Montenegro - ME - MNE - MNE - Europe
Last updated: January 02, 2025
Montenegro Images
Priganice are fritters or flat doughnuts served with honey, cheese, or jam.
The Millennium Bridge is a key landmark in Podgorica, Montenegro's capital. The cable-stayed bridge crosses the Moraca RIver (the country's largest), measures 173 m (567 ft) long, and connects old town Podgorica with the new town. Opened on the day of Montenegro’s statehood, 13 July 2005, the structure took a year to construct and symbolizes Montenegro’s entry into the 21st century. The bridge is particularly impressive when lit at night.
A view of the countryside around Podgorica.
A former naval base built by the Austrians in 1889, later used as a naval military base by the Italian Navy, the Yugoslav People’s Army, and the Army of Montenegro, the modest and ordinary town of Tivat underwent a major remodeling of its marina and surroundings. Today it is a superyacht marina that blends old and new. Tivat is the smallest municipality by area in Montenegro.
Lake Skadar is located in Skadar Lake National Park. The lake is the largest natural reservoir of fresh water in the Balkans; roughly 475 sq km (183 sq mi) in size, with an average depth of 5 m (16 ft). Most of the lake lies in Montenegro, but a considerable portion extends into Albania.
Grlo Sokolovo or the Falcon’s Throat is a viewing point of the Cijevna Canyon and the Prokletije Mountain range near Podgorica.
The Bay of Kotor is located in the Adriatic Sea in southwestern Montenegro. The bay is about 28 km (17 mi) long with a shoreline measuring 107 km (66 mi). The Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
There are several boat tunnels built by the Yugoslav Army located around Kotor Bay. Constructed during World War II to hide and repair submarines, these tunnels were also used for the same purpose after the war.
Priganice are fritters or flat doughnuts served with honey, cheese, or jam.
The Millennium Bridge is a key landmark in Podgorica, Montenegro's capital. The cable-stayed bridge crosses the Moraca RIver (the country's largest), measures 173 m (567 ft) long, and connects old town Podgorica with the new town. Opened on the day of Montenegro’s statehood, 13 July 2005, the structure took a year to construct and symbolizes Montenegro’s entry into the 21st century. The bridge is particularly impressive when lit at night.
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Montenegro Factbook Data
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Judy Rising REINKE (since 20 December 2018)
embassy: Dzona Dzeksona 2, 81000 Podgorica
mailing address: 5570 Podgorica Place, Washington DC 20521-5570
telephone: [382] (0) 20-410-500
FAX: [382] (0) 20-241-358
email address and website:
PodgoricaACS@state.gov
https://me.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Dzona Dzeksona 2, 81000 Podgorica
mailing address: 5570 Podgorica Place, Washington DC 20521-5570
telephone: [382] (0) 20-410-500
FAX: [382] (0) 20-241-358
email address and website:
PodgoricaACS@state.gov
https://me.usembassy.gov/
Age structure
0-14 years: 17.7% (male 54,608/female 51,594)
15-64 years: 64.4% (male 192,631/female 193,515)
65 years and over: 17.9% (2024 est.) (male 47,243/female 60,258)
15-64 years: 64.4% (male 192,631/female 193,515)
65 years and over: 17.9% (2024 est.) (male 47,243/female 60,258)
This is the population pyramid for Montenegro. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
Geographic coordinates
42 30 N, 19 18 E
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Heliports
1 (2024)
Natural hazards
destructive earthquakes
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Connecticut; slightly larger than twice the size of Delaware
slightly smaller than Connecticut; slightly larger than twice the size of Delaware
Military service age and obligation
18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2006 (2024)
note: as of 2024, women made up over 11% of the military's full-time personnel
note: as of 2024, women made up over 11% of the military's full-time personnel
Background
The use of the name Crna Gora or Black Mountain (Montenegro) began in the 13th century in reference to a highland region in the Serbian province of Zeta. Under Ottoman control beginning in 1496, Montenegro was a semi-autonomous theocracy ruled by a series of bishop princes until 1852, when it became a secular principality. Montenegro fought a series of wars with the Ottomans and eventually won recognition as an independent sovereign principality at the Congress of Berlin in 1878. In 1918, the country was absorbed by the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929. At the end of World War II, Montenegro joined the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). When the SFRY dissolved in 1992, Montenegro and Serbia created the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), which shifted in 2003 to a looser State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. Montenegro voted to restore its independence on 3 June 2006. Montenegro became an official EU candidate in 2010 and joined NATO in 2017.
Environment - current issues
pollution of coastal waters from sewage outlets, especially in tourist-related areas such as Kotor; serious air pollution in Podgorica, Pljevlja and Niksie; air pollution in Pljevlja is caused by the nearby lignite power plant and the domestic use of coal and wood for household heating
Environment - international agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Population below poverty line
21.2% (2020 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.1% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 24.7% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
highest 10%: 24.7% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Administrative divisions
25 municipalities (opstine, singular - opstina); Andrijevica, Bar, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Budva, Cetinje, Danilovgrad, Gusinje, Herceg Novi, Kolasin, Kotor, Mojkovac, Niksic, Petnjica, Plav, Pljevlja, Pluzine, Podgorica, Rozaje, Savnik, Tivat, Tuzi, Ulcinj, Zabljak, Zeta
Agricultural products
milk, potatoes, grapes, watermelons, sheep milk, cabbages, oranges, eggs, goat milk, figs (2022)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Military and security forces
Army of Montenegro (Vojska Crne Gore or VCG): Ground Forces (Kopnene snage), Air Force (Vazduhoplovstvo), Navy (Mornarica) (2024)
note: the National Police Force, which includes Border Police, is responsible for maintaining internal security; it is organized under the Police Administration within the Ministry of Interior and reports to the police director and, through the director, to the minister of interior and prime minister
note: the National Police Force, which includes Border Police, is responsible for maintaining internal security; it is organized under the Police Administration within the Ministry of Interior and reports to the police director and, through the director, to the minister of interior and prime minister
Budget
revenues: $1.463 billion (2015 est.)
expenditures: $1.491 billion (2015 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
expenditures: $1.491 billion (2015 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Capital
name: Podgorica; note - Cetinje retains the status of "Old Royal Capital"
geographic coordinates: 42 26 N, 19 16 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1 hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name translates as "beneath Gorica"; the meaning of Gorica is "hillock"; the reference is to the small hill named Gorica that the city is built around
geographic coordinates: 42 26 N, 19 16 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1 hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name translates as "beneath Gorica"; the meaning of Gorica is "hillock"; the reference is to the small hill named Gorica that the city is built around
Climate
Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland
Coastline
293.5 km
Constitution
history: several previous; latest adopted 22 October 2007
amendments: proposed by the president of Montenegro, by the government, or by at least 25 members of the Assembly; passage of draft proposals requires two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, followed by a public hearing; passage of draft amendments requires two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; changes to certain constitutional articles, such as sovereignty, state symbols, citizenship, and constitutional change procedures, require three-fifths majority vote in a referendum; amended 2013
amendments: proposed by the president of Montenegro, by the government, or by at least 25 members of the Assembly; passage of draft proposals requires two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, followed by a public hearing; passage of draft amendments requires two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; changes to certain constitutional articles, such as sovereignty, state symbols, citizenship, and constitutional change procedures, require three-fifths majority vote in a referendum; amended 2013
Exchange rates
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.951 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.877 (2020 est.)
0.893 (2019 est.)
note: Montenegro, which is neither an EU member state nor a party to a formal EU monetary agreement, uses the euro as its de facto currency
Exchange rates:
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.951 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.877 (2020 est.)
0.893 (2019 est.)
note: Montenegro, which is neither an EU member state nor a party to a formal EU monetary agreement, uses the euro as its de facto currency
Executive branch
chief of state: President Jakov MILATOVIC (since 20 May 2023)
head of government: Prime Minister Milojko SPAJIC (since 31 October 2023)
cabinet: ministers serve as the cabinet
elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 19 March 2023 with a runoff on 2 April 2023 (next to be held in 2028); prime minister nominated by the president, approved by the Assembly
election results:
2023: Jakov MILATOVIC elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Milo DUKANOVIC (DPS) 35.4%, Jakov MILATOVIC (Europe Now!) 28.9%, Andrija MANDIC (DF) 19.3%, Aleksa BECIC (DCG) 11.1%, other 5.3%; percent of vote in second round - Jakov MILATOVIC 58.9%, Milo DUKANOVIC 41.1%
2018: Milo DJUKANOVIC elected president in first round; percent of vote - Milo DJUKANOVIC (DPS) 53.9%, Mladen BOJANIC (independent) 33.4%, Draginja VUKSANOVIC (SDP) 8.2%, Marko MILACIC (PRAVA) 2.8%, other 1.7%
head of government: Prime Minister Milojko SPAJIC (since 31 October 2023)
cabinet: ministers serve as the cabinet
elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 19 March 2023 with a runoff on 2 April 2023 (next to be held in 2028); prime minister nominated by the president, approved by the Assembly
election results:
2023: Jakov MILATOVIC elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Milo DUKANOVIC (DPS) 35.4%, Jakov MILATOVIC (Europe Now!) 28.9%, Andrija MANDIC (DF) 19.3%, Aleksa BECIC (DCG) 11.1%, other 5.3%; percent of vote in second round - Jakov MILATOVIC 58.9%, Milo DUKANOVIC 41.1%
2018: Milo DJUKANOVIC elected president in first round; percent of vote - Milo DJUKANOVIC (DPS) 53.9%, Mladen BOJANIC (independent) 33.4%, Draginja VUKSANOVIC (SDP) 8.2%, Marko MILACIC (PRAVA) 2.8%, other 1.7%
Flag description
a red field bordered by a narrow golden-yellow stripe with the Montenegrin coat of arms centered; the arms consist of a double-headed golden eagle - symbolizing the unity of church and state - surmounted by a crown; the eagle holds a golden scepter in its right claw and a blue orb in its left; the breast shield over the eagle shows a golden lion passant on a green field in front of a blue sky; the lion is a symbol of episcopal authority and harkens back to the three and a half centuries when Montenegro was ruled as a theocracy
Independence
3 June 2006 (from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro); notable earlier dates: 13 March 1852 (Principality of Montenegro established); 13 July 1878 (Congress of Berlin recognizes Montenegrin independence); 28 August 1910 (Kingdom of Montenegro established)
Industries
steelmaking, aluminum, agricultural processing, consumer goods, tourism
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Vrhovni Sud (consists of the court president, deputy president, and 15 judges); Constitutional Court or Ustavni Sud (consists of the court president and 7 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president proposed by general session of the Supreme Court and elected by the Judicial Council, a 9-member body consisting of judges, lawyers designated by the Assembly, and the minister of judicial affairs; Supreme Court president elected for a single renewable, 5-year term; other judges elected by the Judicial Council for life; Constitutional Court judges - 2 proposed by the president of Montenegro and 5 by the Assembly, and elected by the Assembly; court president elected from among the court members; court president elected for a 3-year term, other judges serve 9-year terms
subordinate courts: Administrative Courts; Appellate Court; Commercial Courts; High Courts; basic courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president proposed by general session of the Supreme Court and elected by the Judicial Council, a 9-member body consisting of judges, lawyers designated by the Assembly, and the minister of judicial affairs; Supreme Court president elected for a single renewable, 5-year term; other judges elected by the Judicial Council for life; Constitutional Court judges - 2 proposed by the president of Montenegro and 5 by the Assembly, and elected by the Assembly; court president elected from among the court members; court president elected for a 3-year term, other judges serve 9-year terms
subordinate courts: Administrative Courts; Appellate Court; Commercial Courts; High Courts; basic courts
Land boundaries
total: 680 km
border countries (5): Albania 186 km; Bosnia and Herzegovina 242 km; Croatia 19 km; Kosovo 76 km; Serbia 157 km
border countries (5): Albania 186 km; Bosnia and Herzegovina 242 km; Croatia 19 km; Kosovo 76 km; Serbia 157 km
Land use
agricultural land: 38.2% (2018 est.)
arable land: 12.9% (2018 est.)
permanent crops: 1.2% (2018 est.)
permanent pasture: 24.1% (2018 est.)
forest: 40.4% (2018 est.)
other: 21.4% (2018 est.)
arable land: 12.9% (2018 est.)
permanent crops: 1.2% (2018 est.)
permanent pasture: 24.1% (2018 est.)
forest: 40.4% (2018 est.)
other: 21.4% (2018 est.)
Legal system
civil law
Legislative branch
description: unicameral Assembly or Skupstina (81 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms)
elections: last held on 11 June 2023 (next to be held in June 2027)
election results: percent of vote by party/coalition - Europe Now! 25.5%, Together! 23.2%, For the Future of Montenegro 14.7%, Aleksa and Dritan - Count Bravely 12.5%, BP 7.1%, SNP-DEMOS 3.1%, Albanian Forum 1.9%, HGI 0.7%; seats by party/coalition Europe Now! 24, Together! 21, For the Future of Montenegro 13, Aleksa and Dritan - Count Bravely 11, BP 6, SNP-DEMOS 2, Albanian Forum 2, Albanian Alliance 1, HGI 1; composition - men 59, women 22, percentage women 27.2%
elections: last held on 11 June 2023 (next to be held in June 2027)
election results: percent of vote by party/coalition - Europe Now! 25.5%, Together! 23.2%, For the Future of Montenegro 14.7%, Aleksa and Dritan - Count Bravely 12.5%, BP 7.1%, SNP-DEMOS 3.1%, Albanian Forum 1.9%, HGI 0.7%; seats by party/coalition Europe Now! 24, Together! 21, For the Future of Montenegro 13, Aleksa and Dritan - Count Bravely 11, BP 6, SNP-DEMOS 2, Albanian Forum 2, Albanian Alliance 1, HGI 1; composition - men 59, women 22, percentage women 27.2%
Literacy
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99.4%
female: 98.5% (2021)
total population: 99%
male: 99.4%
female: 98.5% (2021)
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: defined by treaty
continental shelf: defined by treaty
International organization participation
CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
note: Montenegro is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
note: Montenegro is an EU candidate country whose satisfactory completion of accession criteria is required before being granted full EU membership
National holiday
Statehood Day, 13 July (1878, the day the Berlin Congress recognized Montenegro as the 27th independent state in the world, and 1941, the day the Montenegrins staged an uprising against fascist occupiers and sided with the partisan communist movement)
Nationality
noun: Montenegrin(s)
adjective: Montenegrin
adjective: Montenegrin
Natural resources
bauxite, hydroelectricity
Geography - note
strategic location along the Adriatic coast
Economic overview
upper middle-income, small Balkan economy; uses euro as de facto currency; strong growth driven by tourism and consumption; new impetus for EU accession under Europe Now government; influx of affluent migrants from Russia and Ukraine; progress in fiscal position subject to risks from pension costs, debt service, and informal sector
Political parties
Albanian Alliance (electoral coalition includes FORCA, PD, DSCG)
Albanian Alternative or AA
Albanian Democratic League or LDSH
Albanian Forum (electoral coalition includes AA, LDSH, UDSH)
Aleksa and Dritan - Count Bravely! (electoral coalition includes Democrats, URA)
Bosniak Party or BS
Civic Movement United Reform Action or United Reform Action or URA
Croatian Civic Initiative or HGI
Democratic Alliance or DEMOS
Democratic League in Montenegro or DSCG
Democratic Montenegro or Democrats
Democratic Party of Socialists or DPS
Democratic People's Party or DNP
Democratic Union of Albanians or UDSH
Europe Now!
For the Future of Montenegro or ZBCG (coalition includes NSD, DNP, RP)
Liberal Party or LP
New Democratic Power or FORCA
New Serb Democracy or NSD or NOVA
Social Democrats or SD
Socialist People's Party or SNP
Together! (electoral coalition includes DPS, SD, LP, UDSH)
United Montenegro or UCG (split from DEMOS)
Workers' Party or RP
Albanian Alternative or AA
Albanian Democratic League or LDSH
Albanian Forum (electoral coalition includes AA, LDSH, UDSH)
Aleksa and Dritan - Count Bravely! (electoral coalition includes Democrats, URA)
Bosniak Party or BS
Civic Movement United Reform Action or United Reform Action or URA
Croatian Civic Initiative or HGI
Democratic Alliance or DEMOS
Democratic League in Montenegro or DSCG
Democratic Montenegro or Democrats
Democratic Party of Socialists or DPS
Democratic People's Party or DNP
Democratic Union of Albanians or UDSH
Europe Now!
For the Future of Montenegro or ZBCG (coalition includes NSD, DNP, RP)
Liberal Party or LP
New Democratic Power or FORCA
New Serb Democracy or NSD or NOVA
Social Democrats or SD
Socialist People's Party or SNP
Together! (electoral coalition includes DPS, SD, LP, UDSH)
United Montenegro or UCG (split from DEMOS)
Workers' Party or RP
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Telecommunication systems
general assessment: a small telecom market supported by a population of only 623,000; fixed broadband services are available via a variety of technology platforms, though fiber is the dominant platform, accounting for almost 40% of connections; the growth of fiber has largely been at the expense of DSL as customers are migrated to fiber networks as these are built out progressively; mobile penetration is particularly high, though this is partly due to the significant number of tourists visiting the country seasonally, as also to the popularity of subscribers having multiple prepaid cards; in the wake of the pandemic and associated restrictions on travel, the number of mobile subscribers fell in 2020, as also in the first quarter of 2021, year-on-year; networks support a vibrant mobile broadband services sector, largely based on LTE; two of the MNOs began trialing 5G in May 2021, though commercial services will not gain traction until after the multi-spectrum auction is completed at the end of 2021; spectrum is available in the 694-790MHz and 3400-3800MHz ranges, as well as in the 26.5-27.5GHz range (2021)
domestic: fixed-line over 30 per 100 and mobile-cellular 178 per 100 persons (2021)
international: country code - 382; 2 international switches connect the national system
domestic: fixed-line over 30 per 100 and mobile-cellular 178 per 100 persons (2021)
international: country code - 382; 2 international switches connect the national system
Terrain
highly indented coastline with narrow coastal plain backed by rugged high limestone mountains and plateaus
Government type
parliamentary republic
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Montenegro
local long form: none
local short form: Crna Gora
former: People's Republic of Montenegro, Socialist Republic of Montenegro, Republic of Montenegro
etymology: the country's name locally as well as in most Western European languages means "black mountain" and refers to the dark coniferous forests on Mount Lovcen and the surrounding area
conventional short form: Montenegro
local long form: none
local short form: Crna Gora
former: People's Republic of Montenegro, Socialist Republic of Montenegro, Republic of Montenegro
etymology: the country's name locally as well as in most Western European languages means "black mountain" and refers to the dark coniferous forests on Mount Lovcen and the surrounding area
Location
Southeastern Europe, between the Adriatic Sea and Serbia
Map references
Europe
Irrigated land
24 sq km (2012)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Jovan MIRKOVIĆ (since 18 September 2024)
chancery: 1610 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-6108
FAX: [1] (202) 234-6109
email address and website:
usa@mfa.gov.me
United States of America - Embassies and consulates of Montenegro and visa regimes for foreign citizens (www.gov.me)
consulate(s) general: New York
chancery: 1610 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 234-6108
FAX: [1] (202) 234-6109
email address and website:
usa@mfa.gov.me
United States of America - Embassies and consulates of Montenegro and visa regimes for foreign citizens (www.gov.me)
consulate(s) general: New York
Internet country code
.me
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees (country of origin): 65,105 (Ukraine) (as of 29 January 2024)
stateless persons: 468 (2022)
note: 34,511 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-March 2024)
stateless persons: 468 (2022)
note: 34,511 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-March 2024)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$7.405 billion (2023 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Credit ratings
Moody's rating: B1 (2016)
Standard & Poors rating: B+ (2014)
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
Standard & Poors rating: B+ (2014)
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2021)
male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2021)
Urbanization
urban population: 68.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 0.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Broadcast media
state-funded national radio-TV broadcaster operates 2 terrestrial TV networks, 1 satellite TV channel, and 2 radio networks; 4 local public TV stations and 14 private TV stations; 14 local public radio stations, 35 private radio stations, and several on-line media (2019)
Drinking water source
improved: urban: 100% of population
rural: 98.2% of population
total: 99.4% of population
unimproved: urban: 0% of population
rural: 1.8% of population
total: 0.6% of population (2020 est.)
rural: 98.2% of population
total: 99.4% of population
unimproved: urban: 0% of population
rural: 1.8% of population
total: 0.6% of population (2020 est.)
National anthem
name: "Oj, svijetla majska zoro" (Oh, Bright Dawn of May)
lyrics/music: Sekula DRLJEVIC/unknown, arranged by Zarko MIKOVIC
note: adopted 2004; music based on a Montenegrin folk song
lyrics/music: Sekula DRLJEVIC/unknown, arranged by Zarko MIKOVIC
note: adopted 2004; music based on a Montenegrin folk song
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Montenegro. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.
Major urban areas - population
177,000 PODGORICA (capital) (2018)
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Physician density
2.74 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Hospital bed density
3.9 beds/1,000 population (2017)
National symbol(s)
double-headed eagle; national colors: red, gold
Mother's mean age at first birth
26.3 years (2010 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate
20.7% (2018)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 73.6% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 18.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 19.3% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 7.7% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 50.7% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -69.3% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
government consumption: 18.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 19.3% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 7.7% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 50.7% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -69.3% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 52.5
youth dependency ratio: 27.7
elderly dependency ratio: 24.8
potential support ratio: 4 (2021 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 27.7
elderly dependency ratio: 24.8
potential support ratio: 4 (2021 est.)
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Montenegro
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Montenegro
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Population distribution
highest population density is concentrated in the south, southwest; the extreme eastern border is the least populated area
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
National air transport system
number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020)
inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 4
annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 565,522 (2018)
annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 130,000 (2018) mt-km
inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 4
annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 565,522 (2018)
annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 130,000 (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
4O
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: 100% of population
rural: 93.9% of population
total: 98% of population
unimproved: urban: 0% of population
rural: 6.1% of population
total: 2% of population (2020 est.)
rural: 93.9% of population
total: 98% of population
unimproved: urban: 0% of population
rural: 6.1% of population
total: 2% of population (2020 est.)
Ethnic groups
Montenegrin 45%, Serbian 28.7%, Bosniak 8.7%, Albanian 4.9%, Muslim 3.3%, Romani 1%, Croat 1%, other 2.6%, unspecified 4.9% (2011 est.)
Religions
Orthodox 72.1%, Muslim 19.1%, Catholic 3.4%, atheist 1.2%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.6% (2011 est.)
Languages
Serbian 42.9%, Montenegrin (official) 37%, Bosnian 5.3%, Albanian 5.3%, Serbo-Croat 2%, other 3.5%, unspecified 4% (2011 est.)
major-language sample(s):
Knjiga svetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Serbian)
Knjiga svjetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Montenegrin/Bosnian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
Knjiga svetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Serbian)
Knjiga svjetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Montenegrin/Bosnian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Serbian audio sample
Montenegrin/Bosnian audio sample
Elevation
highest point: Zia Kolata 2,534 m
lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 1,086 m
lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 1,086 m
Current health expenditure
11.4% of GDP (2020)
Military - note
the Army of Montenegro is a small, lightly armed military focused on the defense of Montenegro’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, cooperating in international and multinational security, and assisting civil authorities during emergencies such as natural disasters; since Montenegro joined NATO in 2017, another focus has been integrating into the Alliance, including adapting NATO standards for planning and professionalization, structural reforms, and modernization by replacing its Soviet-era equipment; the Army trains and exercises with NATO partners and actively supports NATO missions and operations, committing small numbers of troops in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence mission in Eastern Europe; a few personnel have also been deployed on EU- and UN-led operations (2024)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 1,600 active-duty troops (2024)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory is small and consists largely of Soviet-era equipment inherited from the former Yugoslavia military, along with a limited but growing mix of imported Western systems (2024)
Imports - partners
Serbia 24%, China 8%, Italy 8%, Croatia 7%, Greece 7% (2022)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
electricity, refined petroleum, aluminum, cars, garments (2022)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
South Korea 24%, Serbia 12%, Italy 9%, Switzerland 9%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 7% (2022)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
copper ore, electricity, aluminum, aluminum ore, packaged medicine (2022)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 100 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 60 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 1.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
industrial: 60 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 1.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 332,000 tons (2015 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 17,994 tons (2015 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5.4% (2015 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 17,994 tons (2015 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5.4% (2015 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 24.8% of household expenditures (2022 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 5.6% of household expenditures (2022 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 5.6% of household expenditures (2022 est.)
Air pollutants
particulate matter emissions: 19.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 2.02 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 0.75 megatons (2020 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 2.02 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 0.75 megatons (2020 est.)
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)
Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Lake Scutari (shared with Albania) - 400 sq km
note - largest lake in the Balkans
note - largest lake in the Balkans
Illicit drugs
drug trafficking groups are major players in the procurement and transportation of of large quantities of cocaine destined for European markets
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 4 (3 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor (c); Durmitor National Park (n); Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards (c); Fortified City of Kotor Venetian Defense Works (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor (c); Durmitor National Park (n); Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards (c); Fortified City of Kotor Venetian Defense Works (c)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 1.9%
women married by age 18: 5.8%
men married by age 18: 3.2% (2018 est.)
women married by age 18: 5.8%
men married by age 18: 3.2% (2018 est.)
Coal
production: 1.734 million metric tons (2022 est.)
consumption: 1.517 million metric tons (2022 est.)
exports: 234,000 metric tons (2022 est.)
imports: 2.8 metric tons (2022 est.)
proven reserves: 337 million metric tons (2022 est.)
consumption: 1.517 million metric tons (2022 est.)
exports: 234,000 metric tons (2022 est.)
imports: 2.8 metric tons (2022 est.)
proven reserves: 337 million metric tons (2022 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 47% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
wind: 9.8% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
hydroelectricity: 43.1% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
wind: 9.8% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
hydroelectricity: 43.1% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 8,000 bbl/day (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.89 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
57.1% (2023 est.)
Remittances
10.87% of GDP (2023 est.)
13.33% of GDP (2022 est.)
13.52% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
13.33% of GDP (2022 est.)
13.52% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Ports
total ports: 4 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 3
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Bar, Kotor, Risan, Tivat
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 3
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Bar, Kotor, Risan, Tivat
Labor force
286,000 (2023 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 27.9% (2023 est.)
male: 29% (2023 est.)
female: 26.3% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
male: 29% (2023 est.)
female: 26.3% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 41.1 years (2024 est.)
male: 39.5 years
female: 42.5 years
male: 39.5 years
female: 42.5 years
Debt - external
$3.401 billion (2022 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Maternal mortality ratio
6 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$1.574 billion (2023 est.)
$2.041 billion (2022 est.)
$1.982 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$2.041 billion (2022 est.)
$1.982 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
67.2% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Total fertility rate
1.8 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Military expenditures
2% of GDP (2024 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2023)
1.4% of GDP (2022)
1.6% of GDP (2021)
1.7% of GDP (2020)
1.6% of GDP (2023)
1.4% of GDP (2022)
1.6% of GDP (2021)
1.7% of GDP (2020)
Unemployment rate
15.25% (2023 est.)
15.29% (2022 est.)
16.54% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
15.29% (2022 est.)
16.54% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Population
total: 599,849
male: 294,482
female: 305,367 (2024 est.)
male: 294,482
female: 305,367 (2024 est.)
Internet users
total: 516,600 (2021 est.)
percent of population: 82% (2021 est.)
percent of population: 82% (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
2.566 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.401 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 1.165 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.401 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 1.165 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)
Area
total : 13,812 sq km
land: 13,452 sq km
water: 360 sq km
land: 13,452 sq km
water: 360 sq km
Taxes and other revenues
37.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$17.115 billion (2023 est.)
$16.149 billion (2022 est.)
$15.177 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$16.149 billion (2022 est.)
$15.177 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Roadways
total: 9,825 km (2022)
Airports
5 (2024)
Infant mortality rate
total: 3.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male: 2.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.7 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 2.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 1.274 million (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 203 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 203 (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
34.3 (2021 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
8.58% (2023 est.)
13.04% (2022 est.)
2.41% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
13.04% (2022 est.)
2.41% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$841.765 million (2023 est.)
-$817.858 million (2022 est.)
-$541.201 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$817.858 million (2022 est.)
-$541.201 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$27,800 (2023 est.)
$26,200 (2022 est.)
$24,500 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$26,200 (2022 est.)
$24,500 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 184,176 (2020 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2020 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2020 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 31.4% (2020 est.)
male: 31.6% (2020 est.)
female: 31.1% (2020 est.)
male: 31.6% (2020 est.)
female: 31.1% (2020 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
23.3% (2016)
Energy consumption per capita
59.174 million Btu/person (2022 est.)
Death rate
10.3 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
10.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 1.066 million kW (2022 est.)
consumption: 2.963 billion kWh (2022 est.)
exports: 8.326 billion kWh (2022 est.)
imports: 8.467 billion kWh (2022 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 507.151 million kWh (2022 est.)
consumption: 2.963 billion kWh (2022 est.)
exports: 8.326 billion kWh (2022 est.)
imports: 8.467 billion kWh (2022 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 507.151 million kWh (2022 est.)
Merchant marine
total: 18 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 4, other 14
by type: bulk carrier 4, other 14
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3.7% (2018/19)
Imports
$5.163 billion (2023 est.)
$4.614 billion (2022 est.)
$3.637 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$4.614 billion (2022 est.)
$3.637 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$3.775 billion (2023 est.)
$3.178 billion (2022 est.)
$2.502 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$3.178 billion (2022 est.)
$2.502 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 191,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 30 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 30 (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 9.91 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.83 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 2.68 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 3.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.83 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 2.68 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 3.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 78.2 years (2024 est.)
male: 75.8 years
female: 80.7 years
male: 75.8 years
female: 80.7 years
Real GDP growth rate
5.98% (2023 est.)
6.41% (2022 est.)
13.04% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
6.41% (2022 est.)
13.04% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
3.34% (2023 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Railways
total: 250 km (2017)
standard gauge: 250 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge (224 km electrified)
standard gauge: 250 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge (224 km electrified)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 5.6% (2023 est.)
industry: 11.9% (2023 est.)
services: 62.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
industry: 11.9% (2023 est.)
services: 62.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Revenue from forest resources
0.43% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal
0.12% of GDP (2018 est.)
Education expenditures
NA
Population growth rate
-0.44% (2024 est.)