Montenegro is the youngest European country. Interesting facts about Montenegro

Perhaps everyone has heard of a country like Montenegro. Although she, as a state, has not yet turned ten years old! Where is the youngest European country? How and when did it become independent? And what is Montenegro "the most-most"?

The European country of Czarna Gora (the Montenegrins themselves call it) is located in the Balkans. First of all, it is known to tourists and travelers who remain from visiting Montenegro in great ecstasy.

The youngest European country

Until 2006, this state was an integral part of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro, and even earlier was part of Yugoslavia. Officially independent, the youngest European country became in late June 2006. The appearance on the political map of the world of a new state was soon recognized in the UN.

It should be noted right away that the sovereignty of Montenegro was recognized by all European countries, including Serbia.

Montenegro has an insignificant outlet to the Adriatic Sea. It borders with Serbia, Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as with Kosovo, a partially recognized republic.

Geographically, this European country consists of three parts (districts): the coastal, central plain and eastern mountain. The status of the capital of the state was Podgorica. But the main cultural center of the country is the city of Cetinje.

The state flag and emblem depicts an eagle - a sign of the first royal dynasty of Montenegro. It symbolizes the unity of state and church power.

The Old History of Montenegro

European country Montenegro as an independent state existed already in the XVIII century. It was the first of the modern Balkan states that managed to secede from the mighty Ottoman Empire. The capital of sovereign Montenegro in those days was precisely the city of Cetinje. By the way, the Berlin Treaty of 1878 placed Montenegro among the 27 independent states of the world.

In 1916 the country was occupied by the troops of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Two years later, Montenegro was liberated (or captured, if viewed from another point of view) by the Serbian army. The Podgoritsa Assembly (the national government body at that time) decided to cling to the wing of the royal dynasty of Serbia.

Throughout 1919-1912 in Montenegro there were mass unrest and public demonstrations against the Serbian authorities. After the end of World War II, Montenegro became one of the republics of Yugoslavia.

The newest history of Montenegro: the path to independence

After the collapse of Yugoslavia, the country was part of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. Already in the late 90's Milo Djukanovic (the ideological leader of the Montenegrin people) became an ardent opponent of Slobodan Milosevic. Djukanovic began actively promoting the idea of independence, demanded the expansion of political and economic rights for Montenegro.

By the way, in the early 2000s many European countries did not support Montenegro's desire to become an independent state. Despite this, in 2002 Montenegro accepts the euro as a local currency.

Negotiations on the holding of the referendum began at the very beginning of 2006. Serbian oppositionists categorically rejected such an idea. Nevertheless, the dialogue continued. Soon he was joined by EU representatives. It was they who offered the parties the condition of the referendum: Montenegro will gain independence if at least 55% of citizens vote for it.

The referendum was held on May 21, 2006. Turnout was very large - over 86%. At the same time 55.4% of those who came to the polls voted for the independence of Montenegro. In June of the same year, the Montenegrin parliament solemnly proclaimed sovereignty, and a new young European country appeared on the map.

Montenegro is a tourist country

Tens of thousands of European tourists visit Montenegro every year. Also remain in the big delight from this surprisingly beautiful, unusual and original country.

There is everything for the development of tourism: centuries-old history, ancient temples and monasteries, cultural highlights ... And most importantly - diverse and simply stunning natural landscapes! And all these Montenegrins skillfully and effectively use. At the same time, they carefully preserve and protect their natural resources.

According to statistics, every year the number of tourists coming to Montenegro is twice the number of the indigenous population of this country. And this is no small achievement for such a young state!

12 amazing facts about Montenegro

As a result, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the list of the most amazing facts about Montenegro;

• In the capital of the country Podgorica is the shortest street in Europe, 30 meters long;
• In Montenegro (according to some sources) is the narrowest street in Europe;
• Montenegrins are the highest European nation;
• In this country is the most rainy place in Europe (a village on the slope of Mount Orien);
• In the north of the state there is a so-called village of bachelors, in which 60 men who voluntarily deprived themselves of family well-being live;
• In Montenegro, there is a fragment of the cross on which Christ was crucified;
• In this country the highest bell tower is built on the whole Adriatic coast;
• The highest church is in Montenegro (at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level);
• Zrna Gora is a country of phenomenally narrow river canyons, some of them a person can even step over;
• In Montenegro, one of the three relic (untouched) forests of Europe has been preserved;
• In this tiny country there are 22 endemic plant species;
• It is in Montenegro that nature created the deepest canyon in Europe (the canyon of the Tara River, up to 1300 meters deep).

Finally…

Montenegro is a small European country located on the Balkan Peninsula. This is the youngest state on the map of Europe. Independence was proclaimed in June 2006.