Country explorer: North Macedonia

North Macedonia has demonstrated a resilient economic growth pattern, underscored by significant improvements in GDP per capita, a challenging yet gradually improving unemployment scenario, progressive reduction in levels of poverty across various thresholds, and maintained inflation rates indicative of stable consumer prices, reflecting trends common among upper-middle-income countries yet distinct in its gradual economic strengthening and social upliftment.

North Macedonia has experienced a demographic transition characterized by a shrinking population with a gradual decline in fertility rates, slightly fluctuating net migration, and a notable improvement in life expectancy, trends common among its Balkan peers and upper-middle-income countries, reflecting changes in societal norms and economic conditions.

North Macedonia has seen progressive improvements in access to clean fuels for cooking, electricity, and safely managed drinking water and sanitation, demonstrating a positive trend in addressing basic needs akin to upper-middle-income countries, albeit with room for enhancement in sanitation.

North Macedonia has experienced significant human development, mirrored by improvements in the Human Development Index, reductions in child mortality, rising literacy rates, and enhanced quality of education, positioning it as a nation that reflects the broader positive trends observed across upper-middle-income countries.

North Macedonia has experienced moderate environmental changes, including a steady increase in forest area and a diversification in its energy sources towards renewables, paralleling shifts seen in many upper-middle-income countries towards sustainability but with unique challenges in freshwater resources per capita.

North Macedonia has exhibited a dynamic growth in internet usage, mobile subscriptions, and a notable increase in scientific output, reflecting a significant societal shift towards embracing digital technology and enhancing research capabilities, similar to trends seen in several upper-middle-income countries.

Over the last two decades, North Macedonia has undergone significant cultural and societal changes, marked by a steady increase in life satisfaction, modest improvements in gender equality, a stable share of the population born abroad, and a gradually rising age dependency ratio, reflecting trends similar to those in other upper-middle-income countries.

North Macedonia has shown a notable improvement in governance, with a significant rise in its rule of law index and a generally positive trend in combating corruption and enhancing political civil liberties, positioning it as a country committed to democratic reforms and governance improvement among its regional peers.