Macedonia

Macedonia came into being as a republic in 1991 in relative peace - a rare commodity amidst the violent disintegration of Yugoslavia, during which centuries-old ethnic divisions ignited into wars in Bosnia and elsewhere, and later Kosovo.

It was in subsequent years that Macedonia itself came closest to war. Tensions continually ran high among a large ethnic Albanian population swollen further by an influx of refugees from Kosovo, with rebel insurgents fighting their cause in the north and west.

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Orthodox church in Macedonia

With all-out war looming in 2001, peace accords signed in scenic southern Ohrid enshrined Albanian rights to a greater degree in Macedonian law.

Neighbouring Greece, meanwhile, contests to this day, the use of the name 'Macedonia', to which it lays historic claim.

Against this backdrop, beleaguered Macedonia has struggled to emerge economically, and remains one of Europe's poorest countries. Unemployment remains extremely high at over 30%, while possibilities for economic development, such as investment and tourism, are hampered by ongoing uncertainties over stability.

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Area (size): 9,928 square miles (slightly larger than Wales) Capital city: Skopje

Population: Just over 2 million Languages: Macedonian; Albanian. Serb, Roma & Turkish minorities

Religion: Approx. two-thirds Christian (mostly Macedonian Orthodox) & one-thirds Muslim

Christians in Macedonia

The majority of ethnic Macedonians are nominal or practicing Orthodox Christian, while the large Muslim minority may be found predominantly among the ethnic Albanian populations of western Macedonia.

Against this traditional religious setting, a growing evangelical Christian witness has emerged in Macedonia since the fall of communist Yugoslavia, represented by the Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Congregational and Evangelical Church and others.

Unity within and between Christian churches is a key point for prayer, especially as they seek to be effective in bringing the message of hope in Christ amidst Macedonia's many troubles.

Many people in Macedonia are searching for spiritual truths and reassurance, notably young people, many of whom face chronic unemployment which can render life bleak and apparently meaningless.

Macedonia's capital city Skopje has Europe's largest settled Roma (Gypsy) population. Pray for increasing efforts by churches to reach out to these marginalised people with practical help and the good news of Jesus.