People and Society of Macedonia

Nationality

Macedonian(s)

Ethnic Groups

Macedonian 58.4%, Albanian 24.3%, Turkish 3.9%, Romani 2.5%, Serb 1.3%, other 2.3%, persons for whom data were taken from administrative sources and no ethnic affiliation data was available 7.2%

Population

2,085,679

Population in Major Urban Areas

SKOPJE (capital) 499,000

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in North Macedonia stands at approximately 75 to 76 years, reflecting steady improvements in public health over recent decades. Women in the country tend to live longer than men, with female life expectancy hovering around 78 years compared to roughly 73 years for males — a pattern consistent with regional and global trends. North Macedonia has made notable progress in extending the lifespan of its population since the post-Yugoslav transition period of the early 1990s, when economic instability and disrupted healthcare services created significant challenges. Over the following decades, investments in healthcare infrastructure, expanded access to medical services, and improvements in living standards contributed to gradual gains in longevity. Despite this progress, life expectancy in North Macedonia remains notably lower than the European Union average, which stands at approximately 81 years. Contributing factors include a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the country. Lifestyle-related conditions such as smoking, sedentary behavior, and dietary habits associated with elevated risk of heart disease and stroke continue to place a significant burden on public health outcomes. Air pollution in urban areas, particularly in the capital Skopje, has also been identified as a serious concern affecting population health. The city frequently experiences elevated levels of fine particulate matter during winter months, linked to home heating practices, industrial activity, and vehicle emissions. Prolonged exposure to poor air quality contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions that negatively affect overall life expectancy and quality of life. Healthcare access in rural areas continues to lag behind that in urban centers, creating disparities in health outcomes across the country. The government has pursued reforms aimed at strengthening primary care and expanding coverage, though persistent challenges related to funding, infrastructure, and healthcare workforce retention remain obstacles to achieving more uniform improvements nationwide. North Macedonia's demographic profile reflects broader trends seen across the Western Balkans, where life expectancy has risen considerably since the 1990s but still trails western European nations by several years. Continued investment in preventive healthcare, chronic disease management, tobacco control, and environmental quality improvements is expected to support further gains in population longevity in the coming years.

Infant Mortality Rate

North Macedonia has made significant progress in reducing infant mortality over recent decades, reflecting broader improvements in healthcare access, prenatal care, and public health infrastructure. As of the most recent available data, the country's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 5 to 6 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that places it broadly in line with regional averages for Southeastern Europe, though still somewhat higher than the rates seen in Western European nations. In the early 1990s, following independence from Yugoslavia, the infant mortality rate in North Macedonia was considerably higher, hovering around 25 to 30 deaths per 1,000 live births. The steady decline over the subsequent three decades represents one of the more notable public health achievements in the country's recent history. This improvement has been driven by expanded access to maternal and child healthcare services, increased rates of skilled birth attendance, immunization programs, and stronger nutritional support for mothers and newborns. Despite this overall progress, disparities remain within the country. Rural communities and certain ethnic minority populations, particularly Roma communities, tend to experience higher infant mortality rates than the national average. These groups often face barriers including limited access to healthcare facilities, lower rates of prenatal care utilization, and socioeconomic challenges that can affect both maternal and infant health outcomes. The Macedonian government, in cooperation with international organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization, has implemented targeted programs aimed at bridging these gaps. Initiatives have focused on improving access to antenatal care in underserved areas, training community health workers, and promoting awareness of newborn care practices. North Macedonia's infant mortality rate continues to be monitored as part of its broader commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, which targets reducing neonatal mortality to no more than 12 deaths per 1,000 live births in all countries by 2030. Based on current trends, the country is well-positioned to sustain this progress, provided that healthcare investments and targeted social interventions continue in the years ahead.

Literacy Definition

NA

• Other and Unspecified50.0%
• Orthodox32.0%
• Muslim17.0%
• Christian1.0%

Macedonian 68%, Albanian 25%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 2%, other 2%

The official language is Macedonian, which is written in a Cyrillic script. Albanian, Turkish, and Serbian are spoken widely. Sixty-seven per cent of the population in Macedonia are Macedonian, 22.9% are Albanian and there are between 2-3% Gypsy and Serb minorities.

• Albanian
• Macedonian
• Serbo-Croatian
• Turkish

• Mother Teresa

  Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Macedonia, on August 27, 1910

Crime Information

You should take the same precautions against becoming crime victims as you would in any U.S. city. Violent crime against U.S. citizens is rare. Pick-pocketing, theft, and other petty street crimes do occur, particularly in areas where tourists and foreigners congregate. Do not leave valuables, including cell phones and electronic items, in plain view in unattended vehicles. You should securely lock the windows and doors of your residence when it is not occupied. Organized crime is present in Macedonia; organized criminal activity occasionally results in violent confrontations between members of rival organizations. ATM use is generally safe; however, travelers should take standard safety precautions. Pickpockets remain a problem in crowded areas of Skopje. Be aware of your belongings and surroundings at all times. Pickpockets use various diversionary tactics to distract victims; one method involves groups of children swarming around you and asking for money to find and take your wallet. Victims of pick pocketing should report the crime to the police and cancel their credit cards as soon as possible. Taxis are a common and generally safe form of transportation. Use a legitimate, metered taxi to avoid conflicts about the fare.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Macedonia, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own, and criminal penalties vary from country to country. You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Macedonia, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. If Arrested: If you are arrested in Macedonia, Macedonian authorities are required to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest.