North Macedonia_

North Macedonia is a small Balkan nation with an outsized sense of identity, claiming heritage from Alexander the Great and Slavic medieval kingdoms. Lake Ohrid, shared with Albania, is one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes, its shores lined with Byzantine churches and a charming old town that draws summer visitors. Skopje, the capital, underwent controversial "antiquification" with neoclassical statues and buildings attempting to assert historical grandeur. The country's Ottoman heritage shows in old bazaars and mosques, while Mavrovo National Park offers skiing and hiking. North Macedonian cuisine blends Turkish, Greek, and Slavic influences. The country offers affordable Balkan experiences with lower tourist numbers than neighbors.