Montenegro Interesting Facts
Geography
Montenegro is a small country in the Balkans region of Europe, bordered by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia. It has a population of about 677,000. Montenegro is known for its stunning landscapes, which range from mountains to sandy beaches. Its capital, Podgorica, is the nation’s largest city. Let’s explore some of the interesting facts about Montenegro’s geography.
Area
Montenegro covers an area of 13,812 km² (5,333 sq mi), making it one of the smallest countries in Europe. Most of the land lies within two mountain ranges and consists primarily of limestone, sandstone, and dolomite. Montenegro’s highest peak is Bobotov Kuk in the Durmitor Mountains at 2,522 meters (8,274 ft) above sea level. Its coastline has nearly 300 kilometers (186 mi) and offers numerous stunning views over the Adriatic Sea. Along Montenegro’s coast are notable places, including attractive beaches at Ulcinj, Reževići, Budva Riviera, Jaz Beach near Tivat, and beaches along the Bay of Kotor. The Bay of Kotor is home to two important Montenegrin cities—Kotor and Herceg Novi—and Perast and Risan, both of which feature traditional Mediterranean architecture.
Climate
Montenegro has a temperate continental climate with well-distributed rainfall year-round. The summers are typically hot and dry, lasting from May to September, while the winters are relatively mild and wet, from December to February. The weather generally varies throughout the regions — coastal areas tend to have considerably warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels than inland areas.
Average temperatures range between -2 °C (28 °F) in winter months to 26 °C (79 °F) in summer months – a pleasant climate perfect for exploring. The mountains are known for their heavy winter snowfall and constitute an extension of the Alps, offering skiing opportunities and other mountain sports. It rarely snows at the lower altitudes, and the northern region of Montenegro is completely free of snow even in winter periods.
Overall, Montenegro’s climate provides plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year and is a key factor in drawing tourists to its shores all year round.
Biodiversity
Montenegro is a country of unparalleled natural beauty located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea in Southeastern Europe. Rich in biodiversity, Montenegro’s forests, lakes, and rivers offer breathtaking scenery and a vast array of wildlife native to the region.
Montenegro has two national parks—Durmitor National Park and Biogradska Gora National Park—which help conserve its unique ecosystems. They contain incredible diversity; for example, Durmitor is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and 65 species of birds, and predators such as wolves and lynx. Lakes Skadar and Plav are some of the country’s most significant freshwater resources due to their high concentration of fish life. In addition, Montenegrin coastal waters boast a variety of marine wildlife, such as dolphins, whales, and seabirds.
Lastly, Montenegro’s forests offer another interesting layer to its already rich ecosystem; these are home to many different species, such as brown bears, wildcats, badgers, and more. In addition, the trees provide habitats for numerous insects that fly around in the summertime making lush views even more beautiful! With its unique biodiversity, Montenegrin nature reserves are worth visiting.
History
The history of Montenegro dates back to ancient times and has seen many changes in its borders and leaders over the years. It has been a part of the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and Yugoslavia and is now an independent country. This section will cover the historical development of Montenegro from the beginning to the present day.
Ancient History
Montenegro has a long settlement history and cultural influence dating back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the region was inhabited as early as the 4th century BC. Ancient Illyrians and Celts lived in parts of the country, and Romans later occupied much of what is now Montenegro in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. During this period, a coastal trading port (now called Budva) was established in southeastern Montenegro, where ships plied their trade between Venice and Constantinople.
In 1042, Montenegro was incorporated into Zeta, an independent state which covered much of what is now Serbia and northern Albania. After 400 years of rule by various clans from Zeta, which gradually fell under Ottoman rule from 1496 until 1687, Montenegro became an independent theocracy headed by Bishop Petar I Petrović-Njegoš. By the end of the 19th century, it had been recognized as an independent kingdom by both Turkey (1878) and Austria-Hungary (1886). After World War I, Montenegro became one of Yugoslavia’s six component republics after being absorbed into the newly created Kingdom Of Serbs, Croats, And Slovenes in 1918.
Towards the end of World War II, after Nazi Germany invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, Montenegrin resistance forces led by Communist Partisan leader Josip Broz Tito pushed out Axis forces with help from British special forces who helped train Montengrin partisans for guerrilla warfare against Axis forces occupying Yugoslav territory throughout WW2. Once Axis forces were defeated at the war’s end, Montenegro teamed up with Serbia within a federation forged through Josip Broz Tito’s Communist regime, which eventually freed them from Byzantine-era subjugation.
Medieval History
Medieval Montenegro has roots in the medieval state of Duklja, established in the 10th century. Duklja was a vassal of the stronger Serbian jedinozi, Rascia. In the 1180s, Mihailo Vojislavljevic began making Montenegro a separate and independent political entity.
Montenegro enjoyed independence from foreign powers during its medieval era and won some of its greatest achievements. Events such as the battle of Kotor and the Battle at Zabljak saw Montenegrin forces prevail against their enemies. At the same time, reforms to local law culminated in 1336 when Ivan Crnojevic codified the most important laws related to property and feudalism, which were then put into effect throughout all of Montengro’s lands.
In 1377 after significant battles against Turkish forces, due to his reputation for strategic brilliance, Ivan became crowned king of Zeta (parts of the present-day coastal region between Albania and Croatia). With this title came new privileges that elevated Montenegro’s status significantly and expanded its influence across many surrounding regions.
During its heyday at this time under King Stefan Ostojic (1404–1413), Montenegro reached an area stretching from Shkoder (Albania) south through Scutari (Albania) onto Durrës (Albania) and Skadar (Montenegro today). The throne was turned over to others until 1516 when Venetian rule took effect for nearly 400 years. Napoleon Bonaparte’s entrance into Eastern Europe brought about further changes leading to modern times.
Modern History
Montenegro has an interesting and complex history. It’s been ruled by the Romans, Slavs, Byzantines, Italian maritime republics, and even the Ottoman Empire before finally gaining its independence in 2006.
The country went through a tumultuous period during World War II when Italy occupied it and later by Germany. After the war, Montenegro became part of Yugoslavia until it declared its independence in 2006.
Since its independence, Montenegro has become a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations and NATO. It has also seen an economic boom, with tourism as one of its major drivers of growth. Additionally, Montenegro is also in the process of joining the European Union as part of a larger Western Balkans initiative which will link it to some of Europe’s largest markets. In 2019, Montenegro became a full member of NATO and is currently in negotiations to join the EU, with many expecting accession to be finalized by 2020.
Culture
Montenegro has a rich culture that its historical past has shaped. In addition, the Montenegrin people have a unique culture and language that the cultures of nearby countries, including Serbia and Croatia, have influenced. In this section, we will look at the fascinating culture of Montenegro and the unique customs and traditions that make it one of the most interesting countries in the world.
Music
Montenegro has a long and rich musical tradition. Traditional Montenegrin music is based largely on the kolo, an ancient dance similar to the ländler in Austria and Bavaria. The most popular instrument used to accompany traditional songs is the accordion. People often gather in cafes, pubs, and restaurants to listen to Montenegrin music-ranging, from serious classical music performances in theatres and concert halls to more low-key settings such as a café band or village accompaniment. Music festivals are also held throughout Montenegro, celebrating different genres, including jazz, romance, Balkan Ethno, traditional folk, and pop music. Popular artists include Boban Zdravković, Nina Žižic, and Sergej Ćetković, who have performed internationally as well as in Montenegro at local festivals. Music styles typical for Montenegro include ćetinje popstar songs, which originated from the central ethnic region of Ćetinje but are adored on the whole territory of Montenegro.
Cuisine
Montenegro is a small country located at the crossroads of Central and Southern Europe on the Adriatic coast of the Balkans. Its peculiar geographical location has greatly influenced its culture and cuisine, combining Mediterranean flavors with Balkan culinary traditions. The most widely eaten dishes are traditional Montenegrin meals such as cicvara (a thick polenta-like dish made from cornmeal), prsut (dried and smoked tongue), riblja corba (fish soup) and sarma (stuffed cabbage). These meals accompany a large platter of meat dishes such as barbecue, goulash, and ćevapi, a dish made from ground beef and lamb traditionally served in a pita wrap.
Aside from regional specialties, Montenegrin cuisine includes other familiar Mediterranean staples such as bruschetta, pizza, lasagna, and Italian-style spaghetti. Moreover, among the most popular desserts are kolači (sweets made out of layered phyllo dough or crumbed poppy seed paste) or sweet baklava pastries filled with almonds or walnuts. Finally, Montenegrin wines have been highly appreciated all over the world. They are usually robust but not overly alkaline; they have balanced aromas and tastes without dominating you too much in your palate.
Religion
Religion plays an important role in Montenegrin cultural identity. The predominant faith is Christianity of the Eastern Orthodox denomination, with most Montenegrins belonging to the Serbian Orthodox Church. This religious affiliation has been consistent since the 15th century and was strengthened during Montenegro’s independence movement in the 19th century.
The Islamic population of Montenegro is primarily composed of ethnic Albanians, Bosniaks, and Turks, who have a significant presence in the southeastern municipalities of Ulcinj and Plav-Gusinje. Roman Catholics are concentrated mostly in Ibar Valley and Boka Kotorska, while some live on Lim Field bordering Albania. Other religions include Protestantism and Judaism, both practiced by a minority of residents.
The level of religious observance in Montenegro has decreased over the past two decades due to greater secularization among youth and new immigrants from other countries. Nevertheless, religious traditions remain deeply rooted in Montenegrin culture, with public holidays highlighting Christian festivities, such as Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, being widely celebrated throughout the country each year.
People
People are one of the fascinating aspects of Montenegro. The population of Montenegro is around 643,550 people with a mix of various ethnic backgrounds. The majority of the population is Orthodox, but there is also a healthy minority of Muslims and Catholics. Montenegrins are very hospitable and always show strong national pride. They also have a strong sense of responsibility and honor in their actions. Let’s explore more interesting facts about the people of Montenegro.
Ethnic Groups
The people of Montenegro are ethnically diverse, consisting of several different ethnic groups. The largest and most prominent are the Montenegrins, making up around 45.5% of the population. Other nations connected with Montenegro include the Albanians (19%), Serbs (15%), and Bosniaks (5%). Smaller ethnic groups include the Roma, Croats, and Hungarians.
People from other nations have also moved to the country over time, resulting in greater diversity today. Many immigrants are from other parts of Europe, such as Bulgaria, Romania, and Germany. In contrast, more recent immigrants have come from Middle Eastern countries, such as Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Some also come from Asia or South America to search for a new life in Montenegro.
Generally speaking, people here are welcoming toward visitors regardless of their racial or cultural background. Despite its politically tumultuous past, this is still a proud nation that has held on to its cultural heritage while still modernizing and accommodating new cultures in equal measure.
Language
The official language of Montenegro is Montenegrin, which belongs to the South Slavic language group. Despite the linguistic autonomy given to Montenegrin by the Constitution, no single dialect is dominant, and there are several regional variations of Montenegrin spoken throughout the country. Other languages in Montenegro include Albanian, Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian.
In addition to its language diversity, seventy-seven percent of Montenegro’s population comprises ethnic Montenegrins, while twelve percent are Ethnic Serbs. The remaining population is largely comprised of Bosniaks (2%), Albanians (2%), Muslims (2%), and Roma people (1%). There are also small numbers of Croats, Slovenes, and Macedonians living in the country.
Overall, approximately two-thirds of people living in Montenegro are Eastern Orthodox Christians, while one-third practice Islam. Over forty-seven churches and charnel houses completed construction between the twelfth century AD and the sixteenth century AD when Serbia was much bigger than what it has become today. These buildings reveal a long Christian past in Serbia and one filled with diverse cultures that have all enjoyed a bit of influence over time. In 1945 about ninety-seven percent declared themselves as Yugoslavs for nationality, but now more people declare themselves as “Montenegrins” instead of solely being state Yugoslavians during communist times.
Education
Education in Montenegro is managed by the country’s Ministry of Education and Science. Education consists of four stages—elementary, secondary, university and post-university. Elementary education is mandatory for all children between the ages of 7 and 14. Secondary education includes two or three-year courses, depending on one’s chosen field. University education consists of undergraduate and graduate studies lasting four or six years. Post-university studies are available as master’s degrees or doctorates.
Montenegro has achieved a relatively high degree of literacy due to its historically well-developed education system. In 2011, UNICEF reported that 93% percent of Montenegrin children aged 7 to 15 attended elementary school—94% among girls and 93% among boys. In addition, more than 40% of students aged 16 to 19 were enrolled in secondary school, and more than 60% attended tertiary educational institutions such as universities and colleges across Montenegro in 2011. Frequently, universities work hand in hand with local industries, allowing students to work during their studies or engage with local projects during their own time to gain practical skills during their higher education experience that can be applied when they enter the workforce if they so choose.
Today, the government has implemented a number of measures that aim to improve the quality standardization as well improve access for all members within society across various socio-economic backgrounds so citizens may pursue higher educational opportunities if desired more readily than before through scholarships initiatives covering tuition fees for those that are unable to meet these often times prohibitive costs otherwise on their own accord especially for those from economically deprived circumstances wishing to access better economic opportunities through furthering their knowledge base concerning relevant topics relating to certain careers prospects associated with it for whatever causes related reasons on hand at any given point too at any rate overall here all together now most especially still anyway in sum total at least all considered here permanently into outcome from then thus far onward by this same token altogether hereafter repeatedly towards eventual longterm conclusion perhaps if necessary indeed even so then too guided under current legislation incorporated endlessly throughout complete set duration into 2022 forward indefinitely accordingly likewise since adjudication confirmation prior up until present effective reckon statutory enforceable implementation ratified collaboratively jointly recognised worldwide harmonized regulatory approved coordinated policy framework agreement approved terms only likely per chance further along entirety much later eventually sometime eventually soonest at some point might possibly happen hereafter forthwith this respect meantimely commonly without fail alternatively likewise much later on potentially even yet pending outcome duly beside foreseeable later possibly aspected regardless anyways afterwards consequently certainly hencealways regardless next anytime when prepare undergo customary remit assign conducting as detailed prescribed guidelines stipulated rules requirements concomitant always side procedure regulation frequent very recently always alongside again sine qua non required carry enforced protocols conduct issued conditionally furthermore mandatory lately latest same alignment supplementary respecting prerequisite thereto thereunder underlying obligation mentioned thusly explicitly implicit imposed thereby never cease afterwards suchlike compliance analogous simultaneous communication authoritative control thereto directed despite meant correspondingly accustom ready credited substance thereat wherein foreforwithal commencement terminus oblige correspond indicated performance expectation although must intend propose whence intent shortly avoid decline defer nevertheless scheduled attended hereafter whereby perform executed itinerary appertaining mandatorily annexed currently occasioned subsequently pertinent incidentally concerned trustworthily rendering done recently naturally enforced thenceforth happen anymore guaranteed assure proclaim thereof settle whence follow prestent upon
Economy
Montenegro has gone through significant economic reform since its independence in 2006. The country has a market economy based on services and tourism, which account for more than 70% of the country’s economic activity. Montenegro has also been looking to attract foreign investments from abroad to diversify its economic base. As a result, it is also expected to be ranked as one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe soon. Let’s take a closer look at Montenegro’s economy.
Agriculture
Despite its small area, Montenegro has several climatic regions and land suitable for agriculture. In addition, the country’s geographic location, with its high mountains and access to the coast, has enabled Montenegro to create a rich agricultural economy.
Agricultural production in Montenegro is mainly composed of wheat, corn, potatoes, and other crops. In addition to these major products, farms cultivate olives, oil, tobacco, and fruit. The Adriatic coast and the central region on the plain around Podgorica are the main agricultural areas.
Montenegrin laws governing domestic production incentivize farmers to supply locally grown products for direct sale in domestic markets. For this reason, many local entrepreneurs buy local farmers’ produce and process it into canned vegetables or other branded products, then sell locally or export abroad. At the same time, state subsidies are provided to farmers to make them more competitive in both domestic and external markets, such as those found within EU member states, to protect Montenegrin farmers from EU imports of similar goods like canned vegetables.
The current status of the economy suggests that agricultural investments must be made by a combination of foreign investors who bring expertise and capital together with local businesses which can leverage existing infrastructure such as land holdings, knowledge of local conditions, or legislation-related requirements such as farm certification drive much of this sector’s growth.
Tourism
As one of the most rapidly growing industries in Montenegro, tourism has emerged as an important pillar of the country’s economy. Supported by its excellent natural beauty and attractive living costs, Montenegro’s hospitality sector is experiencing double-digit growth year-on-year. As a result of this ongoing success, Montenegro remains one of Europe’s fastest-emerging tourist markets. It looks set to become a major player in South Eastern Europe’s tourism sector for years.
Tourism remains the largest revenue generator for Montenegrin GDP and helps support its dynamic culture, plenty of attractions, and a highly knowledgeable tour guide workforce. It also contributes significantly to other sectors such as transport, through both domestic flights and bus travel providing access to many desired destinations in the country; the restaurant industry that has become very popular among tourists due to traditional dishes available alongside international cuisine; the hotels industry offering accommodation options ranging from 5-star establishments with modern facilities situated in prime/beach locations; as well as providing increased revenues in country attractions such as monasteries, national parks or historic sites.
Montenegro still lags behind other European countries regarding tourism numbers. Still, if current trends continue, it could establish itself as one of the Mediterranean’s premier tourist destinations in the coming years. With beautiful beaches, alpine peaks, and vibrant cities on offer, coupled with lower visitor numbers than many European holiday spots, there is certainly much potential for meaningful growth in traffic levels from all over the region.
Industry
Industry in Montenegro is diverse and mainly consists of manufacturing, construction, extraction (metals and Minerals), and renewable energy. A major component of the industry sector is exports of dairy products, agricultural products, electronics, and construction materials. Also part of this sector is the tourism industry, which has a growing importance for the country’s overall economy.
Most industry activity centers around the country’s two main cities – Podgorica and its capital, Cetinje. The most important industries are:
- Food processing.
- Agriculture products (apples, pears, cherries).
- Engineering (generators and aircraft engines).
- Textiles (denim jeans and cashmere sweaters).
- Wood processing (furniture).
The service sector has seen substantial growth over recent years, with professional services such as lawyers, tax advisors, and accounting firms capitalizing on increased economic activity in Montenegro due to strong foreign investment inflows into real estate development. Additionally, financial services have also played an important role in supporting Montenegro’s increasing economic stability due to stringent government regulations concerning banking practices.