Ohrid Opština, located in southwestern North Macedonia, encompasses the historic city of Ohrid and the eponymous Lake Ohrid, which together form a rare dual UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for both its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

The city of Ohrid boasts ancient origins, first established as Lychnidos in the 4th century BCE as a significant settlement on the Via Egnatia, and later flourished under Roman and Byzantine rule.

During the First Bulgarian Empire, Ohrid became a vital cultural and religious center, particularly under Tsar Samuel in the late 10th century, serving as the capital and the seat of the Bulgarian Patriarchate.

The autocephalous Archbishopric of Ohrid, established in 1018 by Basil II, maintained its status through centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman rule, serving as a beacon of Orthodox Christianity and Slavic literacy for the region until its abolition in 1767.

Saints Clement of Ohrid and Naum, disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius, significantly contributed to the development of Slavic literacy and education in the late 9th and early 10th centuries, establishing the first Slavic university at Plaošnik.

The contemporary Ohrid Opština has a population of approximately 42,000 residents, with a predominant Macedonian ethnic majority alongside smaller Albanian and Turkish communities, reflecting a relatively stable demographic trend over recent decades.

Tourism stands as the undisputed cornerstone of Ohrid's economy, driven by its UNESCO status, numerous historical monuments, the pristine Lake Ohrid, and vibrant cultural events, attracting domestic and international visitors year-round.

Key landmarks within the opština include the formidable Samuil's Fortress, offering panoramic views, the remarkably well-preserved Ancient Theatre dating back to 200 BCE, and the iconic Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched picturesquely above Lake Ohrid.

The city is famous for its unique Ohrid pearls, crafted from the scales of the endemic Plasica fish (Acantholingua ohridana) using a secret emulsion technique passed down through generations by two families, representing a cherished local tradition and craft.

The Ohrid Summer Festival, an annual international event held from July to August, showcases classical music, opera, ballet, and drama performances in various historical venues, cementing Ohrid's reputation as a significant cultural hub in the Balkans.

Galičica National Park, located partially within the opština, protects a stunning mountainous landscape between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, characterized by diverse flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species, and offering opportunities for ecotourism.

The Monastery of Saint Naum, situated at the southern end of Lake Ohrid, is a highly significant pilgrimage site renowned for its beautiful church dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, its tranquil springs, and a colony of peacocks.

Ohrid's Old Town is characterized by its distinctive Ottoman-era architecture, narrow cobbled streets, and over 365 Byzantine churches, some of which feature remarkable frescoes and iconography, illustrating centuries of artistic and religious devotion.

Historically, Ohrid played a crucial role in the national awakening and independence movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving as an important center for revolutionary activities against Ottoman rule.

While tourism dominates, local agriculture, particularly fruit and vegetable cultivation, and traditional fishing in Lake Ohrid, though less prominent than in the past, still contribute to the local economy and provide fresh produce for the region.