Background
International
recognition of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (F.Y.R.O.M.)
independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 was delayed by Greece's objection
to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and
symbols. Greece finally lifted its trade blockade in 1995, and the two
countries agreed to normalize relations, despite continued disagreement
over F.Y.R.O.M.'s use of "Macedonia." F.Y.R.O.M.'s large Albanian
minority, an ethnic Albanian armed insurgency in F.Y.R.O.M. in 2001,
and the status of neighboring Kosovo continue to be sources of ethnic
tension.
At independence
in November 1991, Macedonia was the least developed of the Yugoslav
republics, producing a mere 5% of the total federal output of goods and
services. The collapse of Yugoslavia ended transfer payments from the
center and eliminated advantages from inclusion in a de facto free
trade area. An absence of infrastructure, UN sanctions on Yugoslavia,
one of its largest markets, and a Greek economic embargo over a dispute
about the country's constitutional name and flag hindered economic
growth until 1996. GDP subsequently rose each year through 2000.
However, the leadership's commitment to economic reform, free trade,
and regional integration was undermined by the ethnic Albanian
insurgency of 2001. The economy shrank about 4% because of decreased
trade, intermittent border closures, increased deficit spending on
security needs, and investor uncertainty. The international community
hopes to restart growth with a donors' conference in 2002.
Holidays
Jan 1 - New Year's Day
Jan 6-7 - Orthodox Christmas Eve
Jan 14 - Old New Year (Vasilika - unofficial but widely celebrated)
Mar 8 - International Woman's Day
May 1 - May Day
May 24 - Sts. Cyrilus and Methodius Day
Aug 2 - Ilinden (St. Elijah's Uprising Day)
Sep 8 - Independence Day
Phone Codes
Country Code: 389
Outgoing International Code: 00
Resources
Market Research
Economic Chamber of Macedonia
Economic
Chamber of Macedonia Information and links related to the economy and
business in Macedonia as well as general information about Macedonia.
CIA - The World Factbook - Macedonia
This
website indicates a wide range of detail information about Macedonia by
introducing under 8 different fields as its geography, people,
government, economy, communications, transportation, military,
transnational issues.
About Macedonia
There
is available to find out Macedonia's general outlook on the issues of
its social and business profile, passport/visa, money, accommodation,
government, duty free, health and so forth. | 
