Montenegro
Montenegro is a republic south of Croatia separated from Italy by the crystal waters of the Adriatic. Its coastline stretches 293 km sheltered by dramatic mountains while the highlands are carved with deep river canyons of the Tara River. Montenegro’s charm lies in its unspoiled beaches, thick pine forests and medieval villages.
Montenegro was once a playground for A list celebrities and is now “poised for a major comeback” according to the New York Times in their list of top 10 destinations for 2006. The World Travel and Tourism Council, a trade group of business leaders, has highlighted Montenegro as the "fastest growing travel and tourism economy in the world."
Area total: 14.026 sqm km
Area land: 13.812 sq km
Area water: 214 sq km
Location: Southeastern Europe, between the Adriatic Sea and Serbia
Land Boundaries: Total: 625 km
Border Countries: Albania 172 km, Bosnia & Herzegovina 225 km, Croatia 25 km, Kosovo 79 km, Serbia 124 km
Population: 678.177
Currency: Euro
Language: Montenegrin (official), Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian, Albanian and English (widely spoken)
Ethnic groups: Montenegrin 43%, Serbian 32%, Bosniak 8%, Albanian 5%, other (Muslims, Croats, Roma (Gypsy)) 12%
Nationality: Noun: Montenegrin - Adjective: Montenegrin
Religion: Orthodox, Muslim, Roman Catholic
Government: Multi-party parliamentary republic
Main cities: Podgorica (capital), Kotor, Budva
General Information
Visas: Tourist visa not required but Work visa is required
Sunshine: Average 240 days per year
Climate: Mediterranean
Beaches: 73km
Electricity: 220V
Time zone: +1 GMT
Flying time: 2.5 hours from Ireland/UK
Airports: Podgorica, Tivat. Also accessible from Dubrovnik, Croatia, 14 km from border
A Snapshot of Top Locations
Kotor Bay - The Bay of Kotor is Europe's only fjord, deeply cut into the sides of mountains in the Northern part of Montenegrin coast. It is one of the most striking areas of Montenegro to visit and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. A string of peaceful villages, small beaches and coves border the sea.
Kotor - Kotor is a medieval town of romantic charm. Historically Kotor was an important political and cultural centre in the southern part of the Adriatic and the old town is surrounded by walls erected between the 9th and 13th century. The main square in Kotor old town is filled with charming outdoor cafes and restaurants line the water front serving the latest catch from the bay.
Sveti Stefan - This inviting island attached to the mainland by beach is the most popular destination in Montenegro and once you visit it, you will be able to see why. White shingle and pebble beaches with crystal blue sea, backed by a shaded promenade with fantastic little cafes.
Budva - Budva is a picturesque coastal resort town. Its focal point is the old walled in city, which is some 2.500 years old. The old stage is still used for the summer open air theatre festival - the biggest in the region! Budva has good beaches, beautiful walking tracks and a wealth of cafes and restaurants.
Useful Facts
· There is 293km of coastline with 117 beaches.
· Over 60% of the area of Montenegro is mountainous.
· One of the only two jungles in Europe is situated in the National Park Biogradska Gora.
· The name Montenegro ( Black Mountain ) was probably derived from the thick "black" forests, that in the medieval times had been covering Mt. Lovcen. It was first mentioned in 1276. Italian sources also record the names of Montagna Nera, Montenero, or Monte Negro - wherefrom Montenegro was probably incorporated into the West-European languages.
· Montenegro has always been a problem for cartographers as it was impossible to write all the letters of its name into the small space assigned to it on the map.
· Montenegro was declared as an Ecological State in 1991.
· Montenegro was a NATO ally during the war and has received nearly 70.000 refugees, according to UN estimates, which make up approx. 10% of the population.
· Montenegrins are on average the tallest nation in Europe .
· Podgorica (pronounced pod-gor-itz-a), the administrative capital of Montenegro, was called Titograd after the former Yugoslav leader. After the fall of the former SFR Yugoslavia, in 1992 its name was reverted back to Podgorica.
· Property in Montenegro is up to 50% cheaper than Croatia. Many properties for sale in Montenegro are closer to Dubrovnik airport than property for instance on the Peljesac Peninsula, in Croatia .