Montenegro, known in Montenegrin as Crna Gora and officially the Republic of Montenegro, is a country in Southeast Europe. It is bordered by Bosnia and Herzegovina to the north, Serbia to the northeast, Kosovo to the east, Albania to the southeast, Croatia to the northwest, and the Adriatic Sea to the southwest. The country’s capital and largest city is Podgorica, covering 10.4% of Montenegro’s total territory of 13,812 square kilometers (5,333 sq mi) and housing roughly 31% of its total population of approximately 602,445 as of 2023.
Geography
Montenegro’s geography is characterized by its high peaks along its borders and a narrow coastal plain that extends 1.5 to 6 kilometers wide. The country features the dramatic landscapes of the western Balkan Peninsula and the Bay of Kotor. The karst region, at elevations of around 1,000 meters and rising up to 2,000 meters in some parts, is significant, with Mount Orjen being the highest massif among the coastal ranges. The Zeta River valley represents the lowest segment of Montenegro at an elevation of 500 meters.
The mountains of Montenegro are among the most rugged in Europe, with peaks like Bobotov Kuk in the Durmitor mountains reaching 2,522 meters. Due to the hyperhumid climate on their western sides, these mountain ranges experienced significant ice erosion during the last glacial period. Montenegro’s borders encompass Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia, positioned between latitudes 41° and 44°N, and longitudes 18° and 21°E.
Demographics
As of the 2011 census, Montenegro had a population of 620,029, with a diverse multiethnic composition. The country does not have an ethnic majority. Major ethnic groups include Montenegrins and Serbs, with significant populations of Bosniaks, Muslims, Albanians, and Croats. The Montenegrin Roma population is estimated at around 20,000. The ethnic composition of Montenegro varies, influenced by how individuals perceive and express their identity and ethnic affiliation. This fluctuation is notable in the number of individuals identifying as Montenegrins or Serbs in various censuses.