Map of Montenegro

Montenegro is a country in Southeastern Europe, bordered by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania. Montenegro also has coastline along the Adriatic Sea. Montenegro has an area of 13,812 square kilometers (5,019 square miles) in the Balkan Peninsula. The capital and largest city of Montenegro is Podgorica.

The region of Montenegro has a long history, dating back to ancient times. It became part of the Roman Empire in 9 AD, and later the Slavs controlled the region in the 6th century. After a short period of independence, the Ottomans conquered the region that included Montenegro. Montenegro became independent Principality of Montenegro in 1878. In 1910, it became the Kingdom of Montenegro, lasting until 1918. Montenegro was one of the republics of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, then became the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia with Serbia in 1992, when the other nations left the union. This union became the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2003, and became independent on June 3, 2006.

The population of Montenegro is estimated at about 625,266, which is made up of about 45 percent Montenegrins, 29 percent Serbs, 9 percent Bosniaks, and smaller populations of Albanians, Roma, and Croats. The official language of Montenegro is Montenegrin, but there are four official regional languages: Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, and Croatian. Over 70 percent of the population identify their religion as Eastern Orthodox, with Islam following with almost 20 percent.

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Last Updated On : March 13, 2013