Montenegro

1200s (exact date unknown) – Establishment of the first medieval states in the region, precursor to Montenegro

1496 (May 23, Thursday) – The Ottoman Empire begins its domination over Montenegro

1878 (May 13, Monday) – Congress of Berlin recognizes Montenegro as an independent state

1918 (November 26, Tuesday) – Montenegro joins the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia)

1941 (April 6, Sunday) – Axis Powers invade Yugoslavia, Montenegro occupied by Italy

1945 (November 29, Thursday) – Montenegro becomes a republic within the newly established Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

1992 (April 27, Monday) – Montenegro remains in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia after the breakup of Yugoslavia

2006 (May 21, Sunday) – Montenegro votes for independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro

2008 (April 22, Tuesday) – Montenegro joins the UN as a full member

2010 (October 15, Friday) – Flooding in Podgorica and other parts of the country causes significant damage

2017 (December 5, Tuesday) – Montenegro joins NATO as its 29th member

2020 (July 1, Wednesday) – Mass protests against the government’s policies, particularly concerning religious rights

2022 (September 21, Wednesday) – Severe floods strike southern Montenegro, displacing hundreds and damaging infrastructure

Continent: Europe
Location: Southeastern Europe, on the Adriatic Sea
Capital: Podgorica
Language: Montenegrin (official), Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian, Albanian
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: ~620,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1), Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) during daylight savings

Borders: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania
Landscape: Mountainous terrain, Adriatic coastline, and river valleys
Major Rivers: Morača River, Tara River, Lim River
Major Mountains: Durmitor, Bjelasica, Prokletije, Orjen
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake Skadar, Lake Biograd
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Bobotov Kuk (2,523 m / 8,278 ft)
Lowest Point: Adriatic Sea (0 m)
Climate: Mediterranean climate along the coast, continental climate inland with cold winters and hot summers
Geological Features: Karst landscapes, rugged mountains, deep canyons, coastal plains

Ethnic Groups: Montenegrin (predominantly), Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, Croatian, others
Religion: Serbian Orthodox (approximately 72%), Roman Catholic (approximately 19%), Islam (approximately 8%)
Urban Population: ~65% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~23% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Natural beauty, Adriatic coastline, medieval monasteries, music, traditional folk dances
Cuisine: Seafood, lamb, cured meats, cheese, olives, and wine
Arts: Folk music, modern art, literature, traditional dance
Sports: Football (soccer), water polo, basketball, volleyball, skiing, and hiking

Economy Type: Service-oriented, with tourism, energy, and agriculture as key sectors
GDP: Approx. $5.5 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Tourism, aluminum production, energy, agriculture, construction
Key Exports: Aluminum, energy, textiles, food, wine
Unemployment Rate: ~15.3% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Coastal region (tourism), inland (agriculture, energy), industrial center in Nikšić

Government Type: Parliamentary republic
Head of State: President Jakov Milatović (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Dritan Abazović (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral Parliament
Constitution: In effect since 2007, with amendments

Bay of Kotor: UNESCO World Heritage site, scenic bays, and medieval towns
Durmitor National Park: Hiking, skiing, and stunning landscapes
Lake Skadar: Largest lake in the Balkans, bird watching, boating
Budva: Beaches, medieval Old Town, and vibrant nightlife
Podgorica: The capital, cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure