North Macedonia has a population of around 1.8 million. Ethnic Macedonians make up roughly two-thirds of the population; ethnic Albanians account for about a quarter, concentrated mainly in the west and northwest — in cities like Tetovo and Gostivar. Smaller communities include Turks, Roma, Serbs, and Vlachs.
The country is predominantly Orthodox Christian, with a sizeable Muslim minority (mostly ethnic Albanians and Turks). Religion is generally practised with a relaxed attitude, and the two communities coexist peacefully in most daily life, though the 2001 armed conflict left some fault lines.
Macedonians are famously hospitable. Guests are taken seriously here — coffee visits become long conversations, and being invited into someone's home means eating well. The culture values family and community above almost everything else.
The Roma community, though often marginalised economically, contributes significantly to Macedonian musical culture. The brass and clarinet music you'll hear at festivals and weddings draws heavily on Roma traditions.
Emigration has been significant — large Macedonian diaspora communities exist in Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and Sweden — so you'll occasionally meet locals who switch mid-conversation into surprisingly fluent Australian-accented English.