Recently, North Macedonia has been in the news due to a tragic nightclub fire in the eastern town of Kocani, which resulted in the deaths of 51 people and injuries to around 100 others. This incident has drawn attention to the country's safety regulations and emergency response protocols. Additionally, political developments, including legal actions against former officials and ongoing discussions about regional stability, have kept North Macedonia in the spotlight.
North Macedonia, officially the Republic of North Macedonia, is located in the Balkan Peninsula of Southeast Europe. It declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and was known simply as Macedonia until a name change in February 2019, following a long-standing dispute with Greece. The country is landlocked and characterized by a diverse cultural heritage, influenced by its historical ties to various empires. North Macedonia is a candidate for European Union membership and has made strides in recent years to strengthen its international relations and domestic governance.