http://see.oneworld.net/article/archive/3224 sh_SH Country guide http://see.oneworld.net/article/view/33787/1/3224 The political-economic reforms enacted by the Government have determined visible social changes that – even though initially supported – were experienced by many people as a heavy burden: a decline in welfare and deterioration in the quality of their lives. http://see.oneworld.net/article/view/33786/1/3224 The first years of independence were marked by a relative political stability that favoured the start of the economic transition of the state. Regional and - later - internal conflict, however, have impaired the economic situation. http://see.oneworld.net/article/view/33784/1/3224 The short political history of this country has seen the alternation of the two major political coalitions in the various electoral events. The recent elections - held in September 2002 - marked the return to power of the social-democrats who took up the task of leading the difficult peace-building process. http://see.oneworld.net/article/view/33783/1/3224 Macedonia is the most southern of the former Yugoslav republics. Having gained independence in 1991 - at the end of a peaceful secession process - the country covers only partially what constituted the ancient kingdom of Macedonia.