Republic of Macedonia is located in South-East Europe, at the center of the Balkan Peninsula, covering 25.713км2. Its terrain is characterized with massive mountains, intersected with wide valleys and lowlands. Nearly the entire territory of Macedonia lies on the latitude of 40⁰and 42⁰ and represents a transit region between the Mediterranean and continental climate. The country is bounded with Serbia and Kosovo in the North, Bulgaria in the East, Greece in the South and Albania in the West. The significance of Macedonia’s geographic position, being a central Balkan country neighboring with five countries diverse in their potential and development, is that all of them are directed toward mutual trade and complementing economies, mainly through the territory of Republic of Macedonia.

Population
According to the official data of the 2002 census, there are Republic of Macedonia has a population of 2.022.547, out of which 600.000 live in the capital of Skopje – the political, administrative and economic center of Macedonia. Other major cities are Bitola, Kumanovo, Tetovo, Ohrid, Veles, Gostivar, Shtip, Strumica, etc.

Ethnic Groups
Macedonians (64,18%), Albaninas (25,17%), Turks(3,85%), Roma (2,66%), Serbs (0,84%), Aromanians (0,48%) and other ethnic groups (1,04%).

Language
Official language in Republic of Macedonia is Macedonian. In municipalities where ethnic groups are represented with over 20% of the total population, and official language beside Macedonian is also the language of that ethnic group.

State Currency
Macedonian Denar (MKD)

Climate
Macedonia has moderately continental to Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons. Along the valley of the Vardar River and the Strumica region the climate is moderately Mediterranean, while inland the climate is generally continental with hot dry summers and cold rainy winters.

Time Zone
GMT+1

Political and Legal System
Following the state referendum in 1991, Republic of Macedonia established a sovereign stated based on parliamentary democracy. The executive authority rests with the Government, headed by a Prime Minister. The Prime Minister and the cabinet ministers are elected by the National Assembly. Ministers are elected by a majority vote of deputies in the National Assembly.

The National Assembly (the Parliament) of Macedonia, the legislative body of the country, consists of 123 representatives who are elected every four years. The President of the Republic of Macedonia represents the Republic, and acts as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The President is elected on general and direct elections, with a mandate of five years, and a maximum of two terms.

According to the Constitution and the laws, the judicial authority is independent and exercised by courts. The Judicial Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in Republic of Macedonia, ensuring the unity in applying the laws by the courts. The State Judicial Council is an independent judicial body that guarantees the independence of the judiciary. The Constitutional Court is a body of the Republic that protects the constitutionality and legality. The latest legal changes in 2007, introduced the Administrative Courts, to act upon appeals on decisions made by the state administration.