Political Map of Greece, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria - Atlapedia® Online Bulgaria Bulgaria is located on the Balkan Peninsula of South East Europe. It is bound by Romania to the north, Macedonia and Serbia and Montenegro (Serbia Rep.) to the west, Turkey to the southeast, Greece to the south and the Black Sea to the east.... Greece Greece is located on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula in South East Europe and the territory also includes several hundred islands in the Ionian and Aegean Seas. It is bound by Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, Turkey and the Aegean Sea to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Ionian Sea to the west.... Bulgaria Map, Map of Bulgaria Varna Map The history of Bulgaria stretches back to prehistoric times, though its modern people have descended from the Thracian, Slav, and Bulgar ethnic groups. The Thracians were various Indo-European tribes who arrived in the Balkan Peninsula in around 1000 BC. As the Roman Empire became the major power on the continent, the region that includes modern-day Bulgaria became part of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire.

The Slavs arrived in the region from Ukraine around the 6th century and settled, becoming a powerful population. In the 7th century, the Turkic Bulgar people arrived, forming the First Bulgarian Empire around 681. The empire grew in strength and size over the next centuries, and held off Arab attempts to conquer the region. The Byzantine forces succeeded in conquering the Bulgarian capital in 971, with its Emperor Basil II defeating the Bulgarian army in 1014. His death led to Bulgarian revolts, and Bulgaria was soon reestablished. This second Bulgarian Empire saw conflict with the Byzantine Empire, Hungarian Empire, and the Mongols. Internal conflict led to the split of the country among three tsars, which weakened Bulgarian power. The Ottomans were able to conquer Bulgaria in the 14th century. With help from the Russian Empire, the Bulgarians were able to remove the Ottomans in 1877, initiating the third Bulgarian Empire in 1878. The independent state of Bulgaria almost included Macedonia and part of Greece, but the Great Powers of Europe would not allow Bulgaria to become so large and powerful.

Bulgaria continued under the rule of tsars, with Boris III, until his death during World War II in 1943. Bulgaria was invaded by the USSR in 1944, and it was ruled by Soviet leaders. The Communist party eventually collapsed in Bulgaria and the country transitioned into a democracy in 1990. Neighboring Countries Bulgaria shares borders with Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey, with coastline along the Black Sea. Major Cities Veliko Tarnovo Geography Bulgaria is part of the Balkan peninsula in Eastern Europe. The terrain of Bulgaria includes Danubian and Thracian Plains, which make up about one-third of the land area, and the Balkan and Rhodope Mountain ranges. The Balkan Mountains traverse the middle of Bulgaria, while the Rhodope Mountains are along the east, and the highest point in the country is Musala, which stands 2,925 meters (9,596 feet) above sea level. Bulgaria's longest river is the Iskar, but other important rivers are the Struma and Maritsa Rivers. Along its southeastern edge, Bulgaria has coastline along the Black Sea.

Points of Interest Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, is a beautiful Eastern European city featuring many architectural and historical sites. One of the oldest cities on the continent, Sofia is home to ruins including the Amphitheatre of Serdica, and the Sofia Public Mineral Baths. Sofia also has several beautiful churches, most notably Saint Sophia, which was built in the 6th century and has been an important cultural site in the country's history. Additionally, Sofia has many museums, monuments, and public buildings. Other important towns in Bulgaria include Plovdiv and Rousse, which have many architectural sites of importance, including the latter's Sexiginta Prista Roman Castle and several other Roman sites. Veliko Tarnovo is important to Bulgaria's history during the medieval era, as it was the Empire's capital. For outdoor attractions, the coastal cities of Sunny Beach and Varna offer beach resorts and nightlife along the Black Sea. The Nature Park Bulgarka, Rila National Park, and the Bulgarian mountains are great destinations for more rugged adventures. Transportation Bulgaria has several international airports, including one in its capital Sofia, Varna, Bourgas, and Plovdiv.

Train is another way to get into and around Bulgaria, with an extensive system that offers service to cities like Bucharest and Belgrade. Long-distance bus is available and fairly inexpensive, while arriving by car is another possibility. Buses are also a good option for domestic travel between the cities of Bulgaria, and trains are available between Sofia and Varna or Sofia and Bourgas. Taxis are sometimes available, but not always licensed, which can cause some issues with foreign visitors. ACOD~20131104 Republic of Macedonia travel guide - Wikitravel Time Zone UTC +1 The Republic of Macedonia, (Macedonian: Република Македониjа, Republika Makedonija) (accepted in the UN under the provisional reference the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) [1] , is a landlocked country in the Balkans . It is bordered by Serbia and the disputed region of Kosovo to the north, Albania to the west, Bulgaria to the east, and Greece to the south.

The constitutional name of the country is the Republic of Macedonia and it is usually called simply Macedonia, despite the disambiguation concerns of the neighboring Greeks in the Greek province Macedonia and the official provisional name the country has under UN. While easily accessible from all points abroad, and boasting all the amenities of the Western world, the Republic of Macedonia remains one of Europe’s last undiscovered countries: a natural paradise of mountains, lakes and rivers, where life moves to a different rhythm, amidst the sprawling grandeur of rich historical ruins and idyllic villages that have remained practically unchanged for centuries. The majority population is ethnic Macedonian and Orthodox but there is also a significant Albanian Muslim minority. Therefore, one can expect a wonderful mix of architectural and ethnic hertitage. The country represents the Balkans in the truest sense, consisting of a fascinating mix of Macedonian, Albanian, Turkish, and Mediterranean influences. Understand[ edit ] Macedonia is a country with many ethnic minorities. There is still some ethnic tension between Albanians (who form the majority in the northwest) and Macedonians, so this is a subject best avoided. It almost came to civil war a few years ago.

The road to Markovi Kuli fortress in Prilep Macedonia has warm, dry summers and autumns, and relatively stable winters with warm temperatures. Terrain[ edit ] Macedonia is covered by mountainous territory marked by deep basins and valleys filled with fruity goodness. There are three large lakes, Ohrid lake, Prespa lake and Dojran lake, each divided by a frontier line, and the country bisected by the Vardar River. Macedonia is blessed with outstanding natural beauty. Do not miss a trip to one of the large lakes, Pelister Mountains, Shar Planina in the West, and the fascinating rolling hills and mountains of the East with its rice fields. History[ edit ] The village of Galičnik Macedonia is dotted with beautiful Orthodox churches, monasteries, and Ottoman mosques. The territory of the Republic of Macedonia has a proud history. Being under the Ottomans for 500 years caused legendary Macedonian revolutionaries such as Goce Delcev, Nikola Karev, and Pitu Guli to lead uprisings to free Macedonia.

Macedonia has been part of many countries, but until its incorporation into Yugoslavia by Tito in 1945 it was never acknowledged as an administrative "state." Macedonia prospered under Tito's rule, especially when the capital Skopje was rebuilt after a severe earthquake in 1963 and the Yugoslav government invested heavily in the subsequent infrastructure rebuilding. This may explain why many Macedonians are somewhat nostalgic for Tito's Yugoslavia. International recognition of Macedonia's independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 was delayed by Greece's objection to the new state's use of what Greece 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 the use of "Macedonia" in the name. Greece is now the largest investor in the Republic of Macedonia. Macedonia's large Albanian minority (about 25%), an ethnic Albanian armed insurgency in the Republic of Macedonia in 2001, and the status of neighboring Kosovo continue to be sources of ethnic tension.

There were also tensions during the last parliamentary elections on the 2nd of June 2008, although they happened between supporters of the two biggest rival Albanian political parties. Cities[ edit ] Skopje , the nation's capital. It is home to many historic landmarks and architectural monuments, and a great deal of cultural places of interest. Ohrid , a lakeside resort and UNESCO World Heritage Site . It is considered the jewel in Macedonia's crown. Bitola , the second largest city. It is Macedonia's most "European" town. It has it all: an ancient city, Ottoman monuments, a lovely shopping promenade, great nightlife, and more. Kruševo , a museum-city nestled high up in the mountains of southwestern Macedonia. It is one the most historically significant destinations in the country as it was the site of a revolt against the Ottoman Empire. The town is also home to great skiing. Prilep , tobacco fields, medieval monasteries, and strange rocks. Struga , small town on Lake Ohrid. It receives a fraction of the amount of tourists that nearby Ohrid gets, making Struga much more calm and peaceful. Štip , a peaceful city in eastern Macedonia.

The town has existed for thousands of years, which is evidenced by its many archaeological sites. Kumanovo , the third largest city. The area boasts many churches, pre-modern settlements, and more. Tetovo , majority of the population is ethnic Albanians. Home to the Painted Mosque and Monastery of Lešok. Radoviš , a small city in southeastern Macedonia, famous for the new Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. Strumica , a vibrant city in the warm, sunny southeast. Progressive Strumica is home to great shopping, nearby hiking, waterfalls and hot springs, and the legendary Strumica Carnival. Get in[ edit ] Citizens of EU/EFTA countries, Albania and Serbia can enter only with a valid officially issued ID card (or a passport).

[2] Visas are not required by nationals from the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and , Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, USA, Uruguay and Venezuela. The period of stay is regulated under the issued visa, but is no longer than 90 days. The visa free stay is 90 days, with the exception of Turkey, Japan and Montenegro where the visa free stay is 60 days.

Foreign national, holder of valid travel document of a third country, who is required to have visa for entry in the Republic of Macedonia, may enter the territory without having to acquire Macedonian visa, If the foreigner has Permanent Residence in EU or Schengen member state; OR if the person possess valid multiple Schengen C type of visa. Visit [3] for more details. Strangely enough, Schengen D type visas will not be accepted and holders of such visa will be deported back. After all in the Balkans you don't deal with bureaucracy, bureaucracy deals with you! By plane[ edit ] Republic of Macedonia has two international airports, the main airport in the capital Skopje "Alexander the Great Airport" (SKP) and another in Ohrid "St.Paul the Apostle Airport" (OHD). There are around 150 flights in a week from different European cities to Skopje. Macedonian Government awarded one Turkish Airport Operator Company (TAV) a contract to construct a brand new Terminal building in Skopje Airport. Construction was completed in October 2011.

From the low-cost airlines, Skopje is accessible by Wizz Air [4] from London (Luton Airport), Venice (Treviso Airport), Dortmund, Milano (Bergamo), Basel, Munich (Memmingen), Eindhoven, Malmo, Gothenburg and Stockholm (Skavsta). From April 2014, Skopje will also be accessible from Paris (Beauvais), Brussels (Charleroi) and Frankfurt (Hahn). Another option to travel into Republic of Macedonia is to fly to Thessaloniki (SKG) or to Sofia (SOF) and get a taxi or bus from there. There are 5 buses from Sofia Central Bus Station to Skopje, leaving at 9:00, 12:00, 16:00, 17:00 and 00:00. The two bus companies which operate these services are MATPU and Kaleia, both of which are located outside the main bus terminal. Single ticket is approximately 16 Euros (32 Lev). There are also services from Skopje to Sofia at similar prices and times for a return flight home.

Additionally, if you contact the Sofia Tourist Information Service, they can normally put you in contact with private tranfer companies who will pick you up at the airport and take you to Skopje. Prices range from as little at €60 to €160. Negotiating with taxis can be trickier but may be able to get a cheaper price. If you fly to Thessaloniki, you can go by public bus (24/7) for 0,50 EUR to the train station and catch a train from there (14 EUR one way). By train[ edit ] Regular train service connects the Republic of Macedonia to Greece in the South (Note 13 April 2011: all international trains to Greece have been stopped until further notice as of February 2011) and Serbia in the North. A cheap way of traveling to or from Macedonia might be the Balkan Flexipass . By car[ edit ] Be sure your Green Card (International Insurance Card) has an uncanceled "MK" box. Try to get a good map of the Republic of Macedonia and/or try to be able to read Cyrillic letters.

Although most street signs are printed in Cyrillic and Latin letters it can be helpful to have a little knowledge of the Cyrillic alphabet, especially in small towns. The border guards often make a big deal about having the original documents for the car (no copies). The enforcement rate about this is 50-50 and if you have a rental car this can be a problem as you usually have a copy. Tourists have been told in the past to drive back several hundred kilometers over this detail by certain power hungry guards. By bus[ edit ] Eurobus is an international coach operator based in Macedonia that has almost daily tours from Austria , Germany , Switzerland , Italy and Slovenia . Prices from 60€ and possible to get student discount. The website of the bus company is available in German - [5] EuroBus Macedonia, ☎ +436643014416 ( eurobus_mk@yahoo.de ), [6] . almost daily in modern coaches from Switzerland , Germany , Austria , Italy , Slovenia . Stops in the major cities Skopje, Tetovo, Ohrid. €75/€140rt from Vienna.

edit There are bus connections from Serbia , Kosovo , Bulgaria , Slovenia , Croatia and Turkey to Skopje. In addition some buses, those operated by Drity tours at least, run from Tirana to Pristina via Skopje (don't expect them to wake you up or stop anywhere near Skopje bus station though) In Skopje, there are two bus terminals. Most buses come to the new terminal, but some connections are serviced by the old one, which is located at the city center. If you need to change the terminals, you need to walk to the stone bridge over Vardar and cross the bridge (about 2.5 km) or take a taxi. At both terminals, you will be constantly nagged by taxi drivers, who will try to convince you to use their services. Unless you have too much money to throw away, you shouldn't take their advice. The taxi is likely to be heavily overpriced, especially for foreigners, while the buses are cheap, clean and safe. By car[ edit ] If travelling by car, be sure your tires are good enough.

Especially in spring and autumn, weather in the mountains ( Ohrid , Bitola ) can differ significantly from the weather in the area you're coming from. You shall be aware, that even if the roads are bad, there is a toll charge which can be as much as 1,50 EUR for 20 kms bad road (Eg from Kumanovo to Skopje). By train[ edit ] National trains are slow, but they are nonetheless a nice alternative to hot, crowded buses in the summer. The main train line runs from Skopje to Bitola and Skopje to Gevgelia. No trains run to Ohrid. By taxi[ edit ] Taxis are perhaps the most common mode of transport in Macedonia amongst tourists. Most will usually charge a flat rate of 30 denars (in Skopje 50 denars) with the extra kilometres added on. Be careful when negotiating the price of the fare beforehand. Within city limits, prices over 100 denars are considered expensive even though the amount only converts to a few American dollars.

Macedonian cities are much smaller in comparison to most western developed countries and would only take approximately 10-15 minutes to travel from one side of the city to the other by car. In Skopje, the capital and largest city, this should work out to an amount of about 100-150 denars. A general exception to this rule is during peak tourist seasons particularly in the town of Ohrid. The summer months are the most profitable for many small businesses in Ohrid (and for some businesses, the only profitable months) including taxi drivers. For this reason many drivers will charge up to three times the flat rate for the same distance. Most taxis will insist on driving for no less than 100 denars which can be heard as "sto denari" or a "stotka" (slang term for a one hundred denar bill). Generally this is excessive but you can either negotiate the price down to 80 or even 70 denars to be reasonable, or else simple bargain hunting is all that is required. During the peak seasons it is possible to find drivers willing to go as low as 40. Never feel pressured to take a taxi that seems overpriced.

By boat[ edit ] There are plenty of boats for charter around Lake Ohrid and will show you the whole lake for a cheap price. Talk[ edit ] Languages: Macedonian 66%, Albanian 25%, Turkish 3%, Serbo - Croatian 2%, other 4%. Macedonian is the official language, and is spoken by almost all people. While many young people speak English, many do not, so a phrasebook is handy. Speakers of Bulgarian , Serbo-Croatian and Slovene should have no problem getting by. Russian and German are also very useful, especially among older Albanians, and Dutch might be useful in Ohrid. Šuto Orizari Municipality (better known as Shutka), which is part of the city of Skopje , is the only place in the world where Roms (Romi) (Gypsy) is a co-official language. See[ edit ][ add listing ] Macedonia is a small country but there are a lot of things to see in it. Its capital Skopje is the biggest city and upcoming European city, with the Vardar river running right trough it. It has a multitude of sights worth seeing: Kale fortress is kind of a city symbol.

Right under it lays the beautiful Old Bazaar with many cafeterias and restaurants. Its main sights are St. Spas Church, Kurshumli An and many more. Over the famous Stone Bridge you can get to the main square "Macedonia" where you can see the 22-meter statue of the ancient Macedonian leader Alexander the Great, as well as the biggest shopping center in the city "ГТЦ". Other interesting sights are the Memorial House of Mother Teresa and the Millennium Cross on the top of mountain Vodno, which is a 66-meter cross and it is the biggest cross ever built. It is reachable by the newly opened cablecar and by foot. It is possible to walk up and take the cablecar back down, paying the fare upon arrival. the Stone Bridge Festivals[ edit ] Taksirat Festival, [7] . One of the biggest winter festivals in Eastern Europe, which happens at the end of November and beginning of December. edit Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Ohrid lake Republic of Macedonia is full of markets and bazaars well worth a visit.

The bazaars of Skopje, Tetovo, Ohrid and Bitola are the largest selling anything from dried peppers to fake designer sunglasses. While much of the merchandise may not be worth buying, there is normally a good selection of shoes, fruit, and vegetables of good quality, depending on the season. Merchants are generally pleasant and welcoming, especially to westerners, who remain something of a rarity outside of Skopje and Ohrid. Ohrid is famous for its pearls and there are dozens of jewelers in the old town that will offer good products at decent prices. The Macedonian Orthodox paintings in old Ohrid are also worth a look. Tipping is not seen as essential, but it is always welcomed. Currency[ edit ] The official currency of Macedonia is the denar, however, many Macedonians quote prices in €. This is symbolised by MKD, placed before the amount with no intervening space. Most cities have ATMs where you can withdraw money with cheap commission rates, although there are also plenty of banks and exchange booths where you can easily change money. Do not change money on the street. Shops may accept euro but it is technically not allowed for them to do so.

Currency 1 45 If you are travelling from Britain, exchange your currency before you leave. British exchange offices will only accept the 1000 denar note and nothing else. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] If you are on a tight budget, try one of the Skara (grill) places. There are quite a few up-market restaurants serving better quality food on the waterfront, but these cater to tourists, so don't be surprised by a rather sizeable bill at the end of your meal. General[ edit ] Typical Macedonian food resembles the food of the southern Balkans, meaning loads of grilled meat (known as skara). Side dishes usually have to be ordered separately. The Republic of Macedonia is also famous for its shopska salata a mixed salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and grated sirenje. Sirenje is a white cheese similar to feta cheese. Usually Macedonians will translate the English cheese to sirenje. Another local speciality is ajvar, a red paste made from roasted peppers and tomatoes, which is either used as an appetizer or side dish. Another typical local dish is tarator which is comparable to the Greek tzatziki.

It is made of yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic and it is served as a cold soup. Traditional Food[ edit ] Tavce gravce (pronounced tav-chay grav-chay) or тавче гравче in Macedonian is the national dish and unique to Macedonia. It basically consists of beans, paprika and other vegetables so can be eaten by vegetarians. Traditionally, it is served with cut sausage mixed and eaten with bread. It is a delicious meal that will definitely leave you feeling full! Fish[ edit ] The Republic of Macedonia, being landlocked, does not offer a great variety of fresh fish. A notable exception is Ohrid , where fresh fish from the local lake can be enjoyed. If you have no objections to eating endangered species, the Ohrid trout is a local delicacy. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Rakija is a strong grape brandy that has the best claim to be Republic's national beverage. There are also many breweries which brew surprisingly good-tasting beer. Macedonians boast the largest winery in the Balkan area—the Tikveš (Tikvesh) winery in Kavadarci. Red wines are usually better than white ones.

Try "T'ga za Jug"—Macedonian favorite affordable red wine made from a local grape variety called Vranec. Local white wines include Traminec and Temjanika. The local beer market appears, in Skopje at least, to be dominated by Skopsko, a drinkable, if not entirely distinctive, lager. Note: shops cannot legally sell alcohol after 19:00 (off-season) or 21:00 (high season). This ban includes both spirits, wine and beer, and is enforced by supermarkets. It is possible to buy a few cans of beer (packed in a brown paper bag) from smaller shops after the curfew in many cases, but if you want to self-cater alcoholic beverages it is best to purchase those before 7 pm. Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] Being the national tourist attraction, Ohrid is obviously more expensive than any other destination in the Republic of Macedonia. Note that hotel prices are very expensive throughout the country and charge double rates to foreigners. It is therefore advisable to stay in private accommodation. If someone does not ask you at the bus station, you can always consult one of the many travel agencies in and around the center.

If you do opt for private accommodation make sure you see the room first and then decide. Payment is normally made in advance and should cost no more than €10-15 per night per person in peak season and half that during the rest of the year. Note: finding suitable accommodation in July and August is not easy, so try and book through a travel agent in advance. When visiting Lake Ohrid, staying in nearby Struga as opposed to the more popular Ohrid is a wise alternative for the price and tourist-trap conscious. You may find cheap accommodation in Ohrid by standing near the main square and there will be common people offering you their apartments for around 4EUR a person for a night.Usually, that person stays in a different room in the flat Learn[ edit ] For those interested in learning the Macedonian language, the options are the official Center for Testing and Certifying Macedonian as a Foreign/Second Language CETIS MAK [8] . You can also get certified with the Test in Macedonian as a Foreign Language - TEMAK, and get a certificate issued by the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University.

The Macedonian Language E-Learning Center [9] is a non-profit organization that offers free Macedonian Language instruction online and for credit through the University of North Carolina. Also, there are several private language schools offering courses for foreigners. Some of them are: LinguaLink [10] , LogosOxford [11] , VortexCenter [12] . You can study in many of the state and private universities listed below in English, Macedonian and Albanian. University for Information Science and Technology "St. Paul The Apostle" [13] - a new state university located in Ohrid . The university's language of instruction is English. International students are required to pay a tuition fee of 4000€ per year. Ss. Cyril and Methodius University [14] - the biggest state university in Macedonia, founded in 1949, located in the capital Skopje . Today it represents a family of 23 faculties, 10 institutes and other institutions. Goce Delčev University [15] - the second biggest state university, located in Štip with many branches in other cities in Eastern Macedonia . It was founded in 2006. St.

Clement of Ohrid University [16] - is one of the fifth state universities, located in Bitola with branches in other cities in Western Macedonia . It was founded in 1979, but the name St. Clement of Ohrid was not given until late 1994. The current number of enrolled students exceeds 15,000. State University of Tetovo [17] - is a state university located in Tetovo . The university was established in 1994, however, it was not officially recognized as a state university by the government of the Republic of Macedonia until January 2004. The languages of instruction are Macedonian and Albanian. South East European University [18] - is a not for profit private university in Tetovo . It was founded in 2001 and is a member of the European University Association. The languages of instruction are English, Macedonian and Albanian. FON University [19] - a modern private university. European University Republic of Macedonia [20] - a modern private university University American College Skopje [21] - a modern private university.

International Slavic Institute [22] - a private Russian university located in Sveti Nikole and Bitola. With majors in Psychology, Finances and credit and Management. University for Audio-Visuel Arts - European Film Academy ESRA [23] - a private university, part of the French Film School Ecole Supérieure de Réalisation Audiovisuelle [24] located in Paris and New York. Stay safe[ edit ] Republic of Macedonia is a safe country. Driving is not ill-advised, but it's recommended for foreigners to try and use taxis and public transport wherever possible. Keep an eye out for pickpockets and all valuables safe. Hotels and most private accommodation will offer a safe to store valuables and cash in. Most people are very friendly and hospitable. Stay healthy[ edit ] Water is safe to drink and there are public drinking water fountains in most public places. It is advisable to wash all fruit and vegetables. As with any other country, use caution when eating red meats at restaurants.

Although Macedonian cuisine typically revolves around grills ("skara") there are some restaurants that do not use proper or clean methods of cooking, which if practiced in many Western countries would be seen as a violation of certain health regulations. Bad restaurants can be spotted easily; they will probably not look very appealing and will not have many customers. However, the vast majority of restaurants in Macedonia serve good quality food. Respect[ edit ] Touchy topics are Macedonian-Bulgarian, Macedonian-Albanian, and Macedonian-Greek relations. Most Macedonians can hold strong political opinions regarding their neighbours and won't shy away from expressing their views in most cases. Politics often finds its way into conversation over a cup of coffee. To keep from upsetting your hosts or new-found friends, avoid topics such as the 2001 war against the NLA [25] , Macedonia's partition during the Balkan wars and Macedonia's pending membership into the European Union or Nato. Don't worry about talking about the Communist period or about Josip Tito. With the current situation in Kosovo, be very careful when talking about politics, as there is also a significant Albanian minority here.

Ask as many questions as you'd like (within reason), but don't make any statements. Best to keep in mind that roughly one in four people you see on the street are likely to be Albanian, with far higher percentages in the west, and tensions are at times high between the Macedonian and Albanian communities. In short, keep your political opinions to yourself. Domestic Phones[ edit ] Domestic telephone service is available in all inhabited towns, via the PSTN or VoIP. The PSTN network is run by T-home [26] . There is an affordable fixed phone service (wireless and easy to install) from the mobile operator ONE [27] , avaliable prepaid (without a monthly fee, 12 months availability without recharge, recharging for only 500 denars -18€) and postpaid. Mobile phones[ edit ] Mobile phones are widely spread and the coverage is excellent. There are 3 mobile networks (T-mobile [28] , One [29] and VIP [30] ), all using the GSM/3G standard.

You can buy a pre-paid SIM card from T-mobile for 295 denars (5€) with 250 denars free talk time, from ONE for 190 denars (3€) with 250 denars free talk time, and from VIP for 300 denars (5€) with 300 denars free talk time. You may need to show your ID card or passport when buying. Internet Access[ edit ] Internet access is widely available. Broadband internet is available through cable, ADSL, WiMax and LAN connections. You can also access internet with your mobile phone, via GPRS or 3G. ONE offers both internet for home and mobile internet. More information here [31] . T-home offers ADSL internet for 599 denars/month (10€) - 30GB bandwidth, 6Mbps speed - you need to have PSTN connection from T-home. Internet cafes are available in most cities and in some villages.

Republic of Macedonia - Makedonija - Country Profile Flag of Macedonia Background: The Republic of Macedonia, formerly a part of Yugoslavia from which it declared independence in 1991, is situated in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula (Southeastern Europe). The country is characterized by large and high mountain massifs giving way to extensive, flat valleys and plains. International recognition of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) independence from Yugoslavia was delayed by Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbol. Greece finally lifted its trade blockade in 1995, and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, despite continued disagreement over FYROM's use of "Macedonia." FYROM's large Albanian minority and the de facto independence of neighboring Kosovo continue to be sources of ethnic tension. Local Time = UTC +1h (in summer +2h) Actual Time: Fri-Jan-20 10:54 Capital City: Skopje (pop. 500 000) Other Cities: Bitola, Gostivar, Kumanovo, Struga, Tetovo.

Government: Constitution: Adopted 17 November 1991; Last Amended 6 January 1992. Independence: 8 September 1991 (from Yugoslavia). Geography: Location: a landlocked country in the southern region of the Balkan Peninsula, north of Greece. Area : 25,713 km² (9,927 sq. mi.) Geography: Situated, Macedonia is landlocked and mountainous. Terain: The country is mountainous, bisected by the Vardar River. Climate: Three overlaping climatic area types--Mediterranean; moderately continental; and mountainous, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. People: Ethnic groups (2002): Macedonian 64.18%, Albanian 25.17%, Turkish 3.85%, Roma 2.66%, Serb 1.78%. Religions: Eastern Orthodox 65%, Muslim 29%, Catholic 4% and others 2%. Languages : Macedonian 70%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, and others 3%.

Literacy: 94% Natural resources: Low-grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber, arable land. Agriculture products: Grapes, wine, tobacco, vegetables; milk, eggs. Industries: Food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, steel, cement, energy, pharmaceuticals. Imports partners: Russia 13.2%, Germany 10.4%, Greece 9.2%, Bulgaria 7.3%, Italy 6% (2005) Currency: Macedonian Denar (MKD) Sources: Presidency of Republic of Macedonia and others. About Bulgaria – Endurance rally for historic cars Bulgaria is in the Eastern European time zone – GMT +2 Size: 7 679 290 people Religions: Orthodox 82.6 %, Muslims 12.2 %, Catholics 0.6 % Languages: Bulgarian (English is widely spoken, German and French) STATE Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic. The Parliament has the legislative power whereas the executive power belongs to the Council of Ministers and local communities.

VIGNETTE In Bulgaria you have to pay road tax at the border – vignette. You will get a special sticker that you have to place on your car. There are no tolls on Bulgarian roads. The transport vehicles are being divided into the following categories: Category 1 (amend.-SG 43/08) transport vehicles under Para 6, Item 1 meant for hauling cargoes, as well as transport vehicles under Para 6, Item 2, 3, 4 and 5 with 2 (two) and more axles having a maximum permissible gross laden weight of not less than 12 tonnes; Category 2 (amend.-SG 43/08) transport vehicles meant for transporting people with more than 8 (eight) seats without the driver’s and transport vehicles meant for hauling cargoes with than 2 (two) axles, a train of transport vehicles as well as the transport vehicles as per para.

6 sections 3, 4 and 5 with more than 2 (two) axles and/or having a maximum permissible gross laden weight of less than 12 tonnes; Category 3 (suppl.–SG 105/06) transport vehicles meant for transporting people with no more than 8 (eight) seats, transport vehicles meant for hauling cargoes, and/or transport vehicles, meant for transporting people and cargoes, with technically permissible maximum mass not exceeding 3,5 tones, and also cross-country transport vehicles of this group. In this category fall the cars. PRICES OF THE VIGNETTE TAXES The prices of the vignette taxes for motor vehicles with foreign registration (in EUR) are as follows: You can buy a vignette from any fuel station in the country. PETROL STATIONS All types of fuel available in Europe are available in Bulgaria. The station network is particularly dense and consists of well-known chains such as OMV, Shell, LUK OIL, PETRO, EKO, etc. Smaller independent petrol stations are easy to find as well. In all stations except in very small villages credit cards are accepted. Only in the big chain gas stations paying with an EC-Card is possible.

Diesel – around 1.07 Euro Gasoline – around 1.07 Euro INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BULGARIA Bulgaria is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south and the Black Sea to the east. Its location has made it a historical crossroad for various civilisations and as such it is the home of some of the earliest metalworking, religious and other cultural artifacts in the world. Bulgaria is one of the oldest European countries. It used to be land of the Thracians, and a particular hero called Spartacus was born there. Bulgaria is home to the highest point of the Balkan peninsula, Musala, at 2,925 metres (9,596 ft) and its lowest point is sea level. Plains occupy about one-third of the territory, while plateaus and hills occupy 41 percent. The range consists of around 30 portions called mountains. The inventor of the first electronic computer, Professor John Vincent Atanassoff of the Lowa State University, had Bulgarian origins.

Bulgarian yogurt has a unique taste because the bacteria used to make it, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, is only found naturally in Bulgarian air. (Other countries import it, though, so that they can make their own yogurt.) The world’s oldest gold treasure, dating back more than 6,000 years, was discovered in Bulgaria. Macedonia Map / Geography of Macedonia / Map of Macedonia - Worldatlas.com Print this map The historic country of Macedonia was once the Kingdom of Macedon, ruled by Alexander the Great (355-325 BC). Over many centuries it was exploited by the Romans, Byzantines, Bulgars and Serbs ; before finally being conquered by the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman's reign over the area was exceptionally brutal, and beginning in the late 19th century several campaigns set out to secure the independence of Macedonia. Unfortunately by 1913, as both Balkan Wars had come to end, the Ottoman Empire had dissolved and much of Macedonia's territories were divided amongst Greece , Bulgaria and Serbia . Then, along with the rest of the Kingdom of Serbs , Croats and Slovenes , Macedonia was integrated into the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929.

For the Macedonian's, independence was still a forefront thought, and the country struggled to gain their freedom over the next several years. As World War II began in the early 1940's, the people of Macedonia found themselves invaded by the Axis powers (along with the rest of Yugoslavia). With help from the Bulgarians in 1944, the German forces were pushed back, and the region of Yugoslavia fell under the authority of the Bulgarian Communist Party. By 1963 Yugoslavia had been reformed, and once again Macedonia was incorporated into the now Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. However, for Macedonia, their formal name became the Socialist Republic of Macedonia. Twenty-eight years later, Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991, but Greece's objection to the new state's use, of what it considered a Hellenic name, delayed international recognition, which occurred under the provisional designation of "the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." In 1995, after Macedonia revised its flag and constitution, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations.

The Kosovo War in 1999 caused over 350,000 Albanian refugees to flee to Macedonia, and Skopje became a transit corridor for NATO forces to intervene in case of a Serbian invasion. Through all of this, Macedonia remained neutral, and refused to engage in the war. In 2004 negotiations continued between Greece and Macedonia to resolve the name issue, despite 112 of the 191 country members of the UN acknowledging the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name, and to date it has yet to be decided. Tourism is a considerable factor in Macedonia's economy, as the country is home to an ample amount of natural and cultural attractions. The capital city of Skopje contains many archaeological sites, as well as modern museums. See Also Republic of Macedonia | Article about Republic of Macedonia by The Free Dictionary Republic of Macedonia | Article about Republic of Macedonia by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Dictionary , Thesaurus , Wikipedia . Macedonia (măs'ədō`nēə), Macedonian Makedonija, officially Republic of Macedonia, republic (2005 est. pop.

2,045,000), 9,930 sq mi (25,720 sq km), SE Europe. It is bordered by Serbia and Kosovo on the north, Albania on the west, Greece on the south, and Bulgaria on the east. The capital and largest city is Skopje Skopje or Skoplje , city (1994 pop. 444,760), capital of Macedonia, on the Vardar River. It is an important transportation and trade center as well as an industrial hub where chemicals, cement, machinery, and diverse light manufactures are produced. ..... Click the link for more information. . The other main cities are Tetovo, Bitola (Bitolj), and Prilep. The United Nations and many nations recognize the country as the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" (FYROM) because of Greek objections to the name Macedonia (see below). Land and People A predominately mountainous and landlocked country with deep river valleys, Macedonia is drained by the Vadar River, which runs through the center of the country, and its tributaries, including the Bregalnica, the Crna Reka, and the Treska rivers.

Almost 40% of the country is forested, with a concentration of wooded areas in its western section. The climate is generally cold and snowy in the winter and hot and dry in the summer. The country is subject to occasional earthquakes. Ethnic Macedonians constitute nearly two thirds of the population. The largest minority is Albanian, representing one fourth of the population and living largely in W Macedonia. There are smaller groups of Turks, Romani (Gypsies), Serbs, and others. About 65% of the people belong to the Eastern Orthodox Church, while a third are Muslims, and there are small groups of non-Orthodox Christians. The predominant language is Macedonian, which is related to Bulgarian. Albanian is spoken by the sizable Albanian minority, and Turkish, Roma, and other languages are also spoken. Economy The poorest of the former Yugoslavian republics, Macedonia has a mostly agricultural economy. Wine grapes, tobacco, vegetables, grains, and cotton are grown, and sheep and goats are raised. Iron, copper, and lead are mined. There is agricultural processing and the manufacture of textiles, chemicals, iron, steel, and pharmaceuticals. Exports include processed foods, tobacco, textiles, and iron and steel.

The main imports are machinery, automobiles, chemicals, fuels, and foodstuffs. Macedonia's chief trading partners are Serbia, Germany, Greece, and Russia. Government Macedonia is governed under the constitution of 1991 as amended. The president, who is the head of state, is popularly elected for a five-year term and is eligible for a second term. The government is headed by the prime minister, who is elected by the Assembly, as is the cabinet. The 120 members of the unicameral Assembly (Sobranie) are elected from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms. Administratively, the country is divided into 85 municipalities. History For Macedonian history prior to independence, see Macedon Macedon , ancient country, roughly equivalent to the modern region of Macedonia. In the history of Greek culture Macedon had its single significance in producing the conquerors and armies who created the Hellenistic empires and civilizations. ..... Click the link for more information. , Macedonia Macedonia , region, SE Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, divided among Greece, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Macedonia.

Land and People Corresponding roughly with ancient Macedon, it extends from the Aegean Sea northward between Epirus in the west and Thrace in the ..... Click the link for more information. , region, and Yugoslavia Yugoslavia , Serbo-Croatian Jugoslavija, former country of SE Europe, in the Balkan Peninsula. Belgrade was the capital and by far the largest city. Yugoslavs (i.e. ..... Click the link for more information. . After the elections of 1990 that put in place Yugoslav Macedonia's first non-Communist government, the Yugoslavian federation began to disintegrate. Macedonia declared its independence in Sept., 1991. However, the new nation's sovereignty was not immediately recognized by the international community, largely due to Greek protests over the name Macedonia. Greece, fearing future territorial claims, wanted to further the distinction between Macedonia and Greek Macedonia. There were also tensions with Bulgaria, which recognized the new nation but had historically regarded the area as Bulgarian. In 1993, Macedonia was admitted to the United Nations under the provisional name of "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" (FYROM).

The United States recognized the new nation under the provisional name in 1994. Greece, however, imposed an economic blockade on the landlocked country, which already was suffering from international sanctions imposed on its biggest trading partner, Serb-dominated Yugoslavia. Greece lifted the sanctions in 1995, after Macedonia had agreed to certain conditions, including a modification of its flag and a renunciation of any territorial claims against Greece. By the end of the decade, relations with Greece and Bulgaria had improved, and in 2001 Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and Macedonia signed an agreement demarcating the border. The lack of a resolution of the name issue, however, continued to be a source of tension with Greece, which opposed NATO and European Union membership for Macedonia until it was resolved. In 2011 the International Court of Justice ruled that Greek opposition to Macedonian membership in NATO and the EU was in breach of the 1995 agreement. In 1994, Kiro Gligorov Gligorov, Kiro , 1917–2012, Macedonian political leader, b. Štip, Serbia (now in Macedonia), grad. Univ.

of Belgrade Law School (1938). He fought with Yugoslavia's communist partisans during World War II and later held a number of offices in the Yugoslav government. ..... Click the link for more information. was reelected president in an election boycotted by the nationalist opposition; he was gravely injured in an assassination attempt in Oct., 1995. In June, 1996, the parliament suspended the constitution and repudiated opposition calls for a referendum on holding new elections. Following elections held in 1998, a center-right coalition government was formed that included members of the Albanian minority. In the presidential election in late 1999, the center-right candidate, Boris Trajkovski, won, but the result was tainted by fraud in some areas and was denounced by his opponent. The election was partially rerun in December, and vote-rigging again occurred, but it appeared irrelevant to the outcome, as it occurred in areas strongly supportive of Trajkovski.

Macedonia has been shaken by tensions between ethnic Macedonians and the Albanian minority, which were aggravated by the influx of Kosovar Albanian refugees in 1999 (see Kosovo Kosovo , Albanian Kosova, Serbian Kosovo i Metohija and Kosmet, officially Republic of Kosovo, republic (2011 est. pop. 1,826,000), 4,126 sq mi (10,686 sq km), SE Europe, a former province of Serbia that unilaterally declared its independence in 2008. ..... Click the link for more information. ). Isolated incidents of violence in 1999 and 2000 became sustained battling between Macedonian forces and Albanian rebels in 2001. Although the fighting was limited, it threatened to polarize further the nation's two main ethnic groups. An accord ending the fighting was brokered by the European Union and the United States and signed in Aug., 2001. It called for NATO troops to disarm the Albanian rebels and for the parliament to establish Albanian as a semiofficial language and guarantee the political, cultural, and religious rights of ethnic Albanians.

The rebels were disarmed, the constitution subsequently amended (although some Macedonian Slav politicians opposed the changes), and an amnesty enacted for ethnic Albanian guerrillas. Elections in Sept., 2002, resulted in a near majority in parliament for the Slav-dominated center-left Together for Macedonia coalition and a sizable vote for the Democrat Union for Integration (DUI), an Albanian party dominated by the disarmed rebels. A coalition goverment including both groups was formed, and Social Democrat Branko Crvenkovski became prime minister. In Mar., 2003, European Union forces were deployed as peacekeepers in Macedonia, replacing the NATO force. President Trajkovski was killed in a plane crash in Feb., 2004. In April Prime Minister Crvenkovski was elected to succeed him, and Hari Kostov became prime minister in June. Legislation redrawing municipal boundaries and giving more power to local councils, actions that were regarded as favoring ethnic Albanians, sparked riots in July, 2004, but was passed the next month.

In Nov., 2004, a referendum on overturning the laws failed when too few Macedonians voted; the government had called for a boycott of the vote. Kostov subsequently resigned, asserting that minority rights issues were overshadowing needed reforms; Vlado Buckovski succeeded him as prime minister in December. In 2005 Macedonia was granted membership candidate status by the European Union. In July, 2006, the center-right Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization–Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (VMRO-DPMNE) won a plurality of seats in parliament, ousting the Social Democrats from power, but necessitating a coalition with the Democratic Party of Albanians and other parties. Nikola Gruevski, of the VMRO-DPMNE, became prime minister. The election was marred by some intimidation and ballot-stuffing, but was mainly free and fair. In 2007 the DUI, unhappy at being excluded from the governing coalition despite being the largest Albanian party, boycotted parliament until the end of May. The boycott ended when the government agreed that certain laws would not be passed unless they had Albanian support.

In Apr., 2008, the continuing dispute with Greece over Macedonia's name led Greece to veto an invitation from NATO to Macedonia to join the alliance; in 2011 the International Court of Justice ruled that Greece's veto had been contrary to the 1995 agreement. The June parliamentary elections resulted in a victory for the VMRO-DPMNE but were marred by violence between rival Albanian parties in ethnically Albanian areas. The VMRO-DPMNE and DUI formed a governing coalition; Gruevski remained prime minister. Former Prime Minister Buckovski was convicted in 2008 of abuse of office when he was defense minister; the case arose out of a 2001 defense contract for tank spare parts. Buckovski denounced the verdict as politically motivated, and an appeals court ordered a retrial, but he was convicted again in 2013. In the 2009 presidential election, Gjorgje Ivanov, the VMRO-DPMNE candidate, was elected following a runoff in April.

Snap parliamentary elections in June, 2011, led to losses for the VMRO-DPMNE, but it nonetheless gained a plurality; the DUI won sufficient seats to guarantee the ruling coalition a majority, and Gruevski remained prime minister. In Dec., 2012, political conflicts over the budget and scuffles in parliament led to the ejection of opposition legislators before the passage of the budget, which had been blocked in committee, leading Crvenkovski to call for a parliamentary boycott and civil disobedience campaign. The government accused the Social Democrats of an attempted coup. In Apr., 2014, the presidential runoff and early parliamentary elections resulted in victories for the VMRO-DPMNE, with Ivanov winning a second term, and the party and the DUI winning a majority of the seats. Gruevski continued as prime minister. The Social Democrats denounced the elections as unfair and marred by vote buying, and boycotted parliament; some aspects of the campaign and vote were criticized by European and local observers. In Feb., 2015, opposition leader Zoran Zaev began releasing leaked telephone recordings that had been illegally taped by the government; the recordings led to antigovernment demonstrations and several ministerial resignations.

In July, 2015, the four main parties reached an agreement to hold new elections in 2016 under a caretaker cabinet and to establish a special investigation into the illegal wiretapping, and the Social Democrats ended their parliamentary boycott in September. The process, however, remained marked by tensions over the conditions of the agreement, and when in Jan., 2016, Gruevski submitted his resignation the Social Democrats threatened not to participate in the April elections. Subsequently, the elections were postponed to June, and then delayed in definitely in advance of a May constitutional court ruling that declared parliament's April dissolution unconstitutional. In April the president issued a blanket amnesty to dozens of government and opposition leaders with respect to the wiretapping investigation, sparking protests and denunciations from government and opposition leaders and foreign governments; he revoked the pardons in May and June. Macedonia (măs'ədō`nēə), region, SE Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, divided among Greece, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Macedonia Macedonia , Macedonian Makedonija, officially Republic of Macedonia, republic (2005 est. pop.

2,045,000), 9,930 sq mi (25,720 sq km), SE Europe. It is bordered by Serbia and Kosovo on the north, Albania on the west, Greece on the south, and Bulgaria on the east. ..... Click the link for more information. . Land and People Corresponding roughly with ancient Macedon, it extends from the Aegean Sea northward between Epirus in the west and Thrace in the east and includes the Vardar, Struma, and Mesta (in Greece, the Axiós, Strimón, and Néstos) river valleys. The region is predominately mountainous, encompassing parts of the Pindus and Rhodope mts. Tobacco is the main crop; grains and cotton are also grown, and sheep and goats are raised. The mining of iron, copper, lead, and chromite is important. Greek, or Aegean, Macedonia (c.13,000 sq mi/33,670 sq km) includes the Khalkidhikí Khalkidhikí or Chalcidice , peninsula (1991 pop.

92,117), NE Greece, projecting into the Aegean Sea from SE Macedonia. Its southern extremity terminates in three peninsulas: Kassandra (anc. Gr. ..... Click the link for more information. (Chalcidice) peninsula, the site of Thessaloníki Thessaloníki or Salonica , also known as Thessalonike, Thessalonica, Salonika, and Saloniki, city (1991 pop. 383,967), capital of Thessaloníki prefecture, N Greece, in Macedonia; on the Gulf of Thessaloníki, an inlet of the Aegean Sea, at the neck ..... Click the link for more information. (Salonica), a major industrial and shipping center. As a result of population movements after World War I, Greek Macedonia has a largely homogeneous Greek population. Bulgarian, or Pirin, Macedonia is largely coextensive with the Blagoevgrad (formerly Gorna Dzhumaya) province of Bulgaria (c.2,500 sq mi/6,475 sq km) and is largely populated by Macedonians.

The inhabitants of the Republic of Macedonia are largely Macedonian, but there is a sizable Albanian minority. History Early History through Ottoman Rule Like neighboring Thrace and Epirus, Macedonia has been, since the early Middle Ages, a meeting place of nations, a fact that has contributed in large measure to its complex and turbulent history. Macedonians first appear historically about 700 B.C. By about 400 B.C., they had adopted the Greek language and had begun to build a kingdom ( Macedon Macedon , ancient country, roughly equivalent to the modern region of Macedonia. In the history of Greek culture Macedon had its single significance in producing the conquerors and armies who created the Hellenistic empires and civilizations. ..... Click the link for more information. ) that was greatly enlarged by the conquests of Philip II Philip II, 382–336 B.C., king of Macedon (359–336 B.C.), son of Amyntas II. While a hostage in Thebes (367–364), he gained much knowledge of Greece and its people. ..... Click the link for more information.

(359–336 B.C.) and Alexander the Great Alexander the Great or Alexander III, 356–323 B.C., king of Macedon, conqueror of much of Asia. Youth and Kingship The son of Philip II of Macedon and Olympias, he had Aristotle as his tutor and was given a classical education. ..... Click the link for more information. (336–323 B.C.). In the 2d cent. B.C., Macedonia became a Roman province. With the division (A.D. 395) of the Roman Empire, Macedonia came under Byzantine rule. Devastated by the Goths and Huns, it was settled (6th cent.) by the Slavs, who quickly made most of Macedonia a Slavic land. However, it continued under intermittent Byzantine domination until the 9th cent., when most of Macedonia was wrested from the Byzantine Empire by Bulgaria. Emperor Basil II Basil II, c.958–1025, Byzantine emperor (976–1025), surnamed Bulgaroktonos [Bulgar slayer].

With his brother, Constantine VIII, he nominally succeeded his father, Romanus II, in 963, but had no share in the government during the rule of the usurping generals ..... Click the link for more information. recovered it (1014–18) for Byzantium, but after the temporary breakup (1204) of the Byzantine Empire during the Fourth Crusade, Macedonia was bitterly contested among the Latin Empire of Constantinople, the Bulgars under Ivan II, the despots of Epirus, and the emperors of Nicaea. It again became part of the Byzantine Empire, which was restored in 1261, but in the 14th cent. Stephen Dušan of Serbia conquered all Macedonia except for present-day Thessaloníki. The fall of the Serbian empire in the late 14th cent. brought Macedonia under the rule of the Ottoman Turks, which lasted for five centuries. In the 19th cent. the national revival in the Balkans began; national and religious antagonism flared, and conflict was heightened by the Ottoman policy of playing one group against the other.

Meanwhile the Ottoman Empire lost control over the major sections of Greece, Serbia, and Bulgaria, each of which claimed Macedonia on historical or ethnical grounds. In the Treaty of San Stefano San Stefano, Treaty of , 1878, peace treaty between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, at the conclusion of the last of the Russo-Turkish Wars; it was signed at San Stefano (now Yeşilköy), a village W of İstanbul, Turkey. ..... Click the link for more information. (1878), which terminated the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78, Bulgaria was awarded the lion's share of Macedonia. However, the settlement was nullified by the European powers in the same year (see Berlin, Congress of Berlin, Congress of, 1878, called by the signers of the Treaty of Paris of 1856 (see Paris, Congress of) to reconsider the terms of the Treaty of San Stefano, which Russia had forced on the Ottoman Empire earlier in 1878. ..... Click the link for more information. ), and Macedonia was left under direct Ottoman control.

Modern History A secret terrorist organization working for Macedonian independence sprang up in the late 19th cent. and soon wielded great power. The komitadjis, as the terrorist bands were called, were generally supported by Bulgaria, which gained a major share of Macedonia in the first of the Balkan Wars Balkan Wars, 1912–13, two short wars, fought for the possession of the European territories of the Ottoman Empire. The outbreak of the Italo-Turkish War for the possession of Tripoli (1911) encouraged the Balkan states to increase their territory at Turkish expense. ..... Click the link for more information. (1912–13). Greece and Serbia turned against Bulgaria in the Second Balkan War, and the Treaty of Bucharest (1913) left Bulgaria only a small share of Macedonia, the rest of which was divided roughly along the present lines. Thousands of Macedonians fled to Bulgaria. In World War I the Salonica (present-day Thessaloníki) campaigns took place in Macedonia. After the war Macedonia became a hotbed of agitation and terrorism, directed largely from Bulgaria.

The population exchange among Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria after 1923 resulted in the replacement by Greek refugees from Asia Minor of most of the Slavic and Turkish elements in Greek Macedonia. Charging that the Greek minority in Bulgarian Macedonia was being mistreated, Greece in 1925 invaded Bulgaria. The League of Nations, however, forced a cession of hostilities and awarded (1926) a decision favorable to Bulgaria. Bulgarian relations with Yugoslavia (before 1929 the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes) remained strained over the Macedonian question. Frontier incidents were frequent, as were Yugoslav charges against Bulgaria for fostering the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (IMRO), a nationalist group that used violence, in Yugoslavia. Macedonian agitation against Serbian rule culminated (1934) in the assassination of King Alexander of Yugoslavia by a Macedonian nationalist at Marseilles. In World War II all Macedonia was occupied (1941–44) by Bulgaria, which sided with the Axis against Yugoslavia and Greece. The Bulgarian armistice treaty of 1944 restored the prewar boundaries, which were confirmed in the peace treaty of 1947.

The Yugoslav constitution of 1946 made Yugoslav Macedonia an autonomous unit in a federal state, and the Macedonian people were recognized as a separate nationality. Tension over Macedonia continued in the early postwar years. During the Greek civil war there was much conflict between Greece and Yugoslavia over Macedonia, and the breach between Yugoslavia and Bulgaria after 1948 helped to make the Macedonian question explosive. However, with the settlement of the civil war and with the easing of Yugoslav-Bulgarian relations after 1962, tension over Macedonia was reduced. In 1990, Yugoslav Macedonia elected its first non-Communist government and the following year the Republic of Macedonia was born. Bibliography See H. N. Brailsford, Macedonia: Its Races and Their Future (1971); H. Lydall, Yugoslavia in Crisis 1989). Macedonia a historical region in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. The concept of its geographical boundaries varied with time. The ideas of the historical regions of Macedonia as they existed during the 19th century have been accepted as the basis for general historical surveys. The territory of Macedonia has been inhabited since the Neolithic period.

The first historically known population consisted of Illyrian and Thracian tribes. In the fifth century B.C . a state arose on the territory of Macedonia (the Kingdom of Macedonia). In the sixth and seventh centuries A.D. , Macedonia was settled by Slavic tribes. Available data make it possible to regard these tribes, ethnically and linguistically, as belonging to a single group with several tribes that settled on the territory of presentday Bulgaria. The Slavs gradually assimilated the local population and created tribal principalities. In the seventh century Byzantium partially subjugated the Slavs of Macedonia. In 670-75 the proto-Bulgar horde of Khan Kuver (Kuber) invaded Macedonia and settled in the area of Bitola. In the second quarter of the ninth century most of Macedonia became part of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. In the ninth and tenth centuries feudal relations took shape in Macedonia, and Christianity became widespread as a result of the activity of the disciples of the Slavic educators Cyril and Methodius (Kliment, Naum, and others). In the tenth century a widespread antifeudal movement in the form of a heresy known as Bogomilism arose in Macedonia.

With the formation of the Western Bulgarian Kingdom in the 970’s, Macedonia was the nucleus of its territory. In 1018, Macedonia was conquered by Byzantium. In 1230 the territory of Macedonia became a part of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. In the mid-14th century Macedonia was conquered by the Sorbian king Stefan Dusan. The migrations of various ethnic communities (Bulgars, Greeks, Vlachs, Albanians, Serbs, Pechenegs, Ghuz, Armenians, Jews, and others) associated with frequent wars and with the campaigns of the Crusaders and other medieval conquerors created an extremely complex ethnic milieu in Macedonia. In the last quarter of the 14th century Macedonia was seized by the Ottoman Empire. Under Turkish domination there was a further increase in the variegated nature of Macedonia’s ethnic composition. There was an increased influx of Albanians. Many cities were settled primarily by Turks, and purely Muslim villages sprang up. Oppression by the Turkish feudal lords and the forcible introduction of Islam in Macedonia provoked antifeudal and anti-Ottoman movements, such as the struggle of the haiduks and the Klephts.

Mass emigration from Macedonia also took place. The struggle against Turkish domination intensified in the late 18th century, when elements of capitalism emerged and the process of national revival of the Macedonian peoples under Ottoman domination began. The intensified liberation struggle of the Greeks associated with the Greek War of Independence of 1821-29 also encompassed the Greek population in Macedonia. A liberation movement directed against the Ottoman yoke and against the policy of Hellenization being carried out by the Greek patriarchate of Constantinople also developed among the Slavic population of Macedonia. The movement developed mostly within the mainstream of the Bulgarian national revival—for example, the activity of the educators R. Zinzifov and the brothers D. and K. Miladinov. However, the Macedonian lands remained somewhat remote from the center of consolidation of the forming Bulgarian nation because of the socioeconomic backwardness of the Macedonian lands, the slowness of development of capitalist elements, and ethnic diversity. The eastern Bulgarian dialects became the basis for the Bulgarian literary language. Nevertheless, many Bulgarian educators from Macedonia advocated the incorporation in the Bulgarian literary language and culture of the dialectal uniqueness and specific quality of the Bulgarians in Macedonia.

In the 1860’s textbooks were written in Macedonia using local dialects (K. Sapkarev and P. Zografski). In contrast, during the 1870’s the idea of creating an independent Macedonian literary language arose among certain members of the intelligentsia (G. Pulevski). However, a separate literary language did not take shape in Macedonia. The ties (primarily the economic ties) between Macedonia, which remained under Turkish domination, and the newly formed principality of Bulgaria weakened after the Berlin Congress of 1878. In the 1890’s a mass national and antifeudal movement developed in Macedonia and in the adjacent vilayet of Adrianople (Edirne), which was also a part of the Ottoman Empire. The bourgeois-monarchical governments of Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece strove to use the liberation movement for their own expansionist purposes, but this policy carried with it the danger of the fragmentation of Macedonia.

In 1896 the revolutionary-democratic left wing of the Internal Macedonia-Edirne Revolutionary Organization (IMRO), founded in 1893 and led by Gotse Delchev (Goce Del6ev), put forth the slogan “Macedonia for the Macedonians”; in the realization of this slogan it saw a way to unite all the nationalities of Macedonia in a general struggle for political independence and social justice. Under this slogan a national liberation uprising broke out in Macedonia in 1903, during which the “Krusevo Republic” was proclaimed, and a provisional revolutionary government was formed under the leadership of N. Karev (the leader of the Macedonian Social Democratic League in Sofia, which was associated with the Bulgarian Workers’ Social Democratic Party). At the turn of the 20th century the Macedonian revolutionary liberation movement, which developed in a continuous and acute struggle with the part of the bourgeois circles of Macedonia that was associated with Bulgarian, Greek, and Sorbian nationalists, facilitated the dissemination in democratic circles of the Macedonian population (primarily the Bulgarians) of ideas concerning the specificity of political interests, as well as prospects for the development of Macedonia.

Under these circumstances the idea of creating a Macedonian literary language arose and was manifested in the activity of K. Misirkov in the early 20th century. The new awareness of a unique political community, which was reinforced, subsequently also led to a gradual maturing of the cultural community. With the growing acuteness of the struggle among the European powers (particularly Germany and Austria-Hungary) for the Balkan Peninsula at the beginning of the 20th century, Macedonia became a center of international conflicts. The struggle for Macedonia among the Balkan nations themselves also became more acute. As a result of the Balkan Wars of 1912-13, the entire historical region of Macedonia was divided up among Serbia (Vardar Macedonia), Greece (Aegean Macedonia), and Bulgaria (Pirin Macedonia). REFERENCES

Question: Which European country has land borders with Greece, Turkey, Romania, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia?
Answer: Bulgaria