Skopje is a market centre for tobacco, fruit, and grain grown in the surrounding region. Industries include the manufacture of machinery, chemicals, cement, carpets, pottery, and processed food. The University St. Cyril and Methodius is located here.

Originally an Illyrian center, the city was a part of the kingdom of Macedonia in ancient times and part of the subsequent Roman province. Skopje is now the capital of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.