North Macedonia

Exploring the Culture of North Macedonia

North Macedonia is a country at the crossroads of cultural fusion – as one of the oldest inhabited regions of Europe, it boasts rich traditions and historical significance between ancient Mediterranean and Balkan civilizations. Combined with the ubiquitous presence of modernity, this country blends many influences both past and present into a fascinating multicultural experience. As one of the most mountainous countries in the world, North Macedonia contains sweeping landscapes and a diverse range of forest vegetation, supporting a variety of wildlife and insect species. Farming is a strong economic focus, and this history of a traditional agricultural lifestyle has molded the Macedonian people to possess many trade skills, as well adaptability and determination when it comes to problem-solving.

Macedonians are considered generous, kind, easy-going people and often spend a lot of time with their families. Unlike some cultures within the US, Macedonians do not value ‘personal space’ and are not afraid to show their emotions; they’ll outwardly display their affection to loved ones and speak their mind when they have an opinion. However, Macedonian youth are also taught the importance of respecting those around them. Due to their complicated history and relatively recent status as an independent nation, Macedonians take great pride in their national unity, as well as their regional identities. Known to be innovative and open-minded, many people in North Macedonia welcome new ideas and development, valuing both their country’s unique history and their commitment to a better future.

Host a North Macedonian student in the U.S.

Narrow street in the old town of Ohrid on a beautiful sunset, North Macedonia

Family Dynamic

It is common for Macedonian families to include parents, their children, and sometimes grandparents. Usually, both parents work and have the same monetary responsibilities for the family. The authority figure in “more modern families” could be either parent or both, but there are families where the father remains the lead authority and his opinion is the most respected. Most activities are pursued together as a family. Some individual time is considered fine, but when a family member spends too much time alone (staying in their room, for example), it can lead the family to think that something is wrong.

Macedonian teenagers are expected by their parents to do well in school and get good grades. Typical Macedonian parents would expect their child to be responsible and behave properly and respectfully towards others. It is uncommon for children to do chores or have tasks that help out around the house. It is also uncommon for Macedonian families to have a housekeeper or hired help. Usually, the mother does most of the domestic labor like laundry, cooking, etc. Female teenagers sometimes help, and are probably able to prepare meals by themselves, unlike male teenagers, who are generally not taught to cook. A lot of Macedonian families do own pets, although usually these pets (cats and dogs) stay outside. Some families do keep pets indoors, though this is less common.

Teenage Life

Siblings in Macedonia tend to share most things, like clothing, accessories, books, and electronics. They usually do not ask first before using these items, unless they think the other might need it. Macedonian students get a small amount of money every day to purchase food at school. It is very rare for Macedonian teens to have a job. Teenagers in Macedonia do not tend to make independent decisions but instead rely on their parents to make important decisions for them. Macedonian teenagers have a very direct style of communication, especially with their parents and other family members. They usually verbalize their feelings and opinions.

As in the U.S., Macedonian teenagers sometimes socialize in groups, and sometimes one-on-one. It is perfectly acceptable for Macedonian teens to have friends of the opposite sex and to socialize with them one-on-one. Friendship in Macedonia is seen as a very close relationship with a few people that last for a lifetime. Macedonians take pride in having close friends and having strong friendships is an important part of a typical teenager’s life. Most teenagers make most of their friends through common activities, and not necessarily from family/neighborhood connections. Their closest friends might not be their cousins or neighbors but rather classmates or teammates. Macedonian teenagers tend to be generous and may buy or insist on paying for a coffee or a meal for their friends. This is a typical gesture, and friends tend to pay for one another when they go out together. Lending money to friends is also common.

Skopje / Macedonia - July 06 2019: International parade in the streets of Skopje, Macedonia with traditional costume folk dress ready to dance in the festival. Group of folklore people

Official Language

The official language of North Macedonia is Macedonian, with roughly two thirds of the population speaking it as their first native language, and most others speaking it as a second language. Albanian is considered a co-official national language and is the second most spoken language in North Macedonia.

Communication Styles

Young people in Macedonia are similar to those in the U.S. in the way they communicate but may be a slightly more formal with parents and grandparents. In Macedonia, teenagers are very direct when it comes to showing their feelings. However, showing negative emotions can be viewed as somewhat culturally inappropriate, particularly in public or in front of people one does not know well. People are very friendly in Macedonia and may sometimes show emotions physically (like by hugging and kissing on the cheeks). Eye contact is also a way to show respect when interacting with somebody. Macedonians have a very relaxed sense of time and, outside of important appointments, are often late or do not plan social engagements in advance. They often possess a great sense of humor and a very warm, hospitable, and cheerful attitude when interacting with new people.

Diet

The Macedonian diet is often very simple and consists of small, locally sourced produce and ingredients for common dishes that include meat, vegetables, bread, and pastries. The cuisine draws influence from both northern Greece and the Balkans, combining the simplicity of Mediterranean cooking with the spices of their Ottoman roots. Because of its relatively warm climate, locals can enjoy a diverse selection of high-quality vegetables, herbs, dairy products, and spices. In Macedonia, meals may be eaten all together as a family or separately, depending on family members’ schedules. Other than food allergies or medical conditions, dietary restrictions are not very common. Some Macedonian families follow the Muslim religion’s prohibition of not eating pork.

North Macedonia

A country of rich traditions and historical significance