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Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of) is a mountainous land right at the heart of the Balkans. Its churches and mosques contain many fine examples of art and architecture from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. A former constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), it is bordered on the north by Serbia, on the east by Bulgaria, on the south by Greece, and on the west by Albania. After declaring its freedom from the SFRY, following a vote in September 1991, the republic became involved in a dispute with Greece over its official name. In April 1993, following international arbitration, the UN admitted the republic under the compromise name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, pending a settlement with Greece on the issue. The FYROM has a total area of 25,713 sq km (9,928 sq mi).

Throughout its history, the present-day territory of Macedonia has been a crossroads for both traders and conquerors moving between the European Continent and Asia Minor. Each of these transiting powers left its mark upon the region, giving rise to a valuable and varied cultural and historical tradition. The ancient territory of Macedon, included, in addition to the areas of the present-day Macedonia, large parts of present-day Northern Greece and Southwestern Bulgaria. This ancient kingdom reached its height during the reign of Alexander III ("the Great"), who extended Macedon's determine over most of Asia Minor, the Levant, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, and even parts of India. After Alexander's death in 323 BC, the Macedon Empire gradually declined, until it was conquered in 168 BC and made a province by the Romans in 148 BC.

A coalition of ruling ethnic Macedonian and ethnic Albanian political leaders, with facilitation by U.S. and European Union (EU) diplomats, negotiated and then signed the Ohrid Framework Agreement in August 2001. The agreement called for implementation of constitutional and legislative changes, which lay the foundation for improved civil rights for minority groups. The Macedonian Parliament adopted the constitutional changes outlined in the accord in November 2001. Efforts are currently underway to implement remaining provisions in the Framework Agreement with international assistance.

Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of) is a mountainous land right at the heart of the Balkans. Its churches and mosques contain many fine examples of art and architecture from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

As a landlocked country, (Former Yugoslav Republic of) Macedonia has a pronounced continental climate, with very cold winters and hot summers.

There's no bad time to go to Macedonia weather-wise, as the country benefits from being close to the Aegean, which keeps it relatively warm in winter and very nice in summer. July and August are the best months to catch festivals: the Balkan Festival of Folk Dances and Songs is held in Ohrid in early July, while the Ohrid Summer Festival takes place later that same month.

Skopje, (Former Yugoslav Republic of) Macedonia's capital is largely new, owing to an earthquake in 1963. There is, however, plenty to see. Skopje Old Town is the most attractive quarter of the city. It is full of shops and restaurants. Here is the Church of the Holy Saviour with its intricately carved iconostasis (a screen in orthodox churches on which icons
are hung). Also to be found in the Old Town are the Kursumli An (16th-century) and the Suli An (15th-century) caravanserais and the Daut Pasha Baths with its two large and 11 small domes. It now houses the Art Gallery. There are a number of mosques dating from the Ottoman period, particularly the 15th-century Mustafa Pasha Mosque, as well as the old 10th-century Kale Fortress and a magnificent footbridge spanning the River Vardar. Near Skopje is the Nerezi Monastery with the accompanying 12th-century Church of St Pantelejmon housing magnificent Byzantine frescoes.

Bitola, Located 18km (11 miles) from the Greek border, Bitola is the second-largest town in (Former Yugoslav Republic of) Macedonia. It was an important center of Ottoman rule and has the nearby ruins of the ancient city of Heraclea.

Ohrid, Situated on Lake Ohrid, this is probably the most attractive town in (Former Yugoslav Republic of) Macedonia. Here St Clement of Ohrid laid the foundations of the first Slav university. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Ohrid became the capital of the Macedonian Tsar Samuil. The walls of his fortress still survive and now provide a venue for summer concerts, operas and plays. Near the old fortress are the remains of a Classical theater. Dotted around this beautiful town are a number of ancient churches, particularly the Cathedral of St Sophia containing some magnificent 11th-century frescoes.

Macedonians celebrate Orthodox Christmas on 7 January, followed by the Old New Year on 13 January. Otherwise, a lot of the nation's special events center around military milestones: Ilinden or Day of the 1903 Rebellion is 2 August; Republic Day is 8 September; and 1941 Partisan Day is 11 October. The Balkan Festival of Folk Dances and Songs, held in Ohrid in early July, draws folkloric groups from around the Balkans. The Ohrid Summer Festival, held from mid-July to mid-August, features classical concerts. Poets gather in Struga at the end of August for an International Festival of Poetry.

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