposh, Kisela Voda, Saraj, and Shuto Orizari
*the Greater Skopje area is composed of 10 municipalities: Aerodrom, Butel, Centar, Chair, Gazi Baba, Gjorce Petrov, Karposh, Kisela Voda, Saraj, and Shuto Orizari
Legal system
civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts
Constitution
history: several previous (since 1944); latest adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic, by the government, by at least 30 members of the Assembly, or by petition of at least 150,000 citizens; final approval requires a two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly
Reference: 1991, 1944amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic, by the government, by at least 30 members of the Assembly, or by petition of at least 150,000 citizens; final approval requires a two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of North Macedonia
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of North Macedonia
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Gordana SILJANOVSKA-DAVKOVA (since 12 May 2024)
head of government: Prime Minister Hristijan MICKOSKI (since 23 June 2024)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Assembly by simple majority vote
election/appointment process: president directly elected using a modified 2-round system; a candidate can only be elected in the first round with an absolute majority from all registered voters; in the second round, voter turnout must be at least 40% for the result to be valid; president elected for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); following legislative elections, the Assembly usually elects the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister
most recent election date: 24 April and 8 May 2024
election results: 2024: Hristijan MICKOSKI elected prime minister; Assembly vote - 77 for, 22 against
2024: Gordana SILJANOVSKA-DAVKOVA elected president in the second round; percent of vote - Gordana SILJANOVSKA-DAVKOVA (VMRO-DPMNE) 69%, Stevo PENDAROVSKI (SDSM) 31%
2024: Talat XHAFERI elected caretaker prime minister; Assembly vote - 65 for (opposition boycott)
2022: Dimitar KOVACEVSKI elected prime minister; Assembly vote - NA
expected date of next election: 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024, 2022head of government: Prime Minister Hristijan MICKOSKI (since 23 June 2024)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Assembly by simple majority vote
election/appointment process: president directly elected using a modified 2-round system; a candidate can only be elected in the first round with an absolute majority from all registered voters; in the second round, voter turnout must be at least 40% for the result to be valid; president elected for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); following legislative elections, the Assembly usually elects the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister
most recent election date: 24 April and 8 May 2024
election results: 2024: Hristijan MICKOSKI elected prime minister; Assembly vote - 77 for, 22 against
2024: Gordana SILJANOVSKA-DAVKOVA elected president in the second round; percent of vote - Gordana SILJANOVSKA-DAVKOVA (VMRO-DPMNE) 69%, Stevo PENDAROVSKI (SDSM) 31%
2024: Talat XHAFERI elected caretaker prime minister; Assembly vote - 65 for (opposition boycott)
2022: Dimitar KOVACEVSKI elected prime minister; Assembly vote - NA
expected date of next election: 2029
Legislative branch
legislature name: Assembly of the Republic (Sobranie)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 123 (all directly elected)
electoral system: mixed system
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 5/8/2024
parties elected and seats per party: Coalition "Your Macedonia" (led by VMRO-DPMNE) (58); Coalition "European Front" (led by the Democratic Union for Integration – DUI) (18); Coalition "For a European Future" (led by the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia – SDSM) (18); Coalition VLEN (14); ZNAM (Movement "I know": For our Macedonia) (6); The Left (Levica) (6)
percentage of women in chamber: 39.2%
expected date of next election: May 2028
Reference: 2028, 2024legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 123 (all directly elected)
electoral system: mixed system
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 5/8/2024
parties elected and seats per party: Coalition "Your Macedonia" (led by VMRO-DPMNE) (58); Coalition "European Front" (led by the Democratic Union for Integration – DUI) (18); Coalition "For a European Future" (led by the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia – SDSM) (18); Coalition VLEN (14); ZNAM (Movement "I know": For our Macedonia) (6); The Left (Levica) (6)
percentage of women in chamber: 39.2%
expected date of next election: May 2028
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 22 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Judicial Council, a 7-member body of legal professionals, and appointed by the Assembly; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the Assembly for nonrenewable, 9-year terms
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Basic Courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Judicial Council, a 7-member body of legal professionals, and appointed by the Assembly; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the Assembly for nonrenewable, 9-year terms
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Basic Courts
Political parties
Alliance for Albanians or AfA or ASH
Alternative (Alternativa) or AAA
Besa Movement or BESA
Citizen Option for Macedonia or GROM
Democratic Alliance or DS
Democratic Movement or LD
Democratic Party of Albanians or PDSH
Democratic Party of Serbs or DPSM
Democratic Renewal of Macedonia or DOM
Democratic Union for Integration or BDI
European Democratic Party or PDE
Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity or VMRO-DPMNE
Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - People's Party or VMRO-NP
Liberal Democratic Party or LDP
New Social-Democratic Party or NSDP
Social Democratic Union of Macedonia or SDSM
Socialist Party of Macedonia or SPM
Srpska Stranka in Macedonia or SSM
The Left (Levica)
The People Movement or LP
Turkish Democratic Party or TDP
Turkish Movement Party or THP
We Can! (coalition includes SDSM/BESA/VMRO-NP, DPT, LDP)
Alternative (Alternativa) or AAA
Besa Movement or BESA
Citizen Option for Macedonia or GROM
Democratic Alliance or DS
Democratic Movement or LD
Democratic Party of Albanians or PDSH
Democratic Party of Serbs or DPSM
Democratic Renewal of Macedonia or DOM
Democratic Union for Integration or BDI
European Democratic Party or PDE
Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity or VMRO-DPMNE
Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - People's Party or VMRO-NP
Liberal Democratic Party or LDP
New Social-Democratic Party or NSDP
Social Democratic Union of Macedonia or SDSM
Socialist Party of Macedonia or SPM
Srpska Stranka in Macedonia or SSM
The Left (Levica)
The People Movement or LP
Turkish Democratic Party or TDP
Turkish Movement Party or THP
We Can! (coalition includes SDSM/BESA/VMRO-NP, DPT, LDP)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Zoran POPOV (since 16 September 2022)
chancery: 2129 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-0501
FAX: [1] (202) 667-2104
email address and website: washington@mfa.gov.mk
United States (mfa.gov.mk)
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Detroit, New York
Reference: 2022chancery: 2129 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-0501
FAX: [1] (202) 667-2104
email address and website: washington@mfa.gov.mk
United States (mfa.gov.mk)
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Detroit, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Angela AGGELER (since 8 November 2022)
embassy: Str. Samoilova, Nr. 21, 1000 Skopje
mailing address: 7120 Skopje Place, Washington, DC 20521-7120
telephone: [389] (2) 310-2000
FAX: [389] (2) 310-2499
email address and website: SkopjeACS@state.gov
https://mk.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2022, 2000embassy: Str. Samoilova, Nr. 21, 1000 Skopje
mailing address: 7120 Skopje Place, Washington, DC 20521-7120
telephone: [389] (2) 310-2000
FAX: [389] (2) 310-2499
email address and website: SkopjeACS@state.gov
https://mk.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
BIS, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EU (candidate country), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
note: note: North Macedonia is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
note: note: North Macedonia is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
Independence
8 September 1991 (referendum endorsed independence from Yugoslavia)
Reference: 1991National holiday
Independence Day, 8 September (1991), also known as National Day
Reference: 1991Flag
description: a red field with a yellow sun (the Sun of Liberty) in the center, with eight broadening rays extending to the edges
meaning: the red and yellow colors have long been associated with Macedonia
meaning: the red and yellow colors have long been associated with Macedonia
National symbol(s)
eight-rayed sun
National color(s)
red, yellow
National anthem(s)
title: "Denes nad Makedonija" (Today Over Macedonia)
lyrics/music: Vlado MALESKI/Todor SKALOVSKI
history: written in 1943 and adopted in 1991, the song previously served as the anthem of the Socialist Republic of Macedonia, when it was part of Yugoslavia
Reference: 1991, 1943lyrics/music: Vlado MALESKI/Todor SKALOVSKI
history: written in 1943 and adopted in 1991, the song previously served as the anthem of the Socialist Republic of Macedonia, when it was part of Yugoslavia
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region; Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians
selected World Heritage Site locales: Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region; Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly of North Macedonia | — | 123 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
upper-middle-income European economy; GDP growth driven by private consumption, public infrastructure investments, and wage growth; stalled progress on EU accession; public debt rising due to high pensions, wages, and interest payments; structural challenges of emigration, low productivity growth, and governance
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $43.844 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $42.668 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $41.801 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $42.668 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $41.801 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $24,500 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $23,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $22,800 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $23,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $22,800 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 6% (2024 est.)
industry: 22.7% (2024 est.)
services: 59.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 22.7% (2024 est.)
services: 59.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 67.9% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 16.8% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 28.4% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 62.7% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -75.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 16.8% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 28.4% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 62.7% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -75.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
chillies/peppers, milk, wheat, potatoes, grapes, barley, cabbages, maize, watermelons, tomatoes (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, iron, steel, cement, energy, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts
Industrial production growth rate
1.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
779,200 (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 30.3% (2024 est.)
male: 29.2% (2024 est.)
female: 32.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 29.2% (2024 est.)
female: 32.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
21.8% (2019 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2019note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2019: 33.5 (2019 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2019note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 30.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 4.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 4.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.9% (2019 est.)
highest 10%: 22.9% (2019 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2019highest 10%: 22.9% (2019 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 2.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 2.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 3.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 2.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 3.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $4.787 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $5.514 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $5.514 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 39.3% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: note: official data from Ministry of Finance; data cover central government debt; this data excludes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; includes treasury debt held by foreign entitites; excludes debt issued by sub-national entities; there are no debt instruments sold for social funds
Reference: 2017note: note: official data from Ministry of Finance; data cover central government debt; this data excludes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; includes treasury debt held by foreign entitites; excludes debt issued by sub-national entities; there are no debt instruments sold for social funds
Taxes and other revenues
17.9% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$374.385 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $56.573 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$868.965 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $56.573 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$868.965 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $10.445 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $10.691 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $10.123 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $10.691 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $10.123 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 39%, Serbia 8%, Bulgaria 6%, Greece 5%, Czechia 3% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
reaction and catalytic products, insulated wire, electricity, garments, seats (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $12.644 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $12.748 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $13.009 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $12.748 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $13.009 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
UK 12%, Germany 10%, Greece 9%, China 9%, Serbia 8% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
platinum, refined petroleum, laboratory ceramic ware, cars, natural gas (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $5.252 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $5.015 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.12 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $5.015 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.12 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $5.637 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Macedonian denars (MKD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 56.873 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 56.947 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 58.574 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 52.102 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 54.144 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 56.873 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 56.947 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 58.574 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 52.102 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 54.144 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$374.385 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $56.573 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$868.965 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $56.573 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$868.965 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $10.445 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $10.691 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $10.123 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $10.691 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $10.123 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 39%, Serbia 8%, Bulgaria 6%, Greece 5%, Czechia 3% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
reaction and catalytic products, insulated wire, electricity, garments, seats (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $12.644 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $12.748 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $13.009 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $12.748 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $13.009 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
UK 12%, Germany 10%, Greece 9%, China 9%, Serbia 8% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
platinum, refined petroleum, laboratory ceramic ware, cars, natural gas (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 2.467 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 5.896 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 7.081 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 7.232 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 993.662 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 5.896 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 7.081 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 7.232 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 993.662 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 68.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 4.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 24% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 4.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 24% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 4 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 5.344 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 58,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 41,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 332 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 5.344 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 58,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 41,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 332 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 24,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Natural gas
consumption: 348.078 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 347.981 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023imports: 347.981 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 56.104 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 439,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2022 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
3 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.5% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.94 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
4.2 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.4% (2016)
Reference: 2016Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 22 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Judicial Council, a 7-member body of legal professionals, and appointed by the Assembly; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the Assembly for nonrenewable, 9-year terms
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Basic Courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Judicial Council, a 7-member body of legal professionals, and appointed by the Assembly; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the Assembly for nonrenewable, 9-year terms
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Basic Courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Army of the Republic of North Macedonia (ARSM or ARNM): joint force with air, ground, reserve, special operations, and support forces (2025)
note: note: the Police of Macedonia maintain internal security, including migration and border enforcement, and report to the Ministry of the Interior
note: note: the Police of Macedonia maintain internal security, including migration and border enforcement, and report to the Ministry of the Interior
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2025: 2% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022Military Expenditures 2024: 1.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 6,000 active military personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory is a mix of Soviet-era and increasing amounts of modern equipment from countries such as Turkey, the UK, and the US, with more on order (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2007 (2024)
note: note: as of 2024, women made up about 10% of the military's full-time personnel
Reference: 2024, 2007note: note: as of 2024, women made up about 10% of the military's full-time personnel
Military - note
the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia (ARSM) is responsible for the defense of the country’s territory and independence, fulfilling North Macedonia’s commitments to NATO and European security, and contributing to EU, NATO, and UN peace and security missions; the ARSM has participated in multinational missions and operations in Afghanistan (NATO), Bosnia and Herzegovina (EU), Eastern Europe (NATO), Iraq (NATO), Kosovo (NATO), and Lebanon (UN); a key area of focus over the past decade has been improving capabilities and bringing the largely Soviet-era-equipped ARSM up to NATO standards; it has increased its participation in NATO training exercises since becoming the 30th member of the Alliance in 2020 and currently has small numbers of combat troops deployed to Bulgaria and Romania as part of NATO’s Enhance Forward Presence mission implemented because of Russian military aggression against Ukraine (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2020International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Zoran POPOV (since 16 September 2022)
chancery: 2129 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-0501
FAX: [1] (202) 667-2104
email address and website: washington@mfa.gov.mk
United States (mfa.gov.mk)
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Detroit, New York
Reference: 2022chancery: 2129 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 667-0501
FAX: [1] (202) 667-2104
email address and website: washington@mfa.gov.mk
United States (mfa.gov.mk)
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Detroit, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Angela AGGELER (since 8 November 2022)
embassy: Str. Samoilova, Nr. 21, 1000 Skopje
mailing address: 7120 Skopje Place, Washington, DC 20521-7120
telephone: [389] (2) 310-2000
FAX: [389] (2) 310-2499
email address and website: SkopjeACS@state.gov
https://mk.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2022, 2000embassy: Str. Samoilova, Nr. 21, 1000 Skopje
mailing address: 7120 Skopje Place, Washington, DC 20521-7120
telephone: [389] (2) 310-2000
FAX: [389] (2) 310-2499
email address and website: SkopjeACS@state.gov
https://mk.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
BIS, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EU (candidate country), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
note: note: North Macedonia is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
note: note: North Macedonia is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1995-10-12 |
| NATO (NATO) | member | 2020-03-27 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1993-04-08 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
BIS, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EU (candidate country), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
note: note: North Macedonia is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
note: note: North Macedonia is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 20,937 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 159 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 159 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
Z3
Airports
13 (2025)
Heliports
13 (2025)
Railways
total: 699 km (2020) 313 km electrified
Reference: 2020Environment
Environmental issues
air pollution from metallurgical plants, smoke from wood-burning stoves, and vehicle emissions
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
warm, dry summers and autumns; relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall
Land use
agricultural land: 49.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 16.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 31.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 40.9% (2023 est.)
other: 9.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 16.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 31.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 40.9% (2023 est.)
other: 9.5% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 59.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.61% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.61% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 7.369 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 3.014 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 3.682 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 673,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 3.014 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 3.682 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 673,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
28.7 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 627,000 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 4.9% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 4.9% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 305.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 31.54 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 139 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 31.54 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 139 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
6.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 439,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
public TV broadcaster Macedonian Radio and Television operates 5 national terrestrial TV channels and 2 satellite TV channels; 11 regional TV stations broadcast nationally; 29 regional and local broadcasters; a large number of cable operators offer domestic and international programming; the public radio broadcaster operates 3 stations; 4 privately owned national radio stations and 60 regional and local operators (2023)
Reference: 2023Internet country code
.mk
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,906,313 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 1,898,657 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 1,889,051 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 1,876,262 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 1,856,124 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 1,837,114 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 1,831,712 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 1,827,816 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 1,824,359 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 1,820,909 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $10,672,467,073 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $11,307,067,070 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $12,683,068,114 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $12,606,338,449 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $12,361,036,914 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $14,000,283,827 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $13,932,436,550 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $15,855,131,189 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $16,951,682,221 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $19,101,199,817 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 131,311 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 150,902 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 398,374 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 411,470 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 424,184 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 428,969 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 430,535 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 437,223 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 485,263 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 534,616 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -24,144 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -24,227 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -24,878 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -24,204 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -23,458 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -5,483 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -5,296 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -5,597 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -5,728 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -5,645 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,820,909 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 1,804,063 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 1,836,713 | 2021 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 150,902 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 8.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 534,616 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -5,645 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 1,886 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 1,332 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.664 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 0.228 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.058 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.351 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 0.854 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 0.401 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.415 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1996; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Forbids discrimination based on gender identity. Gender change is legally recognized since 2021 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $19,101,199,817 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $10,490 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 3.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 4.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 12.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 76.6 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.4 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 62.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 93.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 59.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 73.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 133.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 96.1% | 2002 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 90.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 3.3% | 2002 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 3,320 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 19.5% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 7.4% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 2.5 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 39.7% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 108.4 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 29.9 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 2,068 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 42.0024° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 21.4361° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 41.6500° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 21.7167° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | parliamentary republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- Source: Eurostat (dataset/datacode: demo_pjan) Accessed September 19, 2026. Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:30