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Macedonia

May 28th, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in The Balkans

The Republic of Macedonia is one of the Balkan’s land locked states that was formerly a part of what was known as Yugoslavia. It shares borders with Serbia and Kosovo to the north, Bulgaria on the east, Greece to the south and Albania to the west. The capital city of Macedonia is Skopje which holds nearly 25% of the overall 2.1 million people in this country. Despite its rather large population, the entire country is just under 10,000 square miles in total size. Most of those who live here are Macedonian in heritage, but there is also a significant portion of the population with Albanian roots. The Macedonian language that is primarily spoken in this country is very similar to the Bulgarian language and part of the Slavic language group.

In the centuries prior to the year 1 AD, the region today known as Macedonia was inhabited by a range of different tribal groups including Thracians, Illyrians and Molossians. As a result of the different peoples who have inhabited this country, it has developed a lengthy history that intertwines with many of the countries surrounding it today. However, Macedonia is not as mixed as many of its neighbors in terms of cultural variety. It has been heavily influenced by Greek culture and also, its neighbor Bulgaria. Since the country is a major thoroughfare for goods and people coming from Greece to Eastern, Western and Central Europe, it has significant clout from a geopolitical standpoint. 

The geography of Macedonia is marked by a main valley of the Vardar River which is lined by the Osogovo and Sar Mountains. These scenic mountain ranges are a large part of the tourist draw to this land, but the more than 50 lakes here also play a large role in this, as well. Ecotourism is flourishing in Macedonia, due to its offerings of culturally rich museums, numerous theatrical performances each year and restaurants featuring authentic Macedonian cuisine as well as cutting edge culinary offerings. More than 700,000 visitors arrive in the country each year, visiting not only Skopje, but other cities of importance such as Kumanova, Tetovo, Bitola and Prilep. The famed Macedonian Opera, poetry readings at festivals and plenty of live music bring in visitors not just from the Balkan region, but from all across the world.

The fast growing tech infrastructure of Macedonia has made it an increasingly more attractive place for career seekers to move to and helped its population flourish in recent times. It is in partnership with several neighboring countries to become a major player in the world of e-commerce.

Albania

May 19th, 2008 | Comments Off | Posted in The Balkans

Located just 45 miles from Italy, Albania shares a border with Greece to the south, Macedonia to the east, Kosovo and Montenegro to the north and has both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas to its west. It is a parliamentary democracy that is currently awaiting membership in the European Union, but is already a member of NATO and the United Nations. Its capital city is Tirana, home to around 727,000 people, but the total population currently stands at 3.6 million people. Tirana is the center of Albania’s financial sphere and the free market here has encouraged a great deal of recent investments from foreign sources to develop energy and transportation services. The country is well known for its red flag which features an eagle with two heads that are pointing away from one another, referencing the nickname of this nation, The Land of the Mountain Eagle.

The history of this country stretches back before the 8th Century BC when it was first colonized by Illyrians along its coast. This civilization was part of what is now modern day Greece, but over time many other civilizations would find their way here, creating a unique tapestry of cultures that is now known simply as ethnic Albanian. The coastal regions are the most inhabited areas of this country simply due to the fact that much of the rest of its territory is taken up by rugged, nearly impenetrable mountains which served for a strong defense in its early days. The coastal areas have a more balmy Mediterranean climate, while the mountain areas are much cooler and drier. Korab is the highest mountain in Albania and is just over 9,000 feet tall. There are many lakes across the country, including the historically important Lake Shkoder, a massive 140 square mile body of water which Albania shares with Montenegro. 

Despite so much of its land being heavily forested, Albania’s primary economic pursuit is agriculture which has flourished here for centuries. Other than agriculture, other industries focus on the harvesting of resources like copper, iron and bauxite. The Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza is Albania’s primary airport which services visitors, but there also motorways throughout the country as well as a network of railroads. 

Most of the people in this country are ethnic Albanians who speak the Albanian language. The religions which flourish here are Islam, Orthodox Christianity and Roman Catholicism. A rich tradition of music, literature and art are found here, as well. The main cities of Albania, aside from the capital of Tirana, are Korce, Durres, Elbasan, Gjirokaster, Shkoder, Kukes and Vlore.