Skopje, the capital of the Republic of Macedonia is an important, strategic centre in the Balkans because it links the east to the west, the north to the south. It is the seat of the Macedonian Government and Parliament.
Skopje is situated in Skopje Valley along the Vardar River, the biggest river in Macedonia, at 240 m above sea level. The city is surrounded by several mountain ranges: Skopska Crna Gora to the north, Vodno and Jakupica to the south. The river divides the city into a south and north part. Skopje covers an area of 1818km2 and is 35 km long along the Vardar River and about 20 km wide. In Skopje and its surroundings there are 700,000 inhabitants, i.e. about one third of the total population of Macedonia.
Skopje is thousands of years old city which bears the burden of a turbulent history. At the same time it’s a modern capital that offers rich cultural and natural attractions and an outstanding experience of the Balkan life.
General Facts about Skopje
Time Zone
Central European time (GMT + 1)
Language
The official language is Macedonian and the official alphabet is Cyrillic. In percentages there are:
- 67% Macedonians
- 23% Albanians (who live mostly in the western part of Macedonia)
- 5% Turks
- 3% Gypsies
- 2% Serbs, Bosnians, Wallachians, Egyptians, etc
Religion
Faith and religion lie deep in the soul of our people no matter what religion they are. In percentages there are:
- 68% Orthodox religion
- 30% Muslim religion
- 2% other religious communities
Climate
The climate is modified continental with certain Mediterranean influences
Average Temperature
13,5°C/56°F
Electric current in Macedonia
220 volts, 50 hertz
Currency
The official currency is Macedonian denar
1 euro = 61.50 denars
Holidays in the Republic of Macedonia
- 1st and 2nd January - New Year's Holiday
- 7th January - Christmas
- 1st and 2nd May - International Labor Day
- 24th May – St. Cyril and Methodius’ Day
- 2nd August - Ilinden, a national holiday
- 8th September - Independence Day of the Republic of Macedonia
- 11th October - Day of the Uprising of Macedonian People
- 23rd October - Day of Macedonian Revolution
- 8th December – St. Clement of Ohrid