North Macedonia: crime and justice

What is the crime rate in North Macedonia?

The number of adults reported to the authorities as known perpetrators of criminal offences in North Macedonia rose 6.5% in 2025 compared with 2024, while the number accused fell 7.7% and the number convicted 5.7%, according to the State Statistical Office. 6,371 adults were convicted in 2025, according to North Macedonia in Figures 2026.

The SSO counts people, not offences, and covers known perpetrators only, so it is not a full measure of crime. Endangering traffic safety (1,109 convictions) and aggravated theft (671) were the most common offences among those convicted.

Official sources: SSO: Reported, accused and convicted adult perpetrators, 2025 · SSO: North Macedonia in Figures 2026 (PDF)

How many murders are there in North Macedonia?

North Macedonia recorded 20 intentional homicides in 2024, a rate of 1.10 per 100,000 people, according to Eurostat police-recorded offence data; there were 23 in 2023. The SSO's North Macedonia in Figures 2026 shows 11 adults convicted of murder in 2025, compared with 32 in 2015.

Police counts and convictions measure different things: a conviction may come years after the offence, and one case can involve several perpetrators. The Ministry of Interior publishes police crime data.

Official sources: Eurostat: Police-recorded offences · SSO: North Macedonia in Figures 2026 (PDF)

How many prisoners are there in North Macedonia?

2,241 people were held in prisons in North Macedonia in 2024, or 122.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, according to Eurostat prison statistics, compared with 2,265 in 2023.

The figures are supplied by national authorities and count people held on a reference date, including those on remand. Prisons are run by the Directorate for Execution of Sanctions under the Ministry of Justice.

Official sources: Eurostat: Prison capacity and persons held · Ministry of Justice

What is the homicide rate in North Macedonia?

According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the intentional homicide rate in North Macedonia was 1.5 per 100,000 in 2023. The peak was 2.2 per 100,000 in 2006 and the low 0.6 per 100,000 in 2020. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 1.0 per 100,000, and North Macedonia placed 8th highest of 35. World rank, highest first: 43rd of 79.

How many women are murdered in North Macedonia?

In 2023, the homicide rate for women in North Macedonia was 1.0 per 100,000, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.2 per 100,000 (2015) to 1.4 per 100,000 (2010). Europe & Central Asia median: 0.7 per 100,000; North Macedonia is 8th highest of 36. Of 78 countries with 2023 data, 39th highest.

How many men are killed in North Macedonia?

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime puts the homicide rate for men in North Macedonia at 2.1 per 100,000 in 2023. The peak was 3.6 per 100,000 in 2006 and the low 0.5 per 100,000 in 2020. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 1.3 per 100,000, and North Macedonia placed 8th highest of 36. World rank, highest first: 41st of 78.