Socio-demographic and Economic Profiles of the Regions in the Republic of Macedonia

Transcription

1 Spatial demography of the Balkans: trends and challenges IV th International Conference of Balkans Demography Session 5: Planning and development challenges Socio-demographic and Economic Profiles of the Regions in the Republic of Macedonia Blagica Novkovska, Director General, State Statistical Office Budva, Montenegro, 13 th 15 th May 2010

2 Presentation overview This presentation gives a quick review of: Population profiles of the regions, Socio-economic profiles of the regions; Conclusions

3 Statistical regions in the Republic of Macedonia 1.Vardar Region; 2.East Region; 3.Southwest Region; 4.Southeast Region; 5.Pelagonian Region; 6.Polog Region; 7.Northeast Region; 8. Skopje Region The Government of the Republic of Macedonia, in December 2007, adopted the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics- NTES. NTES level 1 and NTES level 2 represents the whole territory of the country, NTES level 3 consists of 8 non-administrative units, statistical regions, NTES level 4 consists of 84 municipalities and NTES level 5 consists of 1776 settlements.

4 Republic of Macedonia Vardar Region Regions in the Republic of Macedonia Total population Density* Age dependency ratio ( ) East Region Southwest Region Southeast Region Pelagonian Region Polog Region Northeast Region Skopje Region Regions in the Republic of Macedonia*The population density is calculated on the basis of land surface Source of data: SSORM Mean age of: population

5 Another important industry is the manufacture and processing of ferronickel. Population profile Vardar region The Vardar Region comprises the central part of the Republic of Macedonia and spreads along the Vardar River and Ovchepole Basin. This region had the smallest number of citizens, 7.5% of the total population, in It covers on 16.2% of the area of the Republic of Macedonia and in the same time is the most sparsely populated region with 38.1 citizen on km 2. The abundance of water resources-rivers and artificial lakes, the favоrable Mediterranean climate that penetrates along the Vardar River valley and the geomorphological configuration of the terrain are the main preconditions for this region to be renowned for its production of fruit and geographically specific grape vines. As a result this region has the largest number of wine cellars and grape processing facilities in the country.

6 Due to the specific geological characteristics of mountain ranges, the region has a developed lead and zinc mining industry. Another important industry is the textile industry and large number of textile manufacturing plants are located in this region. The mountain terrains in the region have great potential for development of winter and alternative tourism even though they are still in the early stages of development. Population profile East region The East Region is mainly mountainous region and comprises the extreme east of the Republic of Macedonia. It spreads along the Bregalnica River, over the basins of Shtip, Maleshevo and Pijanec and the field of Kochani. The region comprises 14.2% of the total area of the Republic of Macedonia with 8.8% of total population in 2008 and it is one of the l east densely populated regions with 51.0 citizen per km 2. The natural, geographical, climate and hydrological characteristics give the potential for production of rice, especially in the Kochani Field, which is well renowned for its rice. The basins of Pijanec and Maleshevo are favorable for growing fruits and vegetables.

7 Population profile Southwest region The Southwest region comprises the extreme southwest part of the Republic of Macedonia. In this region lived 10.9% of the total population in the country, in It takes up 13.4% of the total area of the country and has a population density of 66.5 citizens per km 2. The configuration of the terrain, encomapssing the river basins of Treska and Crn Drim and the Ohrid Lake basin, indicates the great hidropotential of the region, partly utilized by the artificial lakes Shpilje and Globochica with their hydroelectric plants. These natural geographical characteristics and the mild climate provide opportunities for development of fruit growing. The region includes a number of high mountains covered with lush forests, which provide timber for the needs of the wood processing industry. Tourism has great importance for the development of this region, mostly owing to the natural characteristics of Ohrid Lake and the cultural and historical significance of the Ohrid area, protected by UNESCO. No less important for the development of tourism is the National Park Galichica, as well as the minerals and hot water springs near Debar.

8 Population profile Southeast region The Southeast Region is located in the extreme southeast part of the country and comprises the Strumica-Radovish and Gevgelija-Valandovo basins, the Strumica River valley and the lower course of the Vardar River. In 2008, 8.4% of the total population in the Republic of Macedonia lived in this region. The region covers 10.9% of the total land area of the country and has a population density of 62.9 people per km 2. The extensive hydrogrpahic network, the great number of sunny days, the climate and the favorable pedologic conditions characterize the region as predominantly agricultural. The large-scale production of high-quality early vegetables, fruits and industrial crops enable the development of the canning and food processing industry, for which this region is renowned. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend in tourism, shown by the increased number of accommodation facilities, tourists and nights spent in the region. This is mostly due to the revitalization of the Dojran Lake and its exploitation for tourism. Another specific feature of the region is that in 2008, compared to the other regions, it had the highest activity and employment rates (70.5% and 62.3%, respectively) and the lowest unemployment rate (11.7%).

9 Population profile Pelagonia region The Pelagonia Region is located in the south of the Republic of Macedonia and comprises the Pelagonia basin and the Prespa Lake basin. This region is the largest, covering 18.9% of the total land area of the country, but also one of the most sparsely populated, having a population density of 49.8 people per km 2. In 2008, 11.5% of the total population of the Republic of Macedonia lived in this region. Pelagonia is a region with pronounced emigration of the population, and, as a result, has a negative natural increase. The Pelagonia basin, which is the largest plain in the country, the Prespa Lake basin, the specific climate and the extensive hydrogpraphic network are the basic preconditions for the agricultural development in the region. All of this makes this region the breadbasket of the country and the largest producer of tobacco, apples and milk. At the same time, the largest coal deposits are located in this region, making it the country s largest producer of electricity. The Prespa Lake, the Pelister National Park and the winter tourist resort Krusevo represent the basis for development of summer, winter and cultural tourism in the region.

10 Population profile Polog region The Polog Region comprises the northwest part of the Republic of Macedonia, the Polog basin and the valley of the river Radika. It covers 9.7% of the country s total land area. With people per km 2, Polog is one of the most densely populated regions, and 15.3% of the total population lived in this region in The region also has the highest natural increase and is subject to emigration. The extensive hydrographic network has great hydroelectric potential, which is utilized to some extent by the hydroelectric plants on Mavrovo Lake. The specific vegetation of the Polog basin and the surrounding mountains create favorable conditions for the development of agriculture, and especially cattle breeding, for which this region is renowned. Owing to the high mountain ranges, the specific landscape and the climate, the most popular winter resorts are located in this region. One of the most striking features of the region, is low GDP per capita, which in 2007 was denars. The region participated with 7.1% in the total GDP.

11 Population profile Northeast region The Northeast Region comprises the extreme northeast part of the Republic of Macedonia and spreads along the rivers Pchinja and Kriva Reka. It is one of the smallest regions, covering only 9.3% of the country s total land area and with population density of 75.4 people per km 2. In 2008, 8.5% of the total population of the Republic of Macedonia lived in this region. Owing to the geological features of the Osogovo mountain range, the region has several lead and zinc mines. The natural conditions and resources of the Northeast Region provide good opportunities for the development and promotion of the meat and dairy processing industry. In 2007 the region had a share of only 4.2% in the total GDP, the smallest compared to the other regions. The activity rate in 2008 was 59.5%; the employment rate was 25.0% - lowest compared to the other regions, whereas unemployment peaked at 58.0% - the highest in the country.

12 Population profile Skopje region The Skopje Region comprises the northernmost part of the Republic of Macedonia and extends across the Skopje basin. This region is the smallest and covers only 7.3% of the total land area of the country. With 329 people per km 2 and 29.1% of the country s total population (2008), Skopje is the most populous region in the Republic of Macedonia. Six of its constituent municipalities have a population density of over 1000 people per km2. This region is the main hub of the country and has the most developed traffic infrastructure. Most of the country s industrial, trade and service capacities are concentrated in this region. Skopje, the capital of the Republic of Macedonia, is located in this region, and it is the economic, administrative, cultural and academic center of the country. As a result, regarding the internal migrations, this region represents the largest immigration area. In 2007, the Skopje region had the highest GDP per capita ( denars) compared to the other regions, and it participated with 48.5% in the total GDP of the Republic of Macedonia.

13 Ageing Index, 2008

14 Natural Increase and net migration, 2008

15 Deaths by causes of death, 2008

16 Population aged 15 years and more by economic activity

17 Recipients of social financial benefit aged 18 and over, 2008

18 Students in upper secondary education

19 Active business entities, 2008

20 Foreign trade,

21 Structure of agricultural area, 2008

22 Household that used broadband Internet connection, 2008

23 Conclusions Dispersion of regional Gross Domestic Product per capita Dispersion of regional Gross Domestic Product per capita EU 27 n.a n.a Source of data: SSO and EUROSTAT

24 Thank you for your attention!