Macedonia (Македонија) is a small nation with a complex and fascinating history. Part Balkan, part Mediterranean and rich in Greek, Roman and Ottoman history, it offers impressive ancient sites side by side with buzzing modernity, managing to pack in much more activity and natural beauty than would seem possible for a country its size.
Easygoing Skopje remains one of Europe's more unusual capitals, where constant urban renewal has made the city a bizarre jigsaw puzzle whose Turkish old town, ancient fortress, communist-era centre and contemporary building spree combine to create a multifaceted city that never fails to surprise.
Elsewhere in the country hiking, mountain biking, wine tasting and climbing beckon, while the remote mountains conceal fascinating medieval monasteries, superb alpine trails and traditional Balkan villages. Ohrid, noted for its beaches, summer festival, sublime Byzantine churches and 34km-long lake, is the centre of the country's tourism industry, while in the winter months skiing at resorts such as Mavrovo become the main draw.
COUNTRY FACTS
Area 25,713 sq km
Capital Skopje
Country Code 389
Currency Macedonian denar (MKD)
Emergency ambulance 194, fire 193, police 192
Language Macedonian, Albanian
Money ATMs are widespread in major towns
Population 2.1 million
Visas None for EU, US, Australian, Canadian or New Zealand citizens
ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK
Macedonian cuisine is typically Balkan, with a combination of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. There's lots of meat grills (skara), and plenty of fresh vegetables and herbs used in local dishes.
Ajvar Sweet red-pepper sauce; accompanies meats and cheeses.
Šopska salata Tomatoes, onions and cucumbers topped with flaky sirenje(white cheese).
Uviač Rolled chicken or pork wrapped in bacon, filled with melted yellow cheese.
Tavče gravče Macedonian speciality of baked beans cooked with spices, onions and herbs and served in earthenware.
TELEPHONE
Macedonia's country code is +389. Drop the initial zero in city codes and mobile prefixes (07) when calling from abroad.
VISAS
Citizens of former Yugoslav republics, Australia, Canada, the EU, Iceland, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey and the USA can stay for three months, visa-free. Otherwise, visa fees average from US$30 for a single-entry visa and US$60 for a multiple-entry visa. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.mfa.gov.mk) if unsure of your status.
Road Rules
Drive on the right. Seatbelt and headlight use is compulsory. Cars must carry replacement bulbs, two warning triangles and a first-aid kit (available at big petrol stations). Police also fine for drink driving (blood alcohol limit 0.05%). Fines are payable immediately.
TAXI
Taxis are relatively inexpensive. Skopje cabs cost 40MKD for the first kilometre, 20MKD per subsequent kilometre.
TRAIN
Major lines are Tabanovce (on the Serbian border) to Gevgelija (on the Greek border), via Kumanovo, Skopje, Veles, Negotino and Demir Kapija; and Skopje to Bitola, via Veles and Prilep. Smaller Skopje–Kičevo and Skopje–Kočani lines exist.
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