Understand

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Macedonia is a country with 6 ethnic groups. There is still ethnic tension between Albanians and Macedonians, so maybe this is a subject best avoided. The populuation of Tetovo, one of Macedonia's largest cities, is about 70% ethnic Albanian. Many Macedonians advise travelers to avoid Tetovo, but the brave traveler will be rewarded with local hospitality and beautiful scenery.
Money

Tipping is not seen as essential, but it is always welcomed. It is not recommended to tip over 10%, as this is seen as being patronizing and offensive.

Most Macedonians quote prices in €. One Euro roughly equates to 62 Denar. Most larger cities have ATMs where you can withdraw money with cheap commission rates, although there are also plenty of banks and exchange booths where you can easily change money. Do not change money on the street.

Climate
Macedonia has warm, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall.

Terrain

Macedonia is covered by mountainous territory marked by deep basins and valleys. There are three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line, and the country bisected by the Vardar River.

Macedonia is blessed with outstanding natural beauty. Do not miss a trip to one of the large lakes, Pelister Mountains, Shar Planina in the West, and the fascinating rolling hills and mountains of the East with its rice fields.

History

The area comprising modern day Macedonia has a rich and ancient history. The legendary Kings of Macedon Phillip and Alexander the Great ruled here as did Illyrians, Romans, Slavs and Ottoman Turks, all of which are represented in the country's culture today. Maybe the most significant influence shaping the modern nation was its 500 years Ottoman rule, and the fact that Saints Cyril and Methodus wrote their teachings in the fascinating city of Ohrid. The country is dotted with beautiful Orthodox churches, monasteries, and Ottoman mosques (most notably in Skopje's Bit Bazaar district).

Macedonia has been part of many countries, but until its incorporation into Yugoslavia by Tito in 1948 it was never acknowledged as an administrative "state." Macedonia prospered under Tito's rule, especially when the capital Skopje was rebuilt after a severe earthquake in 1963 and the Yugoslav government invested heavily in the subsequent infrastructure rebuilding. This may explain why many Macedonians are somewhat nostalgic for Tito's Yugoslavia—one can even see road signs for Veles denoted as Titov Veles.

International recognition of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (F.Y.R.O.M.) independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 was delayed by Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols. Greece finally lifted its trade blockade in 1995, and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, despite continued disagreement over the use of "Macedonia."

Macedonia's large Albanian minority, an ethnic Albanian armed insurgency in Macedonia in 2001, and the status of neighboring Kosovo continue to be sources of ethnic tension.

Eat

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If you are on a tight budget, try one of the Skara (grill) places.
There are quite a few up-market restaurants serving better quality food on the waterfront, but these...