Macedonian diaspora
Encyclopedia
Macedonians (ethnic group)
The Macedonians also referred to as Macedonian Slavs: "... the term Slavomacedonian was introduced and was accepted by the community itself, which at the time had a much more widespread non-Greek Macedonian ethnic consciousness...
emigrants and their descendants in countries such as Australia, Italy, Germany, Canada, the United States and others. It is a result of historical and modern day emigration. It is claimed that the diaspora numbers over a million people. A 1964 estimate put the number of Macedonian emigrants at over 580,000.
History
The Macedonian diaspora is the consequence of either voluntary departure or forced migration over the past 100 years. It is claimed that there were six major waves of emigration.The Macedonian Slavic-speaking
Slavic languages
The Slavic languages , a group of closely related languages of the Slavic peoples and a subgroup of Indo-European languages, have speakers in most of Eastern Europe, in much of the Balkans, in parts of Central Europe, and in the northern part of Asia.-Branches:Scholars traditionally divide Slavic...
immigrants in the first half of 20th century were mostly considered as Macedonian Bulgarians.
- 1. The First wave occurred after the Failure of the Ilinden Uprising in 1903. Many people fled to other parts of Ottoman EmpireOttoman EmpireThe Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
, BulgariaBulgariaBulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
, EgyptEgyptEgypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, Russia, the USA and Canada. - 2. The "Pečalba" tradition which was common across MacedoniaMacedonia (region)Macedonia is a geographical and historical region of the Balkan peninsula in southeastern Europe. Its boundaries have changed considerably over time, but nowadays the region is considered to include parts of five Balkan countries: Greece, the Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania, Serbia, as...
. Many people settled in the host countries. The pečalbari migrate from the 1880s to the 1920s, mainly to Greece. Large settlements occurred in Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Turkey and the United States. - 3. The period from World War I to the Great DepressionGreat DepressionThe Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
, when Macedonians fled Serbian rule and moved to Western Europe for industrial labor jobs, mainly in countries such as France, West Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, which will repeat again from the early 1950s to late 1970s. - 4. Post World War II and the Greek Civil WarGreek Civil WarThe Greek Civil War was fought from 1946 to 1949 between the Greek governmental army, backed by the United Kingdom and United States, and the Democratic Army of Greece , the military branch of the Greek Communist Party , backed by Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Albania...
thousands of Macedonians fled, were evacuated or emigrated. Thousands of people fleg Greece after the failure of the DSEDemocratic Army of GreeceThis article is based on a translation of an article from the Greek Wikipedia.The Democratic Army of Greece , often simply abbreviated to its initials DSE , was the army founded by the Communist Party of Greece during the Greek Civil War, 1946–1949...
, the National Liberation Front and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE)Communist Party of GreeceFounded in 1918, the Communist Party of Greece , better known by its acronym, ΚΚΕ , is the oldest party on the Greek political scene.- Foundation :...
to win the Greek Civil WarGreek Civil WarThe Greek Civil War was fought from 1946 to 1949 between the Greek governmental army, backed by the United Kingdom and United States, and the Democratic Army of Greece , the military branch of the Greek Communist Party , backed by Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Albania...
. An estimated 55,000 people were evacuated to Romania, the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, Poland and the rest of the Eastern BlocEastern blocThe term Eastern Bloc or Communist Bloc refers to the former communist states of Eastern and Central Europe, generally the Soviet Union and the countries of the Warsaw Pact...
. Many Aegean MacedoniansAegean MacedoniansSlavic speakers are a linguistic minority population in the northern Greek region of Macedonia who are mostly concentrated in certain parts of the peripheries of West and Central Macedonia, adjacent to the territory of the Republic of Macedonia. A smaller group exists in East Macedonia adjacent to...
emigrate to the UK, Australia, Canada and France. - 5. During the 1960s Yugoslavia lifted restrictions on emigration. Hundreds of thousands of Macedonians emigrated. Internal Yugoslav migration was also very prevalent, by 1991 an estimated 80,000 Macedonians were living throughout Yugoslavia. Primary destinations were Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, SerbiaSerbiaSerbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA. - 6. After the Breakup of Yugoslavia thousands of Macedonians emigrated. Many went to Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the UK and North America.
Spread of ethnic Macedonians
Number of ethnic Macedonians around the world
| Country | Number of Ethnic Macedonians | Main Article | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Argentina ArgentinaArgentina Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires... |
30,000 (est.) | Macedonians of Argentina | Many Macedonians of Argentina are the descendants of the "pečalbari" (seasonal workers) who came to Argentina in the early 20th century. Many decided to stay in Argentina, setting up Macedonian colonies in the Pampas and other regions. Most Macedonians can be found in Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent... , the Pampas La Pampa Province La Pampa is a sparsely populated province of Argentina, located in the Pampas in the center of the country. Neighboring provinces are from the north clockwise San Luis, Córdoba, Buenos Aires, Río Negro, Neuquén and Mendoza.-History:... and Córdoba Córdoba Province (Argentina) Córdoba is a province of Argentina, located in the center of the country. Neighboring provinces are : Santiago del Estero, Santa Fe, Buenos Aires, La Pampa, San Luis, La Rioja and Catamarca... . An estimated 30,000 Macedonians can be found in Argentina. |
| 2 |  Australia Australia |
83,988 (2006 census) - 200,000 (est.) | Macedonian Australians | The Macedonians in Australia comprise many refugees from the Greek Civil War Greek Civil War The Greek Civil War was fought from 1946 to 1949 between the Greek governmental army, backed by the United Kingdom and United States, and the Democratic Army of Greece , the military branch of the Greek Communist Party , backed by Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Albania... . Although the majority are from the Republic of Macedonia having migrated to Australia from the 1960s to the early 1990s. Community spokespersons put the number of Macedonians at over 350,000 people. The Republic of Macedonia claims that there are 200,000 Macedonians in Australia. Demographer Charles Price Charles Price Charles Price may refer to:*Charles Basil Price , Canadian soldier*Charles H. Price II , American businessman and former diplomat*Charles Melvin Price , U.S... puts the number of Macedonians in Australia at over 150,000 people. In the 2006 Census, 40,656 Australian residents are listed as having been born in the Republic of Macedonia. In addition, 83,978 residents declared their ancestry as Macedonian, either alone or in combination with another ancestry. In 2001 the Macedonian language Macedonian language Macedonian is a South Slavic language spoken as a first language by approximately 2–3 million people principally in the region of Macedonia but also in the Macedonian diaspora... was spoken at home by 71,994 residents. |
| 3 |  Albania AlbaniaAlbania Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea... |
4,697 (1989 census) - 35,000 (est.) | Macedonians of Albania Macedonians of Albania Macedonians of Albania are an officially recognized ethnic minorityin Albania. In the 1989 census, 4,697 people declared themselves Macedonian. The condition of the Macedonian population living in the Prespa area is described in positive terms and particular praise is given since all the villages... |
Although not necessarily classified as being a part of the "Macedonian Diaspora" the Macedonians of Albania Macedonians of Albania Macedonians of Albania are an officially recognized ethnic minorityin Albania. In the 1989 census, 4,697 people declared themselves Macedonian. The condition of the Macedonian population living in the Prespa area is described in positive terms and particular praise is given since all the villages... constitute a minority group in Albania. |
| 4 |  Austria Austria |
13,696 (2001 census)1 - 25,000 (est.) | Macedonians in Austria Macedonians in Austria Macedonians in Austria refers to the ethnic Macedonian minority residing in the country. Thousands of Macedonians emigrated to Austria during the years of the Yugoslav federation. Many were temporary workers. After the Breakup of Yugoslavia many returned to Macedonia, but a large proportion of the... |
Thousand of Macedonians emigrated to Austria during the years of the Yugoslav federation. Many were temporary workers. After the Breakup of Yugoslavia many returned to Macedonia Republic of Macedonia Macedonia , officially the Republic of Macedonia , is a country located in the central Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991... but a large proportion of the minority remained. In recent years migration to Austria has increased. By 2001 there were 13,696 Macedonian citizens in Austria, however the Macedonian government puts the figure at 15,000. Community spokesperson however put the figure at over 25,000 people, claiming many Macedonians from other parts of the Former Yugoslavia Former Yugoslavia The former Yugoslavia is a term used to describe the present day states which succeeded the collapse of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.... also are present in Austria. |
| 5 |  Kingdom of Bulgaria BulgariaBulgaria Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east... |
5,071 (2001 census) - 25,000 (est.) | Ethnic Macedonians of Bulgaria or Pirin Macedonians | |
| 6 |  Belgium Belgium |
3,4191 - 15,406 | Macedonians in Belgium | |
| 7 |  Brazil Brazil |
45,000 (est.) | Macedonians in Brazil Macedonians in Brazil The Macedonian community of Brazil refers to the group of ethnic Macedonians living in Brazil or their descendants.An estimated 45,000 people in Brazil are of Macedonian ancestry. The Macedonians can be primarily found in Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Curitiba... |
An estimated 45,000 people in Brazil are of Macedonian Ancestry. Many Pečalbari (seasonal workers) came to Brazil in the early 1900s looking for work. Many of them stayed and established themselves in Brazil. The Macedonians in Brazil Macedonians in Brazil The Macedonian community of Brazil refers to the group of ethnic Macedonians living in Brazil or their descendants.An estimated 45,000 people in Brazil are of Macedonian ancestry. The Macedonians can be primarily found in Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Curitiba... can be found in Porto Alegre Porto Alegre Porto Alegre is the tenth most populous municipality in Brazil, with 1,409,939 inhabitants, and the centre of Brazil's fourth largest metropolitan area . It is also the capital city of the southernmost Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The city is the southernmost capital city of a Brazilian... , Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th... and Curitiba Curitiba Curitiba is the capital of the Brazilian state of Paraná. It is the largest city with the biggest economy of both Paraná and southern Brazil. The population of Curitiba numbers approximately 1.75 million people and the latest GDP figures for the city surpass US$61 billion according to... . Many of the descendants no longer speak the Macedonian language Macedonian language Macedonian is a South Slavic language spoken as a first language by approximately 2–3 million people principally in the region of Macedonia but also in the Macedonian diaspora... . |
| 8 |  Canada Canada |
37,705 (2006 census) - 200,000 (est.) | Macedonian Canadians Macedonian Canadians Macedonian Canadians are a group of ethnic Macedonians who live in Canada.-History:... |
The Macedonian Community of Canada is one of the largest and oldest Macedonian diaspora groups in the world. Many refugees from the Balkan Wars Balkan Wars The Balkan Wars were two conflicts that took place in the Balkans in south-eastern Europe in 1912 and 1913.By the early 20th century, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia, the countries of the Balkan League, had achieved their independence from the Ottoman Empire, but large parts of their ethnic... and World War I emigrated to Canada in the early 20th Century. They were joined by Aegean Macedonians Aegean Macedonians Slavic speakers are a linguistic minority population in the northern Greek region of Macedonia who are mostly concentrated in certain parts of the peripheries of West and Central Macedonia, adjacent to the territory of the Republic of Macedonia. A smaller group exists in East Macedonia adjacent to... in the 1920s and 1930s. Another wave of refugees arrived after World War II. Many emigrants from Greece began to arrive in the 1950s and 1960s joined by Yugoslav Macedonians. |
| 9 |  Czech Republic Czech RepublicCzech Republic The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest.... |
2,068 citizens of RM (2009 census), 13-15,000 (2001 estimate) | Macedonians in the Czech Republic | The Macedonians in the Czech Republic are mainly descended from the refugee children who were resettled in the former Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakia or Czecho-Slovakia was a sovereign state in Central Europe which existed from October 1918, when it declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until 1992... . It was estimated that 11,623 people were resettled in Czechoslovakia. Many later decided to return to the Socialist Republic of Macedonia Socialist Republic of Macedonia The Socialist Republic of Macedonia was a socialist state that was a constituent country of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia... , which shaprly reduced the community's numbers. Although Many decided to stay in the Czech Republic Czech Republic The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest.... . |
| 10 |  Denmark Denmark |
3,349 (2008 census)1 - 12,000 (est.) | Macedonian in Denmark | |
| 11 |  Early Modern France France |
2,300 - 15,000(est.) | Macedonians in France Macedonians in France Macedonians in France form a small minority mainly concentrated in the capital Paris. Thousands of Macedonians left Yugoslavia in the 1920s and 1930s to work in France. Many of these were unskilled immigrants and returned to Macedonia after finishing their work in France. After World War II many... |
Thousands of Macedonians left Yugoslavia in the 1920s and 1930s to work in France. Many of these were unskilled immigrants and returned to Macedonia after finishing their work in France. After World War II many returned this time as immigrants. Most of the immigrants originated from the Struga Struga Struga is a town and popular tourist destination situated in the south-western region of the Republic of Macedonia, lying on the shore of Lake Ohrid. The town of Struga is the seat of Struga Municipality.-Etymology:... , Ohrid Ohrid Ohrid is a city on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid in the Republic of Macedonia. It has about 42,000 inhabitants, making it the seventh largest city in the country. The city is the seat of Ohrid Municipality. Ohrid is notable for having once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year and has... and Kicevo Kicevo Kičevo is a city in the western part of the Republic of Macedonia, located in a valley in the south-eastern slopes of Mount Bistra, between the cities of Ohrid and Gostivar. The capital Skopje is 112 km away. The city of Kičevo is the seat of Kičevo Municipality.-Population:The municipality... regions. They were primarily settled in migrant hostels and "ghettoes". More still emigrated to France after the breakup of Yugoslavia. The French government estimates the number of Macedonians in France to be 2,300 while Macedonian figures put the number at over 15,000 persons. |
| 12 |  Finland Finland |
200 | Macedonians in Finland | |
| 13 |  Greece Greece |
962 (2001 census) to 10,000–30,000 (1999 est.) | Slavic-speakers of Greek Macedonia | As of 1 January 2010, there are 1,705 citizens from the Republic of Macedonia with a residency permit in Greece http://taxalia.blogspot.com/2010/05/532898.html. |
| 14 |  Hungary Hungary |
5,000 (est.) | Macedonians in Hungary Macedonians in Hungary Macedonians in Hungary refers to the ethnic Macedonian minority residing in today's Republic of Hungary. After the Greek Civil War many Macedonians were evacuated to Hungary. Many left from the Socialist Republic of Macedonia in the 1950s and 1960s. Although a substantial minority remained of the... |
After the Greek Civil War Greek Civil War The Greek Civil War was fought from 1946 to 1949 between the Greek governmental army, backed by the United Kingdom and United States, and the Democratic Army of Greece , the military branch of the Greek Communist Party , backed by Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Albania... many Macedonians were evacuated to Hungary. Many left for the Socialist Republic of Macedonia Socialist Republic of Macedonia The Socialist Republic of Macedonia was a socialist state that was a constituent country of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia... in the 1950s and 1960s. Although a substantial minority remained of the 7,253 who fled Greece. An estimated 5,000 Macedonians resided in Hungary in 1995. |
| 15 |  Italy Italy |
78,090 (2007 figures)1 | Macedonians in Italy | The largest population of Macedonian Muslims Macedonian Muslims The Macedonian Muslims , also known as Muslim Macedonians, Torbeš, ; , in older sources Pomaks are a minority religious group within the community of ethnic Macedonians who are Muslims... in the Macedonian diaspora can be found Italy. Many of them are from the Debar Debar Debar is a city in the western part of the Republic of Macedonia, near the border with Albania, on the road from Struga to Gostivar. It is the seat of Debar Municipality.-Geography:... , Gostivar Gostivar Gostivar , is a city in the Republic of Macedonia, located in the upper Polog valley region. It is one of the largest municipalities in the country with a population of 81,042, and the town also covers . Gostivar has good road and railway connections with the other cities in the region, such as... , Struga Struga Struga is a town and popular tourist destination situated in the south-western region of the Republic of Macedonia, lying on the shore of Lake Ohrid. The town of Struga is the seat of Struga Municipality.-Etymology:... and Mavrovo Mavrovo Mavrovo is a region in the northwest of the Republic of Macedonia. It is home to Mavrovo National Park and a winter sports center. Some of the villages and smaller hamlets include: Mavrovo, Nikiforovo, Leunovo, and Mavrovi Anovi... regions of Macedonia. Among the Macedonian Muslims are a large population of Maceodonian Christians. The total number of Macedonian citizens in Italy has risen from 34,019 in 2003 to 78,090 in 2007. |
| 16 |  Luxembourg LuxembourgLuxembourg Luxembourg , officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg , is a landlocked country in western Europe, bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany. It has two principal regions: the Oesling in the North as part of the Ardennes massif, and the Gutland in the south... |
200 | Macedonians in Luxembourg | |
| 17 |  Germany Germany |
62,295 (2006 figures)1 - 85,000 (est.) | Macedonians in Germany | Many Macedonians came to Germany in the 1960s and 1970s. Many went to work in the industrial centres of East Germany and the Ruhr Ruhr The Ruhr is a medium-size river in western Germany , a right tributary of the Rhine.-Description:The source of the Ruhr is near the town of Winterberg in the mountainous Sauerland region, at an elevation of approximately 2,200 feet... . Later still many thousands emigrated to Germany after the Breakup of Yugoslavia. The first of eight Macedonian Orthodox Church Macedonian Orthodox Church The Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric or just Macedonian Orthodox Church is the body of Christians who are united under the Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia, exercising jurisdiction over Macedonian Orthodox Christians in the Republic of Macedonia and in exarchates in the Macedonian... communities was established in Hamburg in 1980. The Macedonian Soccer team FK Makedonija 1970 was founded in 1970. There are concentrations of Macedonians in Berlin, Bavaria Bavaria Bavaria, formally the Free State of Bavaria is a state of Germany, located in the southeast of Germany. With an area of , it is the largest state by area, forming almost 20% of the total land area of Germany... , Hamburg Hamburg -History:The first historic name for the city was, according to Claudius Ptolemy's reports, Treva.But the city takes its modern name, Hamburg, from the first permanent building on the site, a castle whose construction was ordered by the Emperor Charlemagne in AD 808... and the Ruhr Ruhr The Ruhr is a medium-size river in western Germany , a right tributary of the Rhine.-Description:The source of the Ruhr is near the town of Winterberg in the mountainous Sauerland region, at an elevation of approximately 2,200 feet... . 62,295 Macedonian citizens were living in Germany in 2006, although Macedonian sources claim the true number of Macedonians ranges from 75,000 to 85,000. |
| 18 |  Netherlands NetherlandNetherland Netherland is a critically acclaimed novel by Joseph O'Neill. It concerns the life of a Dutchman living in New York in the wake of the September 11 attacks who takes up cricket and starts playing at the Staten Island Cricket Club.-Plot summary:... |
10,000 - 15,000 (est.) | Macedonians in the Netherlands | Many Macedonians entered the Netherlands during the 1960s and 1970s. Most of these returned to Macedonia while a minority remained. They were joined by business migrants and students after the breakup of Yugoslavia. It is estimated that over between 10,000 and 15,000 Macedonians can be found in the Netherlands. |
| 19 |  New Zealand New Zealand |
807 2006 census1 - 1,500 (est.) | Macedonians in New Zealand | |
| 20 |  Norway Norway |
2,000 | Macedonians in Norway | |
| 21 |  Poland Poland |
2,000 | Macedonians in Poland Macedonians in Poland Macedonians of Poland form small minority and they are mainly concentrated in Southern and Central Poland. Most of the Macedonians of Poland originate from the Child Refugees of the Greek Civil War. Estimates put the number of Macedonian refuges settled in Poland at 11,458... |
Most of the Macedonians of Poland originate from the Child Refugees of the Greek Civil War Greek Civil War The Greek Civil War was fought from 1946 to 1949 between the Greek governmental army, backed by the United Kingdom and United States, and the Democratic Army of Greece , the military branch of the Greek Communist Party , backed by Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Albania... . Estimates put the number of Macedonian refugees settled in Poland at 11,458. Most Macedonians are settled in Southern and Central Poland. Many Macedonians immigrated to Poland after the breakup of Yugoslavia. |
| 22 |  Kingdom of Romania RomaniaRomania Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea... |
731 - 6,000 | Ethnic Macedonians of Romania Ethnic Macedonians of Romania The Macedonians of Romania are a recognised minority with full minority rights. As of the 2002 census, 731 ethnic Macedonians lived in Romania.There are concentrations of Macedonians in Bucharest, Galaţi and Ploieşti.- Immigration :... |
A large group of Macedonians has been present in Romania since the end of the Greek Civil War Greek Civil War The Greek Civil War was fought from 1946 to 1949 between the Greek governmental army, backed by the United Kingdom and United States, and the Democratic Army of Greece , the military branch of the Greek Communist Party , backed by Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Albania... when thousands of refugees were transferred there. Many chose to remain in Romania. Today the Macedonians in Romania are a fully recognised minority group. |
| 23 |  Russia Russia |
1,000 (est.) | Macedonians in Russia | During the Years of the Ottoman Empire Ottoman Empire The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries... many Macedonians left Macedonia and went to live in Russia. Many Macedonian societies such as the Macedonian Scientific and Literary Society were established by the Macedonians in Russia, they were referred to as the "Macedonian Colony". The society often printed books and newspapers in the vernacular Macedonian dialects and was based in Saint Petersburg Saint Petersburg Saint Petersburg is a city and a federal subject of Russia located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea... . The most renowned Macedonian journal printed in Russia was "Macedonian Voice" . The group even designed a Macedonian flag. Many future Macedonian Academic's had studied in Russia. By the 21st an estimated 1000 Macedonians remained in Russia. |
| 24 |  Slovakia SlovakiaSlovakia The Slovak Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe. It has a population of over five million and an area of about . Slovakia is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south... |
4,600 (est.)1 | Macedonians in Slovakia | |
| 25 |  Switzerland Switzerland |
61,304 (2006 figures)1 - 63,000 (est.) | Macedonians in Switzerland | Thousand of Macedonians emigrated to Switzerland during the years of the Yugoslav federation. Many were temporary workers. After the breakup of Yugoslavia thousands more came to Switzerland. In 1992 an association of Macedonian clubs and groups was founded, the "Združenie na Makedonskite Društva " (ZMD) has member from every Macedonian society in Switzerland. By 2000 large concentrations had been established in Biel/Bienne Biel/Bienne Biel/Bienne is a city in the district of the Biel/Bienne administrative district in the canton of Bern in Switzerland.It is located on the language boundary and is throughout bilingual. Biel is the German name for the town, Bienne its French counterpart. The town is often referred to in both... , Berne Berne The city of Bern or Berne is the Bundesstadt of Switzerland, and, with a population of , the fourth most populous city in Switzerland. The Bern agglomeration, which includes 43 municipalities, has a population of 349,000. The metropolitan area had a population of 660,000 in 2000... , Geneva Geneva Geneva In the national languages of Switzerland the city is known as Genf , Ginevra and Genevra is the second-most-populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland... and Zürich Zürich Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich... . By 2005 there were 61,304 Macedonian citizens in Switzerland. |
| 26 |  Sweden Sweden |
6,000 - 15,000 (est.) | Macedonians in Sweden | Macedonians began to immigrate to Sweden after World War II . Many of these were originally Aegean Macedonians Aegean Macedonians Slavic speakers are a linguistic minority population in the northern Greek region of Macedonia who are mostly concentrated in certain parts of the peripheries of West and Central Macedonia, adjacent to the territory of the Republic of Macedonia. A smaller group exists in East Macedonia adjacent to... who were later joined by Macedonians from Yugoslavia, a large proportion of these were Macedonian Muslims Macedonian Muslims The Macedonian Muslims , also known as Muslim Macedonians, Torbeš, ; , in older sources Pomaks are a minority religious group within the community of ethnic Macedonians who are Muslims... . The Macedonian population settled heavily in the south-western region of Sweden. The Swedish Government officially recognizes the Macedonian minority present in Sweden. Macedonians in Sweden are well organized through many associations and they are recognized as an Macedonian minority through law. Throughout Sweden there are over 20 registered Macedonian associations. There are several Macedonian Orthodox Church Macedonian Orthodox Church The Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric or just Macedonian Orthodox Church is the body of Christians who are united under the Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia, exercising jurisdiction over Macedonian Orthodox Christians in the Republic of Macedonia and in exarchates in the Macedonian... es and Macedonian language newspapers in Sweden. In 2006 there were 3,669 Macedonian born in Sweden. The Swedish immigrant center puts the number of Macedonians at 6,000. Macedonian sources put the number of Macedonians in Sweden at over 15,000. |
| 27 |  Spain Spain |
200 (est.) | Macedonians in Spain | |
| 28 |  Turkey Turkey |
31,518 | Macedonians in Turkey | |
| 29 |  United States United States |
51,733 (2006 figures) - 200,000 (est.) | Macedonian Americans Macedonian Americans Macedonian Americans are Americans of ethnic Macedonian descent.-History:The first Macedonian American immigrants came from the border regions in the north of what is today Greek Macedonia, primarily the regions near Kastoria , Florina , and the south-west of the Republic of Macedonia, notably... |
Macedonians emigrated to America as "Pečalbari" (seasonal workers) in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is estimated that after the failure of the Ilinden Uprising, over 50,000 Macedonians came to America. The first immigrants were primarily from the Lerin Lerín Lerín is a town and municipality located in the province and autonomous community of Navarre, northern Spain.-External links:*... , Kostur, and Bitola Bitola Bitola is a city in the southwestern part of the Republic of Macedonia. The city is an administrative, cultural, industrial, commercial, and educational centre. It is located in the southern part of the Pelagonia valley, surrounded by the Baba and Nidže mountains, 14 km north of the... regions. After World War I, many Macedonians returned to Europe only to be joined by Aegean Macedonians Aegean Macedonians Slavic speakers are a linguistic minority population in the northern Greek region of Macedonia who are mostly concentrated in certain parts of the peripheries of West and Central Macedonia, adjacent to the territory of the Republic of Macedonia. A smaller group exists in East Macedonia adjacent to... who were fleeing persecution under the Metaxas regime 4th of August Regime The 4th of August Regime , commonly also known as the Metaxas Regime , was an authoritarian regime under the leadership of General Ioannis Metaxas that ruled Greece from 1936 to 1941... . By 1945, an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 Macedonians were in the United States. Post-war immigration was limited until the Breakup of Yugoslavia. Large Macedonian concentrations can be found in Detroit (20,000), Gary Gary, Indiana Gary is a city in Lake County, Indiana, United States. The city is in the southeastern portion of the Chicago metropolitan area and is 25 miles from downtown Chicago. The population is 80,294 at the 2010 census, making it the seventh-largest city in the state. It borders Lake Michigan and is known... , Chicago Chicago Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles... , and northern New Jersey New Jersey New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware... . The 1990 census recorded 20,365 Macedonians. By 2006, this number had increased to 42,812. Some community spokespeople claim that the number of Macedonians in America is over 200,000. The United Macedonian Diaspora United Macedonian Diaspora The United Macedonian Diaspora is an international membership organization founded in 2004 and based in Washington, D.C. addressing the interests and needs of Macedonian communities throughout the world... was established by Macedonian Americans. Many Aegean Macedonians Aegean Macedonians Slavic speakers are a linguistic minority population in the northern Greek region of Macedonia who are mostly concentrated in certain parts of the peripheries of West and Central Macedonia, adjacent to the territory of the Republic of Macedonia. A smaller group exists in East Macedonia adjacent to... are also present in the United States. |
| 30 |  United Kingdom United Kingdom |
10,000 (est.) | Macedonians in the United Kingdom | An estimated 10,000 Macedonians live in the United Kingdom. The majority of them are concentrated in the Greater London region. |
 Kingdom of Yugoslavia Former YugoslaviaFormer Yugoslavia The former Yugoslavia is a term used to describe the present day states which succeeded the collapse of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.... |
65,000 (est.) | Macedonians in Serbia Macedonians in Serbia Macedonians of Serbia are an officially recognized ethnic minority in Serbia.-Immigration:During the years 1945–1992, ethnic Macedonians and the Macedonian Language was a constituent part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Many Ethnic Macedonians migrated to other parts of the... , Macedonians in Slovenia Macedonians in Slovenia Macedonians in Slovenia are ethnic Macedonians who reside in Slovenia. According to the official census of 2002, there are 3,972 ethnic Macedonians in Slovenia. 4,760 people declared Macedonian as their mother tongue.- Immigration :... , Macedonians in Croatia Macedonians in Croatia Macedonians in Croatia refers to the group of ethnic Macedonians who reside in Croatia. According to the official census of 2001, there are 4,270 ethnic Macedonians in Croatia.- Migration :... |
While Macedonia was part of the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia, thousands of Macedonians resettled in other constituent republics. Many settled there permanently although most were temporary migrants. By 1980 there were large Macedonian population in every major city of the former Yugoslavia. Over 60,000 Macedonians were scattered throughout the rest of Yugoslavia by 1991. | |
| 31 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Hercegovina |
2,278 (2005 census) - 10,000 (est.) | Many Macedonians emigrated to Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the... during the 1960s and 1970s. Many Macedonians such as Branko Crvenkovski Branko Crvenkovski Branko Crvenkovski leads the Republic of Macedonia's largest opposition party, the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia. He was Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2002 to 2004, then President of the Republic of Macedonia from 2004 to 2009.Crvenkovski was... and Stevo Teodosievski Stevo Teodosievski Stevo Teodosievski was born in Kočani. He was a Macedonian artist, music educator and humanist. After a childhood in his hometown, he spent his youth in Belgrade, returning to Kocani after WWII... were born in Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the... . Their numbers have fluctuating from 657 in 1948, 2,297 in 1953, 3,642 in 1961 and 3,764 in 1971. In 1981 there were 2,753 Macedonians in Bosnia, this number fell to 2,278 in 2005. Most Macedonians left Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the... during the Bosnian War Bosnian War The Bosnian War or the War in Bosnia and Herzegovina was an international armed conflict that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina between April 1992 and December 1995. The war involved several sides... , many returned after the War. |
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| 32 |  Independent State of Croatia CroatiaCroatia Croatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ... |
4,270 (2001 census) - 15,000 (est.) | Macedonians in Croatia Macedonians in Croatia Macedonians in Croatia refers to the group of ethnic Macedonians who reside in Croatia. According to the official census of 2001, there are 4,270 ethnic Macedonians in Croatia.- Migration :... |
Macedonians have been emigrating to Croatia since the end of World War II . Their numbers have fluctuating from 1,387 in 1948, 2,385 in 1953, 4,381 in 1961 and 5,625 in 1971. In 1981 there were 6,362 Macedonians in Croatia, this number fell to 4,270 in 2001. They are an officially recognized ethnic minority in Croatia. It is claimed that up to 15,000 Macedonians live in Croatia. |
| 33 |  Republic of Kosovo KosovoKosovo Kosovo is a region in southeastern Europe. Part of the Ottoman Empire for more than five centuries, later the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija within Serbia... |
Macedonians in Kosovo | ||
| 34 |  Kingdom of Montenegro MontenegroMontenegro Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the... |
819 (2003 census) - 2,500 (est.) | Macedonians in Montenegro Macedonians in Montenegro The Macedonians in Montenegro form a small minority in the country. The last official census showed that there are 900 Macedonians in Montenegro. According to the Macedonian associations in Montenegro there are about 2000 Macedonians living in Montenegro.... |
A small Macedonian population had existed in Montenegro Montenegro Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the... since the early 1900s. By 1948 only 133 Macedonians remained in Montenegro, this number rose to 875 in 1981. 1,072 Macedonians were counted in the 1991 Yugoslav Census, this number had fallen to 819 by 2003. Macedonian Macedonian language Macedonian is a South Slavic language spoken as a first language by approximately 2–3 million people principally in the region of Macedonia but also in the Macedonian diaspora... was the mother language of 507 people. The Macedonians were concentrated in Podgorica Podgorica Podgorica , is the capital and largest city of Montenegro.Podgorica's favourable position at the confluence of the Ribnica and Morača rivers and the meeting point of the fertile Zeta Plain and Bjelopavlići Valley has encouraged settlement... , Herceg Novi Herceg Novi Herceg Novi is a coastal town in Montenegro located at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and at the foot of Mount Orjen. It is the administrative center of the Herceg Novi Municipality with around 33,000 inhabitants... and Tivat Tivat Tivat is a coastal town in southwest Montenegro, located in the Bay of Kotor... . |
| 35 |  Serbia SerbiaSerbia Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans... |
25,847 (2002 census) - 50,000 (est.) | Macedonians in Serbia Macedonians in Serbia Macedonians of Serbia are an officially recognized ethnic minority in Serbia.-Immigration:During the years 1945–1992, ethnic Macedonians and the Macedonian Language was a constituent part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Many Ethnic Macedonians migrated to other parts of the... |
Thousand of Macedonian joined the Partisans Partisan (military) A partisan is a member of an irregular military force formed to oppose control of an area by a foreign power or by an army of occupation by some kind of insurgent activity... and fought in Serbia Serbia Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans... and the rest of Yugoslavia Yugoslavia Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century.... . Many decided to remain in Serbia Serbia Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans... . Tens of thousands of Macedonian migrants emigrated to Serbia during the years of the Yugoslav federation. Their numbers have fluctuating significantly from 17,917 in 1948, 27,277 in 1953, 36,288 in 1961 and 42,675 in 1971. In 1981 there were 48,986 Macedonians in Serbia Macedonians in Serbia Macedonians of Serbia are an officially recognized ethnic minority in Serbia.-Immigration:During the years 1945–1992, ethnic Macedonians and the Macedonian Language was a constituent part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Many Ethnic Macedonians migrated to other parts of the... , this number fell to 46,046 in 1991. In 2002 there were 25,847 Macedonians in Serbia. Large Macedonian centers were established in Vojvodina Vojvodina Vojvodina, officially called Autonomous Province of Vojvodina is an autonomous province of Serbia. Its capital and largest city is Novi Sad... and Belgrade Belgrade Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. According to official results of Census 2011, the city has a population of 1,639,121. It is one of the 15 largest cities in Europe... . Most Notably in Pančevo Pancevo Pančevo is a city and municipality located in the southern part of Serbian province of Vojvodina, 15 km northeast from Belgrade. In 2002, the city had a total population of 77,087, while municipality of Pančevo had 127,162 inhabitants. It is the administrative center of the South Banat... , Kacarevo Kacarevo Kačarevo is a town in northern Serbia, situated in the municipality of Pančevo, South Banat District, Vojvodina province. The town has a Serb ethnic majority and its population numbering 7,624 people .- Name :... (19%), Jabuka Jabuka Jabuka is a village in the Republic of Serbia. It is situated in the Pančevo municipality, in the South Banat District, Vojvodina province. The village has a Serb ethnic majority and its population is 6,312 .- Name :... (33%), Plandište Plandište Plandište is a village and municipality in South Banat District of Vojvodina, Serbia. The village has a population of 4,248, while Plandište municipality has 13,355 inhabitants... (21.3%), Glogonj Glogonj Glogonj is a village in Serbia. It is situated in the Pančevo municipality, in the South Banat District, Vojvodina province. The village has a Serb ethnic majority and its population numbering 3,178 people .Also there is an ethnic Macedonian minority.-External links:*More about this village on *... (12%) and Dužine Dužine Dužine is a village in Serbia. It is situated in the Plandište municipality, in the South Banat District, Vojvodina province. The village has a Serb ethnic majority and its population numbering 219 people... (31%). By 1965 65% of Jabuka, 40% of Kacarevo and 39% of Plandište were Macedonian. Many Macedonians chose to leave Serbia after the collapse of the Yugoslav Federation. Macedonian was soon recognised as a Minority language and the Macedonians became a recognised minority. Today they enjoy full minority rights. |
| 36 |  Slovenia SloveniaSlovenia Slovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of... |
3,972 - 12,000 (est.) | Macedonians in Slovenia Macedonians in Slovenia Macedonians in Slovenia are ethnic Macedonians who reside in Slovenia. According to the official census of 2002, there are 3,972 ethnic Macedonians in Slovenia. 4,760 people declared Macedonian as their mother tongue.- Immigration :... |
During the years of the Yugoslav federation Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was the Yugoslav state that existed from the abolition of the Yugoslav monarchy until it was dissolved in 1992 amid the Yugoslav Wars. It was a socialist state and a federation made up of six socialist republics: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,... , many Macedonians migrated to the Socialist Republic of Slovenia Socialist Republic of Slovenia The Socialist Republic of Slovenia was a socialist state that was a constituent country of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1943 until 1990... . Most of them came from the east of the Socialist Republic of Macedonia Socialist Republic of Macedonia The Socialist Republic of Macedonia was a socialist state that was a constituent country of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia... and they settled mainly in the town of Kranj Kranj ' is the third largest municipality and fourth largest city in Slovenia, with a population of 54,500 . It is located approximately 20 km north-west of Ljubljana... and the capital Ljubljana Ljubljana Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and its largest city. It is the centre of the City Municipality of Ljubljana. It is located in the centre of the country in the Ljubljana Basin, and is a mid-sized city of some 270,000 inhabitants... . Macedonian communities can be also found in larger towns such as Jesenice, Nova Gorica Nova Gorica Nova Gorica ; 21,082 ; 31,000 ) is a town and a municipality in western Slovenia, on the border with Italy... , Maribor Maribor Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia with 157,947 inhabitants . Maribor is also the largest and the capital city of Slovenian region Lower Styria and the seat of the Municipality of Maribor.... and Celje Celje Celje is a typical Central European town and the third largest town in Slovenia. It is a regional center of Lower Styria and the administrative seat of the Urban Municipality of Celje . The town of Celje is located under Upper Celje Castle at the confluence of the Savinja, Ložnica, and Voglajna... . Around 450 Macedonians reside in the Celje Celje Celje is a typical Central European town and the third largest town in Slovenia. It is a regional center of Lower Styria and the administrative seat of the Urban Municipality of Celje . The town of Celje is located under Upper Celje Castle at the confluence of the Savinja, Ložnica, and Voglajna... region. The Macedonians are well established in Slovenia and currently have newspapers, churches, folkloric groups and many other Macedonian institutions in operation. The 1951 Yugoslav census recorded 640 Macedonians while the 1961 census recorded 1,009 Macedonians. By 1971 the number had grown to 1,613 and to 3,288 by 1981. The 1991 Yugoslav census recorded 4,371 Macedonians. The 2002 census recorded 3,972 Macedonians, while 4,760 people claimed that Macedonian was their mother language up from the 4,535 in 1991. Ethnic Macedonian organization claim that the number of Macedonians in Slovenia exceeds 12,000. |
| Summary | ~ 619.905 | ~ 1 325.413 | Please note that the number of Macedonians in Greece Aegean Macedonians Slavic speakers are a linguistic minority population in the northern Greek region of Macedonia who are mostly concentrated in certain parts of the peripheries of West and Central Macedonia, adjacent to the territory of the Republic of Macedonia. A smaller group exists in East Macedonia adjacent to... , Bulgaria Ethnic Macedonians in Bulgaria Ethnic Macedonians in Bulgaria are a group in Bulgaria concentrated within Blagoevgrad province and the capital Sofia. In the 2011 Bulgarian census, 1,654 people officially declared themselves to be ethnic Macedonians. They are not currently recognized officially as an ethnic minority but were... , Albania Macedonians of Albania Macedonians of Albania are an officially recognized ethnic minorityin Albania. In the 1989 census, 4,697 people declared themselves Macedonian. The condition of the Macedonian population living in the Prespa area is described in positive terms and particular praise is given since all the villages... and Serbia Macedonians in Serbia Macedonians of Serbia are an officially recognized ethnic minority in Serbia.-Immigration:During the years 1945–1992, ethnic Macedonians and the Macedonian Language was a constituent part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Many Ethnic Macedonians migrated to other parts of the... is not clear due to politics. They might represent a larger or smaller number within their borders. |
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1; This figure refers to country of birth only.