North Macedonia

North Macedonia is a small country in southeastern Europe in the Balkans. It is a landlocked country surrounded by mountains. North Macedonia has a long history going back thousands of years. The country is known for its beautiful Lake Ohrid and friendly people.

Land and People

About 2 million people live in North Macedonia. The capital and largest city is Skopje. The country is mostly mountainous with valleys and lakes. Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe.

Culture and Fun Facts

North Macedonia has a rich mix of cultures and traditions. The old town of Ohrid has hundreds of churches and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Macedonian food includes dishes like tavche gravche, a baked bean dish. The country changed its name from Macedonia to North Macedonia in 2019.

Fun Facts

  • Lake Ohrid is about 3 million years old, making it one of the oldest lakes in the world.
  • The city of Ohrid once had 365 churches, one for every day of the year.
  • Mother Teresa, the famous nun and humanitarian, was born in Skopje in 1910.

Did You Know?

Mother Teresa, who is famous for helping the poor in India, was actually born in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. A memorial house in the city honors her memory.