Montenegro is a small country on the Balkan Peninsula with a beautiful Adriatic coast. It borders with Croatia(14 km), Bosnia and Herzegovina(225 km), Serbia(203 km) and Albania(172 km). The length of the coastline is 300 km, of which 73 km- these are beaches.
There is a little confusion with the capitals in Montenegro. In the entire history of the country, 2 cities have had this status: Cetinje And Podgorica. Today the official and cultural capital is Cetinje. The President and Metropolitan live here. And business and political - Podgorica, since all administrative institutions remained here.
Capital |
Cetinje (official and cultural capital), Podgorica (main city) |
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Population |
625,266 (2011) |
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Population density |
50 people/km² |
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Montenegrin |
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Religion |
Orthodoxy |
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Form of government |
republic |
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Timezone |
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International dialing code |
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Internet domain zone |
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Electricity |
Conventionally, the territory of Montenegro is divided into 3 parts: the coast, a more or less flat central part, where the largest cities of Niksic and Podgorica are located, as well as a mountainous part in the east of the country.
The Montenegrin language was officially recognized in 2007. Before that, it was considered a form of Serbian. Montenegrins will understand you equally well in both English and Russian.
The vast majority of the population is of the Orthodox faith. The number of the rest is only 0.1%.
The main part of the economy in Montenegro is tourism. But besides this, such types of industry as electrical engineering in Cetinje, shipbuilding and repair in Bar and Bijela, ferrous metallurgy in Niksic and others are also developed at a high level. Growing tobacco, processing aluminum and extracting salt are also important.
Climate and weather
There are 3 climatic zones in Montenegro, as well as conventional territorial parts. In the north, a temperate continental climate predominates. There can be snow here for up to 5 months a year.
On the Adriatic coast the climate is Mediterranean. Summers here are dry and hot, with average temperatures +23…+25 °C. Winter is also warm, mild and rainy. The temperature rarely drops below 0 °C and on average reaches +7… +9 °C. Particularly seasoned beach season begins in mid-May. The peak period occurs in July and August and lasts until the end of September.
In the continental part of the country the climate is more temperate. Temperature differences in winter and summer are more pronounced here. Summer is hot and dry, average temperature +26…+28°C, but on particularly hot days the thermometer can rise to +40 °C. There is almost no rain in summer. In winter the temperature drops to +5…+7 °С, there may be frosts at night.
In the mountains, as expected, there are quite cold, snowy winters (-7...-8 °C), and summers are relatively warm (about +20 °C). Ski resorts open the season from the beginning of December. It lasts until the end of March.
Nature
In Montenegro, this small European country, you can see magnificent natural contrasts. It is located in one of the most beautiful places on the Mediterranean coast. Here, pebble beaches alternate with sandy ones, coniferous trees coexist with perennial olives, acacias and palm trees, and small sea bays with clear water cut into the mountain ranges.
As for the rivers, 52% of them belong to the Black Sea basin, the rest belong to the Adriatic. The largest rivers are Tara(144 km) and Lim(123 km). A significant part are mountain rivers that create very deep canyons. For example, the Tara River canyon, 1200m deep, is the deepest in Europe and the second in the world.
Skadar Lake(369.7 km²) - the largest in Montenegro. There are also 29 more reservoirs in the country, all of them of mountainous and glacial origin.
Most of the territory (41%) is occupied by forests. The flora is very rich and has 2833 plant species. Montenegro, according to the Constitution of the Republic, is an “ecological state”. Here, 8.1% of the land is under various nature protection regimes.
Attractions
A large number of monuments have been preserved in Montenegro. The business capital of this small country is Podgorica— is unique in that it is located at the confluence of 5 rivers. Unfortunately, the city was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War. Of the historical monuments, only a few buildings from the 17th-19th centuries have survived here. and an old Turkish fortress.
Cetinje- cultural capital of Montenegro. It can truly be called a museum city. Since its foundation (XIII century), this ancient city has accumulated attractions. Among them:
- mausoleum of Peter Njegos, a great poet and philosopher;
- National Gallery - “Vladin’s House”;
- Palace of King Nikola I.
The holy place is Cetinje Monastery, where the metropolitan lives. The right hand of John the Baptist is kept here.
Kotor is the pearl of Montenegro. This city is included in the UNESCO register and is part of the World Heritage Site. There are many historical monuments concentrated here:
- Cathedral of Saint Tripun;
- Clock tower;
- princely palace;
- palaces of Drago and Grubonia;
- Pima and Gergurina;
- Church of St. Anne, Our Lady of Health;
- Napoleon Theater
In addition, various festivals are constantly held in Kotor.
It is impossible not to say about Budva. This city is surrounded by ancient fortress walls, there are many churches and monasteries. The ruins of medieval Dukla are impressive.
Nutrition
Thanks to its location and rich history, Montenegrin cuisine has become very diverse. It has absorbed the traditions of Italy (cooking cheese, meat, bread, wine), Turkey (pita - bread flatbread, dolma, pilaf, coffee traditions), Hungary (goulash), Europe (jams).
Meat dishes are considered traditional. You should definitely try here evapchichi" - sausages made from minced meat, " liver» - meat roasted on a spit and much more.
Montenegrins love cheese very much. There is a wide variety of it here. These are different " rocked», « kachamak», « Senichki», « Lipsky" And " zlatibor", as well as cheese made from cow's and sheep's milk.
Vegetables are always served on the table, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. This can be either a regular snack or a separate dish. For example, stuffed peppers, “sarma” (stuffed cabbage rolls) and a huge number of other recipes.
In coastal areas, fish dishes are common, for example “ riblya chorba" - ear or " caretaker» - carp baked in cream.
Of the desserts, the most famous is “ gibanica"- pie with curd filling.
Coffee in Montenegro is consumed in huge quantities. Of the wines, the calling card of the country is “ Crnogorski Vranac", which comes in many varieties. Among the stronger drinks, the world famous grape moonshine stands out " rakia" or " lozovac».
Accommodation
There are enough options and opportunities for accommodation in Montenegro: from camping to private apartments.
The most common type of accommodation is, of course, hotels. True, there are no places of the highest category, but this makes the holiday more affordable. The condition of hotels depends on the owner. The state ones were built around 1970-1980, so they resemble Soviet sanatoriums. However, their prices are more affordable. In private hotels the service is higher; there are swimming pools and gyms. But even in them there are not so many rooms with good furniture, comfort and service. Hotels can be booked in advance on your own. A room in a fairly good hotel will cost less than 100 € .
The second most popular accommodation option is private apartments and apartments. This option is cheaper and does not require advance booking. Local residents offer similar apartments to tourists right at train stations.
Camping is common in the south of the country. They can have 10-15 seats, or 200. There can also be big differences in the level of hygiene: from the most primitive washbasins to modern bathrooms.
Entertainment and relaxation
You can relax in Montenegro both actively and calmly. There is 170 beaches different types: pebbly, sandy, with a rocky shore. They can be several kilometers long or just a few hundred meters long. There are beaches right under the hotel windows, and there are remote and deserted ones. Some are isolated and located in bays, while others go straight out to the open sea.
Montenegro has a wide variety of active recreation options. Rock climbers and mountaineers can try their hand at the mountains. Mountain rivers are ideal for rafting. It is officially offered at Tara River. The session can last up to 15 hours.
The sea in Montenegro is calm in some places, but stormy in other areas and therefore perfect for surfing. Sailing is gaining momentum.
In Montenegro there is something to see underwater. There are more than 400 species of fish and a large number of sunken ships. The city is especially popular for this type of recreation. Bar. Forest roads are suitable for walking, horseback riding and bicycle tours. And in winter, ski resorts open. The main ones are Zabljak And Kolasin.
Montenegrins love to hold all kinds of festivals. February is carnival time. In the city Herceg Novi At the beginning of this month there is a mimosa festival. A big music festival takes place in Budva in the summer.
Purchases
There are no supermarkets or hypermarkets in Montenegro. But there are many small shops and even vans here. True, it is not always possible to find what you need here. The most convenient are self-service stores (“ Self-help"). They are open late and you can find almost anything there. Prices are almost the same everywhere.
There are kiosks at every step ( traffic), where you can buy ice cream, newspapers, telephone cards, drinks.
Closer to the beach there is trade in everything under the sun: sunglasses, swimwear, cosmetics, cigarettes (which are no cheaper than in stores). However, all this is of dubious origin.
The markets are similar to Belarusian and Russian. You can bargain here. On the coast, fresh (sometimes just caught fish) and fruits straight from the garden predominate.
Textiles in Montenegro are different. The one that is cheap and sold at every turn is usually made in Turkey or China and is not distinguished by quality. Branded goods are offered in boutiques, of which there are few, and are expensive.
The best souvenirs are wine, brandy, cheese, and ham.
Transport
Montenegro is a small country that you can travel around by car in 1-2 days. The condition of roads in the republic leaves much to be desired. There may even be no traffic signs. However, on mountain roads the coverage is quite good. The capital is connected to the coast by 2 highways: one goes to Budva through a pass, and the second along Lake Skadar, and then along a steep serpentine road through the mountains down to the sea.
Speed limits in Montenegro are as follows: in populated areas - up to 40 km/h, outside populated areas - up to 80 km/h. On highways the speed limit is up to 100 km/h.
You can rent a car at Podgorica airport and in many large cities. It is best to rent for at least 5 days.
The most developed type of transport is the bus. In addition to routes on the coast, there are also short, intra-city routes. Minibus taxis run along the coast.
Rail transport is not developed. There are only 2 directions: Podgorica-Niksic and Bar - Podgorica - Bijelo Polje (then goes beyond the country, to Belgrade). Ticket prices are very low.
There are many taxis near the airports. Here you will need to pay to turn on the meter and the set limit for each kilometer. There are also many private taxi drivers who are ready to either take you to your destination or arrange an excursion for the whole day.
Connection
There are several opportunities to use the Internet in Montenegro.
Firstly, this is ADSL T-COM. Connection costs 5 €. Monthly payment – 20 €. Speed 2 GB/s, without traffic restrictions.
Secondly, a 3G modem. It doesn't work fast everywhere, it depends on the location. The cost of the modem is 29 € + 5 € per number + 25 € for every 2 GB of traffic.
Thirdly, cable Internet. This species is not very well developed in this country. This is due to the fact that in Montenegro there are mainly one- and two-story houses, so the cost of laying cables is high.
And finally, WIMAX M-TEL. Today this is the most popular way to access the Internet. Works well, stable connection. Connection occurs within 1 day. You will need to pay 200 € for connection. The cost of a month of Internet is 15 €.
The major mobile operators in Montenegro are MoNet GSM and Pro Monte. It will be beneficial for tourists to buy a local SIM card, then all incoming ones will be free. You can top up your balance using express payment cards, which are sold everywhere.
You can also make a call from a pay phone using Monte Cards. They are sold in kiosks and at the post office. Such a call will cost less than from a hotel, and the quality of communication will be higher. In resort areas there are machines that accept credit cards as payment.
Montenegro is considered a fairly safe country. You can safely walk here even in the dark. However, you need to be careful not to become a victim of pickpockets. Violent crime is extremely rare.
Safety
In Montenegro, women are treated like knights, and foreign tourists will always come to the rescue.
You should not take photographs of police officers, police cars or police stations.
Traffic rules are strictly enforced here.
You must only drive with your low beams on (fine - 30 €), wearing a seat belt (fine 15 €), the driver must not talk on the phone (fine 20 €), you cannot overtake after a prohibitory sign and cross a solid line (fine from 50 to 150 € ). Be sure to monitor your speed: on the highway - no more than 90 km/h, in populated areas - up to 60 km/h.
If a fine has been issued, it must be paid within 48 hours. In the meantime, the policeman has the right to take away your license until a receipt is presented.
Business climate
After the introduction of the euro in Montenegro, most enterprises could not cope with rising prices and went bankrupt. This had a very strong impact on ordinary people: there is 30% unemployment in the republic, and the average salary is 200 €.
Agriculture is very developed in Montenegro; more than 40% of the territory is occupied by meadows and pastures. Cattle and sheep are raised here, and potatoes, corn, wheat, and barley are grown.
Fruit growing is also developed in the republic: oranges, lemons, tangerines, figs, plums, pomegranates, and almonds are popular.
Mineral raw materials are mined, albeit in small quantities.
The country has tobacco and textile food factories, aluminum metallurgical and woodworking plants, and electrical plants.
The largest in all of Montenegro is the Podgorica aluminum plant (Kombinat aluminijuma Podgorica - KAP). It belongs to the Russian company RUSAL.
There are 2 exchanges in Podgorica: Montenegrin and NEX.
Tourism is developing most rapidly. Holidays here are varied: from ski resorts to quiet bays with beaches and clear water. So, if you open your own business here, it will be in one of the areas mentioned above.
Real estate
Purchasing real estate in Montenegro is a profitable investment. For foreigners, however, there are small restrictions: the sale of large plots and plots without buildings is prohibited.
It is best to entrust the process of purchasing real estate to a qualified specialist. At first glance, it may seem quite simple, but you can still stumble upon pitfalls.
There is a large amount of illegal real estate in Montenegro, which can lead to problems for the future owner. A realtor and a lawyer check the property. The decision on the right to transfer property to a new owner can be made by the local community up to 2 months. Since 2011, the purchase and sale agreement has been registered by a notary.
The tax on the purchase of real estate is 3% of its cadastral value. When purchasing premises in a new building, no tax is charged.
Tips in Montenegro are usually 10% of the order amount.
Montenegrins are heavy smokers. They can smoke almost everywhere, even in transport.
It is prohibited in the country to photograph military installations, port facilities, etc.
At the border of Serbia and Montenegro they may offer to take out “national insurance”. This is a violation of the law, since the “green card” is valid throughout the country.
Visa information
The visa regime in Montenegro fully complies with EU requirements. To travel to the republic, a visa is not required for foreign citizens of states included in the Schengen Union, and for foreigners who already have a visa from one of the EU countries or an American visa. Also, excellent travel conditions are provided to Belarusians, Ukrainians and Russians. If their stay in the country does not exceed 30 days, then such tourists do not need a Montenegrin visa. Citizens of other CIS countries obtain a visa to Montenegro through the embassy in Moscow, which is located at the address: st. Mytnaya, 3, office. 23--25. Contact phone: (+7 499) 230 18 65.
Regardless of citizenship, everyone arriving in Montenegro will pay 15 € at the airport if this fee was not included in the ticket price.
Other tourists submit an application to the representation of Montenegro in their country. The visa can be short-term, for up to a year. Moreover, foreigners have the right to stay in this country for no more than 90 days within six months. A transit visa is issued upon presentation of a visa from the country to which the foreign person is traveling. A long-term visa is issued with the permission of the relevant authority. A foreign citizen who does not plan to stay in a hotel must register at his place of stay at the nearest police station within 24 hours.
Podgorica(Montenegro. Podgorica/Pòdgorica, in 1952-1992 Titograd) is the capital and largest city of Montenegro, which is located in the central part of the country and covers an area of about 1500 km2. According to the latest census, the population of Podgorica is almost 200 thousand people. The city is located in a valley surrounded by mountains and while walking along the streets of the capital you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the mountains and hills of Podgorica. By the way, there are several hills in the capital, one of which is called Goritsa, which explains the origin of the city’s name. Cityscapes complement rivers and Ribnitsa.
City `s history.
The convenient geographical location and favorable climate of the valley attracted Illyrian tribes here 2000 years ago. Later, these territories were conquered by the Romans, and three settlements appeared here - Alata, Birziminium and Dioklea.
In the 5th century After the fall of the Roman Empire, the first Slavic tribes came to these lands, who waged continuous wars with Byzantium in the hope of forming their own state. On the banks of the Ribnica River they founded a new city with the same name. The first mention of Rybnitsa dates back to the time of the Nemanjić dynasty; it was in this city that the founder of the dynasty was born. Stefan Nemanja. The name "Podgorica" first appears in archival documents in 1326. It was in the 14th century. The economic importance of this place is increasing, due to the fact that the city was on the trade route between Serbia and Dubrovnik.
However, in 1474, the Turks captured the city and turned it into a fortified bastion to repel the attacks of the rebellious Montenegrin tribes, who repeatedly tried to recapture them. At the same time, a Depedogen fortress. The end of the 400-year Ottoman occupation was only put at the Congress of Berlin in 1878, which recognized the independence of Montenegro. Thus, the city becomes part of the new state.
The first years of the XX century. were a time of active development for Podgorica, large enterprises appeared here, new roads were built. However, with the outbreak of the First World War, a dark streak in the history of the city began again. In 1916, it fell under the Austro-Hungarian occupation, which lasted until 1918. And during the bombing during World War II, Podgorica was almost completely wiped off the face of the earth. On December 19, 1944, the city was liberated by partisans.
Already part of the SFRY, on July 13, 1946 the city acquired a new name Titograd, received in honor of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, and a new status - the capital. Historical name Podgorica was returned to the city on April 2, 1992.
Sights of Podgorica.
Throughout the year, Podgorica attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world with its historical, cultural and architectural monuments, all kinds of museums, galleries and exhibitions.
Arriving in the capital of Montenegro, the first thing you can do is visit City Museum of Podgorica, founded in 1950. To this day, it houses unique exhibits dating back to the Roman and Illyrian eras. The exhibition is divided into 4 parts: archaeological, ethnographic, historical and cultural-historical. The museum's collection includes books printed by Bozidar Vukovich, ancient maps and coins, national costumes and household items.
When leaving the museum there is an intersection on the left. Get to him and turn right - after 2 blocks you will see his wife Natalia Goncharova. The monument was erected in 2002 as a sign of special respect for the work of the poet, who was once admired by the main writer of Montenegro, Peter II Petrovich Njegos. By the way, it is located nearby.
In the center of the city there is the main square of the capital with a fountain in the middle - Republic Square– a venue for all kinds of events: concerts, rallies and spontaneous markets.
Having walked to Sloboda streets(if you stand with your back to the fountain in the square, then you need to go left), you will get to Gorica hill, which is a park area. It was he who gave the name to the city. Nearby is the oldest building in Podgorica and the main attraction - Church of St. George, which is located at the foot of Mount Goritsa, built in the 10th–11th centuries. Frescoes from the 1670s have been preserved here, and in the altar there used to be a secret underground passage. 
Lifehack: Goritsa is a wonderful place for walking: climbing the shady alleys of the hill, you can reach the very top, from where you can see the entire city.
Goritsa is located memorial to the Partisan fighter, opened in 1957. 97 heroes who died in the people's liberation struggle waged by Yugoslav partisans against the fascist occupiers with the support of Soviet troops in 1941-1945 are buried here.
Returning from Goritsa to the wide Ivan Crnojevic Boulevard, follow it to the right, past the city stadium, and you will get to another attraction of the city -. It connects two shores Moraca River and was built in 2005 according to the design of the architect Mladen Ulevich. The length of the bridge is 140 m, and the height of the pylon is 57 m. The construction cost the state 7 million €. The bridge is especially picturesque at night, in the rays of special lighting. 
A year earlier, it was installed on the banks of Moraca - if you cross the bridge, it will be on your left. Nearby is the 105 m long pedestrian Moscow Bridge.
Some distance from the center is located Stara Varosha district, small old town of Podgorica. Since the Ottoman occupation, narrow crooked streets, two mosques and, or Sakhat-kula, have remained here. The tower was built in 1667, and the clock installed on it, specially brought from Italy, remained the only one in the city for a long time. The height of the tower is 16 m. 
If you want to continue your walk around the city, be sure to visit the picturesque Petrovich Park, aka Krusevac. It contains the current Saint's Church Great Martyr Demetrius. Also located here Petrovich Palace, where the Petrovich Art Gallery is located and also includes the “House of Honor Guard,” the palace chapel and other buildings. Since 1995, the gallery has been part of the Center for Contemporary Art. The gallery displays more than 1,500 works of art from all over the world. Exhibitions are regularly held in the gallery's halls, attracting the attention of many fans of painting and sculpture.
The largest operating one in Montenegro is located in Podgorica. 
Its construction, which began in 1993, was carried out with donations from believers, as well as with financial support from the country's government.
There are 2 large shopping centers in the city. is a shopping area, under the roof of which there are more than 70 shops, playgrounds for children, beauty salons, a food court and a multiplex cinema. opened in 2010. It houses a large grocery supermarket, a gym, a children's playground, a bowling alley, a food court, a cafe, including live music, a disco (Thursday, Friday, Saturday 21:00-03:00) and many clothing stores.
There is a large concentration in the center of Podgorica. Local fish dishes worth trying include fish soup, fish goulash, fried and smoked fish. For meat lovers, we can recommend lamb in a pot. Meat dishes in Podgorica are often prepared with kajmak – salted cream. Local cheese and honey are good in Podgorica. As an accompaniment to lunch, you can order lozovac - grape moonshine, which is served here with prosciutto (dried meat).
How to get to the city?
Upon arrival at Podgorica airport, it is best to order a city taxi, since the cost of private driver services may be overpriced. Experienced travelers say that 800 meters from the airport on the road to Podgorica there is the Aerodrom railway stop. And from it you can drive to Podgorica in seven minutes. But the disadvantage of such a trip is that the trains run at large intervals.
From Podgorica itself, or rather, you can easily get to any city in Montenegro and beyond. Within the city you can use buses or minibuses. One trip costs approximately 0.8 EUR, a ticket can be purchased from the driver.
Being the capital, the city can offer a wide range of options for settlement. Among which we can highlight hotel Podgorica 4*, located on the picturesque banks of the Moraca River, very close to the city center or hotel Ramada 4*– winner of the award “Best Hotel in Podgorica 2012”.
Podgorica is the main city of Montenegro. You can’t call it a typical European capital, but Podgorica is worth a visit because of its unique atmosphere, here the old and the new are amazingly combined, in the city you can get acquainted with the culture of Montenegro, and in the summer you can swim in the river and sunbathe.
Today's Montenegro is one of the most common tourist destinations among European countries. The natural luxury of this delightful country, comfortable climate, many historical and architectural treasures and low prices attract more and more tourists to the country of black mountains and white beaches.
Montenegro is famous for its natural treasures, including the stunning azure-blue lakes of Sasi and Skadar, a national park containing the famous Black Lake and the colorful canyons of the Tara and Morač rivers,
Every corner of Montenegro is interesting in its own way, and all the exotic places defy description, so you should definitely visit this delightful country. The country most likely acquired its name (Black Mountain) thanks to the impenetrable black forests, which in the Middle Ages covered Mount Lovcen and the rest of the alpine hills of ancient Montenegro.
Tourist country
Montenegro today is a very popular Eastern European country in terms of tourism. Mountain landscapes, the clearest Adriatic Sea, optimal temperature - that’s why holidays here are so popular. Even when it is cloudy in most resorts, the weather in Montenegro always pleases vacationers with its mild Mediterranean climate. In summer, the air warms up to +40 °C, and the water temperature on the coast of Montenegro reaches +25 °C. What else do you need to have a great time? Meanwhile, winter in the mountains is snowy and moderately cold, which favors the development of ski tourism.
The number of those who dream of spending their holidays in Montenegro, relaxing or improving their health is constantly growing; many people from all over Europe even dream of purchasing real estate here for this purpose - because, given the wonderful natural conditions, housing prices here are lower than in most other countries.
Geographical location
Montenegro is located in the south of Europe, on the southwestern side of the Balkans. Its southern border is with Albania, in the west with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and on the northern side its neighbors are Serbia and Croatia. The area of Montenegro is geographically divided into three regions: mountains in the northeastern part of the country, the shore of the Adriatic Sea, as well as the flat basin of Lake Skadar and the valley landscape around it. The length of the coast reaches 293.5 km. The state owns 14 sea islands.
In the north-west there is a large inlet - Boka Kotorska. The main beaches are located in Montenegro - a colorful country that is bathed in the waters of the Adriatic. The coastal line occupies approximately a third of the state's border. Rocky mountains, colorful architecture and generous nature - this is what Montenegro is famous for today. Mountain tourism is no less fascinating than holidays on the sea coasts. Durmitor National Park reveals to tourists the delightful colors of the Black Mountains. The path to them is more convenient and interesting through the town of Pluzine. On the way you can see the Piva artificial reservoir, with a natural emerald hue. You can go through tunnels carved into the rocks; they contain winding roads in the form of serpentines. Here you can find stunning views of the Black Lake, the canyon of the Tara River, and the Dzhurzhevich Bridge between two mountain shores.
The country is characterized by cozy towns with small houses and huge natural expanses. The most famous cities among travelers are Podgorica, Kotor, Budva, Perast, Petrovets, Cetinje.
Capital
The city of Podgorica is the largest settlement in Montenegro, representing the center of the economy and industry of the state. Tourists in the city are attracted by the narrow streets and unique ancient buildings of the ancient districts of Stara Varos and Drach. The most fascinating places to visit are: Church of St. George, Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, Museum of Natural History, National Theatre, Njegusa Palace and Art Gallery. Among the modern structures is the Millennium Bridge, stretching across the Morač River. Not far from Podgorica you can see the ruins of the ancient fortress Medun, which existed in the 3rd century BC. e.
Population
It has about 627,000 inhabitants. The diversity of the population is distributed according to ethnic composition as follows:
- Montenegrins - 43%;
- Serbs - 32%;
- Bosnians - 8%;
- Albanians - 5%;
- other nationalities: Croats, Russians, gypsies.
The official language in the country is Montenegrin, which is a Slavic language and therefore very close to the Russian and Ukrainian languages. The most popular foreign languages are German and English.
The city of Tsetne, located in a colorful valley at the foot of the Lovcen mountain, is rightfully considered the historical and cultural capital. A complex of historical, cultural and architectural attractions create a true open-air museum. Among the most visited places by tourists, the following stand out: the Bilyard Palace, the royal palace of Nicholas I, the Vlaška Church, art, ethnographic and many different museums. You should definitely get to the National Park and see the royal family estate of the Petrovichs in the picturesque village of Njegusi on the top of Mount Lovcen. Here you can also visit the Mausoleum of Peter II Njegos.
The total area of Montenegro is 13,812 km².
The largest resorts: Budva, Becici, Herceg, Petrovac, Novi, Bar. Airports: Podgorica and Tivat. The highest place in Montenegro: the peak of Bobotov Kuk in the Durmitor mountain range - 2522 m. Here is Lake Skadar - the deepest on the Balkan Peninsula, its depths reach up to 530 km. Here is the deepest European canyon along the Tara River, with a depth of up to 1300 m. Thanks to the favorable geography of Montenegro on the coast, the climate is subtropical: summers are long, hot and dry, the air warms up to +28-32 ˚С, sea water - up to +22-26 ˚С, and a short mild winter with temperatures up to +8 +10 ˚С. The beach season lasts six months a year, because Montenegro is second only to Cyprus in terms of the number of sunny days per year. In mountainous areas the climate is temperate continental, winters are snowy and long, which is favorable for the development of ski holidays.
Kitchen
A feature of all Montenegrin cuisine is the high ecological purity of the products used. The land in Montenegro is so fertile that additional artificial fertilizers are not used here at all, and the local population has not even heard of GMOs. Natural food, clean ecology, mountain air and sea water - everything contributes to strengthening the health of the local population; it is not for nothing that life expectancy is high here. Typical Slavic cuisine with Mediterranean elements - a variety of meat dishes, seafood, fruits, vegetables. Don't forget to try the local wines “Vranac” and “Krstac”, as well as grape vodka - vine. Another distinctive feature of Montenegrin cuisine is large portions both in bars and restaurants, which cannot but please foreign guests of the country.
First of all, in Montenegro, tourists buy local handicrafts: jewelry, haberdashery, honey, olive oil, wine. Shops are open daily, from morning until late evening. Both supermarkets and small shops are open every day from 6:00 to 20:00, and in tourist centers - until 23:00. You can also find shops everywhere that are open 24 hours a day. At local markets, purchases can be made in the first half of the day.
Holidays and leisure
Montenegro has many holidays a year, both state and religious: on January 1 and 2, the population of Montenegro celebrates the New Year, on January 6 and 7 - Christmas, on April 27 - Statehood Day in Montenegro, people also celebrate Christian Easter in the spring with all Orthodox world, May 1 and 2 - Spring and Labor Day, May 9 - Victory Day, June 4 - Partisan Day, June 13 - Uprising Day, November 29 and 30 - Republic Days. If the celebration falls on a weekend, then the weekdays that follow are also considered weekends.
Political system of the country
According to the country's Constitution, adopted in 2007, Montenegro is a free democratic state. The President of Montenegro is elected for a five-year term by general secret ballot. Since 2003, the state has been led by Filip Vujanovic. During the reign of the current president, the independence of Montenegro was proclaimed in May 2006. The residence of the President of Montenegro is located in Cetinje.
Currency regulation
What is the currency in Montenegro? The monetary currency in Montenegro is the euro. There are no special restrictions on import and export. Tourists are allowed to import and export any amount of foreign currency that was declared upon entering the country; without a declaration, the export of cash currency from the country is allowed no more than 500 euros. When exporting large amounts, they must be declared. In this case, it is necessary to present a declaration stating that the indicated amount of currency was previously imported into the Montenegro area. The State National Bank operates only on weekdays. Commercial banks accept clients on Thursdays and Fridays. On weekends, only currency exchange offices are open. It is better to use plastic cards, then the question of which currency is best to pay in Montenegro and where to change it will not arise.
Hotels
Over the past decades, a huge current has flowed into the economy of Montenegro - tourism, bringing significant profits to the state. The excellent ecological situation and convenient location are attracting more and more wealthy Europeans here. Recently, many comfortable hotels, inns, private villas and mini-hotels have been built in Montenegro, and money has been invested in the development of resort infrastructure. Many hotels have undergone renovations. Accommodation in private villas is very common. Typically, this is a 3-5-storey building with standard rooms and apartments, equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. Almost all of them provide tourists with breakfast. All private villas are located at a distance of 900 to 200 m from hotels in private villas: check-in to rooms after 12:00, check-out before 11:00. Population composition by ethnicity: Montenegrins (43%) and Serbs (32%), other nationalities - Bosnians, Albanians, Croats, Russians, Gypsies. The official language in the country is Montenegrin.
Religion in Montenegro
The majority of the Montenegrin population professes the Orthodox Christian faith (74%), with a minority of Islam (18%) and Catholicism (4%). The most popular attraction of the state is the Ostrog Monastery. It is located 15 km from Danilovgrad in a delightful natural location. This monastery is a famous Orthodox shrine in the world; hundreds of thousands of pilgrims of various faiths come to it every year to touch the miraculous power of the relics of St. Basil of Ostrog. The top of the monastery is carved into the rock at an altitude of 900 m and looks amazing.
The Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Montenegro is one of the most stunning Orthodox churches in the world. There is a special attitude towards religion in Montenegro. In the nineties of the 20th century, construction of the cathedral began in Podgorica. It was a grandiose project in its scale and beauty, the most majestic Orthodox church in the Balkans. The construction of the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ began in 1993 by Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and Primorye. The cathedral can be visited by five thousand parishioners at the same time. The largest bell was made in Voronezh at the Anisimov plant and weighs 10 tons. Together, all 14 bells of the temple weigh close to 20 tons. The temple is still being painted and completed today.
Nature
The clearest sea of the Adriatic, captivating mountain ranges, a coast with many inlets, protected from strong winds and storms, excellent beaches, sun, magnificent nature - this is all Montenegro. Its description can be continued endlessly, but it is better to see everything with your own eyes.
In the early 90s, Montenegro was called a country of clean, untouched and protected nature. This is a land of sharp contrasts, located in a small area. Montenegro has both a sea with excellent beaches and mountains covered with snow all year round, creating conditions for a ski holiday. The beaches of Montenegro stretch along the Adriatic coast. 173 beaches with a total length of 73 km occupy a quarter of the entire 293 km coastline. A tourist can visit a beach with different preferences - with fine or coarse sand, pebbly or rocky, in calm creeks or on capes protruding into the sea, there are beaches with modern amenities or wild beaches with pristine nature. The water in the sea is dark blue, its transparency is amazing - 40-55 meters, salinity ranges from 28% in the Boka Kotorska inlet, and up to 38% in the south near Ulcinj. There are nudist beaches, and there is even a nudist village. At the level of mountain cliffs, the climate is typical subalpine - with cold snowy winters and moderate summers. In the northern mountains of Montenegro, snow usually lies for many months, and sometimes even throughout the year.
Transport and communications
What kind of transport is developed in the country? Air transport. Montenegro has two airports of international importance - in the cities of Tivat and Podgorica. National cannot yet compete with the largest carriers, but its planes fly to Europe and the neighboring Balkan countries. Regular flights here are also operated by the Russian Aeroflot and the Serbian airline JAT.
There is also a railway here that connects the following cities: Subotica - Novi - Sad - Belgrade - Bar. The railway runs from the port through Podgorica to Belgrade, and there is also a direction from Podgorica to Niksic. Water transport. Port - city of Bar. There is a permanent ferry service to Italy (Bar - Bari route). Seaports: Kotor and Perast. Sea transport connects all beach resorts on the coast.
There are bus routes between all cities. The roads are quite good, for a mountainous country, and traffic is on the right.
Main highways: Adriatic Highway; routes from the coast through Podgorica to Sarajevo and Belgrade. In the country, the bus is the most common form of transportation, and in some places it is the only one. Stops on request along the way are allowed. Advice for tourists: it is better to buy a ticket at any kiosk, because a ticket purchased on the bus will be about 2 times more expensive.
Mobile operators in Montenegro are ProMonte and Monet.
Safety
For safety reasons, video and photography can only be done where there is no special sign - a crossed out camera. It is not allowed to photograph transport and energy facilities, port facilities and military facilities. By the way, in Montenegro today the crime rate is very low, so both residents and tourists of this country can feel safe and calmly enjoy the picturesque beauty of this unique region.
In recent years, Montenegro has become increasingly popular among tourists from the CIS countries. You can relax in Montenegro both in summer and winter. The climate is warm, mild, the swimming season lasts from May to October, and in winter you can have a good rest at the ski resorts. The sea, mountains, picturesque views from mountain peaks, narrow serpentine roads and the charm of river canyons leave an unforgettable impression, allowing you to experience incomparable feelings, leaving in your soul a feeling of free flight and the joy of being.
This small country can be traveled from one end to the other in almost one day. There are many tourist, historical and religious attractions here.
general information
Montenegro is located on the Balkan Peninsula, its area is 13,812 square kilometers. Washed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea, the country borders on Croatia in the southwest, Serbia in the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina in the northwest, and Albania in the southeast. The country's land border stretches for 614 km. The length of the coastline is 300 km, the total length of the beaches is 73 km, the water temperature is +12 - + 25°C, water transparency reaches 35 m. In accordance with the first article of its Constitution, Montenegro is an “ecological” state. There are no industrial enterprises or smoking factory chimneys here. Geographically, the country is divided into 21 municipalities, which have the names of their central cities. In June 2006, Montenegro declared independence and was admitted to the UN. At the end of 2008, an application to join the European Union was submitted.
Official name: Republic of Montenegro.
Capital: Podgorica (formerly Titograd).
Population: 623 thousand people.
Language: Montenegrin has been the official language since 2007, but more than 60% of the population speaks Serbian. Montenegrin and Serbian are South Slavic languages of the Western subgroup. It is a little difficult to hear, but many words and phrases are understandable to a Russian speaker. For Montenegrins, Belarusian speech is closer and more understandable. The writing uses Cyrillic and Latin.
Religion: Most Montenegrins are Orthodox Christians. There are a huge number of Christian monasteries here; almost every locality has its own monastery; only in the south of the country are there Muslim mosques.
Time: It lags behind Belarusian by 1 hour.
Currency: Since January 2002, the official currency has been the Euro (EUR). When traveling, it is better to immediately take Euros (in cash or on a card) since there are no traditional exchange offices in Montenegro. You can cash out at banks or ATMs, which are available in all major cities and resort areas. Commercial banks are open from 08.00 to 20.00 from Monday to Thursday, on Friday until 13.00. In many stores you can pay by credit card.
How to get there: You can fly from Minsk to Tivat and Podgorica on charter flights of Belavia, the flight time is just over two hours. In addition, you can get to Montenegro by car or bus in transit through Romania or Hungary, but you will need to obtain transit visas.
Customs: In Montenegro, the import and export of currency is not limited. Amounts exceeding the equivalent of 3000 USA must be declared. You are allowed to carry 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, two liters of wine and a liter of strong alcohol duty free. It is prohibited to transport drugs, weapons, explosives, protected species of plants and animals, and items of artistic or historical value. It must be said that for tourists from Belarus, going through customs is as simplified as possible and is limited to traditional procedures.
Transport: There are four railway lines in Montenegro, all of which originate in the capital Podgorica. One leads to Albania, the second through Bijelo Polje to Serbia, the other two are of local importance, along which you can take an electric train to the resort Bar and the beer capital of Niksic.
The country has a fairly developed intercity bus service, but urban public transport is practically absent. In cities and resort areas it is more convenient to travel on foot or by taxi. You can get from Budva to Sveti Stefan for 10-15 EUR, to Becici 5-7 EUR, to Tivat airport 25 EUR, to Podgorica airport 40 EUR. In resort areas, minibuses run during the season for 2 EUR.
You can rent a car. To do this, you need to be over 21 years old, have at least 3 years of driving experience, a driver's license and provide a deposit of 150-300 EUR. Renting a car costs an average of 50 EUR per day. You can also rent a motorcycle, scooter (a very popular type of vehicle in cities) and even an electric bicycle.
National characteristics: Montenegrins are distinguished by their hospitality and friendliness, but in resort areas the local population tries to get as much as possible from tourists. The proximity of languages and the long-term influence of Russia on the fate of Montenegro brings Montenegrins closer to Russians. They even have a proverb: “there are 150 million of us and Russians, and without the Russians there are two trucks and a cart.” They say Montenegrins have a great sense of humor. Montenegrins have a particularly warm and friendly attitude towards Russian-speaking people.
Respect for private property is one of the few features that distinguishes Montenegrins from Russians. The rhythm of life in the country is leisurely, the overwhelming majority of cities are relatively small, the local population simply does not understand why there is a need to rush. This lifestyle is more typical for rural areas than for a modern city, and this must be taken into account when communicating. For centuries, this small country fought for its independence, often defeating superior enemy forces. Therefore, there was an opinion about the Montenegrins as a brave, warlike and irreconcilable people. In the mountainous regions of the country, the influence of clan kinship is still strong. Since ancient times, clans have been at enmity with each other over power, but united in the face of an external enemy, which helped them defend their independence. The country had a theocracy for a long time. And now religion has a strong influence on the life of society. Montenegrins show friendliness and tolerance towards both other religions and other nationalities.
Climate and nature
Climate: In Montenegro, three climatic zones are clearly distinguishable: in the southwest, coastal with a Mediterranean climate, in the north, mountainous with a subalpine climate, where summers are warm (+ 18 - + 25 ° C) and relatively cold winters (+ 5 - -10 ° C), in the central part of the country it is continental. In the coastal zone, practically from the city of Herceg Novi to the mouth of the Bayana River, summers are dry, hot (+25 - +28 °C), winters are short and cool (+3 - + 7 °C), sea water warms up to +25 ° C. The swimming season lasts from May to October. On average there are 240 sunny days a year. The Bar resort area is considered the sunniest place in Europe.
Nature: The Adriatic coast, rocky foothills, central plain and highlands are among the geographical areas of Montenegro, which is often called the “Mountain Country”. Which is not surprising, since half of its territory is located at an altitude of more than 1000 meters above sea level. At the same time, there are 40 lakes, many of which are recognized as world heritage and bear the title of “Natural Monuments” - such as, for example, the largest lake in Montenegro and the Balkan Peninsula - Lake Skadar. One third of this lake is located in Albania.
The highest point of the country, part of the legendary Durmitor mountain range, is considered to be the peak of Bobotov Kuk (2522 m), the most famous mountains of Montenegro are Lovcen, which has two peaks (1749 m, 1657 m) and a mountain range in the territory of the Biogradska Gora national park. As for the title of the deepest canyon, here, of course, the Tara River canyon, whose depth reaches 1300 meters and length - 80 kilometers, is beyond competition. The Tara River Canyon is the largest in Europe and the second deepest in the world. The Tara itself is considered the longest river in Montenegro (144 km). Over 40% of the area of Montenegro is covered with forests, most of which are coniferous, but there are beech, linden, maple, and less often yews and elms. Among the animals there are wolf, fox, bear, chamois, hare, squirrel, marten, as well as about 130 species of birds.
Main resorts: The resorts of Montenegro are so numerous and varied that even the most demanding tourist will definitely find an acceptable and comfortable place for himself.
Budva the largest and most popular resort with many hotels and developed infrastructure. It is famous for its small pebble, cozy beaches and wild evening parties, attracting many young people. However, there is everything for a comfortable stay with children.
Becici, Rafailovici, Sveti Stefan and Petrovac are a natural continuation of the Budva Riviera. These resorts are very popular among lovers of a relaxing family holiday.
Herceg Novi a rather distinctive resort in the southern part of the Bay of Kotor, with many historical and architectural monuments, as well as unique vegetation, for which it received the name “Botanical Garden of Montenegro”. Here is the Igalo Balneological Institute, which has received worldwide recognition.
Bar a modern resort in the south of the country, ideal for a relaxing holiday with children. Known as the sunniest place in Europe, for its port, the Old fortified city of the 10th-11th centuries and underwater attractions from the First and Second World Wars.
Kotor located in the southeastern part of the Bay of Kotor, the most beautiful in southern Europe. Despite the lack of natural beaches (here they are concrete), the resort is famous for its Old Town, included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list.
Ulcinj the southernmost resort and one of the oldest cities in Montenegro. It is famous as the Old Pirate Capital, in which filibusters from all over the world found refuge until the beginning of the 19th century. Ulcinj has the largest fine-sand beach, Velika Plazha, which is very popular among kitesurfers.
Ski Zabljak located in the north of Montenegro on the territory of the Durmitor National Park, at an altitude of 1456 m, the highest mountain settlement in the Balkans. Zabljak is a center of mountain tourism and welcomes its guests all year round. In winter for skiing and snowboarding (there are excellent slopes here), in summer - mountaineering, hiking and rafting along the Tara River and its famous canyon.
Beaches: Montenegro has a wide variety of beaches, according to the most conservative estimates there are over 115 of them, and which beach to choose is up to everyone to decide for themselves.
Almost all beaches are located in bays between rocks and hidden from waves and winds, with the exception of the Ulcinj Riviera, where strong winds often blow, which attracts sailing enthusiasts. Basically, all beaches are free, but there are also paid beaches owned by hotels. Municipal beaches have a lifeguard service, cafes, bars, and changing cabins. Sun beds and umbrellas are usually paid for. Most Montenegrin beaches are pebbly and small-pebble, some are rocky and artificial (fill or concrete).
Most Popular beaches of the Budva Riviera small pebbles and are located in the resort towns of Budva (city and Mogren beach), Petrovac, Becici, Kamenovo (with beautiful large stones under water), Sveti Stefan and in the town of Jaz a few kilometers from Budva. Not far from the island of St. Stephen is the Royal Beach with golden sand, surrounded by rocks and pine forests. The beach is paid and often closed to the public; at this time, members of the presidential family and high-ranking officials relax here.
On Hercegnovskaya Riviera pebble and artificial sand beaches or in the form of concrete platforms. Moving from one beach to another often requires walking along rocky paths located high above the shore. The most popular beaches are in Herceg Novi, Kotor, Tivat, Perast and Resan. The beaches are small, but quite cozy and not crowded.
Barskaya Riviera It is known for a large number of small coves with a large difference in depth and its Red Beach, where the sand is red and consists of fine coral chips. Popular resorts are Sutomore, Zhukotrlitsa (with an amazing pine forest), Utehi, Dubravy and Dobri Vodi.
In the south of Montenegro in Ulcinj, the beaches are sandy and the entrance to the sea is gentle, which is especially suitable for families with children. IN Ulcinj The largest beach in Montenegro, “Velika Plazha”, is 13 km long, which is divided into several separate beaches: Capacabana, Adriatica Beach, Ada Bayana, etc.
There are nudist beaches in Montenegro. On the Ulcinj Riviera there is the largest nudist center in Europe, Ada Bayana, with comfortable houses for living and clean green lawns for relaxation.
Attractions
Montenegro is a small country, but with a very rich history. There are many historical sights, ancient fortresses and ancient monasteries preserved here, most of which are active. The amazing nature of national parks, mountain landscapes and unforgettable panoramic views from the tops of the mountains leave an unforgettable impression, therefore, along with a standard beach holiday, excursion and tourist tours to Montenegro are very popular. All resort areas and towns offer many bus and water excursions, most of them one-day excursions, the cost of which ranges on average from 25 to 50 EUR.
A few must-see places in Montenegro:
- Boko Kotor Bay, which is included in the list of 25 most beautiful bays in Europe. Some experts consider it the southernmost European fjord, but it is obviously the remains of a river canyon.
- Old Kotor and old fortress walls going high up the mountain. The city is protected by UNESCO and is the heritage of several cultures.
- Mount Lovcen and located on one of its peaks Mausoleum of King Peter II Petrovic-Njegos. A long, steep staircase leads to the Mausoleum (an association with Jacob’s Ladder immediately comes to mind), then a narrow path with incredibly steep cliffs (here you feel like a small grain of sand in the universe). The mausoleum was built on the site of an old chapel founded by Vladyka Peter II himself. Behind the Mausoleum there is an even narrower path with cliffs leading to an observation deck, from where a majestic panoramic view of almost the entire Montenegro opens from a height of more than one and a half kilometers.
- Cetinje- the old royal capital, today it is considered the cultural capital of the country. The Cetinje Monastery houses religious shrines that are valuable for the entire Christian world, because of which crusades and wars took place - the right hand (right hand) of John the Baptist and a piece of the cross on which our Lord the Creator Son Jesus Christ and the Son of Man was crucified.
- Canyons of the Morač and Tara rivers on which you can go boating, as well as Piva Lake dam. You will not see such amazing views anywhere in Southern Europe.
- Ostrog Monastery. A unique place where, from the end of the 17th century, at an altitude of almost one kilometer, Christian monks lived in caves carved into the rock. According to legend, if you climb to the monastery on foot, a person will be forgiven all his sins. Today this monastery, impressive with its beauty, is considered one of the holy places of the entire Christian world.
- Old towns of Bar and Ulcinj. These cities simply “breathe” with history. If you concentrate a little, you can see how the prince and bishop are walking near their houses in Old Bar, or how the pirates are leading their captives to the market in Ulcinj to be sold to slave owners. Here time goes backwards, and a “time machine” is not needed.
- National parks Skadar Lake, Biogradska Gora and Durmitor. The wondrous nature of these places, glacial mountain lakes, the most popular of which are Biogradsko and Black Lakes, create a unique spiritual mood, a feeling of amazing purity and peace, which we so lack in our hectic lives.
- For independent visits, Austrian ones will be interesting Kosmach fortress(next to the road from Budva to Podgorica) and Fort Gorazda(near the town of Trinity, between Kotor and Tivat). Each of these structures is unique in its kind, from the point of view of military and fortification construction.
Entertainment: In Montenegro, as in any country focused on the development of resort recreation and tourism, there is no shortage of entertainment. In addition to excursions and beach holidays, you can take a boat trip, dive with a mask and snorkel, swim in a submarine, go fishing on your own or in the company of experienced fishermen, play tennis or football. All resort areas offer numerous activities for children. Montenegrins love children and treat them with special reverence. Diving enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the underwater attractions of the Bar Riviera, and Ulcinj is a haven for fans of kite surfing and sailing. Extreme sports enthusiasts can go boating on the Tara River, go mountain climbing or simply climb to the tops of mountains in the national parks of Montenegro. Fans of discos and nightlife will also not be bored. Almost along the entire coast there are nightclubs and the most famous of them are the famous Maximus in Old Kotor, Secondo Porto, Budva Trocadero and BK Musik Club, in the ski resort Zabljak Cafe d’Oro. Lovers of delicious food will always be able to find a place to indulge in their favorite pastime. There are a huge number of restaurants, bars and all kinds of cafes in Montenegro, even if you go high into the mountains, you can find a cafe or bar there that serves delicious food and drinks.
National cuisine
Kitchen: The basis of the national cuisine of Montenegro is meat dishes with vegetables, spices and cheese. In numerous “pekers” (bakeries) and “mesars” (butcher shops), Montenegrins bake bread and buns, and you can prepare any meat dish from fresh meat to take away (at no additional cost). Spicy sausages “čevapčiči”, “pleskavitsa”, a hefty minced meat cutlet baked on the grill, spit-fried meat “biscuits”, veal and pork kebabs “razniči”, dried meat “prosciutto” will please any gourmet. A regular hamburger here is made from a huge piece of perfectly fried meat, which is placed on a delicious soft bun and added with vegetables, herbs, and sauces. Burek layer cake is filled with meat or cheese. Many dishes are prepared from cheese, and the most famous is Njeguši. The traditional first course is “chorba”, a rich soup made from meat or fish. The fish is used to make fish soup, goulash, stuffed and baked in pots. For dessert, there are pies with cottage cheese filling “gibanica”, nuts and plums “štrukli” are baked in cheese, cookies, fragrant donuts and nut sticks are baked. Everything is prepared from environmentally friendly products.
Among drinks, coffee is very popular here, which Montenegrins drink in incredible quantities, washed down with cold water. Among the wines, the most famous is the red “Vranac”, which is one of the finest wines in Europe. White wine “Krstac” is made from the grape variety of the same name, which grows only in Montenegro. The strong drink “Loza” (moonshine of the highest quality) is made from pears and plums, but it is especially tasty from grapes. Local beer “Nikšičko” is rightfully considered the most popular.
Tips: It is customary to leave some money, as a rule, metal change, to guides, porters, drivers, hotel staff, and waiters. The right to give or not to give always remains with the tourist.
Shops and souvenirs
The shops: Typically in Montenegro, shops are open daily from 8.00 to 20.00, and in tourist centers until 23.00. Many shops (and even pharmacies) are closed during the day. During siesta, Montenegrins are reluctant to leave the house. As a rule, the break is from 13.00 to 16.00. During the holiday season, many stores are open 24 hours a day.
Souvenirs: As souvenirs and gifts from Montenegro, the most popular among tourists are high-mountain honey with nuts or fruits, wines “Vranac” and “Krstac”, grape vodka “Loza”, as well as dried meat Njeguš “pršut”. A good gift would be a national cap “kapa” with a scarlet top, ceramic cups, decanters, plates, and stylish Italian jewelry. You can bring candles, consecrated icons and water from the Holy Places of Montenegro.
Tourist safety
Safety: Montenegro is a small country, the number of cities is small, everyone knows each other, so the crime rate is low. Tourists are respected and valued, especially Russian speakers. There is practically no threat to the health and life of vacationers here. However, in the dark it is better to walk in illuminated places and surrounded by people. Montenegrins have weapons in every home; this is permitted by law, but they use them extremely carefully.
, Berane , Cetinje
The longest rivers in Montenegro: Tara (144 km), Lim (123 km), Ceotina (100 km), Moraca (99 km), Zeta (65 km) and Boyana (30 km). About 52.2% of Montenegrin rivers belong to the Black Sea basin, the remaining 47.8% to the Adriatic Sea basin. Three Montenegrin rivers (Moraca, Zeta and Piva) flow throughout their entire length through the territory of Montenegro. The Boyana River was previously the only navigable river in Montenegro; At the moment it is not navigable. Most Montenegrin rivers are mountainous and form deep canyons. The Tara River Canyon, about 1200 m deep, is the deepest in Europe and the second deepest in the world. The rivers of Montenegro have an energy potential of 115 kW per 1 km² of territory, which is a very high figure. However, for various reasons (including environmental ones), hydropower is underdeveloped in the country.
The largest lake in Montenegro and the entire Balkan Peninsula is Skadar. The total area of its water surface is 369.7 km². Two thirds of the lake (by area) are located on the territory of Montenegro, one third - on the territory of Albania. The second largest lake in Montenegro is Shasskoe (3.64 km²), located near Ulcinj. Also on the territory of Montenegro there are 29 small mountain lakes of glacial origin (the so-called “mountain eyes”), the total area of which is 3.89 km².
More than 41% of the country's area is forests and woodlands, 39.58% is pastures. The flora of Montenegro is diverse: a total of 2,833 plant species have been recorded in the country, of which 212 are endemic to the Balkan Peninsula, and 22 are endemic to Montenegro. According to the Constitution of Montenegro, the republic is an “ecological state”; 8.1% of the territory is under various environmental regimes (including the national reserves Durmitor, Lovcen, Biogradska Gora and Lake Skadar).
Climate
In northern Montenegro it is temperate continental, on the Adriatic coast it is Mediterranean. In the coastal region, summers are usually long, hot (+23-25 °C) and quite dry, winters are short and cool (+3-7 °C). Mountain areas have moderately warm summers (+19-25 °C) and relatively cold winters (from +5 to −10 °C), precipitation falls mainly in the form of snow. Precipitation falls from 500 to 1500 mm per year, mainly in the form of rain; in the mountains near the sea coast, in some places over 3000 mm falls. In the northern regions of Montenegro there is snow for up to 5 months a year. Number of sunny hours per year: in Igalo - 2386, in Ulcinj - 2700.
Population
According to the 2003 census, 620,145 people live in Montenegro (an annual increase of 3.5%).
National composition of the population:
- others - 5.56%
¹ - Montenegrins and Serbs professing Islam
Legislature
Legislative power is exercised by a unicameral parliament - the Assembly. The Assembly includes 81 deputies, elected through direct secret ballot. The term of office of the Assembly is 4 years.
Executive branch
Executive power is exercised by the Government (Vlada). The composition of the government is approved by the Assembly at the proposal of the President.
Judicial branch
The judicial system is two-tiered. The Supreme Court of Montenegro ensures the unity of law enforcement practice throughout the republic.
In addition to the two-tier judicial system, there is also a Constitutional Court.
Administrative division
The territory of Montenegro is divided into 21 municipalities (region, community; Serbian opština). Municipalities are named after their central cities:
Administrative divisions of Montenegro
- Podgorica, this municipality includes two urban districts:
- Zeta urban district (central city - Golubovtsi, Zeta - the name of the historical region and the ancient name of Montenegro)
- Tuzi urban district
Political structure
Political situation
In the late 1990s, Montenegrin leader Milo Djukanovic turned from an ally of Slobodan Milosevic into his irreconcilable opponent, which immediately attracted the international community and the Serbian opposition to his side. Djukanovic first demanded that Milosevic secure Montenegro’s right to an independent foreign policy, and subsequently set complete independence as his goal. Then the European Union prevented it from gaining legal independence
The state community of Serbia and Montenegro was created under powerful pressure from the European Union with the active participation of Javier Solana. According to the Constitutional Party of the new state, elections to its legislative assembly were to be held in February 2005, and from 2006 the republics within it received the right to hold a referendum on independence. However, the elections did not take place - Montenegrin President Svetozar Marovic did not set a date for them, citing the lack of a legislative framework.
As a result, from the beginning of March 2005, after the expiration of their mandates, members of the Community Parliament, its ministers and the President himself, from a legal point of view, became private individuals. Around the same time, Djukanovic and Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic came up with a new plan - to transform the State Community into a union of independent states.
Serbian authorities are divided on the matter: while Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica rejected the proposal, Serbian President Boris Tadic said it could be considered.
In Serbia, it is widely believed that Djukanovic's desire for independence is hidden by purely personal reasons - a desire to avoid responsibility in connection with an ongoing investigation in Italy on suspicion of involvement in smuggling and links to the Italian mafia. Serbia also points out that the secession of Montenegro could become a legal argument in favor of the independence of Kosovo, since, according to UN Security Council Resolution No. 1244, Kosovo is recognized as an integral part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (and, accordingly, its successor - the State Community of Serbia and Montenegro), and not Serbia. The secession of Montenegro deprived Belgrade of access to the sea.
After the declaration of independence, Montenegro began to rebuild its international relations.
Referendum
Negotiations between the Montenegrin authorities and the opposition on the terms of the referendum have been going on since the beginning of 2006. Initially, the opposition, opposing the independence of Montenegro, categorically refused to discuss even the very idea of holding a referendum. The European Union offered its mediation. The mediation mission was entrusted to EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak. During further discussion, the opposition accepted the idea of a referendum and agreed with the ruling coalition on the conditions for its holding. However, differences remained on the key issue of the majority needed to make a decision.
According to the Montenegrin law on referendums, in order to make a decision it was necessary to obtain 50% plus one vote of those participating in the referendum, with a mandatory turnout of 50%. The opposition demanded that not only the population of Montenegro itself, but also Montenegrins living in Serbia participate in the referendum. Under these conditions, Miroslav Lajcak proposed his own formula: the European Union will recognize the independence of Montenegro if 55% of those participating in the referendum vote for it. This formula caused a strong negative reaction in Montenegro. Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic warned that it poses a danger to the stability of Montenegro.
Armed forces
Story
Montenegro emerged as an independent state in the 18th century, the first of the countries of the Balkan Peninsula to free itself from the yoke of the Ottoman Empire. The capital of the state was the city of Cetinje. In this form it existed until the First World War, after which in 1918 it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. Since the collapse of Yugoslavia () it existed as part of the union republic of Serbia and Montenegro. In 2006, a referendum was held at which the independence of the state was proclaimed. The current capital is Podgorica.
In the 6th century, the Slavs came to the lands of Montenegro and mixed with the local tribes.
-1944 - under German occupation.
-1945 - under the control of Yugoslav partisans.
March - in a referendum, residents of Montenegro voted for the republic to remain part of Yugoslavia.
May 21 - a referendum on the state status of the republic was held in Montenegro, in which more than half of the participants voted for complete independence from Belgrade (at that time Montenegro already had a separate currency from Serbia and a duty border with it).
June 3 - the assembly (parliament) of Montenegro proclaimed the independence of the republic.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Montenegro
Traditionally, the basis of the Montenegrin economy was the ferrous metallurgy (center - Niksic), aluminum processing (Podgorica), electrical industry (Cetinje), rubber, chemical industry and bearing production (Kotor), textile industry (Bielo Polje), shipbuilding and ship repair (Bijela, Bar ), light and food industry (Niksic, Bar), woodworking (Rozaje, Berane, Pljevlja, Niksic).
During Yugoslavia, Montenegro was the most backward, subsidized republic of the federation. The country's economy was largely shaken by the wars of the early 1990s, in which Montenegro took the side of Serbia, and the subsequent isolation of “small” Yugoslavia. Despite this, by the beginning of the 2000s, Montenegro was able to find itself on the international stage, becoming an attractive destination for tourism, both summer and winter; Since then, the country has experienced significant economic growth every year. Very popular are international resorts in the cities of Herceg Novi, Budva, Becici, Petrovac, as well as historical and natural attractions - the city of Kotor on the shores of the Bay of Kotor, the former capital Cetinje, Lake Skadar, Mount Lovcen, the high-mountain monastery Ostrog, the canyon of the Tara River (the largest in Europe and second in the world: its depth reaches 1300 m), Durmitor National Park and its ski resort Zabljak (1465 meters above sea level, this is the highest city in the Balkans). State policy is aimed at the comprehensive development of the tourism sector, it is given priority over industry and agriculture. This is evidenced, in particular, by the declaration of Montenegro as an “ecological state”.