Macedonia Population

Population Distribution

As of 2023, the latest population of Macedonia is 2,125,971, based on our calculation of the current data from UN (United Nations).

People in Macedonia

North Macedonia is a country with quite different residents, as there are many ethnic groups. This makes the country’s population very interesting and in this way the country offers cultural diversity. But of course there can also be problems and conflicts when different people live together.

It is difficult to say what percentage each ethnic group makes up in North Macedonia. This is because wrong information is often given in censuses. Many members of one ethnic group then state that they are represented much more strongly than they actually are. A census even had to be stopped in 2011 because there was no reliable information. But one can roughly say that 64 out of 100 people are North Macedonians, 25 out of 100 Albanians, four Turks, about three Roma and two Serbs.

Albanians in North Macedonia

The largest population group after the North Macedonians are the Albanians. They live in the west of the country and that has existed even longer than North Macedonia itself. The Albanian ancestors had settled in the area for thousands of years, while North Macedonia and its predecessor state did not emerge until the 17th century. Albanian culture and language have also been maintained in the Albanian parts of the country. There are repeated conflicts between Albanians and North Macedonians, and in 2001 an armed struggle even broke out.

Turks in North Macedonia

For a long time it was very difficult for the Turkish minority in North Macedonian territory to live their culture and customs. Most of them are Muslims, but under Tito (the former head of government in Yugoslavia) they were not allowed to practice their faith.

Their ancestors lived in what was later to be Yugoslavia during the Ottoman Empire. But there is another ethnic group that also lives in North Macedonian territory, the Roma.

Roma in North Macedonia

The situation of the Roma in North Macedonia is often very bad. Like the Albanians, the Roma also live in predominantly homogeneous settlements, i.e. among members of the same ethnic group. However, these are shabby and a lot smaller. Most of the Macedonian Roma live in the Suto Orizari settlement, also known as Sutka. It is located on the northern edge of the capital Skopje.

The Roma are predominantly discriminated against and excluded from the other population groups in North Macedonia. They have fewer rights and a lot less chances on the job market. It also happens that 80 out of 100 Roma in North Macedonia have no work. Most of them live on less than 50 euros a month in the run-down Roma settlements.

Languages in Macedonia

Since 1944, Macedonian has been the official language in today’s national territory. Macedonian is a Slavic language that is most closely related to Bulgarian.

The Albanians, who live in North Macedonia and often speak their own language, achieved in 2001 that Albanian was allowed as the second official language in areas where more than 20 percent Albanians live.

In addition to these two official languages, Serbian, Turkish, Aromanian and the Romani spoken by the Roma are occasionally heard. Young people are learning to speak English more and more often. This is because the popular American films and series that are watched by children are not translated into Macedonian. In this way, many people love to learn English so that they can understand their favorite films in great detail.

Shengyle comes from North Macedonia, but speaks Albanian, she brought you a birthday song, listen to me if you maybe even know it. She sings it for her son Urbejd, who is four years old. You can still hear that too.

Religions in Macedonia

The two most common religions in North Macedonia are Orthodox Christianity on the one hand and Islam on the other. These two religions have influenced the area for centuries. The Ottomans brought Islam with them when they conquered. Depending on who was in power over the country, many people kept changing their beliefs. Often they were pressured to do so or rewarded for converting.

With nationalist aspirations that emerged in the 19th century, the relationship between religions also deteriorated. Since then there have been repeated attacks on houses of prayer of the other religion.

It is believed that around 65 out of 100 people in North Macedonia today are Orthodox Christians and 33 Muslims. There are also religious minorities such as members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Northern Macedonia Overview

Northern Macedonia, located in the Balkan Peninsula of Southeast Europe, is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. Its capital city, Skopje, is known for its mix of Ottoman, Byzantine, and modern architecture, including the iconic Stone Bridge and the Kale Fortress. Northern Macedonia is famous for its archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis and the UNESCO-listed Ohrid with its picturesque lake and historic churches. The country’s diverse cuisine, influenced by Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, is celebrated for dishes like ajvar, kebapi, and tavče gravče, enticing food lovers from around the world.

• Capital City: Skopje
• Population: Approximately 2.1 million
• Area: 25,713 square kilometers
• Full Country Name: Republic of North Macedonia
• Currency: Macedonian Denar (MKD)
• Language: Macedonian
• ISO Country Codes: MK, MKD

Bordering Countries of Northern Macedonia

Northern Macedonia is a country located in the Balkan region of Europe and it borders a number of other countries. To the north of Northern Macedonia lies Serbia, a nation steeped in history and culture. To the east of Northern Macedonia lies Bulgaria, a country with an ancient history that is known for its beautiful churches and monasteries. To the south of Northern Macedonia lies Greece, a vibrant country home to numerous ancient ruins and stunning beaches. Finally, to the west of Northern Macedonia lies Albania, another nation with an interesting cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. All these countries have their own unique culture and history that make them great destinations for travelers looking to explore the Balkans. Serbia has vibrant cities such as Belgrade with its impressive architecture, while Bulgaria is renowned for its picturesque towns such as Sofia. Greece is known for its rich archaeological sites such as Knossos in Crete, while Albania has numerous castles and fortresses scattered across its landscape.