North Macedonia Country Guide: Geography, Capital and Population

North Macedonia is a landlocked country in Southeastern Europe, in the inner Balkan Peninsula. With an area of about 25,700 km², it is one of the region's mid-sized countries. It borders Serbia and Kosovo to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south and Albania to the west.

The country has a largely mountainous geography; the Vardar River, which crosses the country, is its main waterway. Lake Ohrid in the southwest is one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The country's capital and largest city is Skopje. With its historic bridge, bazaar and traces of different cultures, Skopje is the country's administrative and economic center. The Turkish-Ottoman heritage is prominent in the city's fabric.

Other major cities include Bitola, Kumanovo, Ohrid and Tetovo. Ohrid, with its lake and historic churches, is the country's leading tourism center.

North Macedonia has a population of about 1.8 million. Besides Macedonians, the country has a multicultural makeup including Albanian, Turkish, Roma and other communities. The official language is Macedonian; Albanian is also widely spoken. The currency is the Macedonian denar (MKD).

With cuisine close to Turkey, a hospitable society and a relatively affordable cost of living, the country offers a familiar environment for Turkish entrepreneurs and those seeking a new life. At Veranova Balkans we share this general picture with you transparently and in Turkish as you plan your process.