Nestled in the Balkans, Montenegro is a country with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. From the rugged peaks of Durmitor National Park to the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea, this small but enchanting nation offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Despite its small size, Montenegro boasts a remarkable array of attractions, from historic old towns to vibrant seaside resorts. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply in search of relaxation, Montenegro has something to offer.
Geography and сlimate of Montenegro
Montenegro is a small country located in Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea. It covers an area of around 13,812 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 620,000 people.
The country is characterized by rugged mountains, deep canyons, and a long coastline with numerous beaches and small bays. The highest peak is Bobotov Kuk, which stands at 2,522 meters above sea level. Montenegro is also home to several large lakes, including Skadar Lake, which is the largest in the Balkan Peninsula.
Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate along the coast, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The interior of the country has a more continental climate, with colder winters and hotter summers. The country is also prone to earthquakes, particularly in the southern part of the country.
Montenegro is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast, Kosovo to the east, and Albania to the southeast. The country's capital and largest city is Podgorica, while the historic coastal city of Kotor is a popular tourist destination.
Language and population of Montenegro
Montenegro has a population of 620,079 (2011 census), most of whom are Orthodox Christian Serbs. Its capital Podgorica is one of the twenty-three municipalities.
The nation's official language is Montenegrin, a South Slavic language; about 60% of Montenegrin citizens speak it as their native language. The Serbo-Croatian linguistic group used to be united in all areas of former Yugoslavia until 1945; since then each republic has developed its standardized language which differs from that of other republics. The languages of other ethnicities are Bosnian, Albanian, Croatian, Serbian, and Slovenian.
A little from the history of Montenegro
Montenegro has been inhabited since about 9500 BC; during the Neolithic age, Old European culture was widespread throughout the Balkans. In antiquity, this part of Europe had been called Illyria by Greek geographers for a time when it was settled by tribes of Illyrians who were more advanced in civilization than their neighbors.
Then in times of the Roman Empire, the territory of what is now Montenegro was known as "Epirus Nova" ("New Epirus"), a name that referred to its newness as a Roman province, that is, its enlargement by Emperor Diocletian from a smaller region called Epiros. Inhabited by one of three major pre-Slavic Balkan peoples (the Illyrians), it came under Roman control in Dardania province around 60 B.C., before being conquered by Rome's neighboring rival, the Kingdom of Macedon. The Romans were driven out from their coastal provinces in present-day Albania by Barbarian
Nature of Montenegro
Montenegro is a nature lover's paradise, boasting a stunning array of landscapes that range from rugged mountains to idyllic coastlines. With over 60% of the country covered in forests, Montenegro is a haven for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The country's mountains, which form part of the Dinaric Alps, offer some of the most spectacular vistas in Europe. The towering peaks of Durmitor National Park, which rise to over 2,500 meters, provide a dramatic backdrop for hikers and mountaineers alike.
In addition to its mountains, Montenegro is home to several spectacular natural wonders. One such wonder is the Biogradska Gora National Park, which features one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe. The park is also home to the stunning Biogradska Lake, which is surrounded by pristine forests and provides a tranquil setting for boating and fishing. It has a rich biodiversity with over 700 plant species, 200 butterfly species, and about 250 bird species.
Montenegro is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea on one side. The country’s coastline is equally impressive, with miles of unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Bay of Kotor, which is often referred to as Europe's southernmost fjord, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
Architecture of Montenegro
Montenegro's architecture is a fascinating blend of styles, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and tumultuous history. The country's architecture is heavily influenced by its Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian past, as well as its more recent Yugoslav era. The historic city of Kotor, for example, boasts a range of architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance. The city's old town, which is surrounded by fortified walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a range of stunning buildings, including the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and the Palace of the Drago family.
In addition to its historic architecture, Montenegro also features several impressive modern buildings. The city of Podgorica, for example, is home to several sleek skyscrapers, including the 45-floor Capital Plaza Tower. The city also features a range of impressive public buildings, including the Millennium Bridge, which is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in Europe.
Political system and government of Montenegro
Montenegro is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party political system. The President of Montenegro is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The President is elected by popular vote for a five-year term, while the Prime Minister is appointed by the President with the approval of the Parliament.
The Parliament of Montenegro is a unicameral legislature, with 81 members who are elected for a four-year term. The Parliament is responsible for enacting laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the work of the government.
The judicial system in Montenegro is independent and is made up of several levels of courts. The highest court is the Supreme Court of Montenegro, which is responsible for reviewing decisions made by lower courts and ensuring that they comply with Montenegrin law.
Montenegro is divided into 23 municipalities, each of which has its local government. The local governments are responsible for providing a range of services, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Montenegro is a candidate for membership in the European Union and has been making progress toward meeting the EU's membership criteria. The country has also been a member of NATO since 2017.
Economic of Montenegro
Montenegro is a small, open economy that is heavily reliant on tourism and foreign investment. The country's GDP per capita is around $8,000 (as of 2021), and its economy is considered upper-middle-income by the World Bank.
Montenegro's main exports include metals, wood products, and electricity, while its main imports include machinery, transport equipment, and food. The country is also known for its beautiful coastline and natural beauty, which attracts millions of tourists each year.
The government has implemented a range of economic reforms to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth, including simplifying business regulations, lowering taxes, and improving infrastructure. Montenegro has also entered into free trade agreements with several neighboring countries and is a member of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA).
Despite these efforts, Montenegro's economy is still facing challenges, including high unemployment, a large trade deficit, and significant public debt. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the country's tourism industry, which accounts for a significant portion of its GDP.
Tourism of Montenegro
The tourism sector in Montenegro is an important part of the economy. The country's strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and well-developed infrastructure attract tourists from all over the world.
The country's main tourist destinations include the historic coastal town of Kotor, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the popular seaside resorts of Budva, Ulcinj, and Bar. Visitors can also explore the Durmitor National Park, which is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery and hiking trails.
The Montenegrin coast is one of the most beautiful in Europe. It runs more than 1,000 kilometers along the Adriatic Sea, with dozens of picturesque bays and over 1,000 islands and islets. The coastline stretches from west to east and has numerous ports between them. The Bay of Kotor is considered to be one of the three most beautiful bays in Europe by many authors including historian Joachim Lelewel.
Lake Skadar (Skadarsko Jezero), which lies on Albania's border with Montenegro, is another tourist attraction. It was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 for its diverse ecosystems that include lakes, wetlands, rivers, and forests.
In addition to its natural attractions, Montenegro also offers a rich cultural heritage, including its historic architecture, traditional cuisine, and local festivals and celebrations. The country is also home to many luxury resorts and spas, as well as a growing number of eco-friendly and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Montenegro's tourism industry has been growing in recent years, with over 2.5 million tourists visiting the country in 2019. The majority of visitors come from neighboring countries, such as Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania, but the country is also attracting an increasing number of tourists from further afield, including Russia and China.