Republic of Macedonia
From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Republic of Macedonia (Macedonian: Република Македонија) is an independent state on the Balkan peninsula in southeastern Europe. The country borders Serbia to the north, Albania to the west, Greece to the south, and Bulgaria to the east. The country's currency is the Macedonian Denar (MKD).
Greece and the Republic of Macedonia are arguing over the name Macedonia. United Nations calls the Republic of Macedonia, "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" (FYROM). The north and northeast part of Greece has been called Macedonia for ages, just like the southeast county of England Kent has been called Kent for a long time. 'FYROM' is also used by the United Nations and NATO as well as many other international organisations. But, many countries now call the country 'Republic of Macedonia'.
The capital is Skopje, with more than 500,000 residents. It has many smaller cities. Some important ones are Bitola, Prilep, Tetovo, Kumanovo, Ohrid, Veles, Stip, and Strumica.
The Republic of Macedonia is often called a land of lakes and mountains. There are more than 50 large lakes and sixteen mountains higher than 2000 meters above sea level.
The country is a member of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Since December 2005, it is a candidate for joining the European Union.
[edit] History
What is now Macedonia used to be a state in the southern part of the country of Yugoslavia. When that country broke up in 1991, Macedonia became independent. It took on the name Republic of Macedonia soon after.
[edit] Politics
Republic of Macedonia is a democratic country with a parliament.
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1. Country partly in Asia. 2. Geographically in Asia, but often counted as part of Europe for cultural and historical reasons. |