Background:
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 recognized Macedonia under its constitutional name in 2004 and negotiations continue between Greece and Macedonia to resolve the name issue, although little progress has been made. 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 mutually beneficial set of new laws for both Albanians and the Macedonian majority. The undetermined status of neighboring Kosovo, implementation of the Framework Agreement, and a weak economy continue to be challenges for Macedonia.

NOTE: The information regarding Macedonia on this page is re-published from the 2007 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Macedonia Introduction 2007 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Macedonia Introduction 2007 should be addressed to the CIA.