World > Europe > Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Introduction:

International recognition of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (F.Y.R.O.M.) independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 was delayed by Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols. Greece finally lifted its trade blockade in 1995, and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, despite continued disagreement over F.Y.R.O.M.'s use of 'Macedonia.' F.Y.R.O.M.'s large Albanian minority, an ethnic Albanian armed insurgency in F.Y.R.O.M. in 2001, and the status of neighboring Kosovo continue to be sources of ethnic tension.

Official name: The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Capital: Skopje Government type: parliamentary democracy Population: 2,063,122 note: a census was taken 1-15 November 2002, but results are not yet available (July 2003 est.) Languages: Macedonian 70%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, other 3% Official Currency: Macedonian denar (MKD) Currency code: MKD Area: total: 25,333 sq km water: 477 sq km land: 24,856 sq km Climate: warm, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall

Map of Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of