Fact 1: An Archaeologist's Dream
North Macedonia may seem like a small country, but it is filled with history and archaeological sites. It reveals thousands of years of human history, with over 4,500 archaeological sites. Among the famous ones is the ancient city of Stobi, dating back to the Hellenistic period in the 2nd century BC.
Fact 2: Macedonian Tomatoes
Macedonia has a prodigious production of tomatoes. In fact, it is known as the country of tomatoes due to its dedicated farming of these nutritious fruits. Wherever in the world you may be eating a tomato, there's a chance it might be from North Macedonia.
Fact 3: Discovery of Papyrus Scrolls
The Republic of North Macedonia is also the country where the oldest known papyrus scrolls were found in Europe. The scrolls were discovered in the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis and they are said to date back to the 1st century AD.
Fact 4: A Cow Named Rapunzel
In the northern part of North Macedonia, there's a cow with a world record. Her name is Rapunzel and she has the longest horn spread for a living cow, measuring an astounding 140 cm (around 4.6 feet).
Fact 5: Vevčani, A Republic Within A Republic
The village of Vevčani, in the western part of the country, declared itself a republic in 1987. While it's not officially recognized, the Vevčani Republic has its own passport, currency, and even a president.
Fact 6: The Birthplace of Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and one of the most celebrated humanitarians in history, had her roots in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. A museum dedicated to her life and works can be found in the heart of the city.
Fact 7: Home to a Unique Lake
Ohrid Lake, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, is situated in North Macedonia. The lake was formed around 4 million years ago and it is home to more than 200 endemic species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Fact 8: The Famous Cyrillic Alphabet
Two brothers from Thessaloniki, Saint Cyril and Methodius, spread the use of Cyrillic script - the script currently used in Russian, Bulgarian, Serbian, and many other languages. They were born in a place which today is in North Macedonia.
Fact 9: Macedonian Poppy Seeds
North Macedonia is known for its high-quality poppy seeds, a well-established export industry. These seeds are popular ingredients in many dishes worldwide due to their unique nutty taste and texture.
Fact 10: The Macedonian State Archives
The nation's archives, located in Skopje, are some of the most comprehensive in Europe. The documents stored here chronicle over a thousand years of history, some dating back to the 9th century.
Fact 11: A Wine-Loving Country
North Macedonia has a long-standing tradition of wine production, with vineyards spread over 22,400 hectares. It is especially famous for its Vranec wine, a deep, rich red that is enjoyed globally.
Fact 12: The Smolare Waterfall
The tallest waterfall in the country, the Smolare Waterfall, is located in the southeastern region. The waterfall, part of the Lomnica River, is about 39.5 meters high.
Fact 13: Macedonian Opium
North Macedonia is one of the top five countries worldwide in terms of raw opium production. The opium poppy cultivated here is known for its high morphine content.
Fact 14: Birthplace of Alexander the Great
Historically, the region was the birthplace of Alexander the Great, one of the most successful military commanders in history. Alexander was born in 356 BC in Pella, a place in this geographical region.
Fact 15: Macedonian-Style Architecture
The architectural style of North Macedonia displays a blend between classical Ottoman style and European Baroque. This unique combination provides a stunning view along the streets of major cities.
Fact 16: The Famous Kokino Observatory
Kokino is an archaeological site and ancient observatory discovered in 2001. It's dated to the 19th century BC, and NASA believes it’s one of the oldest “observatories” in the world.
Fact 17: Bridge of Civilizations
One of the most beautiful symbols of Skopje is the Stone Bridge, also known as the ‘bridge of civilizations’, which connects two distinct parts of Skopje – the old, oriental Turkish bazaar, and the modern city center.
Fact 18: Niche Film Industry
North Macedonia has a growing film industry, focused on producing high-quality films that often address social issues. Several Macedonian films have been showcased in international film festivals and received recognition.
Fact 19: Home to Unique Languages
North Macedonia is a country with several languages. The official language, Macedonian, is unique to the country. However, minority groups also speak Albanian, Turkish, Aromanian, Serbian, and Romani.
Fact 20: The Mysterious Stobi Mosaics
Stobi, an ancient city in North Macedonia, is home to a collection of mosaics from the 4th and 5th century AD. These mosaics, found in Roman-style houses, are an archaeological treasure providing a glimpse into the ancient civilization’s lifestyle.