Macedonia: arrival and transport How to get to Macedonia Air connections Macedonia has two international airports, Skopje and Ohrid. Most international flights fly to Skopje….
Tag: Macedonia
Northern Macedonia, a landlocked country in the Balkan Peninsula, has a history intertwined with ancient civilizations, Ottoman rule, and the complex dynamics of the Yugoslav federation. The region, part of ancient Macedonia and later the Byzantine Empire, witnessed the Ottoman conquest in the 14th century, leading to centuries of Ottoman rule. The city of Skopje, with its diverse cultural influences, reflects this historical legacy. In the 20th century, Northern Macedonia became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later evolving into Yugoslavia. After World War II, under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito, the Socialist Republic of Macedonia was established within the Yugoslav federation. The country gained independence peacefully in 1991 following the dissolution of Yugoslavia, and it officially became the Republic of Macedonia. A long-standing naming dispute with Greece was resolved in 2019, leading to the country’s renaming as Northern Macedonia. The nation’s political landscape has seen transitions from socialist governance to a multi-party democracy. Skopje’s architecture, a mix of Ottoman, Byzantine, and modern influences, reflects the cultural diversity of the region. The economy, transitioning from socialist planning to a market-oriented system, faces challenges such as high unemployment and economic reforms. Northern Macedonia actively engages in regional cooperation through organizations like the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and aspires to join the European Union. The country’s cultural identity is expressed through its Slavic language, Macedonian Orthodox Christianity, and rich traditions, including folk music and dance. As Northern Macedonia continues its journey as an independent nation in the complex Balkan context, its efforts toward political stability, economic development, and Euro-Atlantic integration shape its narrative in the 21st century.