Country Profile: North Macedonia

North Macedonia, located in Southeastern Europe, is a landlocked country bordered by Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Kosovo, and Serbia. With a population of over 2 million, it is characterized by a diverse ethnic composition, including a significant Albanian minority. The country has faced various political challenges since gaining independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, especially concerning its name and relations with Greece. Economically, North Macedonia is categorized as an upper-middle-income nation, with growth driven by private consumption and public investments, but it continues to grapple with structural issues such as emigration and low productivity.

Geography

North Macedonia is positioned in Southeastern Europe, north of Greece, with a total land area of approximately 25,713 sq km. The terrain is primarily mountainous, punctuated by deep basins and valleys, including three significant lakes and the Vardar River, which bisects the country. As a landlocked nation, it has no coastline but serves as a significant transport corridor for trade between Western and Central Europe and the Aegean Sea.

Total area: 25,713 sq km
Population density: Urban areas show higher density, with 59.5% of the population residing in urban settings.
Highest point: Golem Korab at 2,764 m.
Natural resources: Includes iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, and arable land.
Climate: Features warm, dry summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall.

People and Society

The estimated population of North Macedonia is 2,137,556 as of 2025, comprising a mix of ethnic groups, including Macedonians (58.4%) and Albanians (24.3%). The country has made strides in enhancing minority rights, particularly through the Ohrid Framework Agreement. The official languages are Macedonian and Albanian, reflecting this diversity. The population is fairly well-educated, with a literacy rate of 97.8% among women.

Population growth rate: 0.08% (2025).
Urbanization rate: 59.5% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
Median age: 40.9 years (2025).
Life expectancy: 77.3 years (2024) for the total population.
Infant mortality rate: 6.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025).
Religions: 46.1% Orthodox, 32.2% Islam.

Economy

North Macedonia's economy is classified as upper-middle-income, with GDP growth supported by private consumption and public infrastructure investments. As of 2024, the projected GDP (PPP) stands at $43.844 billion, with a GDP per capita of $24,500. However, the country faces challenges including rising public debt and a need for structural reforms to combat emigration and enhance productivity. The unemployment rate remains a concern at 13.5% in 2024.

GDP growth rate: 2.8% (2024).
Current account deficit: -$374.385 million (2024).
Public debt: Rising due to extensive public pensions and wages.
Labor force: Approximately 779,200 individuals (2024).
Exports: $10.445 billion (2024) with Germany as the largest partner at 39%.

Government

North Macedonia operates as a parliamentary republic with a unicameral Assembly. The country gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the most recent presidential elections occurred in May 2024, where President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova took office. The government is characterized by multiple political parties, reflecting a diverse political landscape.

Administrative divisions: 80 municipalities.
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years.
Legislative structure: 123 seats in the Assembly, all directly elected.
Next expected election: May 2028.

Military and Security

North Macedonia's military includes the Army of the Republic, which focuses on NATO commitments and national defense, operating approximately 6,000 active personnel. The military budget as of 2025 is 2% of GDP, emphasizing North Macedonia's role in regional security.

Military service age: 18 years; conscription was abolished in 2007.
Participation in NATO: Joined in 2020.
Military equipment: A mix of older Soviet-era and modern Western equipment.

Energy

The energy sector in North Macedonia relies heavily on fossil fuels, with 68.2% of electricity generated from these sources. The country has made strides towards renewable energy, particularly in hydroelectricity, which accounts for 24% of generation capacity.

Electricity access: 100% of the population (2022).
Installed capacity: 2.467 million kW (2023).
Coal consumption: 5.344 million metric tons (2023).

Environment

North Macedonia faces environmental challenges, particularly air pollution from metallurgical plants and vehicle emissions. The country is party to several international environmental agreements, reflecting its commitment to addressing these issues.

Municipal solid waste: Approximately 627,000 tons generated annually (2024).
Recycling rate: Only 4.9% of municipal solid waste (2022).
Carbon dioxide emissions: Estimated at 7.369 million metric tonnes (2023).

Transportation

The transport infrastructure includes 699 km of railways (with 313 km electrified) and 13 airports. The country is strategically positioned as a transit route between major European regions.

Civil aircraft registration: Code Z3.
Heliports: 13 (2025).

Communications

North Macedonia has a growing telecommunications sector with a high penetration rate of mobile subscriptions. As of 2024, there are nearly 2 million mobile cellular subscriptions.

Internet users: 87% of the population (2023).
Fixed broadband subscriptions: 515,000 (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,137,556	2025 estimate
Area	25,713 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$43.844 billion	2024 estimate
GDP per capita	$24,500	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	13.5%	2024 estimate
Life expectancy	77.3 years	2024 estimate
Birth rate	10.07 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Urban population	59.5%	2023 estimate
Military expenditures	2% of GDP	2025 estimate
Carbon dioxide emissions	7.369 million metric tonnes	2023 estimate