Approximately 24% of Macedonia's land is arable. Natural resources include chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, tungsten, nickel, low-grade iron ore, asbestos, sulphur, and timber. Macedonia's natural environment suffers from a high seismic hazard and air pollution from metallurgical plants.
Climate
Macedonia's climate features hot summers and cold winters. Fall tends to be dry in the country. In July the average temperature is between 20 and 23°C (70 and 73°F). The average temperature in January is between –20 and 0°C (–4 and 32°F). Rainfall averages 51 cm (20 in) a year. Snowfalls can be heavy in winter.
Flora and Fauna
The terrain of Macedonia is rather hilly. Between the hills are deep basins and valleys, populated by European bison, fox, rabbits, brown bears, and deer. Ducks, turtles, frogs, raccoons, and muskrats inhabit the country's waterways.
Environment
Air pollution from metallurgical plants is a problem in Macedonia, as in the other former Yugoslav republics. In 1996, industrial carbon dioxide emissions totaled 12.7 million metric tons. All urban dwellers have access to safe drinking water. Earthquakes are a natural hazard. Forest and woodland cover 30% of the nation's land area. As of 2001, approximately 7.1% of Macedonia's total land area was protected, including one World Heritage Site and one Wetland of International Importance.
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