Flag Description

a yellow sun (the Sun of Liberty) with eight broadening rays extending to the edges of the red field; the red and yellow colors have long been associated with Macedonia

Background:Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991. Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols delayed international recognition, which occurred under the provisional designation of "the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." In 1995, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, but the issue of the name remained unresolved and negotiations for a solution are ongoing. Since 2004, the US and over 130 other nations have recognized Macedonia by its constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia. Ethnic Albanian grievances over perceived political and economic inequities escalated into an insurgency in 2001 that eventually led to the internationally brokered Ohrid Framework Agreement, which ended the fighting and established guidelines for constitutional amendments and the creation of new laws that enhanced the rights of minorities. Although Macedonia became an EU candidate in 2005, the country still faces challenges, including fully implementing the Framework Agreement, improving relations with Bulgaria, carrying out democratic reforms, and stimulating economic growth and development. Macedonia's membership in NATO was blocked by Greece at the Alliance's Summit of Bucharest in 2008.

Total Area: 25,713 sq km

Land Area:25,433 sq km

Water Area:280 sq km

Land Boundries Total:838 km

Border Countries:Albania 181 km, Bulgaria 162 km, Greece 234 km, Kosovo 160 km, Serbia 101 km

Coastline:0 km (landlocked)

Lowest Point:Vardar River 50 m

Highest Point:Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,764 m

Population:2,091,719 (July 2014 est.)

Population Growth Rate:0.21% (2014 est.)

Religion:Macedonian Orthodox 64.7%, Muslim 33.3%, other Christian 0.37%, other and unspecified 1.63% (2002 census)

Literacy(%):0.974

Literacy(%) Male:0.987

Literacy(%) Female:96% (2011 est.)

Independence Day:8 September 1991 (referendum by registered voters endorsed independence from Yugoslavia)

National Holiday:Independence Day, 8 September (1991); also known as National Day

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