North Macedonia lies in the central Balkans, a landlocked country with a landscape shaped by mountains, valleys, and lakes. The Šar Mountains, Jakupica range, and other high ridges define much of its geography, while the Vardar River cuts through the center, creating fertile plains that have long supported agriculture. To the southwest, Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa stand out as important natural features-Ohrid being one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, with unique species found nowhere else. Forests of oak, beech, and pine cover large areas, while alpine meadows stretch across the higher elevations. These varied environments provide habitats for brown bears, wolves, lynx, and a wide range of birdlife, reflecting the country’s ecological richness. The combination of rugged highlands, freshwater ecosystems, and river valleys makes North Macedonia a diverse landscape within a relatively small territory.