Reduction in the risk of stroke and increase in the speed of hospital presentation, after the onset of stroke, depend on the level of knowledge of stroke in the general population. The aim was to assess: community knowledge of stroke symptoms and risk factors, information resources, as well as self-reported prevalence of established risk factors, among 18 + population. Materials and metods :cross-sectional study was conducted by members of the Association for fight against stroke- “Mozocen Udar Ohrid”, through face to face and telephone interviews, in the period of March 2019 to April 2021. In total 576 respondents, older than 18, residents of Southwest region of our country. Results: 48% of them are up to 49 years, 52 % are older than 50 years. The most reconaised stroke risk factors were: hypertension (38%) , smoking (17%), stress (15%) and lipids (13%). 44% of the respondents didn’t mention any stroke risk factor. 46% respondents don’t know how to recognize stroke. 29% of them mentioned paralysis on part of the body, 22% speech problems and 14 % face paralysis. Main source of information for stroke is internet, mentioned by 42%. 42 % stated that have hypertension, 33% stated high level of triglycerides, 25% stated that they have 1-6 drinks per week, 20% stated that they were inactive in last week . Conclusion: A community-based education program to increase public knowledge of stroke should be considred, internet and TV are powerful tools. Key words: stroke, risk factors, public knowledge.