Overview
Montenegro is a country located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. With a population of 633,158 people spread across 25 municipalities, it covers an area of 13,883 km² (5,360 sq mi). The country is bordered by Serbia to the northeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Kosovo to the east, Albania to the southeast, and Croatia to the west, with a coastline along the Adriatic Sea to the southwest.
The capital and largest city is Podgorica, while Cetinje serves as the Old Royal Capital and cultural centre.
Geography and Location
Montenegro's strategic position on the Balkan Peninsula has shaped its history and culture. The country's English name is a literal translation from Venetian of the Montenegrin phrase "Crna Gora," meaning "Black Mountain," which derives from the appearance of Mount Lovćen, covered in dense evergreen forests.
Economy and International Status
Montenegro has an upper-middle-income economy that is mostly service-based and in late transition to a market economy. The country is a member of several major international organizations, including:
- The United Nations
- NATO
- The World Trade Organization
- The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
- The Council of Europe
- The Central European Free Trade Agreement
Montenegro is also a founding member of the Union for the Mediterranean and has been pursuing European Union membership since 2012.
History
Ancient and Medieval Periods
Before the arrival of Slav peoples in the Balkans during the 6th and 7th centuries, the area now known as Montenegro was inhabited principally by the Illyrians. The region was later conquered by the Roman Republic and incorporated into the province of Illyricum.
During the Early Medieval period, three principalities existed on the territory of modern-day Montenegro: Duklja in the southern half, Travunia in the west, and Rascia in the north. The Principality of Zeta emerged in the 14th and 15th centuries and eventually became known as Crna Gora (Black Mountain).
Venetian and Ottoman Rule
From the late 14th century to the late 18th century, large parts of southern Montenegro were ruled by the Venetian Republic and incorporated into Venetian Albania. The name Montenegro was first used to refer to the country in the late 15th century.
Large portions of Montenegro fell under Ottoman Empire control from 1496 to 1878. However, Montenegro developed a unique form of autonomy within the Ottoman Empire that granted Montenegrin clans certain freedoms. In 1696, Montenegro gained semi-autonomy under the House of Petrović-Njegoš, first as a theocracy and later as a secular principality.
Independence and Modern Statehood
Montenegro's independence was formally recognised by the Great Powers at the Congress of Berlin in 1878. In 1910, the country became a kingdom. Following World War I, the kingdom became part of Yugoslavia.
After Yugoslavia's breakup, Serbia and Montenegro formed a federation together. Montenegro declared its independence on the basis of a referendum held in June 2006, establishing itself as an independent nation-state.