Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$9,100 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

8.3% (2008 est.)

Population

2,066,718 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

C

Ease of Doing Business

71/181

Global Competitiveness

89/134

Country Map

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gE Network

There are 7 members in the
gE Network for this country.

Macedonia : Introduction

Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991, but Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols delayed international recognition, which occurred under the provisional designation of "the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." In 1995, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations. The United States began referring to Macedonia by its constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia, in 2004 and negotiations continue between Greece and Macedonia to resolve the name issue. Some ethnic Albanians, angered by perceived political and economic inequities, launched an insurgency in 2001 that eventually won the support of the majority of Macedonia's Albanian population and led to the internationally-brokered Framework Agreement, which ended the fighting by establishing a set of new laws enhancing the rights of minorities. Fully implementating the Framework Agreement and stimulating economic growth and development continue to be challenges for Macedonia, although progress has been made on both fronts over the past several years.

Macedonia: National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia

Established as an independent Central Bank 1992, the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia is the institution responsible for the stability of the national banking system. The site presents basic economic data, information on financial laws and regulations as well as several publications and press releases.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (October 2009)