Mariovo () is a historic region in the southern part of North Macedonia, with an area of 1,390 square km and an elevation 1,050 m, situated among mountains. Geography Mountains Selečka (highest peak - Visoka 1,471 m) on the west, Nidže (highest peak - Kajmakčalan 2,520 m) and Kožuf (highest peak - Zelenbreg 2,171 m) on the south, Kozjak (highest peak - Baltova Čuka 1,822 m) on the east and Dren mountain (highest peak - Studenica 1,663 m) on the north. The river Crna flows across the whole area of Mariovo, creating the largest canyon in North Macedonia which is around 100 km long. Sub-regions The region is divided into three sub-regions, Bitolsko Mariovo (with its center Staravina) Prilepsko Mariovo (with its center Vitolište) and Tikveško Mariovo (consisted of the western parts of the former municipality Konopište with the villages of Rožden, Majdan, Ržanovo and Klinovo). Nowadays, administratively it is divided among three municipalities: Prilep, Novaci and Kavadarci The river Crna also divides the region into two sub-regions, Small Mariovo (Malo Mariovo) on the left side of the river, and Old (Large) Mariovo (Staro Mariovo) on the right side of the river. Environment The specific position and natural condition of this geomorphological entity have contributed towards creation of a distinct local climate which differs from the other parts of the country. The mountains Dren and shield Mariovo from the continental northern winds. On the south-east the basin of the river Crna enables Mediterranean influences from Aegean Sea, while in the area of Skočivir Ravine the moderate continental clime makes its way from the Pelagonian plains. The influence of three climate zones can be felt in this area. Important Bird Area A 65,500 ha tract, encompassing arable land, forest, shrubland and woodland, has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports populations of rock partridges, Egyptian vultures, short-toed snake-eagles, golden eagles, lesser kestrels, lanner falcons, eastern subalpine warblers, western rock nuthatches, eastern black-eared wheatears and black-headed buntings. Settlement More people lived there, but due to migration there are fewer than 1,000 inhabitants left in the 28 settlements: Vitolište, Bešište, Veprčani, Vrpsko, Dunje, Živovo, Kalen, Kokre, Kruševica, Manastir, Polčište, Peštani, Čanište, Brnik, Budimirci, Gradešnica, Gruništa, Zovič, Iveni, Makovo, Orle, Rapeš, Staravina, Ržanovo, Rožden, Galište, Klinovo and Majden. Staravina The village Staravina was once the center of the municipality Staravina. It is located in the southern part of