Country Profile: North Macedonia

North Macedonia is a landlocked country located in Southeastern Europe, characterized by its mountainous terrain and rich cultural heritage. With a population of approximately 2.1 million, it is home to a diverse society with a significant Albanian minority. The economy is classified as upper-middle-income, driven by private consumption and public investments, but it faces challenges such as rising public debt and ongoing governance issues. Governance is maintained through a parliamentary republic framework with universal suffrage and a commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration.

Geography

North Macedonia is situated in Southeastern Europe, bordered by Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, and Serbia. It features a mountainous terrain, with three major lakes and the Vardar River bisecting the country. The climate includes warm, dry summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall, making it a region of diverse ecosystems.

25,713 sq km: Total area, slightly larger than Vermont.
0 km: Coastline, as it is a landlocked country.
2,764 m: Highest point, Golem Korab.
49.8%: Land used for agriculture (2022).
39.7%: Forested area (2022).

People and Society

The population of North Macedonia is estimated to be 2,135,622 in 2024, with a balanced gender distribution. The society is ethnically diverse, predominantly Macedonian, with substantial Albanian and other minorities. The country has a relatively high literacy rate and a significant urban population, reflecting its modernization efforts.

61.4%: Macedonian speakers (official language).
46.1%: Population adhering to Macedonian Orthodox Christianity.
68.4%: Population aged between 15-64 years.
59.5%: Urban population as of 2023.
77.3 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).

Economy

North Macedonia has a mixed economy that is classified as upper-middle-income, with a GDP of approximately $16.685 billion in 2024. The economy has experienced fluctuations, with reliance on private consumption and infrastructure investments. Structural challenges persist, including high unemployment and governance issues that hinder economic progress.

2.8%: Real GDP growth rate estimated for 2024.
22.7%: Industry's contribution to GDP (2024).
13.5%: Unemployment rate for 2024.
2.7%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2024).
$24,500: Real GDP per capita (2024).

Government

North Macedonia operates as a parliamentary republic, having gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. The government is led by a president and a unicameral assembly, with regular elections and a commitment to democratic processes. The political landscape is characterized by multiple parties representing various ethnic groups.

123: Members in the unicameral Assembly.
18 years: Minimum voting age.
Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova: President since May 2024.
39.2%: Percentage of women in the Assembly (2024).

Military and Security

The military of North Macedonia, known as the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia, consists of approximately 6,000 active personnel as of 2024. It is involved in international missions, underscoring its commitment to NATO after joining in 2020. The military's capabilities are evolving with modern equipment acquisitions.

2.2%: Military spending as a percentage of GDP (2024).
18 years: Minimum age for voluntary military service.
993.662 million kWh: Electricity losses in transmission (2023).

Energy

North Macedonia has achieved 100% electrification for its population as of 2022. The energy sector encompasses various sources, primarily fossil fuels, alongside growing renewables such as solar and hydroelectric power. The country aims to modernize its energy infrastructure and diversify energy sources.

2.467 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
5.896 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
68.2%: Share of fossil fuels in the energy mix (2023).

Environment

The country faces several environmental challenges, including air pollution from industrial activities and vehicle emissions. North Macedonia is committed to various international environmental agreements, reflecting its dedication to addressing climate change and biodiversity.

49.8%: Agricultural land usage (2022).
7.05 megatons: Carbon dioxide emissions (2016).
25.17 micrograms: Particulate matter emissions (2019).

Transportation

North Macedonia has a developing transportation infrastructure that includes railways and a growing number of airports. The country's strategic location serves as a vital transit corridor in the region.

699 km: Total railway length (2020).
13: Number of airports projected by 2025.
13: Heliports projected by 2025.

Communications

With a high level of mobile and internet connectivity, North Macedonia's communications sector is evolving. The majority of the population has access to mobile services and the internet, promoting digital engagement.

1.92 million: Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
87%: Internet users as a percentage of the population (2023).
515,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,135,622 (2024 est.)	Total estimated population
Area	25,713 sq km	Total area of the country
GDP	$16.685 billion (2024 est.)	GDP at official exchange rate
Energy consumption	5.896 billion kWh (2023)	Total electricity consumption
Birth rate	10.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)	Total birth rate
Unemployment rate	13.5% (2024 est.)	Percentage of the labor force unemployed
Life expectancy at birth	77.3 years (2024 est.)	Average life expectancy
Urbanization rate	59.5% (2023)	Percentage of the urban population
Literacy rate	97.8% (female, 2018 est.)	Percentage of literate women
Military expenditures	2.2% of GDP (2024 est.)	Military spending as % of GDP