Montenegro

Coordinates: 42°30′N 19°18′E / 42.500°N 19.300°E / 42.500; 19.300
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Montenegro
Anthem: 
Oj, svijetla majska zoro
(English: "Oh, Bright Dawn of May")
Location of Montenegro (green) in Europe (dark grey)  –  [Legend]
Location of Montenegro (green)

in Europe (dark grey)  –  [Legend]

Capital
and largest city
Podgorica[1]
42°47′N 19°28′E / 42.783°N 19.467°E / 42.783; 19.467
Official languagesMontenegrin[2]
Languages in official use[3]
others
  • 4.0% no answer
  • Religion
    (2011[4]
    )
    • 19.1% Islam
    • 1.3% no religion
    • 1% others
    • 2.6% no answer
    Demonym(s)Montenegrin
    GovernmentUnitary parliamentary republic
    • President
    Jakov Milatović
    Milojko Spajić
    Andrija Mandić
    Legislature
    Independence referendum
    21 May 2006
    5 June 2017
    Area
    • Total
    13,812 km2 (5,333 sq mi) (156th)
    • Water (%)
    2.6
    Population
    • 2023 census
    Neutral increase 633,158[5]
    • Density
    43.6/km2 (112.9/sq mi) (133rd)
    GDP (PPP)2023 estimate
    • Total
    Increase $17.431 billion[6] (149th)
    • Per capita
    Increase $28,002[6] (63rd)
    GDP (nominal)2023 estimate
    • Total
    Increase $7.058 billion[6] (153rd)
    • Per capita
    Increase $11,338[6] (73rd)
    Gini (2020)Positive decrease 32.9[7]
    medium
    HDI (2021)Increase 0.832[8]
    very high (49th)
    CurrencyEuro ()a (EUR)
    Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
    • Summer (DST)
    UTC+2 (CEST)
    Date formatdd.mm.yyyy.
    Driving sideright
    Calling code+382
    ISO 3166 codeME
    Internet TLD.me
    1. Adopted unilaterally; Montenegro is not a member of the Eurozone.

    Montenegro (

    Cyrillic: Подгорица) is the country's capital and its largest city; it covers 10.4% of Montenegro's territory of 13,812 square kilometres (5,333 sq mi), and is home to roughly 31% of its total population of 621,000.[14] Cetinje (Cyrillic: Цетиње) is the former royal capital and cultural centre of Montenegro and is the location of several national institutions, including the official residence of the President of Montenegro.[15]

    During the

    independence referendum, creating Montenegro and Serbia as they exist today.[20] Montenegro is therefore one of the newest internationally-recognised countries in the world.[21]

    Montenegro has an upper-middle-income economy,[22] and ranks 49th in the Human Development Index.[23] It is a member of the United Nations, NATO, the World Trade Organization, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe, and the Central European Free Trade Agreement.[24] Montenegro is also a founding member of the Union for the Mediterranean,[25] and has been in the process of joining the European Union since 2012.[26]

    Etymology

    The country's English name derives from a

    Vranjina island in Lake Skadar.[28] It came to denote the majority of contemporary Montenegro in the 15th century.[29]

    Ruins of the ancient city of Doclea

    Modern-day Montenegro was more and more known by that name in the historical period following the fall of the Serbian Despotate in 1459.[30] Originally, it had referred to only a small strip of land under the rule of the Paštrovići tribe, but the name eventually came to be used for the wider mountainous region after the Crnojević noble family took power in Upper Zeta.[29] The aforementioned region became known as Stara Crna Gora 'Old Montenegro' by the 19th century to distinguish the independent region from the neighbouring Ottoman-occupied Montenegrin territory of Brda (the "Highlands"). Montenegro further increased its size several times by the 20th century, as the result of wars against the Ottoman Empire, which saw the annexation of Old Herzegovina and parts of Metohija and southern Raška. Its borders have changed little since then, losing Metohija and gaining the Bay of Kotor.

    After the second session of the

    ZAVNOCGB. After the war, Montenegro became a republic under its name, the People's Republic of Montenegro (Montenegrin: Народна Република Црна Гора / Narodna Republika Crna Gora) on 29 November 1945. In 1963, it was renamed to the Socialist Republic of Montenegro (Montenegrin: Социјалистичка Република Црна Гора / Socijalistička Republika Crna Gora). As the breakup of Yugoslavia occurred, the SRCG was renamed to the Republic of Montenegro (Montenegrin: Република Црна Гора / Republika Crna Gora) on 27 April 1992 within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia by removing the adjective "socialist" from the republic's title. Since 22 October 2007, a year after its independence, the name of the country became simply known as Montenegro. The country is known as Mali i Zi (lit. black mountain) in Albanian,[31] while it is known as Crna Gora in Montenegrin, Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian
    .

    History

    Antiquity

    Modern-day Montenegro was part of Illyria and populated by the Indo-European-speaking Illyrians.[32][33] The Illyrian kingdom was conquered by the Roman Republic in the Illyro-Roman Wars and the region was incorporated into the province of Illyricum (later Dalmatia and Praevalitana).[34][35][36]

    Arrival of the Slavs

    Constantine Bodin, medieval King and the ruler of Duklja

    Three principalities were located on the territory: Duklja, roughly corresponding to the southern half, Travunia, the west, and Raška, the north.[16][17] Duklja gained its independence from the Byzantine Roman Empire in 1042. Over the next few decades, it expanded its territory to neighbouring Rascia and Bosnia, and also became recognised as a kingdom. Its power started declining at the beginning of the 12th century. After King Bodin's death (in 1101 or 1108), civil wars ensued. Duklja reached its zenith under Vojislav's son, Mihailo (1046–1081), and his grandson Constantine Bodin (1081–1101).[37]

    As the nobility fought for the throne, the kingdom was weakened, and by 1186, the territory of modern-day Montenegro became part of the state ruled by

    Balšićs
    , became sovereigns of Zeta.

    By the 13th century, Zeta had replaced Duklja when referring to the realm. In the late 14th century, southern Montenegro (

    Zeta) came under the rule of the Balšić noble family, then the Crnojević noble family
    , and by the 15th century, Zeta was more often referred to as Crna Gora.

    Prince-Bishop
    (vladika) of Montenegro and the national poet and philosopher. Oil painting of Njegoš as vladika, c. 1837

    In 1421, Zeta was annexed to the

    Crnojevićs, became sovereign rulers of the country, making it the last free monarchy of the Balkans before it fell to the Ottomans in 1496, and got annexed to the sanjak of Shkodër. For a short time, Montenegro existed as a separate autonomous sanjak in 1514–1528 (Sanjak of Montenegro). Also, Old Herzegovina region was part of Sanjak of Herzegovina
    .

    Early modern period

    From 1392, numerous parts of the territory were controlled by Republic of Venice, including the city of Budva, in that time known as "Budua". The Venetian territory was centred on the Bay of Kotor, and the Republic introduced governors who meddled in Montenegrin politics. Venice controlled territories in present-day Montenegro until its fall in 1797.[19][38][39] Large portions fell under the control of the Ottoman Empire from 1496 to 1878. In the 16th century, Montenegro developed a unique form of autonomy within the Ottoman Empire that permitted Montenegrin clans freedom from certain restrictions. Nevertheless, the Montenegrins were disgruntled with Ottoman rule, and in the 17th century, repeatedly rebelled, which culminated in the defeat of the Ottomans in the Great Turkish War at the end of that century.

    Montenegrin territories were controlled by warlike clans. Most clans had a chieftain (knez), who was not permitted to assume the title unless he proved to be as worthy a leader as his predecessor. An assembly of Montenegrin clans (Zbor) was held every year on 12 July in Cetinje, and any adult clansman could take part.

    Petrović-Njegoš
    of Cetinje became the prince-bishop (whose title was "Vladika of Montenegro").

    People from Montenegro in this historical period were described as Orthodox Serbs.[41]

    Principality and Kingdom of Montenegro

    Expansion of Montenegro from 1711 to 1918 within present borders

    In 1858, one of the major Montenegrin victories over the Ottomans occurred at the

    Great Powers
    to officially demarcate the borders between Montenegro and Ottoman Empire, de facto recognizing Montenegro's independence.

    In the

    major powers restructured the map of the Balkan region. The Ottoman Empire recognised the independence of Montenegro in the Treaty of Berlin
    in 1878.

    The first Montenegrin constitution (also known as the Danilo Code) was proclaimed in 1855. Under Nicholas I (ruled 1860–1918), the principality was enlarged several times in the Montenegro-Turkish Wars and was recognised as independent in 1878. Nicholas I established diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire.[citation needed] Minor border skirmishes excepted, diplomacy ushered in about 30 years of peace between the two states until the deposition of Abdul Hamid II in 1909.[42]

    The political skills of Abdul Hamid II and Nicholas I played a major role in the mutually amicable relations.

    People's Party, who supported the process of democratisation and union with Serbia, and those of the True People's Party
    , who were monarchist.

    In 1910, Montenegro became

    .

    Kingdom of Yugoslavia

    In 1922, Montenegro formally became the

    Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, with the addition of the coastal areas around Budva and Bay of Kotor. In a further restructuring in 1929, it became a part of a larger Zeta Banate of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia that reached the Neretva
    River.

    Nicholas's grandson, the Serb King Alexander I, dominated the Yugoslav government. Zeta Banovina was one of nine banovinas that formed the kingdom; it consisted of the present-day Montenegro and parts of Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia.

    World War II and Socialist Yugoslavia

    In April 1941, Nazi Germany, the Kingdom of Italy, and other Axis allies attacked and occupied the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Italian forces occupied Montenegro and established a puppet Kingdom of Montenegro.

    Captured ships of the Yugoslav Navy, Bay of Kotor 1941
    Great People's Assembly on the occasion of the establishment of the Eighth Montenegrin Brigade in Berane, 25 February 1944.
    Opening of Belgrade–Bar railway. Construction of the line started in the 1950s and completed in 1976. The line was opened in 1976 by the Yugoslavian President Josip Broz Tito.

    In May, the Montenegrin branch of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia started preparations for an uprising planned for mid-July. The Communist Party and its Youth League organised 6,000 of its members into detachments prepared for guerrilla warfare. According to some historians, the first armed uprising in Nazi-occupied Europe happened on 13 July 1941 in Montenegro.[44]

    Unexpectedly, the uprising took hold, and by 20 July, 32,000 men and women had joined the fight. Except for the coast and major towns (Podgorica, Cetinje, Pljevlja, and Nikšić), which were besieged, Montenegro was mostly liberated. In a month of fighting, the Italian army suffered 5,000 dead, wounded, and captured. The uprising lasted until mid-August, when it was suppressed by a counter-offensive of 67,000 Italian troops brought in from Albania. Faced with new and overwhelming Italian forces, many of the fighters laid down their arms and returned home. Nevertheless, intense guerrilla fighting lasted until December.

    Fighters who remained under arms fractured into two groups. Most of them went on to join the Yugoslav Partisans, consisting of communists and those inclined towards active resistance; these included

    Karađorđević dynasty and opposing communism went on to become Chetniks
    , and turned to collaboration with Italians against the Partisans.

    War broke out between Partisans and Chetniks during the first half of 1942. Pressured by Italians and Chetniks, the core of the Montenegrin Partisans went to Serbia and Bosnia, where they joined with other Yugoslav Partisans. Fighting between Partisans and Chetniks continued through the war. Chetniks with Italian backing controlled most of the country from mid-1942 to April 1943. Montenegrin Chetniks received the status of "anti-communist militia" and received weapons, ammunition, food rations, and money from Italy. Most of them were moved to

    Battle of Neretva
    against the Partisans, but were dealt a heavy defeat.

    During German operation Schwartz against the Partisans in May and June 1943, Germans disarmed many Chetniks without fighting, as they feared they would turn against them in case of an Allied invasion of the Balkans. After the capitulation of Italy in September 1943, Partisans managed to take hold of most of Montenegro for a brief time, but Montenegro was soon

    occupied by German forces
    , and fierce fighting continued during late 1943 and 1944. Montenegro was liberated by the Partisans in December 1944.

    Montenegro became one of the six constituent republics of the communist Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). Its capital became Podgorica, renamed Titograd in honour of President Josip Broz Tito. After the war, the infrastructure of Yugoslavia was rebuilt, industrialization began, and the University of Montenegro was established. Greater autonomy was established until the Socialist Republic of Montenegro ratified a new constitution in 1974.[45][46]

    Montenegro within FR Yugoslavia

    After the formal dissolution of the SFRY in 1992, Montenegro remained part of a smaller

    referendum on remaining in Yugoslavia in 1992, with 96% of the votes cast in favour of the federation with Serbia. The referendum was boycotted by opposition parties such as the Liberal Alliance of Montenegro,[47] the Social Democratic and Socialist Parties,[48] as well as minority parties such as the Democratic League in Montenegro,[49] leading to a relatively low turnout of 66%.[47]

    During the 1991–1995

    Croatian War, Montenegrin police and military forces, under orders of president Momir Bulatovic[50] and Interior Minister Pavle Bulatovic[51] joined Serbian troops in attacks on Dubrovnik, Croatia.[52] These operations, aimed at acquiring more territory, were characterised by large-scale violations of human rights.[53]

    Map of the disintegration of Yugoslavia until 2008.

    Montenegrin General Pavle Strugar was convicted for his part in the bombing of Dubrovnik.[54] Bosnian refugees were arrested by Montenegrin police and transported to Serb camps in Foča, where they were subjected to systematic torture and executed.[55]

    In 1996, Milo Đukanović's government severed ties between Montenegro and its partner Serbia, which was led by Slobodan Milošević. Montenegro formed its own economic policy and adopted the German Deutsche Mark as its currency and subsequently adopted the euro, although not part of the Eurozone. Subsequent governments pursued pro-independence policies, and political tensions with Serbia simmered despite political changes in Belgrade.

    Targets in Montenegro were bombed by NATO forces during

    Operation Allied Force in 1999, although the extent of these attacks was limited in both time and area affected.[56]

    In 2002, Serbia and Montenegro came to a new agreement for continued cooperation and entered into negotiations regarding the future status of the

    Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. This resulted in the Belgrade Agreement, which saw the country's transformation into a more decentralised state union named Serbia and Montenegro
    in 2003. The Belgrade Agreement also contained a provision delaying any future referendum on the independence of Montenegro for at least three years.

    Independence

    Supporters of Montenegrin independence in June 2006 in Cetinje.

    The status of the union between Montenegro and Serbia was decided by a

    referendum on Montenegrin independence on 21 May 2006. A total of 419,240 votes were cast, representing 86.5% of the electorate; 230,661 votes (55.5%) were for independence and 185,002 votes (44.5%) were against.[57] This narrowly surpassed the 55% threshold needed to validate the referendum under the rules set by the European Union. According to the electoral commission, the 55% threshold was passed by only 2,300 votes. Serbia, the member-states of the European Union, and the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council all recognised
    Montenegro's independence.

    The 2006 referendum was monitored by five international observer missions, headed by an OSCE/ODIHR team, and around 3,000 observers in total (including domestic observers from CDT (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (CLRAE), and the European Parliament (EP) to form an International Referendum Observation Mission (IROM). The IROM—in its preliminary report—"assessed compliance of the referendum process with OSCE commitments, Council of Europe commitments, other international standards for democratic electoral processes, and domestic legislation." Furthermore, the report stated that the competitive pre-referendum environment was marked by an active and generally peaceful campaign and that "there were no reports of restrictions on fundamental civil and political rights."

    On 3 June 2006, the Montenegrin Parliament declared the independence of Montenegro,[58] formally confirming the result of the referendum.

    North Atlantic Treaty Organization
    (NATO).

    On 28 June 2006, Montenegro joined the United Nations as its 192nd member state.[59]

    Montenegro has been dominated since the breakup of Yugoslavia by Milo Đukanović (four-time prime minister and also twice president), accused of having established an authoritarianism and clientelist regime, while maintaining close relations with organized crime.[60] The massive privatizations of the Đukanović era lead to the enrichment of him and oligarchs close to him. His brother Aleksandar, owner of Montenegro's first private bank, oversaw the privatizations, while his sister, Ana Kolarevic, has long controlled the judiciary. The clientelist networks of the ruling party dominated all segments of social life. A party card was required to start a business or obtain a position in the administration. This policy also contributed to the reinforcement of regional disparities and social inequalities. Unemployment climbs to 36.6 per cent in the northern part of the country, compared to 3.9 per cent in the coastal region, while a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line (2018).[61]

    The

    Royal House of Montenegro
    and recognised limited symbolic roles within the constitutional framework of the republic.

    In 2015, the investigative journalists' network OCCRP named Montenegro's long-time President and Prime Minister Milo Đukanović "Person of the Year in Organized Crime".[62] The extent of Đukanović's corruption led to street demonstrations and calls for his removal.[63][64]

    In October 2016, for the day of the

    coup d'état was prepared by a group of persons that included leaders of the Montenegrin opposition, Serbian nationals and Russian agents; the coup was prevented.[65] In 2017, fourteen people, including two Russian nationals and two Montenegrin opposition leaders, Andrija Mandić and Milan Knežević, were indicted for their alleged roles in the coup attempt on charges such as "preparing a conspiracy against the constitutional order and the security of Montenegro" and an "attempted terrorist act."[66]

    Recent history

    law on religious communities, introduced by the former ruling DPS, proposed the transfer of the majority of religious objects and land owned by the largest religious organization in the country, the SPC, to the Montenegrin state. It sparked a series of massive protests of the Serbian clerical right and pro-Serbian radical parties in Montenegro across the country, which led to the first government change
    in the country's history.

    Montenegro formally became a member of NATO in June 2017, despite attempts by Russia to sabotage it,[67] an event that triggered a promise of retaliatory actions from Russia's government.[68][69][70]

    Montenegro has been in negotiations with the EU since 2012. In 2018, the earlier goal of acceding by 2022[71] was revised to 2025.[72] Legislation is being passed bringing Montenegro law in line with EU membership requirements.

    In April 2018, Milo Djukanovic, the leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), won Montenegro's presidential election. The veteran politician had served as Prime Minister six times and as president once before. He had dominated Montenegrin politics since 1991.[73]

    Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), which had been in power since 1991.[74][75]

    As of late December 2019,[update] the newly adopted Law on Religion, which de jure transferred the ownership of church buildings and estates built before 1918 from the Serbian Orthodox Church to the Montenegrin state,[76][77] sparked large[78] protests and road blockages.[79] Seventeen opposition Democratic Front MPs were arrested prior to the voting for disrupting the vote.[80] Demonstrations continued into March[81] 2020 as peaceful protest walks, mostly organised by the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral and the Eparchy of Budimlja and Nikšić in the majority of Montenegrin municipalities.[82][83][84]

    In its political rights and civil liberties worldwide report in May 2020, Freedom House marked Montenegro as a hybrid regime rather than a democracy because of declining standards in governance, justice, elections, and media freedom.[85][86] For the first time in three decades, in the 2020 parliamentary election, the opposition won more votes than Đukanović's ruling party.[87] In February 2022, that very same government was voted out in the first successful vote of no-confidence in the country's history.[88]

    In September 2022 an investigation linked six Russian diplomats with twenty eight Russian citizens holding temporary visas for Montenegro and two local citizens in a spy investigation. The diplomats were expelled.[89] The Russian citizens were later banned from Montenegro and the two locals, one an ex-diplomat, face charges of illegal weapons, organising a criminal organisation and espionage.[90]

    In March 2023, Jakov Milatovic, a pro-western candidate of the Europe Now movement, won the presidential election run-off over incumbent Milo Djukanovic to succeed him as the incumbent president of Montenegro.[91] The Europe Now movement won the highest number of seats in the 2023 Montenegrin parliamentary election.[92][93] On 31 October 2023, Milojko Spajic of the Europe Now Movement became Montenegro's new prime minister, leading a coalition of both pro-European and pro-Serb parties.[94]

    Geography

    Map of Montenegro.

    Montenegro features high peaks along its borders with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Serbia. Its geography also includes a segment of the

    Mount Orjen plunge into the inlet of the Bay of Kotor.[95]

    Montenegro's large karst region lies generally at elevations of 1,000 metres (3,280 ft) above sea level; some parts, however, rise to 2,000 m (6,560 ft), such as

    Zeta River
    valley, at an elevation of 500 m (1,600 ft), is the lowest segment.

    The mountains of Montenegro include some of the most rugged terrains in Europe, averaging more than 2,000 metres (6,600 feet) in elevation. One of the country's notable peaks is

    Prokletije mountains, which reaches a height of 2,534 metres (8,310 ft).[96]
    Owing to the hyperhumid climate on their western sides, the Montenegrin mountain ranges were among the most ice-eroded parts of the Balkan Peninsula during the last glacial period.

    Internationally, Montenegro borders Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Albania and Croatia. It lies between latitudes 41° and 44°N, and longitudes 18° and 21°E.

    Name Established Area
    Durmitor National Park 1952 390 square kilometres (39,000 ha)
    Biogradska Gora National Park 1952 54 square kilometres (5,400 ha)
    Lovćen National Park 1952 64 square kilometres (6,400 ha)
    Lake Skadar National Park 1983 400 square kilometres (40,000 ha)
    Prokletije National Park
    2009 166 square kilometres (16,600 ha)

    Montenegro is a member of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River, as more than 2,000 km2 (772 sq mi) of the country's territory lie within the Danube catchment area.

    Biodiversity

    The diversity of the geological base, landscape, climate, and soil, and the position of Montenegro on the Balkan Peninsula and Adriatic Sea, created the conditions for high biological diversity, putting Montenegro among the "hot-spots" of European and world biodiversity. The number of species per area unit index in Montenegro is 0.837, the highest in any European country.[97]

    Biological estimates suggest that over 1,200 species of freshwater algae, 300 species of marine algae, 589 species of moss, 7,000–8,000 species of vascular plants, 2,000 species of fungi, 16,000–20,000 species of insects, 407 species of marine fish, 56 species of reptile, 333 species of regularly visiting birds and a high species diversity of mammals are found in Montenegro.[98]

    Montenegro can be divided into two main biogeographic regions, which include the Mediterranean Biogeographic Region and the Alpine Biogeographic Region.[98] It is also home to three terrestrial ecoregions: Balkan mixed forests, Dinaric Mountains mixed forests, and Illyrian deciduous forests.[99] It had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.41/10, ranking it 73rd globally out of 172 countries.[100]

    The total share of protected areas in Montenegro is 9.05% of the country's area, which mainly comes from the five national parks of Montenegro.[98]

    Politics

    Jakov Milatović
    Jakov Milatović
    President (representative head of state)
    Milojko Spajić
    Milojko Spajić
    Prime Minister (head of government)

    Since the breakup of the political union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2006, Montenegro has been an independent, sovereign state.

    Montenegro is a parliamentary representative democratic republic with a codified constitution established in 2007. The constitution describes Montenegro as a "civic, democratic, ecological state of social justice, based on the reign of Law".[101] Montenegro is a multi-party system.

    The President of Montenegro is the representative head of state, elected for a period of five years through direct election. The President promotes the country internationally through diplomatic engagements, promulgates laws by ordinance, calls elections for the Parliament, and ceremonially proposes candidates for Prime Minister, president and justices of the Constitutional Court to the Parliament. The President also ceremonially proposes the calling of a referendum to Parliament, grants amnesty for criminal offences prescribed by the national law, confers decoration and awards and performs other constitutional duties and is a member of the Supreme Defence Council. The official residence of the President is in Cetinje. The incumbent president is Jakov Milatović who has held the position since May 2023.

    The Government of Montenegro is the executive branch of government authority of Montenegro and led by the Prime Minister.[102] The role of Prime Minister is the most politically powerful office in Montenegro. All of Montenegro's governments since 2006 have been coalitions comprising a minimum of three political parties. The government is primarily based in Podgorica.

    The

    simple majority vote. One member of the Montenegrin parliament, known as a Deputy, is elected per 6,000 voters.[103] There are currently 81 deputies. Elections to the Parliament are conducted by the D'Hondt method, a form of proportional representation
    .

    In 2019, Montenegro was described as a

    authoritarian features) according to the United States-based Freedom House. The organisation cited state capture, abuse of power, and strongman tactics by Prime Minister Milo Đukanović (2008-2010 and 2012–2016) as explanations for its description as such. Đukanović held a number of senior government positions, including the Presidency, before and after the dissolution of the union between Serbia and Montenegro. In 2021, the Economist Democracy Index (EDI) declared Montenegro as a "flawed democracy" and as of 2023,
    it remains regarded as such by the EDI.

    Đukanović's pro-European and pro-NATO Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) narrowly lost the 2020 parliamentary election which ended the party's 30-year rule[104] and the pro-Serbia "For the Future of Montenegro" (ZBCG) parliamentary group, composed mainly of Serb nationalist parties, formed a government under Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic.[105] Prime Minister Krivokapic's government was toppled in a no-confidence vote after just 14 months in power.[106]

    In April 2022, a new minority government, led by Prime Minister Dritan Abazović, brought together moderate parties that are both pro-European and pro-Serb. However, his government lost a confidence vote after only 113 days. Since Montenegro had been unable to find a government which could command the confidence of the Parliament,[107] Abazović remained in his post until the Spajić Cabinet had been formed after the Parliamentary election which took place on 11 June 2023, where the Europe Now! party led by Milojko Spajić won the most seats.[108] In October 2023, a new minority government with confidence and supply support from ZBCG enabled Milojko Spajić to become the new prime minister.[109]

    Foreign relations

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was given the task of defining the foreign policy priorities and activities needed for their implementation in cooperation with other state administration authorities, the President, the Speaker of the Parliament, and other relevant stakeholders.[110]

    The country joined NATO on 5 June 2017.[111] Integration into the European Union remains a high-priority for Montenegro and has been the focus of Montenegrin foreign policy since its independence from Serbia.[112] In June 2023, newly elected President Milatović stated that he expects Montenegro to join the European Union by 2027 or 2028.[113]

    Military and law enforcement

    Montenegrin army soldiers with NATO allies from United States, Croatia, Albania, Slovenia and North Macedonia during "Immediate Response 2012", Slunj, Croatia.

    The

    coastline
    of the former union and retained practically the entire naval force.

    Montenegro is a NATO member[114] and a member of Adriatic Charter.[115] The government planned to have the army participate in peacekeeping missions through the UN and NATO such as the International Security Assistance Force.[116]

    Civil law enforcement in Montenegro is primarily the responsibility of the Police Directorate, the national police force. Municipal police, known as Communal Police in Montenegro, enforce local laws in their respective municipalities.[117]

    An agreement signed with the

    EU effective July 2023 permits EU Frontex border management personnel to operate in Montenegro in support of local border police operating on other, non EU, borders in Montenegro.[118]

    Symbols

    Lovćen National Park
    .

    The flag includes a border and arms in gold and a golden lion in the center.

    The national day of

    Axis Powers
    on 13 July 1941 in Montenegro.

    In 2004, the Montenegrin legislature selected a popular Montenegrin traditional song, "Oh, Bright Dawn of May", as the national anthem. Montenegro's official anthem during the reign of King Nicholas I was Ubavoj nam Crnoj Gori ("To Our Beautiful Montenegro").

    Administrative divisions

    Montenegro is divided into twenty-five municipalities (opština).[120] Each municipality can contain multiple cities and towns. Historically, the territory of the country was divided into nahije and during the beginning of SR Montenegro was divided into counties (srez).

    Regions of Montenegro—designed for statistical purposes by the Statistical Office—have no administrative function. Note that other organizations (i.e. Football Association of Montenegro) use different municipalities as a part of similar regions.

    Municipalities and Statistical regions of Montenegro

    Municipalities

    Northern Region
    Municipality Area Population
    Km² Rank Total Rank
    Andrijevica 283 12 5,117 10
    Berane 544 6 28,305 3
    Bijelo Polje 924 2 46,676 1
    Gusinje 486 8 13,108 6
    Kolašin 897 3 8,420 8
    Mojkovac 367 11 8,669 7
    Petnjica 173 13 6,686 9
    Plav 486 7 13,549 5
    Plužine 854 4 3,286 12
    Pljevlja 1,346 1 31,060 2
    Rožaje 432 10 23,312 4
    Šavnik 553 5 2,077 13
    Žabljak 445 9 3,599 11
    Central Region
    Municipality Area Population
    Km² Rank Total Rank
    Cetinje 899 3 16,757 4
    Danilovgrad 501 4 17,678 3
    Nikšić 2,065 1 72,824 2
    Podgorica 1,399 2 187,085 1
    Tuzi 236 5 12,096 5
    Budva, a coastal peninsular town on the west coast of Montenegro.
    Coastal Region
    Municipality Area Population
    Km² Rank Total Rank
    Bar 598 1 42,368 1
    Budva 122 5 19,170 5
    Herceg Novi 235 4 30,992 2
    Kotor 335 2 22,799 3
    Tivat 46 6 14,111 6
    Ulcinj 255 3 20,265 4

    Economy

    The de facto currency of Montenegro is the euro

    The economy of Montenegro is mostly

    nominal GDP of Montenegro was $5.424 billion in 2019.[6] The GDP PPP for 2019 was $12.516 billion, or $20,083 per capita.[6] According to Eurostat data, the Montenegrin GDP per capita stood at 48% of the EU average in 2018.[121]

    Montenegro joined the

    euroised", using the euro unilaterally as its currency. Montenegro was ranked 75th in the Global Innovation Index in 2023.[122]

    Infrastructure

    The Montenegrin road infrastructure is not at Western European standards. No roads meet full motorway standards. Construction of new motorways is considered a national priority, as they are important for uniform economic development and the development of Montenegro as an attractive tourist destination.

    Roads of Montenegro in service and planned
    A-1 motorway, part of the larger international project between Montenegro and neighboring Serbia that connects to the Belgrade–Bar motorway

    The

    European routes that pass through Montenegro are E65 and E80
    .

    The backbone of the Montenegrin rail network is the

    Nikšić-Podgorica railway operated as a freight-only line for decades, that opened for passenger traffic after reconstruction and electrification in 2012. The other branch line from Podgorica towards the Albanian border, the Podgorica–Shkodër railway
    , is not in use.

    Montenegro has two international airports, Podgorica Airport and Tivat Airport.

    The

    Belgrade-Bar motorway
    are expected to return operating levels to capacity.

    In 2023 there is a plan to install an

    LNG terminal at Bar to receive gas imports.[123]

    Tourism

    A total of 2.1 million visitors visited Montenegro in 2022 spending 12.4m nights there.[124] The majority of foreign visitors to Montenegro come from the neighbouring countries of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, as well as Russia.[125]

    The Montenegrin

    Adriatic coast is 295 km (183 mi) long, with 72 km (45 mi) of beaches and many well-preserved ancient towns. Some of the most popular beaches include Jaz Beach, Mogren Beach, Bečići Beach, Sveti Stefan Beach and Velika Plaža.[126] Meanwhile, some of the most popular ancient towns include Herceg Novi, Perast, Kotor, Budva and Ulcinj.[127]

    National Geographic Traveler (edited once a decade) ranks Montenegro among the "50 Places of a Lifetime". Montenegrin seaside town Sveti Stefan was once used as the cover for the magazine.[128] The coast region of Montenegro was considered one of the great "discoveries" among world tourists. In January 2010, The New York Times ranked the Ulcinj South Coast region of Montenegro, including Velika Plaža, Ada Bojana, and the Hotel Mediteran of Ulcinj, among the "Top 31 Places to Go in 2010" as part of a worldwide ranking.[129]

    Demographics

    Ethnic structure

    Ethnic structure of Montenegro by settlements[130]
    Linguistic structure of Montenegro by settlements[130]
    Religious structure of Montenegro by settlements[130]

    The 2011 census reported 620,029 citizens.[131] Montenegro is a multiethnic state with no ethnic majority.[132][133] Major ethnic groups include Montenegrins (Црногорци/Crnogorci), consisting of 45% of the population. and Serbs (Срби/Srbi), consisting of 28.7% of the population. Minor ethnic groups include Bosniaks (Bošnjaci), Muslims (Muslimani), Albanians (Albanci – Shqiptarët) and Croats (Hrvati). The number of "Montenegrins" and "Serbs" fluctuates widely from census to census due to changes in how people perceive, experience, or choose to express their identity and ethnic affiliation.[134][135][136] The Montenegrin Roma population is estimated to be 20,000.[137]

    Languages

    The Mountain Wreath is a poetic chronicle documenting the struggle of the Montenegrin people for independence from the Ottoman Empire, and is the most famous literary work in the country

    The official language in Montenegro is

    1992–2006 period
    .

    Religion

    Ostrog Monastery is the most visited religious shrine in the country, due to its uniqueness in being situated against an almost vertical background that is high up in the large rock of Ostroška Greda

    Montenegro has historically stood at the crossroads of multiculturalism, and over centuries this has shaped its unique co-existence between its Christian and Muslim populations.[140] Montenegrins have throughout history been Eastern Orthodox Christians that are members of the Serbian Orthodox Church, which is governed by the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral and the Eparchy of Budimlja and Nikšić.[141] Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the predominant religion in Montenegro, with 72.1% of the population adhering to the religion.[142] Meanwhile, the Serbian Orthodox Church is the largest and most popular church, with approximately 90% of Orthodox Christians in Montenegro following the church.[143] A schismatic church called The Montenegrin Orthodox Church, which broke off from the Serbian Orthodox church in 1993, is followed by the remaining 10% of Orthodox Christians in the country. It also has not been officially recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is not in communion with any other canonical Orthodox Christian Church.[144]

    Despite tensions between religious groups during the

    Jumu'ah (Friday)-prayer.[146] Since the time of Vojislavljević dynasty Catholicism is autochthonous in the Montenegrin area.[147] A small Roman Catholic population, mostly Albanians with some Croats, is divided between the Archdiocese of Antivari headed by the Primate of Serbia and the Diocese of Kotor that is a part of the Catholic Church in Croatia
    .

    Culture

    World Heritage UNESCO

    Montenegrin culture has been shaped most importantly by Orthodox, Ottoman (Turk), Slavic, Central European, and seafaring Adriatic cultures (notably parts of Italy, like the Republic of Venice).

    Montenegro has many significant cultural and historical sites, including heritage sites from the pre-

    Savina Monastery
    and others. Medieval monasteries contain many artistically important frescoes.

    One cultural dimension is the ethical ideal of Čojstvo i Junaštvo, "Humaneness and Gallantry".

    Oro
    , the "eagle dance" that involves dancing in circles with couples alternating in the centre, and is finished by forming a human pyramid of dancers standing on each other's shoulders.

    Media

    Television, magazines, and newspapers are operated by both state-owned and for-profit corporations that depend on advertising,

    subscription, and other sales-related revenues. The Constitution of Montenegro
    guarantees freedom of speech. Montenegro's media system is under transformation, along with the rest of the country.

    Sport

    Sport in Montenegro revolves mostly around

    athletics, table tennis, and chess
    .

    LEN Euroleague 2009 in Rijeka, Croatia. Montenegro came fourth in the men's water polo in the 2016 Olympics
    .

    Independence. Montenegro participated in two EuroBaskets
    .

    Among women sports, the national handball team is the most successful, winning the country's first Olympic medal, claiming silver at the 2012 Summer Olympics. This was followed by the 2012 European Championship which Montenegro won, becoming European champions. ŽRK Budućnost Podgorica has twice won the EHF Champions League. Montenegro was one of the host countries for the 2022 European Women's Handball Championship and came third.

    Chess is another popular sport and notable global chess players such as Slavko Dedić were born there.

    Cuisine

    Foods from Montenegro.

    The first major influences to Montenegrin cuisine came from the

    cakes, and various kinds of breads. Montenegrin cuisine also varies geographically; with the cuisine in the coastal area differing from that of the northern highland region. The coastal area is traditionally a representative of Mediterranean cuisine, with seafood being a common dish. The traditional dishes of Montenegro's Adriatic coast, unlike its heartland, have been significantly influenced by Italian cuisine.[152]

    See also

    Explanatory notes

    1. ^ Written identically in Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian.
    2. ^ Written identically in Serbian Cyrillic.

    Citations

    1. ^ Podgorica is the administrative capital while Cetinje is considered the old royal capital
    2. WIPO
      . 19 October 2007. The official language in Montenegro shall be Montenegrin. Cyrillic and Latin alphabet shall be equal.
    3. WIPO
      . 19 October 2007. Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian and Croatian shall also be in the official use.
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    General and cited sources

    Further reading

    External links

    42°30′N 19°18′E / 42.500°N 19.300°E / 42.500; 19.300