Macedonia
The former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia. A militant movement among ethnic Albanians erupted into violent conflicts in March-September 2001, but a peaceful agreement was reached after the involvement of a NATO force. In 2005, the FYROM was recognised as an official EU candidate state.
Economic Strengths
Low inflation, macro-economic stability. Food processing, textiles, chemicals.
Economic Weaknesses
Least developed of former Yugoslav republics. Limited foreign investment. Dependence on oil, gas, and machinery imports. Very high unemployment, large black market economy
| Population | 2,040,315 |
| Capital city | Skopje |
| Currency | Macedonian denar |
| World GNP Ranking | 126 |
| Unemployment | 34.8% |
| Inflation | 3.45% |
Source: Central Intelligence Agency; The World Factbook, March 2009