North Macedonia

North Macedonia is a landlocked country in Southern Europe, classified by the United Nations under the M49 standard with code 807, ISO alpha-2 code MK, and ISO alpha-3 code MKD. It is a UN member state and falls within the UN region of Europe and the subregion of Southern Europe. The World Bank lists Skopje as the capital. These classification facts come from the UN Statistics Division’s M49 overview and the World Bank country API ( They describe statistical and administrative categories, not political or territorial claims. For example, UN M49 codes are used for data organization and do not imply recognition of any border or sovereignty dispute.

Stable classification identifiers

• UN M49 code: 807
• ISO alpha-2: MK
• ISO alpha-3: MKD
• UN region: Europe
• UN subregion: Southern Europe
• UN member state
• World Bank capital field: Skopje

These identifiers come from the UN Statistics Division M49 classification and the World Bank country API. M49 is a statistical classification, not a political or territorial statement. The country’s official name and constitutional status are set by its own authorities and by diplomatic recognition; the UN M49 code is a reference number for data organization.

How to verify changeable facts

The figures for population, languages, currency, government structure, and economic indicators change. Do not treat any single number as permanent. The most reliable path is to check the named primary source for each data type, note the reference year, and compare at least two sources when the number matters.

Population and society

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) publishes the World Population Prospects, the standard global reference for demographic estimates. The UN M49 overview page provides the classification framework and regional groupings, but not the latest figure. For a current estimate, consult the World Bank country page or the national statistical office of North Macedonia. The most recent census in the country took place in 2021; its results were published by the State Statistical Office. Between censuses, figures are projections, not counts. For any specific number, cite the dataset and reference year, and note whether the number is a census count, an estimate, or a projection. Do not assume a single demographic number is universally accepted.

Capital

Skopje is the capital and largest city, per the World Bank capital field and the national constitution. Its status as the seat of government is stable, but population figures for the city vary by definition (city proper vs. metropolitan area). For current administrative and demographic details, consult the State Statistical Office of North Macedonia.

Currency

The currency is the Macedonian denar (MKD). Exchange rates change daily; do not rely on a static figure. For current rates, check the central bank (National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia) or a reputable financial data provider. Currency code and symbol conventions follow ISO 4217.

Languages

The official language is Macedonian. Albanian has co-official status in many local governments, and the legal framework for languages is set out in national law, not in UN statistics. The country also recognizes Albanian as a co-official language in many local contexts where speakers form a majority or substantial number. Language data in international databases usually comes from census self-reporting and may not capture multilingual realities. For current legal details, consult the Constitution of North Macedonia, the Law on Languages, or official government sources; do not rely on informal travel guides for legal definitions.

Government and economy

North Macedonia is a parliamentary republic. Official economic data comes from the State Statistical Office and international institutions like the World Bank. Use the World Bank API to pull current indicators: GDP, inflation, unemployment and trade figures are revised frequently; always cite the specific indicator, source, and reference year when comparing. The National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia publishes current exchange rates and monetary statistics, while the IMF provides standardized GDP and inflation series through its Article IV reports.

Travel and entry

Entry rules, visa requirements, and health recommendations change frequently and depend on your citizenship, purpose of travel, and route. Always check your own government’s travel advisory and the IATA Travel Centre before planning. The World Health Organization publishes country-level health recommendations; the World Bank provides economic context. Do not rely on any single source for entry requirements.

Quick facts at a glance

Stable classification

• UN M49 code: 807
• ISO alpha-2: MK
• ISO alpha-3: MKD
• UN region: Europe
• UN subregion: Southern Europe
• UN member state: yes
• World Bank capital field: Skopje

Volatile facts (verify before citing)

• Population: use the World Bank country API and note the reference year; the UN Population Division provides official estimates.
• Capital: Skopje (administrative and political centre; see World Bank country profile).
• Currency: use the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia for the current legal tender; ISO 4217 code is MKD (denar).
• Languages: Macedonian is the official language; Albanian has official status in local self-government where speakers are a majority or substantial number. Verify current legal definitions in the Law on Languages.
• Government: parliamentary republic; verify current composition via official state sources.
• Economy: use World Bank country API and IMF Article IV reports for current figures.

Neutrality and tone

This reference document presents verified facts with attribution. When a fact is disputed or uncertain, that uncertainty is stated and attributed. The page does not take sides in territorial or political disputes.