Religion
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According to North Macedonia’s 2021 national census, 59.9% of the resident population identifies as Christian, with the majority (46.1%) adhering to the Orthodox tradition.1 Other Christian denominations, including Eastern and Roman Catholics, various Protestant groups, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, collectively make up less than 1%.1 Meanwhile, 13.2% of Christians did not specify a denomination.1
Islam is the second largest and fastest-growing religion in Macedonia, followed by 32.2% of the population.1 The vast majority of Muslims are Sunni, though small Sufi communities exist.2 Another 7.2% of respondents did not specify a religious affiliation, while 8,764 people (0.5%) identified as atheists in the 2021 census.1
Although most North Macedonians identify with a religion, not all actively practice their faith. Religiosity is generally stronger among older generations compared to younger people. Religious affiliation is closely linked to ethnicity: the majority of ethnic Macedonians, Serbs, and Vlachs are Orthodox Christians, whereas most ethnic Albanians, Turks, Bosniaks, and Roma predominantly follow Islam.2 Many Macedonians continue to identify with the religion they were raised in to honour their family’s heritage and tradition. It is rare for individuals to leave or renounce their faith.
Recent trends indicate a slight decline in Christian affiliation alongside a gradual increase in the Muslim population. Orthodox Christian traditions remain more prominent in public life, especially in major cities where ethnic Macedonians form the majority. Most national holidays align with the Orthodox Christian calendar. Additionally, traditional beliefs and folk practices persist, especially in rural areas—for example, belief in the “evil eye” remains widespread.
Macedonian Eastern Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church was introduced to North Macedonia during the Roman era and expanded further during the Byzantine period. After years of political challenges, the Macedonian branch of was officially recognised in 1967 with the establishment of the Macedonian Orthodox Church (MOC). Today, the overwhelming majority of Macedonian Orthodox Christians are members of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Archdiocese of Ohrid (MOC-OA), with most residing in the central and southeastern regions of the country.2 The first MOC parish outside North Macedonia was founded in Melbourne, Australia, by the Macedonian migrant community.
It is a widespread tradition among ethnic Macedonians to be baptised and christened at birth. Significant life events, such as marriage and funerals, are also marked with religious ceremonies. Orthodox Macedonians may express their faith through several daily customs, such as wearing a cross around their neck. Additionally, some may observe fasting periods, particularly during Lent, when they abstain from meat, oil, and dairy products.
Islam in Macedonia
Islam was introduced to North Macedonia during the Ottoman period of rule. The vast majority of Muslims are ethnic Albanians, Turks, Bosniaks and Roma and mostly reside in the northern and western parts of the country.2 These groups traditionally adhere to the Sunni variation of Islam and follow the Hanafi school of thought. North Macedonia has historically practised a more modern interpretation of Islam, influenced by Ottoman Turkish traditions. As a result, not all Islamic customs are strictly observed— for instance, many Macedonian Muslims consume alcohol.
North Macedonia is also home to a small Sufi community, including several Bektashi orders, such as the Tetovo Bektashi Community and the Bektashi Religious Community. Bektashi culture and dervish orders played an important role in spreading Islam into the Balkan regions, particularly in Western Macedonia.3 The influence is most significant in the town of Tetovo and its surrounding areas, where the Arabati Baba Tekke was built in the late 16th century. This remains the largest and most well-preserved Bektashi tekke (lodge or gathering site) in the western Balkans.3