At a glance: The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia The big picture Statistics Contact us Real lives ...
Country website The big picture Click for a detailed map (PDF) This map does not reflect a position by UNICEF on the legal status of any country or territory or the delimitation of any frontiers. UNICEF in the former Yougoslav Republic (FYR) of Macedonia works with the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), children, young people and families in the areas of early childhood, education, youth and child protection. The influx of 350,000 refugees into FYR Macedonia after the Kosovo crisis in 1999, combined with the outbreak of armed conflict in 2001 added a heavy burden to an already fragile economy. Poverty is on the increase, rising from four per cent in 1991 to an estimated 22.3 per cent in 2002, with the majority of poor concentrated in the rural areas. During 2002 and 2003 significant progress was achieved in moving the country from conflict towards stability. Peace however remains fragile. As displaced persons returned to their homes, relief assistance addressing psychosocial needs, winter clothing shortages and text books requirements was replaced with the reconstruction of houses and schools and a return to development programmes. All United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations and governmental institutions are now refocusing attention on longer-term activities to strengthen civil society, develop institutional capacity and revitalize the depleted economy. According to the national statistics bureau, unemployment rose to 39.1 per cent in 2001, a dramatic 6.9 per cent increase from the previous year. New redundancies from the closure of loss making companies and adjustments to over-employment in the public sector, will likely translate into continued high unemployment and possible social tensions over the next years. | |
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