About Macedonia

The Republic of Macedonia is a country located in the central Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991. It became a member of the United Nations in 1993.

Location of Macedonia

The country has a total area of 25,713 km2, with around 2,060,000 inhabitants. The capital is Skopje. The Republic of Macedonia is bordered by Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, Albania to the west and Kosovo to the northwest.

It has more than 50 lakes and 16 mountains higher than 2,000 m (6,562 ft). Macedonia is a member of the UN and the Council of Europe. Since December 2005 it has also been a candidate for joining the European Union and has applied for NATO membership.

The country has 3 national parks:

Mavrovo
Galichica
Pelister

Mavrovo

Mavrovo is a region in the northwest of the Republic of Macedonia. It is home to the Mavrovo National Park and winter sports center. Mavrovo National Park is the biggest national park in the country with the area of 731 km².

The region’s location at Bistra mountain and the Lake Mavrovo have helped it grow into a year-round tourist center. Mavrovo is the most popular ski center in the country.

The Mavrovo lake lies at an altitude of 1220 m and its foundation began in 1953. It is 12 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide and covers an area of 13,3 km². The coast is 24 kilometers long. The deepest measured spot of the lake is 48 meters. There are a lot of fish species, such as: trout, minnows etc… Lots of fishermen come to fish at Mavrovo lake during weekends.

Galichica

Galichica mountain is situated across the border between the Republic of Macedonia and Albania. There is a National park on the Macedonian side of the mountain, situated between the two biggest lakes in the republic: Ohrid Lake and Prespa Lake. It stretches over an area of 250 km².

The floral life in the National Park Galichica is represented by over 1000 species, of which a large number of relicts and endems. The characteristical presence of 11 discovered local endems are to be found exclusively on the slopes of Galichica and nowhere else, which illustrates the specifically floristic composition of this mountain.

The lynx is of particular interest to this national park and the country itself. Special efforts are made in order to secure its presence in the area since it is considered as an endangered species. An interesting fact is that the shape of the lynx can be seen on the reverse side of the 5 denars coin. Beautiful views across the lakes and neighbouring mountains can be seen from the Galichica peaks, among which Magaro (2254 m) is the highest.

Pelister

The National Park Pelister is filled with exquisite flora and fauna. Among the flora elements, the five-needle pine molika is especially significant, Pinus peuce - a unique species of tertiary age being present on only a few mountains in the Balkan Peninsula. The beauty of the landscape is enhanced by the diversified wildlife: bears, roe deer, wolves, chamois, deer, wild boars, rabbits, several species of eagles, partridges, redbilled jackdaws, and the endemic Macedonian Pelagonia trout.

Pelister is the oldest and second largest national park in the Republic of Macedonia after Mavrovo. It is one of the leading tourist areas in the country, along with Ohrid, Prespa, Dojran, Popova Šapka, and Kruševo, and a well-known ski resort.

Interestingly, Pelister is one of the most southern mountains in the Balkans that has an alpine character, and it is also known for its two mountain lakes, called Pelister's Eyes. The Big Lake is 2,218 metres above the sea level while the Small Lake is 2,180 metres high. The climate is diverse: on the peaks, there is snow even in July, and in some places the new snow meets the old one from previous years.

Climate

Macedonia has a transitional climate from Mediterranean to continental. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are moderately cold.

General information

The country officially celebrates 8th September as the Independence day, with regard to the referendum endorsing independence from Yugoslavia (1991), albeit legalising participation in future union of the former states of Yugoslavia. The anniversary of the start of the Ilinden uprising (St. Elijah's Day) on 2nd August is also widely celebrated on an official level as the Day of the Republic.

Macedonia is a multicultural country. The largest ethnic group are the Macedonians, but there are also other ethnic groups such as Albanians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, Vlachs, Bosniaks and other. The official language is Macedonian; in everyday life one can hear a variety of all of the other languages of the ethnic groups.

Macedonia is a parliamentary democracy with an executive government composed of a coalition of parties from the unicameral legislature and an independent judicial branch with a constitutional court.

About Skopje

Skopje is located in the northern part of Macedonia. It’s population is 600,000 being the largest and most diverse city in the country.

Throughout history Skopje has been occupied by many different occupiers. This is evidenced by the several Byzantine churches and monasteries around the city, also by a few Roman sites, such as Scupi and Skopje Aqueduct. However, Ottoman occupiers left the greatest impact on Skopje. They ruled Macedonia for hundreds of years and built numerous mosques and other buildings.

There were several disastrous events that happened but luckily this city rose above them. In 1689 the Austrian general Piccolomini set fire to Skopje because it was hit by the plague.

Another terrible but far more recent event was the earthquake in 1963 that came just after the big flood in 1962. 80% of the city was destroyed and thousands of people were killed. Thanks to generous charities and donations Skopje was quickly rebuild. Because of this Skopje is often referred to as the city of solidarity.

Skopje is also known to be the birthplace of Mother Teresa, a great humanitarian worker and a Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1979.

Skopje is located on the upper course of the Vardar River and is located on a major north-south Balkan route between Belgrade and Athens. It is a center for metal-processing, chemical, timber, textile, leather, and printing industries. The industrial development of the city has been accompanied by development of the trade, logistics, and banking sectors, combined with an emphasis on the fields of culture and sport.

Skopje is becoming a modern city. Home to about quarter of the entire population of the country, it is also home to many minorities.

What to see

History and Museums

Kale Fortress - Kale fortress stands on the highest hill in the Skopje valley and offers great views over the city. The oldest section of the fortress is within the present day fortifications. Most of the present day fortifications originate from the 10th century (the square tower) and 13th century (the round tower).
Stone Bridge The stone bridge was built in the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor Justinian. Since then it has been the symbol of the city and every ruler tried to leave a mark on it, even Skopje's last major who has been restoring it for 10 years now.
The Milennium Cross - The Millennium Cross, situated on the peak of the mountain Vodno, is one of the most famous tourist attractions. There are 2 ways to get up there, by foot, or by a special bus line and a fenicular.
Bedesten - The most precious goods, like silk, spices, jewelry and perfumes, were sold in the bedesten, an object within the old bazaar, with gates which were closed in the evenings so the goods would be protected.
Mother Teresa House - Macedonia street, not far from the City Museum. Mother Teresa was born and lived in Skopje until she was 18. The original house is no longer present, but there is a beautiful and tranquil modern chapel and interpretive centre on the site.
Museums (Old Railway Station – Skopje City Museum) - Old railway station – Skopje city museum. The old railway station stands half ruined as a monument to the earthquake of 1963.
The Museum of contemporary art has a collection of 4,800 artworks, including Picasso, Aleshinski, Leze, Sulaz, Lui Can, Hartung, Gaitis; Macedonian National Museum & Icon Gallery. Divided in three departments: archeological, historical, and ethnological (the same ticket covers them all). It is highly advisable to visit the ethnological section, since it is a very good one.

Nature

Matka Canyon (twenty minutes away from Skopje). Features a lake and a hydro dam. Climbers enjoy a variety of tours there.
Vodno Mountain is the largest mountain to the south of Skopje. Climbing this mountain will give the best views of the city and the valley in which Skopje is situated. If the weather conditions are good, you can also climb up to the Millenium Cross, one of the largest Christian crosses in the world.

Shopping

Old Bazaar - Even though some parts of the old bazaar have been destroyed to make streets and parking lots, it still is the largest one in the Balkans.
City Mall Skopje - The biggest shopping center in the city. It includes cafés, restaurants, bars, banks, shops,and even has a bowling court.
Ramstore Mall - It has shops, restaurants, cafes and cinema.
Vero Shopping Center - This is one the newest shopping centers in Skopje. It has shops, restaurants, cafes and a cinema.

Things that we suggest

Some Tips:

No Euros here. You might be able to pay with Euros at the airports and some touristic places, but it is important that you have some denars with you. There are exchange offices in many places in Skopje, as well as in hotels.
No shopping on Sunday - Most shops close on Sunday, and during weekdays they are open untill 8:00pm.

Don't go home without:

Tavche gravche – we can try to explain it but the explanation won’t do justice to what that is, let’s just say it a must eat dish, typical Macedonian.
Ajvar – the same explanation as above
Burek – same as above
Macedonian barbeque a.k.a. skara
Souvenirs – that can be found all over the city
And many more things that you will experience if you come and visit us! Just don’t forget to bring your IAESTE spirit!

Security and Health Insurance

Drinking and eating-out is hygienic and the tap water is safe (the tap water is clean, but if you have a sensitive stomach we wouldn’t recommend it). Personal travel insurance is strongly recommended, including coverage of personal accidents, sickness, loss or damage to luggage and personal effects and cancellation charges.

Patron

Main media sponsors

List of sponsors


	ABOUT US Conference Macedonia Accommodation REGISTRATION CONFERENCE RECEPTION Visa information What you need Arrival Hotel Registration Departure PROGRAM Conference program Evening and social program Nametags POST-CONFERENCE TOUR SPONSORS CONTACT	About Macedonia The Republic of Macedonia is a country located in the central Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991. It became a member of the United Nations in 1993. Location of Macedonia The country has a total area of 25,713 km2, with around 2,060,000 inhabitants. The capital is Skopje. The Republic of Macedonia is bordered by Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, Albania to the west and Kosovo to the northwest. It has more than 50 lakes and 16 mountains higher than 2,000 m (6,562 ft). Macedonia is a member of the UN and the Council of Europe. Since December 2005 it has also been a candidate for joining the European Union and has applied for NATO membership. The country has 3 national parks: Mavrovo Galichica Pelister Mavrovo Mavrovo is a region in the northwest of the Republic of Macedonia. It is home to the Mavrovo National Park and winter sports center. Mavrovo National Park is the biggest national park in the country with the area of 731 km². The region’s location at Bistra mountain and the Lake Mavrovo have helped it grow into a year-round tourist center. Mavrovo is the most popular ski center in the country. The Mavrovo lake lies at an altitude of 1220 m and its foundation began in 1953. It is 12 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide and covers an area of 13,3 km². The coast is 24 kilometers long. The deepest measured spot of the lake is 48 meters. There are a lot of fish species, such as: trout, minnows etc… Lots of fishermen come to fish at Mavrovo lake during weekends. Galichica Galichica mountain is situated across the border between the Republic of Macedonia and Albania. There is a National park on the Macedonian side of the mountain, situated between the two biggest lakes in the republic: Ohrid Lake and Prespa Lake. It stretches over an area of 250 km². The floral life in the National Park Galichica is represented by over 1000 species, of which a large number of relicts and endems. The characteristical presence of 11 discovered local endems are to be found exclusively on the slopes of Galichica and nowhere else, which illustrates the specifically floristic composition of this mountain. The lynx is of particular interest to this national park and the country itself. Special efforts are made in order to secure its presence in the area since it is considered as an endangered species. An interesting fact is that the shape of the lynx can be seen on the reverse side of the 5 denars coin. Beautiful views across the lakes and neighbouring mountains can be seen from the Galichica peaks, among which Magaro (2254 m) is the highest. Pelister The National Park Pelister is filled with exquisite flora and fauna. Among the flora elements, the five-needle pine molika is especially significant, Pinus peuce - a unique species of tertiary age being present on only a few mountains in the Balkan Peninsula. The beauty of the landscape is enhanced by the diversified wildlife: bears, roe deer, wolves, chamois, deer, wild boars, rabbits, several species of eagles, partridges, redbilled jackdaws, and the endemic Macedonian Pelagonia trout. Pelister is the oldest and second largest national park in the Republic of Macedonia after Mavrovo. It is one of the leading tourist areas in the country, along with Ohrid, Prespa, Dojran, Popova Šapka, and Kruševo, and a well-known ski resort. Interestingly, Pelister is one of the most southern mountains in the Balkans that has an alpine character, and it is also known for its two mountain lakes, called Pelister's Eyes. The Big Lake is 2,218 metres above the sea level while the Small Lake is 2,180 metres high. The climate is diverse: on the peaks, there is snow even in July, and in some places the new snow meets the old one from previous years. Climate Macedonia has a transitional climate from Mediterranean to continental. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are moderately cold. General information The country officially celebrates 8th September as the Independence day, with regard to the referendum endorsing independence from Yugoslavia (1991), albeit legalising participation in future union of the former states of Yugoslavia. The anniversary of the start of the Ilinden uprising (St. Elijah's Day) on 2nd August is also widely celebrated on an official level as the Day of the Republic. Macedonia is a multicultural country. The largest ethnic group are the Macedonians, but there are also other ethnic groups such as Albanians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, Vlachs, Bosniaks and other. The official language is Macedonian; in everyday life one can hear a variety of all of the other languages of the ethnic groups. Macedonia is a parliamentary democracy with an executive government composed of a coalition of parties from the unicameral legislature and an independent judicial branch with a constitutional court. About Skopje Skopje is located in the northern part of Macedonia. It’s population is 600,000 being the largest and most diverse city in the country. Throughout history Skopje has been occupied by many different occupiers. This is evidenced by the several Byzantine churches and monasteries around the city, also by a few Roman sites, such as Scupi and Skopje Aqueduct. However, Ottoman occupiers left the greatest impact on Skopje. They ruled Macedonia for hundreds of years and built numerous mosques and other buildings. There were several disastrous events that happened but luckily this city rose above them. In 1689 the Austrian general Piccolomini set fire to Skopje because it was hit by the plague. Another terrible but far more recent event was the earthquake in 1963 that came just after the big flood in 1962. 80% of the city was destroyed and thousands of people were killed. Thanks to generous charities and donations Skopje was quickly rebuild. Because of this Skopje is often referred to as the city of solidarity. Skopje is also known to be the birthplace of Mother Teresa, a great humanitarian worker and a Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1979. Skopje is located on the upper course of the Vardar River and is located on a major north-south Balkan route between Belgrade and Athens. It is a center for metal-processing, chemical, timber, textile, leather, and printing industries. The industrial development of the city has been accompanied by development of the trade, logistics, and banking sectors, combined with an emphasis on the fields of culture and sport. Skopje is becoming a modern city. Home to about quarter of the entire population of the country, it is also home to many minorities. What to see History and Museums Kale Fortress - Kale fortress stands on the highest hill in the Skopje valley and offers great views over the city. The oldest section of the fortress is within the present day fortifications. Most of the present day fortifications originate from the 10th century (the square tower) and 13th century (the round tower). Stone Bridge The stone bridge was built in the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor Justinian. Since then it has been the symbol of the city and every ruler tried to leave a mark on it, even Skopje's last major who has been restoring it for 10 years now. The Milennium Cross - The Millennium Cross, situated on the peak of the mountain Vodno, is one of the most famous tourist attractions. There are 2 ways to get up there, by foot, or by a special bus line and a fenicular. Bedesten - The most precious goods, like silk, spices, jewelry and perfumes, were sold in the bedesten, an object within the old bazaar, with gates which were closed in the evenings so the goods would be protected. Mother Teresa House - Macedonia street, not far from the City Museum. Mother Teresa was born and lived in Skopje until she was 18. The original house is no longer present, but there is a beautiful and tranquil modern chapel and interpretive centre on the site. Museums (Old Railway Station – Skopje City Museum) - Old railway station – Skopje city museum. The old railway station stands half ruined as a monument to the earthquake of 1963. The Museum of contemporary art has a collection of 4,800 artworks, including Picasso, Aleshinski, Leze, Sulaz, Lui Can, Hartung, Gaitis; Macedonian National Museum & Icon Gallery. Divided in three departments: archeological, historical, and ethnological (the same ticket covers them all). It is highly advisable to visit the ethnological section, since it is a very good one. Nature Matka Canyon (twenty minutes away from Skopje). Features a lake and a hydro dam. Climbers enjoy a variety of tours there. Vodno Mountain is the largest mountain to the south of Skopje. Climbing this mountain will give the best views of the city and the valley in which Skopje is situated. If the weather conditions are good, you can also climb up to the Millenium Cross, one of the largest Christian crosses in the world. Shopping Old Bazaar - Even though some parts of the old bazaar have been destroyed to make streets and parking lots, it still is the largest one in the Balkans. City Mall Skopje - The biggest shopping center in the city. It includes cafés, restaurants, bars, banks, shops,and even has a bowling court. Ramstore Mall - It has shops, restaurants, cafes and cinema. Vero Shopping Center - This is one the newest shopping centers in Skopje. It has shops, restaurants, cafes and a cinema. Things that we suggest Some Tips: No Euros here. You might be able to pay with Euros at the airports and some touristic places, but it is important that you have some denars with you. There are exchange offices in many places in Skopje, as well as in hotels. No shopping on Sunday - Most shops close on Sunday, and during weekdays they are open untill 8:00pm. Don't go home without: Tavche gravche – we can try to explain it but the explanation won’t do justice to what that is, let’s just say it a must eat dish, typical Macedonian. Ajvar – the same explanation as above Burek – same as above Macedonian barbeque a.k.a. skara Souvenirs – that can be found all over the city And many more things that you will experience if you come and visit us! Just don’t forget to bring your IAESTE spirit! Security and Health Insurance Drinking and eating-out is hygienic and the tap water is safe (the tap water is clean, but if you have a sensitive stomach we wouldn’t recommend it). Personal travel insurance is strongly recommended, including coverage of personal accidents, sickness, loss or damage to luggage and personal effects and cancellation charges. Patron Main media sponsors List of sponsors
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