Kumanovo, North Macedonia

Capital City

With a population of 75,051, Kumanovo is the second-largest city in North Macedonia, but don't let the size fool you - bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents. The rapid economic and cultural expansion since 1945 has transformed it into a modern urban center, though the climate remains humid subtropical with chilly winters. Despite historical sites like the 4,000-year-old Kokino observatory, Kumanovo is not a typical tourist draw; rather, it's a functional hub best suited for those seeking an affordable Macedonian city life, minus the chaos of the capital Skopje.