MIGRANT FAMILIES FROM WESTERN MACEDONIA

Abstract

In the past years, the emigration of population from the Republic of North Macedonia is
a highly relevant topic. Special focus is given to the reasons for emigration which are mostly
identified as economic reasons, i.e. low income rates, poor living standards, unemployment
and poverty. This paper analyzes emigration trends from Western Macedonia, a region that
is particularly affected by emigration flows in contemporary Macedonian history. The paper
presents detailed statistical data regarding emigrants from Western Macedonia according to
gender, origin, marital status, age, reasons for emigration, employment, education, ethnicity,
etc. Additionally, the paper will present a research conducted during 2020 regarding migrant
families from Western Macedonia, their reasons for emigration, the changes that occurred
after the emigration process was completed, life contentment in the new country and the
possibility of returning to the homeland.