Montenegro
Official Country Name
Montenegro
Montenegro Overview
The use of the name Montenegro began in the 15th century when the Crnojevic dynasty began to rule the Serbian principality of Zeta; over subsequent centuries Montenegro was able to maintain its independence from the Ottoman Empire. From the 16th to 19th centuries, Montenegro became a theocracy ruled by a series of bishop princes; in 1852, it was transformed into a secular principality. After World War I, Montenegro was absorbed by the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929; at the conclusion of World War II, it became a constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. When the latter dissolved in 1992, Montenegro federated with Serbia, first as the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and, after 2003, in a looser union of Serbia and Montenegro. In May 2006, Montenegro invoked its right under the Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro to hold a referendum on independence from the state union. The vote for severing ties with Serbia exceeded 55% - the threshold set by the EU - allowing Montenegro to formally declare its independence on 3 June 2006.
Montenegro Economy
The republic of Montenegro severed its economy from federal control and from Serbia during the MILOSEVIC era and continues to maintain its own central bank, uses the euro instead of the Yugoslav dinar as official currency, collects customs tariffs, and manages its own budget. The dissolution of the loose political union between Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 led to separate membership in several international financial institutions, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. On January 18, 2007, Montenegro joined the World Bank and IMF. Montenegro is pursuing its own membership in the World Trade Organization as well as negotiating a Stabilization and Association agreement with the European Union in anticipation of eventual membership. Severe unemployment remains a key political and economic problem for this entire region. Montenegro has privatized its large aluminum complex - the dominant industry - as well as most of its financial sector, and has begun to attract foreign direct investment in the tourism sector.
Montenegro Location
Montenegro is located in Southeastern Europe, between the Adriatic Sea and Serbia
Region
Montenegro is located in Europe
Montenegro Population
Montenegro has population of 630,548 (2004)
Montenegro Climate
Montenegro has Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland
Montenegro Terrain
highly indented coastline with narrow coastal plain backed by rugged high limestone mountains and plateaus
Montenegro Natural Resources
bauxite, hydroelectricity
Ethnic Groups in Montenegro
Montenegro has the following ethnic groups - Montenegrin 43%, Serbian 32%, Bosniak 8%, Albanian 5%, other (Muslims, Croats, Roma (Gypsy)) 12%
Montenegro Religions
Orthodox, Muslim, Roman Catholic
Montenegro Languages
Serbian (official; Ijekavian dialect), Bosnian, Albanian, Croatian
Montenegro Capital
Montenegro capital is Podgorica
Montenegro Currency
Montenegro currency is euro
Map of Montenegro
