Macedonia
Geography
Macedonia, officially known as the Republic of North Macedonia, is a country located in the southeastern region of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered by Kosovo to the northwest, Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west. The country's terrain is characterized by a central valley formed by the Vardar river and surrounded by mountainous regions.
History
The history of Macedonia is rich and complex, with human habitation in the region dating back to the Paleolithic era. The earliest known civilizations in the area, the Paeonians and the Dardanians, were followed by the establishment of the kingdom of Paeonia, which was later conquered by the kingdom of Macedon. The Macedon kingdom, under the rule of Philip II and his son Alexander the Great, became a major power in the ancient world.
Culture
Macedonian culture is a blend of classical Mediterranean influences, Ottoman influences, and the traditions of the indigenous Slavic and Illyrian people. The country's culture is characterized by its rich folklore, music, dance, visual arts, and cuisine.
Economy
The economy of Macedonia is classified as an upper-middle income economy by the World Bank. The country has made significant progress in developing an open, market-based economy since it gained independence in 1991. The service sector dominates the Macedonian economy, followed by the industrial and agricultural sectors.
Politics
Macedonia is a parliamentary democracy with an executive government composed of a coalition of parties from the unicameral legislature (Sobranie) and an independent judicial branch with a constitutional court. The President of Macedonia is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.