After World War II , Skopje greatly benefited from Socialist Yugoslav policies which encouraged industry and the development of Macedonian cultural institutions . Consequently , Skopje became home to a national library , a national philharmonic orchestra , a university and the Macedonian Academy . However , its post-war development was altered by the 1963 earthquake which occurred 26 July . Although relatively weak in magnitude , it caused enormous damage in the city and can be compared to the 1960 Agadir earthquake . The disaster killed 1,070 people , injuring 3,300 others . 16,000 people were buried alive in ruins and 70 % of the population lost their home . Many educational facilities , factories and historical buildings were destroyed
1960 Agadir earthquake
1960 Agadir earthquake
Skopje