Macedonia is one of Europe’s youngest countries. It declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Located in southeastern Europe, this landlocked Balkan country borders Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Serbia and Kosovo. Because of a dispute with Greece over its name, it is sometimes referred to as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).
It’s a small country – about half the size of Nova Scotia – and has a population of just over two million. But there is much to see: ancient churches and mosques, beautiful mountains and lakes, and national parks and reserves.
As Macedonia is still off the radar, there’s never been a better time to visit. Here’s a collection of incredible viral images to whet your appetite.

Church of St. John at Kaneo
Macedonian Orthodox church overlooking Lake Ohrid.

Mavrovo Lake
Mavrovo Lake looking north towards the village of Mavrovi Anovi.

Kuklica
The stone pillars of Kuklica. Some of them seem almost human.

Fallen Heroes of Macedonia
Fallen Heros of Macedonia monument and eternal flame in the capital Skopje.

Galichnik
The northern part of the village of Galichnik.

Samuil’s Fortress
The Fortress of Tsar Samuil in Ohrid.

Sveti Naum Monastery
Sveti (Saint) Naum monastery, an Eastern Orthodox monastery, on the shores of Lake Ohrid. It was established in the year 905.

Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Skopje. It was built in 1492.

Lake Ohrid
Moored boat on beautiful Lake Ohrid.

Church of St. John at Kaneo
Another shot of the church of St. John at Kaneo in Ohrid.

Church of St. Panteleimon
The Church of St. Panteleimon in Gorno Nerezi is dedicated to the patron saint of physicians. It dates back to the 12th century.

Macedonia Square
Macedonia Square is Skopje's main square. It is also the largest in the country.

Porta Macedonia
Porta Macedonia is a triumphal arch in Skopje. It marks 20 years of Macedonian independence.

Alexander the Great
A statue of Alexander the Great in Skopje. He was a king of the Greek kingdom of Macedon.

Springtime
An apple orchard in full bloom.

Macedonian Flag
A wooden version of the Macedonian flag.

Waterfall
Hiking is popular in rural Macedonia.

Lake Prespa
Lake Prespa forms the border between Albania, Greece and Macedonia.

Skopje
Silhouette of a mosque at sunrise in Skopje.

Lake Prespa
A calm scene on the shores of Lake Prespa.

Market
Bags for sale at a Macedonian market.

Church of St. Panteleimon
Interior view of the Church of St. Panteleimon.

Golem Grad
Golem Grad (Big Fortress) is an island in Lake Prespa.

Night Lights
Skopje at night.

Mosque Door
A beautiful door leads into one of Macedonia's many mosques.

Church Door
Church of St. Panteleimon.

Plaosnik
Ancient church and arch near Ohrid.

Sunset
A majestic sunset in the mountains.