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The Republic of Macedonia Cradle of culture (Land of nature)

Sent by Webmaster on 17 March 2005 @ 21:18

The Republic of Macedonia is a small country situated in the southern part of Balkan peninsula .It is a natural bridge between east and west ,north and south. The majority of population are the Macedonians ,while the most numerous among the minorities are the Albanian ,Turks, Roma ,Serbs and est.

The Republic of Macedonia abounds in natural beauties and rarities. Many have named it "the pearl of the Balkans". The numerous mountains, forests, rivers and lakes present a great tourist attraction. The country is rich in water resources. That is why it is often called "the land of lakes" because of the many tectonic, glacial and man-made lakes. There are about fifty large and small lakes, the most significant ones: the lakes of Ohrid , Prespa and Doyran .The rivers form three basins ,the largest one-the Vardar river. The high mountains present impressive, spectacular landscapes. because of the great variety of plant and animal species ,some areas in the mountains have been conditions for the proclaimed national parks: Mavrovo,Pelister,Galicica.There are various climatic zones in the country. Temperate Mediterranean on the south (with warm summers and mild winters) and moderate continental on north with more marked seasonal extremes.

The main administrative centre of the country is Skopje, With population of more than 541.000 inhabitants. It is a place where many roast and civilizations have met and mingled .Other larger towns are Bitola ,Prilep,Kumanovo,Tetovo,Ohrid.The city of Ohrid ,situated on the shore of lake Ohrid with its natural beauties, historical and cultural heritage enjoys the protections of UNESCO. Ohrid abounds with a large numbers of historical and cultural monuments lovely beaches, accommodation facilities .The basin of Lake Prespa is another popular tourist destination with its wild beauty. The Lake offers place in several various accommodation facilities in Oteshevo and Pretor -tourist center .Lake Doyran the smallest of the tectonic Lakes due to its mild climate and warm water is considered to have medical qualities .There are several hotels and camp sites on the shore of this lake ,too.

The position of the country and its configuration ,climate and hydrographs provide favorable development of tourism .For accommodation of tourist the Republic of Macedonia has at its disposal 90 hotels ,10 camps and some 27.000boths in private sector. The total number of baths in all accommodation facilities amounts to about 80.000.The most popular touristic destination are Lake Ohrid ,Lake Prespa ,Lake Doyran , where 80 % of total capacities are located and the biggest part of the tourism turnover and revenues derived.

For winter tourism there are several well-known winter sports centers:Popova Shapka ,Mavrovo ,Krushevo and Pelister .They provide all the necessary facilities for sports and recreations such as comfortable resorts and hotels cable cars and ski lifts.There are more than 60 thermal springs tapped at several spas : Katlanovo spa, Kosovrasti spa ,Bansko ,Negorci ,Kezovica spa .They offer facilities for treatment rehabilitation and recreation .

Nowadays the Republic of Macedonia is a veritable treasury of cultural heritage. The country treasure s a large number of cultural and historical monuments :churches ,monasteries , icons, archaeological cities ,mosques ,old books and other artifacts. The first Slavic alphabet and literature also have there roots here .Many internationally recognized events are held in the country :Ohrid summer festival ,Struga poetry evenings ,Balcan festivals of folk song and dances ,Galitchnik wedding. National folklore traditional arts and crafts are still cherished .The finely embroidered national costumes ,the numerous old crafts shops have played and important part in preserving the tradition.

Area:25.713 sq km

Population:1936877

Capital: Skopje

Language :Macedonian

Alphabet:Curillic

Religions :Orthodox,Muslim,Roman Catholic

Politic structure:state with parliamentary democracy

Localities under UNESCO protection :the city of Ohrid and Ohrid Lake

Currency:Denar(MDen)

Time:GMT

GMT+1(from March to September)

National holodays: