Geography: The Republic of Macedonia is situated in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula (South-eastern Europe) covering an area of 25.713 square kilometers. Its relief is characterized by large and high mountain massifs giving way to extensive, flat valleys and plains.
Almost the entire territory of Macedonia lies between latitudes 40 and 42 and is a transitional region between the Mediterranean and Continental climates. The climate is classified as being transitory from Continental climate to a Mediterranean climate.
The country is bordered by Serbia to the North, Bulgaria to the East, Greece to the South and Albania to the West.
The capital is Skopje. Other major cities are Bitola, Kumanovo, Ohrid, Tetovo, Veles, Gostivar, Stip and Strumica.
Population: 2.071.710 (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic groups: The dominant residents are Macedonians (64.18%), than Albanians (25.17%), Turks (3.85%), Romas (2.66%), Vlachs (0.48), Serbs (1.78%), Bosniacs (0.84%) and others (1.04%)
National flag: a yellow sun with eight broadening rays extending to the edges of the red field:
National Holidays:
* January 1st and 2nd - New Year's Day
* January 7th - Christmas
* May 1st and 2nd - Labor Day
* August 2nd Ilinden - Uprising Day
* September 8th - Independence Day
* October 11th - National Holiday
National Currency: Denar
Time zone: GMT+1