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General information

Population : 642,550 people (164th in the World, 41st in Europe)
Total Area : 13,812 km^2 (157th in the World, 39th in Europe)
Official languages : Montenegrin
Official currency : Euro(EUR)
Capital : Podgorica
Population density : 45 people/km^2 (174th in the World, 43rd in Europe)
Top 5 biggest cities : Podgorica, Nikšić, Pljevlja, Bijelo Polje, Cetinje


Montenegro is an independent and sovereign republic that proclaimed its new constitution on 22 October 2007.

The President of Montenegro is the head of state, elected for a period of five years through direct elections. The President represents the country abroad, promulgates laws by ordinance, calls elections for the Parliament, proposes candidates for Prime Minister, president and justices of the Constitutional Court to the Parliament. The President also proposes the calling of a referendum to Parliament, grants amnesty for criminal offences prescribed 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 in Cetinje.

Montenegro is divided into twenty-three municipalities (opština), and two urban municipalities, with two subdivisions of Podgorica municipality. Each municipality can contain multiple cities and towns. Historically, the territory of the country was divided into "nahije".






National sport : Water Polo

Football



Basketball


National animal : Falcon



National plant : Olive (Olea europaea)



National Instruments : Gusle








The significance of the 13rd of July

Statehood Day is a holiday that occurs every year on 13 July in Montenegro to commemorate the day in 1878 on which the Berlin Congress recognized Montenegro as the twenty-seventh independent state in the world. Statehood Day is not to be confused with Montenegro's Independence Day, which is held each year on 21 May in honor of the 2006 plebiscite that indicated that 55.5% of Montenegrins were in favor of becoming a sovereign nation.












Time for the oldest legend of Montenegro.. !




The story of Vladimir and Kosara is the subject of one of the most romantic tales of early Montenegrin literature; this is the Chronicle’s description of how Vladimir and Kosara met.

It came to pass that Samuel’s daughter, Kossara, was animated and inspired by a beatific soul. She approached her father and begged that she might go down with her maids and wash the head and feet of the chained captives. Her father granted her wish, so she descended and carried out her good work. Noticing Vladimir among the prisoners, she was struck by his handsome appearance, his humility, gentleness and modesty, and the fact that he was full of wisdom and knowledge of the lord. She stopped to talk to him, and to her his speech seemed sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

So Kosara fell in love with the handsome captive, and begged her father for his hand. Samuel, having conquered lands, wanted to bind his new subjects to himself in a more cordial way, not only with the sheer force. He allowed the marriage, returned Duklja to his new son-in-law, and besides gave him the whole territory of Dyrrhachium, to rule them from that point on as his vassal.
Tsar Samuel died in 1014 and he was succeeded by his son Gavril Radomir, but his reign was short: his cousin Ivan Vladislav killed him in 1015, and ruled in his stead. Vladislav held that he would make his position stronger if he exterminated the whole family of Samuil, for which reason he plotted the murder of Jovan Vladimir. The new Tsar thus sent messengers to him to demand his attendance in Prespa, but Vladimir did not want to go out his land; not even after many subsequent Vladislav’s promises and pledges that he meant no harm to him. Finally, Vladislav sent him a golden cross with his pledge on it, to which Vladimir replied.

We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, was suspended not on a golden cross, but on a wooden one. Therefore, if both your faith and your words are true, send me a wooden cross in the hands of religious men, then in accordance with the belief and conviction of the Lord Jesus Christ, I will have faith in the life-giving cross and holy wood. I will come.
Two bishops and a hermit came to Vladimir, gave him a wooden cross, and confirmed that the Tsar had made the pledge on it. Vladimir kissed the cross, collected a few followers, and set off to Prespa. As soon as he arrived there, he went into a church for a prayer. When he came out of the church, he was struck down by Vladislav’s soldiers and beheaded, all the time holding the cross in his hands; it was May 22, 1016.

Jovan Vladimir was buried in Prespa, in the same church in front of which he was martyred. Shortly after his death, he was recognized as a martyr and saint.

Two or three years after Jovan Vladimir’s burial, Kosara transported his remains to Duklja. She interred him near his court in Krajina, in the church of Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos. Kosara did not marry again; by her will, she was interred in the same church, at the feet of her husband.







Top 5 places visited by tourists


Budva











Located in the center point of Montenegro’s coastline, Budva boasts a picturesque Old Town, an abundance of beaches and several important cultural institutions, including the childhood home of Serbian writer and politician Stefan Mitrov Ljubiša. It’s the city’s vibrant nightlife, however, that makes Budva the most popular place to visit in Montenegro. By night, revelers crowd the city’s many bars, clubs and restaurants, and then spend the day relaxing at one of the region’s 35 beaches. Those looking for a more relaxed place on the Budva Riviera head to nearby Bečići, which offers a laid back location and a beautiful sandy beach.



Kotor









Considered one of the best preserved medieval towns on the Adriatic coast, the fortified town of Kotor is tucked against the steep mountains surrounding the deep channels of the Bay of Kotor. While Kotor’s architecture reflects the various empires that ruled over the region, it is best known for its Venetian-flavored Old Town, which is dominated by the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. The cathedral’s carved stone altar is an exquisite example of the stonemasonry skills Kotor was known for in the Middle Ages. Treks up the upper town walls to Kotor’s hilltop fortress reward hardy hikers with breathtaking views of the city and deep-water bay.


Durmitor National Park










Centered around the mountain village of Žabljak, the thickly forested Durmitor National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in the Dinaric Alps, the park includes the high-altitude peaks of the Durmitor Massif, 18 glacial lakes and the Tara River, home to the world’s second deepest gorge. Skiing and snowboarding are the main activities in winter while whitewater rafting, camping and hiking attract visitors in the warm-weather season. The park’s wildlife includes 163 bird species, mammals ranging from wild boars to brown bears, and the most varieties of butterflies found anywhere in Europe.



Perast










Located to the northwest of Kotor and sharing the same gorgeous fjord-like bay, pretty Perast is a small town notable for it stone-crafted villas and historic churches. Two of the city’s picturesque chapels are situated on tiny islets, Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. Back onshore, the Church of St. Nikola is worth a visit for the pleasant views that a climb up to the belfry offers of the town and bay. While there’s no beach in this bay-front city, the stone jetties along the waterfront are popular places for sunbathing and relaxing.



Mount Lovcen









One of the most striking natural features in Montenegro, soaring Mount Lovcen is capped by two mammoth peaks of granite. Part of the Mount Loven National Park, the mountain inspired Montenegro’s name and is a symbol of national pride. Climbs to the top of Mount Lovcen offer panoramic vistas of the fortified city of Kotor, the surrounding hills and the Bay of Kotor. With its circular viewing platform, the nearby Njegoš Mausoleum is a destination for sightseers as well as for those who want to pay their respects to the poet and philosopher buried there. Petar II Petrović-Njegoš is beloved for writing “The Mountain Wreath,” Montenegro’s national epic poem.





Top 3 locations suggested by the locals


Ulcinj






Located at the southern tip of Montenegro near the Albanian border, Ulcinj is an ancient seaport once known as the pirate capital of the Adriatic Sea. Today, the city is most famous for its many beautiful beaches, of which the sandy stretch of Plazhe e Mahed, or Long Beach, is one of the most popular. The offshore island of Ad Bojana features several scenic beaches as well. Minarets rising from mosques in this largely Muslim city add to Ulcinj’s unique appeal, and a stroll along the seaside promenade to enjoy a tasty kebab or rich cup of coffee is just one of the experiences that makes a visit to Ulcinj so memorable.


Cijevna








The Cem is a river that flows through Albania and Montenegro. It originates in Kelmend, Malësi e Madhe Municipality, Albania. It flows generally southwest through Triesh and Gornji Milješ, for some 64.7 kilometres before merging with the Morača just south of Podgorica, in Montenegro.





Ostrog Monastery








Situated high up in the large rock of Ostroška Greda, the Ostrog Monastery is the country’s most unusual architectural site and a major Christian pilgrimage destination. The entire monastery was carved out of a cave in a nearly vertical mountain cliff with only the whitewashed façade left visible. Built in the 17th century as a refuge against the Ottoman Empire, it houses the remains of its founder, Sveti Vasilje, who was sainted after his death in 1671. The monastery includes two inner cave churches ornamented by frescoes, some of which were painted directly on the rock walls.






Inventions Montenegro gave to the world!


*1st South Slavic printing house!
*by Đurađ Crnojević in 1490


*1st incunabulum written in the serbian recension of Church Slavonic!
*by Đurađ Crnojević in 1494







Famous people from Montenegro


Constantine Bodin - was the ruler of Duklja, from 1081 to 1101, succeeding his father, Mihailo Vojislavljević. Born in peaceful times, when the Serbs were subjects of the Byzantine Empire, his father was in 1072 approached by Bulgarian nobility, who sought aid in their revolt against the Byzantines; Mihailo sent them Bodin, who was crowned Bulgarian Tsar under the name Peter III and joined the short-lived revolt, being captured the following year after initial success. He was freed in 1078, and upon the death of his father in 1081 he succeeded the throne. Having renewed his acknowledgement of Byzantine overlordship, he soon sided with their enemies, the Normans, which resulted in a Byzantine invasion and his capture. Although he quickly had himself freed, his reputation and influence waned. He was pushed aside by one of his governors and nephews, Vukan in Raška, who continued the struggle against the Byzantines.


( ?? - 1101)



Petar I Petrovic Njegos - was the ruler of the Prince-Bishopric of Montenegro as the Metropolitan (vladika) of Cetinje, and Exarch (legate) of the Serbian Orthodox Church throne. He was the most popular spiritual and military leader from the Petrović dynasty. During his long rule, Petar strengthened the state by uniting the often quarreling tribes, consolidating his control over Montenegrin lands, introducing the first laws in Montenegro and a program of liberation and unification of Serbs. His rule prepared Montenegro for the subsequent introduction of modern institutions of the state: taxes, schools and larger commercial enterprises. He was canonized by the Serbian Orthodox Church as "St. Peter of Cetinje"


(1748 - 1830)


Nikola I Petrović-Njegoš - was the ruler of Montenegro from 1860 to 1918, reigning as sovereign prince from 1860 to 1910 and as king from 1910 to 1918.


(1841 - 1921)



Dejan Savićević - is a Montenegrin former football player who played as an attacking midfielder. Since 2004 he has been the president of the Montenegrin Football Association (FSCG).


(born 1966)


Đurađ Crnojević - was the Lord of Zeta between 1490 and 1496. The son of Ivan Crnojević and Goisava Arianiti, he was the founder of the first South Slavic printing house. Crnojević styled himself "Duke of Zeta". He was well known by his great education, knowledge of astronomy, geometry and other sciences.


( ?? - 1514)








Traditional food


Kacamak



Kacamak is a massive, strong dish that is prepared from wheat, buckwheat, barley or corn flour and serves with cheese and sour milk. The creamy kachamak is called the one to which cheese is added, that is, kajmak and which is mixed for a long time with a special wooden spoon.

Cicvara



A meal usually serves white boiled potatoes and sour milk. Young cow cheese or kajmak mix with flour until free from grease. This is a meal of high energy value, pleasant taste - literally melts in the mouth.


Rastan



A very delicious dish of local vegetables from the cabbage family, cooked with white potatoes and plenty of spices, pork meat, brass sausages.


Japraci



An extremely rich and nutritious meal. A kilogram of rastan and half a pound of beef meat is added to the spinach, pepper, and even meat.

Njegusi Proscuitto



Whole pig hind legs are packed in salt for three weeks, then they’re hung to dry for three more weeks. The final touch is four months of smoking, during which the fire has to be constantly burning and tended to. The prized result is sliced thinly and served with local cheese or cooked with cabbage.


Cevapi And Pljeskavica



These are minced meat dishes which are found throughout the Balkans. Cevapi are little sausages and pljeskavica are burger patties. You can find them at restaurants served with fries and salad or at fast food stands in ginormous bread buns with cabbage and tomato. At a couple of Euros each, these ‘Balkan hamburgers’ are excellent value.


Buzara



All coastal Montenegrins grow up loving buzara. Shellfish, prawns and shrimps are cooked in either a red or white sauce. The red sauce is made with red wine, onions, tomatoes, herbs and spices. The white sauce is considered an art form and is made with white wine. Montenegrins love nothing more than to cook up a huge pot of buzara on a summer night and invite all their friends over.


Montenegrin Lamb in Milk



Montenegrin lamb in milk is a traditional dish that’s only found in northern Montenegro. The lamb is slowly stewed in milk with potatoes, carrots, fennel, rosemary, garlic, parsley and seasoning. Traditionally, this dish is made in a sacover coals and the meat comes out beautifully tender.




Traditional desserts

Popara



Mixing a piece of bread with milk, oil and cheese, an interesting and cheap meal is deeply rooted in Montenegrin food.


Bajadera



It’s always got three layers, two chocolate ones and walnut one and as you can imagine, it’s very rich and decadent. If you're visiting someone at home, grab a box of Bajadera at your local shop for your host and they'll be very happy.


Baklava



This dessert is made of layers of filo pastry which alternate with layers of ground walnuts. The whole dish is soaked in sugar syrup and finished with a touch of lemon.


Priganice



They're small balls of fried dough that are served with honey, jam or cheese.


Palačinke



This dessert is a big crepe-pancake that’s filled with jam or chocolate. You can order them in cafes or restaurants or get one to go.




Traditional drinks

Niksicko



Lozova rakija




Brandy from grapes.

Vranac







Interesting facts about Montenegro


1.Montenegro got its name from the dark mountain forests that cover the land. The name breaks down into two words, ‘monte’ and ‘negro’ (black, mountain), and dates back to the 15th century.
2.The country has 117 beaches along the Adriatic coast.
3.About 60% of the country is more than 1000 meters above sea level, with the tallest peak – Bobotov Kuk in the Durmitor Mountains – at 2,522 meters.
4.The country has a diverse population. Native Montenegrins make up about 45% of its population while Serbs, Bosniaks, Albanians, Muslims and Croats form the rest of the country’s population.
5.Crvena Stijena by the village Petrovici near Niksic is one of Montenegro’s oldest cultural and historical monuments. The cave is unique in the world because of the numerous cultural artifacts it contains.
6.The country was the first in the world to have a national printing house.
7.It is customary for visiting guests to bring a bottle of wine and a box of coffee when invited by someone for a meal or celebration
8.The majority of the country’s population, almost 47%, is between the ages of 25 and 54.
9.The country has a high literacy rate of almost 99%.
10.Montenegro does not mint, issue or print euro coins or notes. It imports them from other countries that are part of the Eurozone.




My 5 words when I hear about Montenegro:
#Mountains,#Beaches,#Slavs,#WaterPolo,#Pljeskavica

What are your 5?





Special thanks to sasapg and I will leave you with a message from Montenegro:








I leave you with some Montenegrian memes:
















Waiting for feedback , comments , opinions and if there is anyone that thinks I missed something , I could do something better or just wants to help me with this project , PM me !

Special thanks to Kariky for the spacers !!




Hope you enjoyed and see you next time!

P.S. Article 62/74!







P.S.2. Don't forget to push the flags !