Macedonia is a country in the central Balkan peninsula. It has been an independent entity since the early ’90s. Macedonian is the official language, but the diverse peoples of this republic also speak Albanian, Turkish, Roma, Serbian, Bosnian, and Aromanian (a little-spoken Romance language with similarities to Romanian). The terrain is pretty rugged, and it contains mountains, earthquake-prone regions, and ancient lakes. Some native species include the common pipistrelle bat, the lesser white-toothed shrew, and the lynx, considered the national animal. Macedonia’s rate of economic reform since independence is ranked among the best in the world. Unemployment is nevertheless a major problem. The service sector and the industrial sector are the mainstays of the economy, while agriculture’s contribution is fairly minimal. Textiles are significant within trade items, and tourism is lucrative.

There are stunning spiritual centers like the Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo by the lake in Ohrid, or Zrze Monastery. On the other hand, you can check out the wine region of Tikve┼í, which also happens to have caves and archaeological sites if you don’t want to just drink.

Bread and potatoes are typical starches. Vegetables include bell peppers, eggplant, and cabbage. Dairy products and red meat are popular foods. Selsko meso is a real mixed bag of a dish, with roast beef, pork, lamb, mushrooms, and white wine topped with yellow cheese and cooked in a clay container. Also, try pindzur, a slightly spicy dip or relish made with tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, onion, garlic, oil, and seasonings. There are a few healthy and vegetarian-friendly eating options in Skopje, and health food stores exist in a number of towns. Mastika is the national drink, and the wine industry is flourishing, so drinking to your health is always an option.