Before the arrival of the Slav peoples in the Balkans in the 6th and 7th centuries CE, the area now known as Montenegro was inhabited principally by people known asIllyrians.During theEarly Medieval period, three principalities were located on the territory of modern-day Montenegro:Duklja, roughly corresponding to the southern half;Travunia, the west; andRascia proper, the north.[13][14][15] ThePrincipality of Zeta emerged in the 14th and 15th centuries. From the late 14th century to the late 18th century, large parts of southern Montenegro were ruled by theVenetian Republic and incorporated intoVenetian Albania.[16] The nameMontenegro was first used to refer to the country in the late 15th century. After falling underOttoman Empire rule, Montenegro gained semi-autonomy in 1696 under the rule of theHouse of Petrović-Njegoš, first as atheocracy and later as a secularprincipality. Montenegro's independence was recognised by theGreat Powers at theCongress of Berlin in 1878.
Modern-day Montenegro was more and more known by that name in the historical period following the fall of theSerbian Despotate in 1459.[28] Originally, it had referred to only a small strip of land under the rule of thePaštrovići tribe, but the name eventually came to be used for the wider mountainous region after theCrnojević noble family took power inUpper Zeta.[27] The aforementioned region became known asStara Crna Gora 'Old Montenegro' by the 19th century to distinguish the independent region from the neighbouring Ottoman-occupied Montenegrin territory ofBrda (the "Highlands"). Montenegro further increased its size several times by the 20th century, as the result of wars against theOttoman Empire, which saw the annexation ofOld Herzegovina and parts ofMetohija and southernRaška. Its borders have changed little since then, losingMetohija and gaining theBay of Kotor.[citation needed]
After the second session of theAVNOJ duringWorld War II in Yugoslavia, the contemporary modern state of Montenegro was founded as theFederal State of Montenegro (Montenegrin: Савезна држава Црне Горе /Savezna država Crne Gore) on 15 November 1943 within the Yugoslav Federation by theZAVNOCGB. After the war, Montenegro became a republic under its name, thePeople's Republic of Montenegro (Montenegrin: Народна Република Црна Гора /Narodna Republika Crna Gora) on 29 November 1945. In 1963, it was renamed to theSocialist Republic of Montenegro (Montenegrin: Социјалистичка Република Црна Гора /Socijalistička Republika Crna Gora). As thebreakup of Yugoslavia occurred, the SRCG was renamed to theRepublic of Montenegro (Montenegrin: Република Црна Гора /Republika Crna Gora) on 27 April 1992 within theFederal Republic of Yugoslavia by removing the adjective "socialist" from the republic's title. Since 22 October 2007, a year after its independence, the name of the country became simply known asMontenegro. The country is known asMali i Zi (lit. black mountain) inAlbanian,[29] while it is known asCrna Gora in Montenegrin, Serbian,Bosnian, andCroatian.
Three principalities were located on the territory:Duklja, roughly corresponding to the southern half,Travunia, the west, andRaška, the north.[13][14] Duklja gained its independence from the Byzantine Roman Empire in 1042. Over the next few decades, it expanded its territory to neighbouring Rascia and Bosnia, and also became recognised as a kingdom. Its power started declining at the beginning of the 12th century. After King Bodin's death (in 1101 or 1108), civil wars ensued. Duklja reached its zenith under Vojislav's son,Mihailo (1046–1081), and his grandsonConstantine Bodin (1081–1101).[35]
As the nobility fought for the throne, the kingdom was weakened, and by 1186, the territory of modern-day Montenegro became part of the state ruled byStefan Nemanja and was a part of various state formations ruled by theNemanjić dynasty for the next two centuries. After theSerbian Empire collapsed in the second half of the 14th century, the most powerful Zetan family, theBalšićs, became sovereigns of Zeta.[citation needed]
By the 13th century,Zeta had replacedDuklja when referring to the realm. In the late 14th century, southern Montenegro (Zeta) came under the rule of theBalšić noble family, then theCrnojević noble family, and by the 15th century, Zeta was more often referred to asCrna Gora.[citation needed]
From 1392, numerous parts of the territory were controlled byRepublic of Venice, including the city ofBudva, in that time known as "Budua". The Venetian territory was centred on theBay of Kotor, and the Republic introduced governors who meddled in Montenegrin politics. Venice controlled territories in present-day Montenegro untilits fall in 1797.[16][36][37]Large portions fell under the control of theOttoman Empire from 1496 to 1878. In the 16th century, Montenegro developed a unique form of autonomy within the Ottoman Empire that permitted Montenegrin clans freedom from certain restrictions. Nevertheless, the Montenegrins were disgruntled with Ottoman rule, and in the 17th century, repeatedly rebelled, which culminated in the defeat of the Ottomans in theGreat Turkish War at the end of that century.[citation needed]
Montenegrin territories were controlled by warlike clans. Most clans had a chieftain (knez), who was not permitted to assume the title unless he proved to be as worthy a leader as his predecessor. An assembly of Montenegrin clans (Zbor) was held every year on 12 July in Cetinje, and any adult clansman could take part.[38] In 1515, Montenegro became atheocracy led by theMetropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral, which flourished after thePetrović-Njegoš of Cetinje became the prince-bishop (whose title was "Vladika of Montenegro").[citation needed]
People from Montenegro in this historical period were described as Orthodox Serbs.[39]
In 1858, one of the major Montenegrin victories over the Ottomans occurred at theBattle of Grahovac.Grand Duke Mirko Petrović, elder brother ofKnjaz Danilo, led an army of 7,500 and defeated the numerically superior Ottomans with 15,000 troops atGrahovac on 1 May 1858. This forced theGreat Powers to officially demarcate the borders between Montenegro and Ottoman Empire,de facto recognizing Montenegro's independence.[citation needed]
The first Montenegrin constitution (also known as the Danilo Code) was proclaimed in 1855. UnderNicholas I (ruled 1860–1918), theprincipality was enlarged several times in the Montenegro-Turkish Wars and was recognised as independent in 1878. Nicholas I established diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire.[citation needed] Minor border skirmishes excepted, diplomacy ushered in about 30 years of peace between the two states until the deposition ofAbdul Hamid II in 1909.[41]
Expansion of Montenegro from 1711 to 1918 within present borders
The political skills of Abdul Hamid II and Nicholas I played a major role in the mutually amicable relations.[41] Modernization of the state followed, culminating with the draft of a Constitution in 1905. However, political rifts emerged between the reigningPeople's Party, who supported the process of democratisation and union with Serbia, and those of theTrue People's Party, who were monarchist.[citation needed]
In 1910, Montenegro becamea kingdom, and as a result of theBalkan Wars of 1912–1913, a common border with Serbia was established, withShkodër being awarded toAlbania, though the current capital city of Montenegro, Podgorica, was on the old border of Albania and Yugoslavia. Montenegro became one of theAllied Powers during World War I (1914–1918). In theBattle of Mojkovac fought in January 1916 betweenAustria-Hungary and the Kingdom of Montenegro, Montenegrins achieved a decisive victory even though they were outnumbered five to one. The Austro-Hungarians accepted military surrender on 25 January 1916.[42] From 1916 to October 1918 Austria-Hungary occupied Montenegro. During the occupation, King Nicholas fled the country and established agovernment-in-exile inBordeaux.[citation needed]
Nicholas's grandson, the Serb KingAlexander I, dominated the Yugoslav government.Zeta Banovina was one of nine banovinas that formed the kingdom; it consisted of the present-day Montenegro and parts of Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia.[citation needed]
In April 1941,Nazi Germany, theKingdom of Italy, and other Axis allies attacked and occupied the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Italian forces occupied Montenegro and established a puppetKingdom of Montenegro.
Great People's Assembly on the occasion of the establishment of the Eighth Montenegrin Brigade inBerane, 25 February 1944.
Construction of theBelgrade–Bar railway started in the 1950s and was completed in 1976. The line was opened in 1976 by the Yugoslavian PresidentJosip Broz Tito.
In May, the Montenegrin branch of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia started preparations for an uprising planned for mid-July. The Communist Party and its Youth League organised 6,000 of its members into detachments prepared forguerrilla warfare. According to some historians, the first armed uprising inNazi-occupied Europe happened on 13 July 1941 in Montenegro.[43]
Unexpectedly, the uprising took hold, and by 20 July, 32,000 men and women had joined the fight. Except for the coast and major towns (Podgorica, Cetinje, Pljevlja, and Nikšić), which were besieged, Montenegro was mostly liberated. In a month of fighting, the Italian army suffered 5,000 dead, wounded, and captured. The uprising lasted until mid-August, when it was suppressed by a counter-offensive of 67,000 Italian troops brought in from Albania. Faced with new and overwhelming Italian forces, many of the fighters laid down their arms and returned home. Nevertheless, intense guerrilla fighting lasted until December.
War broke out between Partisans and Chetniks during the first half of 1942. Pressured by Italians and Chetniks, the core of the Montenegrin Partisans went to Serbia and Bosnia, where they joined with other Yugoslav Partisans. Fighting between Partisans and Chetniks continued through the war. Chetniks with Italian backing controlled most of the country from mid-1942 to April 1943. Montenegrin Chetniks received the status of "anti-communist militia" and received weapons, ammunition, food rations, and money from Italy. Most of them were moved toMostar, where they fought in theBattle of Neretva against the Partisans, but were dealt a heavy defeat.
During German operation Schwartz against the Partisans in May and June 1943, Germans disarmed many Chetniks without fighting, as they feared they would turn against them in case of an Allied invasion of the Balkans. After the capitulation of Italy in September 1943, Partisans managed to take hold of most of Montenegro for a brief time, but Montenegro was soonoccupied by German forces, and fierce fighting continued during late 1943 and 1944. Montenegro was liberated by the Partisans in December 1944.
During the 1991–1995Bosnian War andCroatian War, Montenegrin police and military forces, under orders of president Momir Bulatovic[49] and Interior MinisterPavle Bulatovic[50] joined Serbian troops in attacks onDubrovnik, Croatia.[51] These operations, aimed at acquiring more territory, were characterised by large-scale violations of human rights.[52]
Montenegrin GeneralPavle Strugar was convicted for his part in the bombing of Dubrovnik.[53] Bosnian refugees were arrested by Montenegrin police and transported to Serb camps inFoča, where they were subjected to systematic torture and executed.[54]
In 1996,Milo Đukanović's government severed ties between Montenegro and its partner Serbia, which was led bySlobodan Milošević. Montenegro formed its owneconomic policy and adopted the GermanDeutsche Mark as its currency and subsequentlyadopted the euro, although not part of theEurozone. Subsequent governments pursued pro-independence policies, and political tensions with Serbia simmered despite political changes inBelgrade.
Targets in Montenegro were bombed by NATO forces duringOperation Allied Force in 1999, although the extent of these attacks was limited in both time and area affected.[55]
In 2002, Serbia and Montenegro came to a new agreement for continued cooperation and entered into negotiations regarding the future status of theFederal Republic of Yugoslavia. This resulted in the Belgrade Agreement, which saw the country's transformation into a more decentralised state union namedSerbia and Montenegro in 2003. The Belgrade Agreement also contained a provision delaying any future referendum on the independence of Montenegro for at least three years.[citation needed]
Supporters of Montenegrin independence in June 2006 inCetinjeMontenegro Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanović presents a document toUS Undersecretary of State for Political AffairsThomas Shannon and Montenegro Prime MinisterDuško Marković during a ceremony at theState Department to accept Montenegro's instrument of accession to theNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), June 5, 2017.
The status of the union between Montenegro and Serbia was decided by areferendum on Montenegrin independence on 21 May 2006. A total of 419,240 votes were cast, representing 86.5% of the electorate; 230,661 votes (55.5%) were for independence and 185,002 votes (44.5%) were against.[56] This narrowly surpassed the 55% threshold needed to validate the referendum under the rules set by the European Union. According to the electoral commission, the 55% threshold was passed by only 2,300 votes. Serbia, the member-states of the European Union, and thepermanent members of the United Nations Security Council allrecognised Montenegro's independence.
The 2006 referendum was monitored by five international observer missions, headed by anOSCE/ODIHR team, and around 3,000 observers in total (including domestic observers fromCDT (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (CLRAE), and the European Parliament (EP) to form an International Referendum Observation Mission (IROM). The IROM—in its preliminary report—"assessed compliance of the referendum process with OSCE commitments, Council of Europe commitments, other international standards for democratic electoral processes, and domestic legislation." Furthermore, the report stated that the competitive pre-referendum environment was marked by an active and generally peaceful campaign and that "there were no reports of restrictions on fundamental civil and political rights".
On 3 June 2006, the Montenegrin Parliament declared the independence of Montenegro,[57] formally confirming the result of the referendum.
On 28 June 2006, Montenegro joined theUnited Nations as its 192nd member state.[58]
Montenegro has been dominated since the breakup of Yugoslavia byMilo Đukanović (four-time prime minister and twice president), accused of having established anauthoritarianism andclientelist regime, while maintaining close relations withorganized crime.[59] The massive privatizations of the Đukanović era lead to the enrichment of him and oligarchs close to him. His brother Aleksandar, owner of Montenegro's first private bank, oversaw the privatizations, while his sister, Ana Kolarevic, has long controlled the judiciary. The clientelist networks of the ruling party dominated all segments of social life. A party card was required to start a business or obtain a position in the administration. This policy also contributed to the reinforcement of regional disparities and social inequalities. Unemployment climbs to 36.6 per cent in the northern part of the country, compared to 3.9 per cent in the coastal region, while a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line (2018).[60]
In 2015, the investigative journalists' networkOCCRP named Montenegro's long-time President and Prime MinisterMilo Đukanović "Person of the Year in Organized Crime".[61] The extent of Đukanović's corruption led to street demonstrations and calls for his removal.[62][63]
In October 2016, for the day of theparliamentary election, acoup d'état was prepared by a group of persons that included leaders of the Montenegrin opposition, Serbian nationals and Russian agents; the coup was prevented.[64] In 2017, fourteen people, including two Russian nationals and two Montenegrin opposition leaders,Andrija Mandić andMilan Knežević, were indicted for their alleged roles in the coup attempt on charges such as "preparing a conspiracy against the constitutional order and the security of Montenegro" and an "attempted terrorist act".[65]
Montenegro has been innegotiations with the EU since 2012. In 2018, the earlier goal of acceding by 2022[70] was revised to 2025.[71] Legislation is being passed bringing Montenegro law in line with EU membership requirements.
As of late December 2019,[update] the newly adopted Law on Religion, whichde jure transferred the ownership of church buildings and estates built before 1918 from theSerbian Orthodox Church to the Montenegrin state,[75][76] sparked large[77]protests and road blockages.[78] Seventeen oppositionDemocratic Front MPs were arrested prior to the voting for disrupting the vote.[79] Demonstrations continued into March[80] 2020 as peaceful protest walks, mostly organised by the Serbian Orthodox Church in the majority of Montenegrin municipalities.[81][82][83]
In its political rights and civil liberties worldwide report in May 2020,Freedom House marked Montenegro as ahybrid regime rather than a democracy because of declining standards in governance, justice, elections, and media freedom.[84][85] For the first time in three decades, in the2020 parliamentary election, the opposition won more votes than Đukanović's ruling party.[86] In February 2022, that very same government was voted out in the first successful vote of no-confidence in the country's history.[87]
In September 2022 an investigation linked six Russian diplomats with twenty eight Russian citizens holding temporary visas for Montenegro and two local citizens in a spy investigation. The diplomats were expelled.[88] The Russian citizens were later banned from Montenegro and the two locals, one an ex-diplomat, face charges of illegal weapons, organising a criminal organisation and espionage.[89]
TheParliament of Montenegro in June 2024 adopted a resolution acknowledging the atrocities committed at theJasenovac concentration camp duringWorld War II.[94] This decision, spearheaded by pro-Serbian factions, is viewed as a response to Montenegro's earlier support for aUN resolution on theSrebrenica genocide.Croatia has criticized the move, accusing Montenegro of politicizing historical events and warned that it could harmMontenegro's path to EU membership and bilateral relations betweenCroatia and Montenegro. The resolution has led to increased diplomatic tensions between the two nations.[95]
Montenegro features high peaks along its borders with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Serbia. Its geography also includes a segment of thekarst of the western Balkan Peninsula, to a narrow coastal plain that is only 1.5 to 6 kilometres (1 to 4 miles) wide. The plain stops abruptly in the north, whereMount Lovćen andMount Orjen plunge into the inlet of the Bay of Kotor.[96]
Montenegro's large karst region lies generally at elevations of 1,000 metres (3,280 ft) above sea level; some parts, however, rise to 2,000 m (6,560 ft), such asMount Orjen 1,894 metres (6,210 ft), the highest massif among the coastal limestone ranges. TheZeta River valley, at an elevation of 500 m (1,600 ft), is the lowest segment.
The mountains of Montenegro include some of the most rugged terrains in Europe, averaging more than 2,000 metres (6,600 feet) in elevation. One of the country's notable peaks isBobotov Kuk in theDurmitor mountains, which reaches a height of 2,522 metres (8,270 ft) and was previously thought to be the country's highest point. In 2018, newtriangulation measurements showed thatZla Kolata in theProkletije mountains, which reaches a height of 2,534 metres (8,310 ft).[97] Owing to the hyperhumid climate on their western sides, the Montenegrin mountain ranges were among the most ice-eroded parts of the Balkan Peninsula during the last glacial period.
The diversity of the geological base, landscape, climate, and soil, and the position of Montenegro on the Balkan Peninsula and Adriatic Sea, created the conditions for high biological diversity, putting Montenegro among the "hot-spots" of European and world biodiversity. The number of species per area unit index in Montenegro is 0.837, the highest in any European country.[98]
Biological estimates suggest that over 1,200 species of freshwater algae, 300 species of marine algae, 589 species of moss, 7,000–8,000 species of vascular plants, 2,000 species of fungi, 16,000–20,000 species of insects, 407 species of marine fish, 56 species of reptile, 333 species of regularly visiting birds and a high species diversity of mammals are found in Montenegro.[99]
ThePresident of Montenegro is the representativehead of state, elected for a period of five years throughdirect election. The President promotes the country internationally through diplomatic engagements, promulgates laws by ordinance, calls elections for theParliament, and ceremonially proposes candidates forPrime Minister, president and justices of the Constitutional Court to the Parliament. The President also ceremonially proposes the calling of areferendum to Parliament, grants amnesty for criminal offences proscribed by the national law, confers decoration and awards and performs other constitutional duties and is a member of the Supreme Defence Council. The official residence of the President is inCetinje. The incumbent president isJakov Milatović who has held the position since May 2023.
In 2019, Montenegro was described as ahybrid regime (a political system which combinesdemocratic andauthoritarian features) according to theUnited States–basedFreedom House. The organisation citedstate capture, abuse of power, and strongman tactics by Prime MinisterMilo Đukanović (2008–2010 and 2012–2016) as explanations for its description as such.Đukanović held a number of senior government positions, including the Presidency, before and after the dissolution of the union between Serbia and Montenegro. Similarly theEconomist Democracy Index (EDI) considers Montenegro to be a "flawed democracy": since it was first published, the EDI ranked Montenegro as a “flawed democracy” from 2006-2015, downgrading it to a “hybrid regime” between 2016-2020, before reinstating it to “flawed democracy in 2021 where, as of 2024, it remains.[105][106]
Montenegro is divided into twenty-five municipalities (opština).[113] Each municipality can contain multiple cities and towns. Historically, the territory of the country was divided intonahije and during the beginning ofSR Montenegro was divided into counties (srez).
Regions of Montenegro—designed for statistical purposes by the Statistical Office—have no administrative function. Note that other organizations (i.e.Football Association of Montenegro) use different municipalities as a part of similar regions.
The Ministry ofForeign Affairs was given the task of defining the foreign policy priorities and activities needed for their implementation in cooperation with other state administration authorities, the President, the Speaker of the Parliament, and other relevant stakeholders.[114]
The country joinedNATO on 5 June 2017.[115]Integration into the European Union remains a high-priority for Montenegro and has been the focus of Montenegrin foreign policy since its independence from Serbia.[116] In June 2023, newly elected President Milatović stated that he expects Montenegro tojoin the European Union by 2027 or 2028.[117]
The judiciary in Montenegro is composed of several courts, with the Supreme Court being the highest judicial authority. It oversees the uniform application of laws. Administrative Courts handle disputes related to public administration. The judiciary also includes Basic Courts (for minor civil and criminal cases), High Courts (for more serious cases and appeals), and the Appellate Court for reviewing lower court decisions.
The Constitutional Court is a separate body, tasked with safeguarding the constitution by reviewing laws and acts of public authorities to ensure their compliance with the Constitution.
Judges in Montenegro are appointed by the Judicial Council and serve until the age of 67. ThePresident of Montenegro appoints judges upon the recommendation of the Judicial Council. Additionally, the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro (Ombudsman) is appointed by the Parliament for a six-year term, ensuring the protection of human rights and social justice.
Montenegro has a relatively low homicide rate, with the rate fluctuating around 1.5 to 2.0 murders per 100,000 people in recent years.
Abortion in Montenegro is legal on request during the first ten weeks of pregnancy.
Discrimination on the basis of bothsexual orientation andgender identity is banned in employment, the provision of goods and services, education and health services. Montenegro also possesseshate crime andhate speech laws which include sexual orientation and gender identity as grounds of non-discrimination.Since 15 July 2021, same-sex couples may register their relationship as aLife Partnership.
Law enforcement in Montenegro is carried out by several agencies under theMinistry of Interior.Civil law enforcement in Montenegro is primarily the responsibility of the Police Directorate, the national police force.Municipal police, known as Communal Police, enforce local laws in their respective municipalities.[120]
Law enforcement in Montenegro is carried out by several agencies under theMinistry of Interior. The primary law enforcement body is the Montenegrin Police Directorate, responsible for crime investigation, maintaining public order, and general law enforcement. The Municipal Police assist with local law enforcement tasks, primarily focusing on traffic regulation and minor public order issues.[121]Private security firms operate in Montenegro but have no legal authority to arrest or detain suspects.
TheNational Security Agency (ANB) is responsible for counterintelligence and internal security, while Interpol Montenegro collaborates with international agencies to counter transnational crime. Special units within the police, such as the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (SAJ), handle organized crime, terrorism, and high-risk operations.
An agreement signed with theEU effective July 2023 permits EUFrontex border management personnel to operate in Montenegro in support of local border police operating on other, non EU, borders in Montenegro.[122]
Emergency services in Montenegro include medical services, firefighters, and search and rescue units, which are coordinated by the Directorate for Emergency Situations. Emergency medical services are operated by local health institutions but are overseen by theMinistry of Health.
The Montenegrin road infrastructure is not at Western European standards. No roads meet full motorway standards. Construction of new motorways is considered a national priority, as they are important for uniform economic development and the development of Montenegro as an attractive tourist destination.
A-1 motorway, part of the larger international project between Montenegro and neighboringSerbia that connects to the Belgrade–Bar motorway
The backbone of the Montenegrin rail network is theBelgrade–Bar railway, which provides international connection towardsSerbia. A domestic branch line, theNikšić-Podgorica railway, operated as a freight-only line for decades, that opened for passenger traffic after reconstruction and electrification in 2012. The other branch line from Podgorica towards the Albanian border, thePodgorica–Shkodër railway, is not in use.
ThePort of Bar is Montenegro's main seaport. Initially built in 1906, the port was almost completely destroyed during World War II. Reconstruction began in 1950. It is equipped to handle over five million tons of cargo annually, but has been operating at a loss and well below capacity. The reconstruction of theBelgrade-Bar railway and the proposedBelgrade-Bar motorway are expected to return operating levels to capacity.
In 2023 there is a plan to install anLNG terminal at Bar to receive gas imports.[130]
A total of 2.1 million visitors visited Montenegro in 2022 spending 12.4m nights there.[131] The majority of foreign visitors to Montenegro come from the neighbouring countries of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, as well as Russia.[132]
National Geographic Traveler (edited once a decade) ranks Montenegro among the "50 Places of a Lifetime". Montenegrin seaside townSveti Stefan was once used as the cover for the magazine.[135] The coast region of Montenegro was considered one of the great "discoveries" among world tourists. In January 2010,The New York Times ranked the Ulcinj South Coast region of Montenegro, includingVelika Plaža,Ada Bojana, and theHotel Mediteran of Ulcinj, among the "Top 31 Places to Go in 2010" as part of a worldwide ranking.[136]
The Mountain Wreath is a poetic chronicle documenting the struggle of the Montenegrin people for independence from the Ottoman Empire, and is the most famous literary work in the country
The official language in Montenegro isMontenegrin.Serbian,Bosnian,Albanian, andCroatian are recognised in official usage. Montenegrin, Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian aremutually intelligible asstandard varieties of theSerbo-Croatian language. Serbian is the most spoken language in the country, as a plurality of the population at 43.18% consider it as theirnative language, while 34.52% speaks the Montenegrin language. There is also significant number of people speaking Bosnian (6.98%), Albanian (5.25%), andRussian (2.36%).[142]
Ostrog Monastery is the most visited religious shrine in the country, due to its uniqueness in being situated against an almost vertical background that is high up in the large rock of Ostroška Greda
Montenegro has historically stood at the crossroads of multiculturalism, and over centuries this has shaped its unique co-existence between its Christian and Muslim populations.[143] Montenegrins have throughout history beenEastern Orthodox Christians that are members of theSerbian Orthodox Church, which is governed by theMetropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral and theEparchy of Budimlja and Nikšić.[144]Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the predominant religion in Montenegro, with 71.1% of the population adhering to the religion.[145] Meanwhile, the Serbian Orthodox Church is the largest and most popular church, with approximately 90% of Orthodox Christians in Montenegro following the church.[146] Aschismatic church called TheMontenegrin Orthodox Church, which broke off from the Serbian Orthodox church in 1993, is followed by the remaining 10% of Orthodox Christians in the country. It also has not been officially recognized by theEcumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is not in communion with any other canonical Orthodox Christian Church.[147]
Despite tensions between religious groups during theBosnian War, Montenegro remained fairly stable, mainly due to its population's perspective on religious tolerance and faith diversity.[148] Religious institutions have guaranteed rights and are separate from the state. The second largest religion isIslam, practiced by 19% of the population. Montenegro has one of the highest proportion of Muslims in Europe and the third highest proportion among Slavic countries, behind only Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia. A little more than one-fourth of the country'sAlbanians areCatholics (8,126 in the 2003 census) while the rest (22,267) are mainlySunni Muslims; in 2012 a protocol recognisedIslam as an official religion, which ensures thathalal foods are served at military facilities, hospitals, dormitories and social facilities; and that Muslim women are permitted to wear headscarves in schools and at public institutions, as well as ensuring that Muslims have the right to take Fridays off for theJumu'ah (Friday)-prayer.[149] Since the time ofVojislavljević dynasty Catholicism is autochthonous in the Montenegrin area.[150] A small Roman Catholic population, mostly Albanians with some Croats, is divided between theArchdiocese of Antivari headed by the Primate of Serbia and theDiocese of Kotor that is a part of theCatholic Church in Croatia.
Boka Navy, from 2021 part of intangibleWorld Heritage UNESCO
Montenegrin culture has been shaped most importantly by Orthodox, Ottoman (Turk), Slavic, Central European, and seafaring Adriatic cultures (notably parts of Italy, like theRepublic of Venice).
Montenegro has many significant cultural and historical sites, including heritage sites from the pre-Romanesque,Gothic andBaroque periods. The Montenegrin coastal region is known for its religious monuments, including theCathedral of Saint Tryphon inKotor[151] (Cattaro under the Venetians), the basilica of St. Luke (over 800 years),Our Lady of the Rocks (Škrpjela), theSavina Monastery and others. Medieval monasteries contain many artistically important frescoes.
One cultural dimension is the ethical ideal ofČojstvo i Junaštvo, "Humaneness and Gallantry".[152][153] The traditional folk dance of the Montenegrins is theOro, the "eagle dance" that involves dancing in circles with couples alternating in the centre, and is finished by forming a human pyramid of dancers standing on each other's shoulders.
Television, magazines, and newspapers are operated by both state-owned and for-profit corporations that depend on advertising,subscription, and other sales-related revenues. TheConstitution of Montenegro guarantees freedom of speech. Montenegro's media system is under transformation, along with the rest of the country.
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^Pettifer, James (2007).Strengthening Religious Tolerance for a Secure Civil Society in Albania and the Southern Balkans. IOS Press.ISBN978-1-58603-779-6.
^Larkin, Barbara (2001).International Religious Freedom 2000: Annual Report: Submitted by the U.S. Department Of State. Diane Publishing.ISBN978-0-7567-1229-7.
^Jovović, Ivan (2013)."Dvooltarske crkve na crnogorskom primorju"(PDF).MATICA: 67.Dio istoričara u tumačenju ovog procesa svjesno izostavlja notornu činjenicu da je katolicizam na crnogorskom prostoru autohton još od vremena dinastije Vojislavljevića
^Šestović, Aleksandar."Kotor". Kotoronline.com. Retrieved11 September 2010.
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