Macedonia: a gem undiscovered

Macedonia is a landlocked country in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Greece to the south, Albania to the west, Serbia to the north, and Bulgaria to the east. The capital city is Skopje, with over 700,000 people. Macedonia declared it's independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.

Famous Macedonians include Alexander the Great, and his father Philip II, and Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, better known as Mother Teresa. The Egyptian queen, Cleopatra has also been credited as being born in Macedonia.

Macedonia is home to scenic mountains and lakes. Macedonian cities, Skopje and Bitola especially, are home to some of the world's most beautiful buildings, mostly old churches and towers.

Skopje is the largest city in Macedonia, and it is also the administrative and political center of Macedonia. Skopje plays a vital part in the cultural and academic life of the country. It is home to the Macedonian Academy of Science and Arts, many universities, the National Library, and many of the country's Drama, Opera, and Ballet companies. The Philharmonic Orchestra of Macedonia, and the Museums of Macedonia (archaeological, historical, ethnological) are also located in Skopje.
The academic achievements of the Maceonians are very impressive. Macedonia is in the 25th place out of 38 countries in the international achievements of mathematics and science.
Skopje was hit by a devastating earthquake in 1963 that killed thousands of people, as the country is very seismically active.

As to the political side of things, there it isn't so strong.
While Macedonia has strong ties with Turkey and Bulgaria, it's gotten into skirmishes with Albania, and that has ravaged the economy, leaving the government very weak. Macedonia is a member of the UN, and is seeking to join NATO and the European Union. I love the flag!

The Macedonian Orthodox Church is center of religion, meaning that most of the people are Christians.

If you want more information about Macedonia, visit these websites.

http://www.mymacedonia.net/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Macedonia