About Montenegro
Capital city: Podgorica
Historical capital: Cetinje
Population: 650 000
Coastline: 293 km
Length of beaches: 73 km
Highest point: 2523 km
National Parks: Lovćen, Durmitor, Skadar Lake, Biogradska Gora, Prokletije
Border: with Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Albania
Currency: Euro
Geography
Montenegro is located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. The territory of Montenegro covers approximately 13,812 km ². It is bordered by Croatia (14 km) to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the north (225 km), Serbia to the east (203 km), Albania to the south (172 km) and from Italy by the Adriatic Sea. Huge percent of Montenegrin surface is covered with forests. Mountains are one of the most „wild“ in Europe. Their average altitude is over 2,000 m. The highest peak of Montenegro is „Evil Kolata“ on Prokletije with an altitude of 2534 m. Although small country, Montenegro boasts with both amazing coastline and the north.
Economy
Of the total area of Montenegro (13,812 km ²), agricultural land covers cca 5165 km ² (37.40%). Total area of arable land is 1899 km ² (13.75% of the total land area in Montenegro). The main agricultural crops grown are cereals, potatoes, grapes, citrus fruits, olives and figs. Tourism is very important to the economy of Montenegro. Since 2002 the euro is legal currency in Montenegro. Montenegro from 18 January 2007. member of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
Tourism
Montenegro has good conditions for development of all types of tourism, as has beautiful beaches, the mountainous region to the north, rich cultural heritage and well-preserved natural environment. Almost all economic activities in Montenegro are focused on the development of tourism. Government of Montenegro has set itself the goal of development of Montenegro an elite tourist destination. Besides the coastline which is a symbol of more luxury vacation with high-class hotels and resorts, north of the country develops more active holiday and rural tourism and activities such as hiking, biking, alpinism, canyoning etc.
Famous tourist destinations in Montenegro are:
Sveti Stefan – former fishing village, today a luxury city-hotel
Old Town in Kotor, Boka Bay – UNESCO protected
Budva
Ulcinj and Ada Bojana
Monastery Ostrog
National Parks Lovćen, Durmitor, Biogradska Gora, Skadar Lake and Prokletije
Cetinje – the historical capital of Montenegro
Culture
Culture of Montenegro was formed from diversive influences throughout its history. The influence of Orthodox, Slavic, Central European, Islamic and Mediterranean maritime culture (from parts of Italy, such as the Venetian Republic) were present in the last few centuries. Podgorica and Cetinje are the most important centers of culture and art in the country. Montenegro has many significant cultural and historical monuments, including monuments from Romanic, Gothic and Baroque. Montenegrin coast is known for its religious monuments, including the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in Kotor, the Basilica of St. Luke (the old more than 800 years), Church of Our Lady of the Rock, Savina Monastery and others. The most famous Orthodox monasteries in Montenegro: Cetinje monastery, monastery Ostrog and Morača monastery. When it comes to cultural events, throughout a year wide range of events are held in every city of Montenegro.
Cuisine
Montenegrin cuisine is a result of its geographical position and long history. Italian influence on traditional dishes in the continental part of Montenegro and its Adriatic coast is visible in the way of preparing bread, meat, cheese, wine and alcoholic beverages, broth and soup. Another major influence comes from Turkey,and is reflected in the preparation of cabbage rolls, moussaka, pies, etc. Hungarian goulash dishes are also common. The influence of continental Europe, the highest mark left on the preparation of desserts: donuts, jams, many kinds of biscuits and cakes. Montenegrin cuisine depends on geographical location, as the dishes served at the coast differ from the dishes in the northern mountainous areas. On the coast is the great influence of Mediterranean cuisine, with the usual seafood (fish, octopus, shrimp and squid). Montenegro has couple of products and dishes that are branded and protected, such as some type of ham, cheese, famous Montenegrin red and white wine etc.
