Macedonia Travel Guide

Full Name

Republic of Macedonia

Former Name

Macedonia; note - the provisional designation used by the UN, EU, and NATO is Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)

Capital City

Skopje

Government Type

parliamentary democracy

Area Size

25,333 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +1 hour

Climate

As a landlocked country, Macedonia has a pronounced continental climate, with very cold winters and hot summers.

Geography

The Republic of Macedonia is a landlocked country that is geographically clearly defined by a central valley formed by the Vardar river and framed along its borders by mountain ranges. The Republic's terrain is mostly rugged, located between the Å ara and Osogovo, which frame the valley of the Vardar river. Three large lakes (Lake Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Dojran Lake) lie on the southern borders of the Republic, bisected by the frontiers with Albania and Greece. Ohrid is considered to be one of the oldest lakes and biotopes in the world. The region is seismically active and has been the site of destructive earthquakes in the past, most recently in 1963 when Skopje was heavily damaged by a major earthquake, killing over 1,000.

Languages

Macedonian 66.5%, Albanian 25.1%, Turkish 3.5%, Roma 1.9%, Serbian 1.2%, other 1.8% (2002 census)

Culture

Macedonia is a treasury of cultural wealth. The Slavonic alphabet was born in Macedonia, where the Macedonian educators Cyril and Methody, and Clement and Naum played an important part in the spread of Christianity. Macedonian builders and mosaic masters shone like a bright star in the dark period of European culture prior to the Renaissance. Scholars and writers often refer to Macedonia as a magical country for archaeology - there are many historical sites, including those at Stobi (Gradsko), Heraclea Lyncestis (Bitola), Lychnidos (Ohrid) and Scupi (Skopje). In the site of Vinicko Kale (near Vinica), the discovery of terracotta icons aroused great interest among historians and archaeologists. The Basilica Mosaic in Heraclea Lyncestis is one of the most famous mosaics of antiquity. There are many remains from Roman times and the early Christian period.

History

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 and symbols delayed international recognition, which occurred under the temporary moniker of the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." In 1995, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, although differences over Macedonia's name remain. The undetermined status of neighboring Kosovo, implementation of the Framework Agreement - which ended the 2001 ethnic Albanian armed insurgency - and a weak economy continue to be challenges for Macedonia.

Travel Information

The national airline is Macedonian Airlines (MAT) (IN). Skopje (SKP) is 25km from the city. Taxis are available to the city centre. Facilities: Include duty-free shop, bar and restaurant, bank/bureau de change, baggage facilities, post office and car hire. There is also an airport at Ohrid. Intercity trains operate between Skopje and Belgrade (Serbia) via Ni¡s. Trains also run between Skopje and Thessaloniki (Greece). The international bus station in Skopje serves buses destined for Tirana (Albania), Sofia (Bulgaria), Belgrade (Serbia) and Istanbul (Turkey), and buses to Germany.

Accommodation

Macedonia has one deluxe/A-class hotel. There are B-class hotels in Skopje and the Ohrid Lake tourist area on the border with Albania and Greece.

Visa Requirements

Visas are not required by all nationals of the EU and USA above for tourist and business stays of up to three months except: nationals of Australia and Canada. Nationals of Australia and Canada should have a return ticket, invitation letter or hotel booking to obtain a visa. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Visas are valid for up to three months. Transit visas valid for up to five days. Apply to nearest diplomatic or consular mission. Passport with at least three to six months' validity (depends on the individual case) required by all nationals of countries referred to above.

Getting Around

There are no regularly scheduled domestic flights - however, there are occasional flights between Ohrid and Skopje. Makedonski Zeleznici operates rail links from Skopje to Kumanovo in the north, to Stip in the east, to Veles and Gevgelija in the south, and to Prilep and Bitola in the southwest . The bus network in Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic) is well developed with frequent services from Skopje to Ohrid and Bitola. Long-distance buses need to be booked well in advance.

Health & Safety

Travellers are adviced to take special precautions for Hepatitis A and Tetanus.Depending on season Diphtheria and Typhoid may be adviced. Vaccination against hepatitis B and tuberculosis is sometimes advised. Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe,may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Prescribed medicines must be paid for. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Health insurance with emergency repatriation is strongly recommended for all nationals. Most visits to Macedonia are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. Travellers should exercise caution if intending to travel to the northern and western border regions of Macedonia. Sporadic acts of violence do still occur in Macedonia, particularly in the north, but also including Skopje. There is also the possibility that any future political protests could turn violent.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 6-7 Jan - Orthodox Christmas. 8 Mar - International Women’s Day. 9 Apr - Orthodox Easter Monday. 1 May - May Day. 2 Aug - Ilinden (National Holiday). 8 Sep - Independence Day

Currency

Macedonian Denar (MKD)

Electricity

220v AC, 50Hz

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am - 3.30pm.

Emergency Numbers

94(Ambulance) 93(Fire) 92(Police)