Macedonia
The Republic of North Macedonia, commonly referred to as Macedonia, is a landlocked country situated in the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It declared independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991 and has since worked to establish a democratic and prosperous state. The country's landscape is characterized by a rich tapestry of mountains, valleys, and lakes, with the notable Lake Ohrid being one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes. Skopje, the capital and largest city, is the political, cultural, and economic center of the country, known for its mix of modern and Ottoman-era architecture. The country's population is diverse, with ethnic Macedonians forming the majority, alongside significant Albanian, Turkish, and Roma communities. Macedonian and Albanian are both official languages. Macedonia's history is deeply rooted in the classical period, with the ancient kingdom of Macedon being the birthplace of Alexander the Great. Today, the country's cultural heritage is reflected in its many archaeological sites, traditional music, and festivals. The economy is classified as an upper-middle-income economy and is primarily service-based, with significant contributions from agriculture and industry. Macedonia is a candidate for European Union membership and has been a member of NATO since 2020. Despite political challenges, the country continues to strive for integration into European structures and to foster regional cooperation.