North Macedonia: environment

How much of North Macedonia's energy is renewable?

Renewable sources supplied 39.4% of gross electricity production in North Macedonia in 2024 and 35.4% of gross domestic electricity consumption, according to preliminary SSO energy balance data. Imports provided 65.5% of gross inland energy consumption. Lignite use fell 20.9% and solar electricity rose 140.0%.

Renewables made up 21.8% of gross final energy consumption in 2024, according to Eurostat. This wider measure includes heating and transport, where fossil fuels dominate.

Official sources: SSO: Energy balances 2024, preliminary data · Eurostat: Renewable energy share

Where can I check air quality in North Macedonia?

The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning publishes hourly readings of PM10, PM2.5 and other pollutants from its monitoring stations on the national air quality portal. Readings change through the day, so no single figure is given here.

Readings are compared with limit values for each pollutant set in national law in line with EU rules. The SSO publishes environmental statistics, including emissions and waste, in its annual Environmental statistics publication.

Official sources: Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning: Air quality portal · SSO: Environmental statistics 2025

What is the climate like in North Macedonia?

The average annual air temperature in Skopje was 14.3°C in 2025, with 369.3 mm of precipitation, according to data from the Hydrometeorological Service published in the SSO's North Macedonia in Figures 2026. Among the main stations, Demir Kapija was warmest at 15.0°C and Berovo coolest at 10.1°C, while Ohrid had the most precipitation, 669.1 mm.

The National Hydrometeorological Service publishes forecasts and observations. A single year's readings show weather in that year; climate trends need averages over decades.

Official sources: SSO: North Macedonia in Figures 2026 (PDF) · National Hydrometeorological Service

What is North Macedonia's carbon footprint per person?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, carbon dioxide emissions per person in North Macedonia was 4.0 tonnes in 2024. Its high point since 2005 was 2011, at 5.3 tonnes; its low point was 2018, at 4.0 tonnes. It is 33rd highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 5.1 tonnes. World rank, highest first: 62nd of 186.

What are North Macedonia's total greenhouse gas emissions?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts total greenhouse gas emissions in North Macedonia at 9.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 42nd highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 139th highest.

What share of North Macedonia's energy comes from renewables?

19.5%: that is the renewable share of final energy use in North Macedonia for 2021, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 15.6% (2008) to 23.9% (2015). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 20.4%, and North Macedonia placed 27th highest of 50. Worldwide: 109th of 191.

What is North Macedonia's forest cover?

In 2024, forest area as a share of land in North Macedonia was 40.8%, according to the FAO. The peak was 41.3% in 2020 and the low 37.7% in 2005. It is 12th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 33.2%. Worldwide: 68th of 190.

What is air pollution like in North Macedonia?

The latest figure from the Global Burden of Disease study, for 2023, is 21.8 micrograms per cubic metre. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre, and North Macedonia placed 8th highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 73rd of 192.

What share of North Macedonia is protected land?

In 2025, the share of land in protected areas in North Macedonia was 29.0%, according to the UN Environment Programme. No year since 2013 has been higher. It is 13th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 22.1%. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 37th highest.

How much of North Macedonia's fresh water is used?

In 2022, water stress in North Macedonia was 52.6%, according to the FAO. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 12.6%, and North Macedonia placed 7th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 34th of 175.