Central Mediterranean South-East European country, on the west, north and east it borders on Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and to the south borders on Albania. Montenegro is a maritime country, with 200 km of the Adriatic coastline.

Government type:Republic

Capital: Podgorica

Administrative divisions: 21 municipalities (opstine, singular - opstina); Andrijevica, Bar, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Budva, Cetinje, Danilovgrad, Herceg Novi, Kolasin, Kotor, Mojkovac, Niksic, Plav, Pljevlja, Pluzine, Podgorica, Rozaje, Savnik, Tivat, Ulcinj, Zabljak

Executive Branch:
Chief of state: President
Head of government: Prime Minister
Cabinet: Ministries act as cabinet

Legal System: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Population: 672,180 (July 2009 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 165

Ethnic Origin: Montenegrin 43%, Serbian 32%, Bosniak 8%, Albanian 5%, other (Muslims, Croats, Roma (Gypsy)) 12% (2003 census)

Area total: total: 13,812 sq km
Country comparison to the world: 161
Land: 13,452 sq km
Water: 360 sq km

Natural Resources: bauxite, hydroelectricity

Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland. Temperature varies greatly with elevation. Podgorica, lying near sea level, is noted for having the warmest July temperature, averaging 27 C. January temperatures range from 8 C on the southern coast, to -3 C in the northern mountains.

Montenegro's mountainous regions receive some of the highest amounts of rainfall in Europe approx. 194 inches (4,928 millimeters). Snow cover is rare along the Montenegrin coast, but very high amount on the north.

The following items may be imported into Montenegro without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1l of wine and 1l of spirits.
• 250ml of eau de toilette and a reasonable quantity of perfume.
• Jewellery and clothing.
• Two photo cameras, one movie camera (up to and including 16mm) or one video camera.
• One pair of binoculars.
• One pocket electronic calculator.
• Camping equipment.
• One bicycle, with or without engine.
• Sporting requisites (enquire for further details).
• If portable, one musical instrument, one CD/mp3/personal stereo player, one radio receiver with or without a cassette recorder, one tape recorder and one typewriter.

Note: Animals may be imported as long as there is proof of the health condition of the animal. Cats and dogs must have a vet certificate.

Prohibited Imports
Weapons are prohibited.

1 Jan New Year's Day.
7-8 Jan Orthodox Christmas Day
25 Apr Orthodox Good Friday
27 Apr Statehood Day
28 Apr Orthodox Easter Monday
1-2 May Labour Day.
9 May Victory Day
29-30 Nov Republic Day

Montenegro is generally a healthy country with few risks. Only bottled or purified water should be consumed, and food should be well prepared and well cooked. Those intending to hike in the countryside should take precautions against ticks. Medical facilities in Montenegro are limited, and supplies are lacking. Medical insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended. There are some private clinics in Podgorica, which treat travellers, but payment in cash is expected. A reciprocal health agreement entitles visitors from the UK to free emergency treatment.

SAFETY

Montenegro is a safe destination for travellers, although it is wise to take sensible precautions against street crime in the towns and cities, as you would in any other European country. Travellers should note that car thieves tend to target four-wheel-drive and luxury vehicles and that unexploded landmines may still remain along the Kosovo and Metohia border, so necessary precautions should be taken.