Montenegro is a country located in Southeast Europe on the Adriatic Sea. It has a population of around 628,000 people and covers an area of 13,812 square kilometers. The capital and largest city is Podgorica.

Montenegro has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse landscape, which includes rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning coastline. The country is known for its medieval villages, historic monuments, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the old town of Kotor and the Durmitor National Park.

Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to September, when temperatures are warm and the sea is perfect for swimming.

Tourism is an important part of the economy in Montenegro, with visitors drawn to its natural beauty, cultural sites, and outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and water sports. Other popular attractions include the Ostrog Monastery, the Tara River Canyon, and the Skadar Lake National Park.

The official language of Montenegro is Montenegrin, although Serbian, Bosnian, and Albanian are also widely spoken. The currency is the euro, and the country is part of the Schengen Area, which allows visa-free travel for visitors from many countries.

Montenegro is a relatively small country, which makes it easy to get around by car or public transportation. There are also several international airports, including the Podgorica Airport and the Tivat Airport, which offer connections to major cities in Europe.

Telephone Code
382

Local Emergency Phone
94

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland

Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages
Serbian, Montenegrin, Bosnian, Albanian, Serbo-Croat

Major Religions
Orthodox 72.1%, Muslim 19.1%, Catholic 3.4%, atheist 1.2%

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Sveti Stefan; Budva Old Town; Kotor (includes San Giovanni Fortress); Durmitor National Park (includes Tara Canyon, Black Lake); Stecci Medieval Tombstones; Podgorica

Major Sports
Soccer, water polo, basketball, football, volleyball

Cultural Practices
Conversations in Montenegro may involve more physical touching than those in America, with light touches and taps on the shoulder being common.

Tipping Guidelines
Service charges are generally not included in restaurants and hotel bills, so a tip of 10% is appreciated. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but a small gratuity is appropriate.

Souvenirs
Traditional caps, brojanica prayer bracelets, cheese, honey, Amaro Montenegro liqueur, wine

Traditional Cuisine
Brudet — fish stew made with white fish and shellfish, as well as tomatoes, wine, and spices; typically served with polenta (coarsely ground corn)

Geography
Area
total: 13,812 sq km
land: 13,452 sq km
water: 360 sq km

Climate
Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland

Natural resources
bauxite, hydroelectricity

People and Society
Population
602,445 (2023 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.)

Languages
Serbian 42.9%, Montenegrin (official) 37%, Bosnian 5.3%, Albanian 5.3%, Serbo-Croat 2%, other 3.5%, unspecified 4% (2011 est.)

Religions
Orthodox 72.1%, Muslim 19.1%, Catholic 3.4%, atheist 1.2%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.6% (2011 est.)

Population growth rate
-0.43% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary republic

Capital
name: Podgorica; note - Cetinje retains the status of "Old Royal Capital"

Economy
Economic overview
upper middle-income Balkan economy; unsanctioned euro user; controversial religious property ownership law; persistent corruption; major infrastructure investments and high expenditures; growing offshore banking destination

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$12.757 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$20,600 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, potatoes, grapes, vegetables, tomatoes, watermelons, wheat, apples, cabbages, barley

Industries
steelmaking, aluminum, agricultural processing, consumer goods, tourism

Exports
$2.502 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Serbia 17%, Hungary 15%, China 11%, Russia 7%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 6%, Germany 6%, Italy 5%, Poland 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
aluminum, packaged medicines, cars, zinc, wine (2019)

Imports
$3.637 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
Serbia 30%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 8%, Croatia 8%, Italy 6%, Greece 6%, Germany 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicines, recreational boats, cigarettes (2019)