Animals and Plants

Species richness in North Macedonia

The fact that the Balkan country has a relatively small population favors the growth of rare species. Together with the different climatic zones of the country, this enables the preservation of many plants and above all their survival in the isolated habitats.

The Macedonian government is now aware of this wealth and has since protected nature in three large national parks. It is believed that more than 3500 plant species grow in Macedonia. That’s a lot for such a small country.

What is growing in North Macedonia?

There are many rare plants in North Macedonia, including many medicinal plants. Herbs, spices and berries are also of great use to the people of the country.

Pomegranates, mirabelle plums and peaches are also grown. The five-needle Rumelian pine is particularly rare. This grows on the slopes in the Pelister National Park in North Macedonia. Pine, beech and oak grow more frequently.

Which animals live in Macedonia?

Many foxes, chamois and wild boars live in the forests of Macedonia. But game such as deer and roe deer can also be found there. In the pristine parts of the Macedonian forests you can also run into a wolf or a bear. The lynx that can be found in the Sarbergs are even rarer.

Bird species such as cormorants and pelicans can be found near the waters of Macedonia. These are under species protection. Of course you can also watch eagles and falcons in the mountains. There are also snakes in Macedonia, including a few poisonous species. The tortoises are an interesting sight and can be seen along the way, even in inhabited areas in the country.

Economy

Economic situation in North Macedonia

Even when North Macedonia was still part of Yugoslavia, the country had a very weak economy. Since independence in 1991, efforts have been made to encourage more foreign companies to invest in North Macedonia and so increase economic growth.

Foreign companies are deterred by the corruption in the country. They also complain that the legal situation in North Macedonia is insufficient, which would pose a risk. In addition, a lot of money is squandered by the government on stately government buildings or monuments instead of, for example, investing it in the infrastructure of the country, where it is needed much more.

Unemployment

According to mathgeneral, many people in North Macedonia have no jobs. It is estimated that 23 out of 100 people are unemployed. This rate is even more extreme for young people. Here one can assume that even half of them have no job and cannot earn any money. In addition, certain groups of the population are still discriminated against in the labor market. This includes women or members of the Roma.

Foreign trade

North Macedonia is heavily dependent on imports because it cannot meet the needs of its own people itself. As a result, however, it has to go into debt because the country’s purchasing power is low. Above all, energy resources, vehicles, machines and oil are urgently needed. However, Macedonia can only export, i.e. sell to other countries, iron, steel, textiles, tobacco and wine. In other areas the competition is too great.

Important economic sectors

Half of North Macedonia can be used for agriculture. That is why around 17 out of 100 people work in agriculture. There are actually a lot more people working in this area, but they are not included because they only grow for their own use. There is nothing left for these people to sell, as there is hardly enough for their own families.

Other sectors of the economy are industry and mining, even if both areas are shrinking. In contrast, the area of services increased. Around 63 out of 100 people work here in North Macedonia. The tourism industry is also trying to expand.