Montenegro

Compiled from the July 2007 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:

Republic of Montenegro

PROFILE

Geography

Area: Montenegro (13,938 sq. km.) is slightly smaller than Connecticut.

Cities: Capital—Podgorica. Other cities—Bar, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Budva, Cetinje, Herceg Novi, Kotor, Niksic, Pljevlja, Tivat, Ulcinj.

Terrain: Varied; mountainous regions with thick forests; central plains; southwestern Adriatic coast with high shoreline with very few islands off the coast.

Climate: Generally continental; Mediterranean along the coast.

People

Nationality: Noun—Montenegrin(s); adjective—Montenegrin.

Population: 630,548 (2004 Republic census).

Population growth rate: (2004) 3.5%.

Ethnic groups: (2004 census) Montenegrin 43%, Serbian 31%, Bosniak 8%, Albanian 5%, Muslim 5%, Croatian 1%, Roma 0.5%.

Religions: 2004 census) Orthodox 74%, Muslim 18%, Roman Catholic 4%.

Languages: Serbo-Croatian 95%, Albanian 5%.

Health: Infant mortality rate—14.2 deaths/1,000. Life expectancy—male 72.8 yrs., female 76.7 yrs.

Government

Type: Republic.

Constitution: Adopted October 12, 1992.

Independence: June 3, 2006 (declared by parliament after referendum in favor of independence from state union of Serbia and Montenegro).

Government branches: Executive—president (chief of state); prime minister (head of government). Legislative—Montenegrin parliament. Judicial—Constitutional Court and Supreme Court.

Political parties: Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), Democratic Union of Albanians (DUA), Democratic League in Montenegro (DSCG), Democratic Serbian Party (DSS), Liberal Party (LP), People's Party of Montenegro (NS), Serbian People's Party (SNS), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Socialist People's Party (SNP), Movement for Change (PZP), Albanian Alternataive (AA), Croatian Civic Initiative (HGI), Bos-niak Party (BS), Party of Serbian Unity (SSJ), People's Socialist Party (NSS), and Party of Serbian Radicals (SSR).

Suffrage: Universal at 18.

Economy

GDP: (2006) $2.230 billion ($1,778).

Real GDP growth rate: (2006/ 2005) 6.5%.

Per capita income: (2006) $3,500 ($2,790).

Inflation rate: (2006) 2.5%.

Natural resources: Bauxite.

Agriculture: 15% of GDP.

Industry: 28% of GDP.

Services: 56% of GDP.

Trade: (2006) Exports—$619.3 million ($493.6 million). Major markets—Serbia ($211.1 million; $168.2 million), Italy ($178.4 million; $142.2 million), Hungary ($55 million; $43.9 million) Greece ($52.3 million; $41.7 million), Bosnia and Herzegovina ($34.9 million; $27.8 million). Imports—$1.763 billion ($1.405 billion). Major suppliers—Serbia ($502.4 million; $400.4 million), Germany ($194.8 million; $155.3 million), Italy ($174.1 million; $138.7 million), Greece ($75.1 million; $59.9 million), Croatia ($72.6 million; $57.9 million).

PEOPLE AND HISTORY

Montenegro resisted the rule of the Ottoman Turks, maintaining its independence and playing off its powerful neighbors against each other. Montenegro was recognized as an independent and sovereign principality by the Great Powers of Europe assembled at the Congress of Berlin on July 13, 1878.

During World War I, Montenegro fought on the side of the Allies but was defeated and occupied by Austria. Upon Austrian occupation, the Montenegrin king, King Nikola I, and his government went into exile. In late 1918, an Assembly met in Podgorica, and under the eyes of the Serbian army, deposed King Nikola and declared unification with Serbia. The government of Montenegro in exile denounced the Assembly's action, to no avail. From 1919 to 1941, Montenegro was part of what became known as the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, despite armed resistance in the early 1920s to rule from Belgrade.

When Yugoslavia was invaded and partitioned by the Axis powers in April 1941, Montenegro was appropriated by the Italians under a nominally autonomous administration. While some Montenegrins sided with Italy, motivated by antipathy against past rule from Belgrade, the Partisan Revolt in Montenegro began early, on July 13, 1941, and initially scored impressive successes against the Italian occupiers. Throughout World War II, Montenegro served as an effective base and refuge for Tito's Partisans. After the war, Montenegro was granted the status of a republic within Yugoslavia.

The breakup of the Yugoslav federation after 1989 left Montenegro in a precarious position. Between 1991 and 1992, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia all seceded from Yugoslavia. On April 27, 1992 in Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro joined in passing the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Though Montenegro reaffirmed its political attachment to Serbia, a sense of a distinct Montenegrgrin identity continued to thrive. The government of Montenegro was critical of Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic's 1998-99 campaign in Kosovo, and the ruling coalition parties boycotted the September 2000 federal elections, which led to the eventual removal of Milosevic's regime. In March 2002, the Belgrade Agreement was signed by the heads of the federal and republican governments, setting forth the parameters for a redefinition of Montenegro's relationship with Serbia within a joint state. On February 4, 2003, the F.R.Y. parliament ratified the Constitutional Charter, establishing a new state union and changing the name of the country from Yugoslavia to Serbia and Montenegro. On May 21, 2006, the Republic of Montenegro held a successful referendum on independence and declared independence on June 3.

Serbia, the European Union (EU), and all permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have recognized the Republic of Montenegro's independence. Montenegro joined the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on June 22, 2006, the United Nations (UN) on June 28, 2006, and the Council of Europe on May 11, 2007.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

In January 1998, Milo Djukanovic became Montenegro's President, following bitterly contested elections in November 1997, which were declared free and fair by international monitors. His coalition followed up with parliamentary elections in May 1998. Having weathered Milosevic's campaign to undermine his government, Djukanovic struggled to balance the pro-independence stance of his coalition with the changed domestic and international environment following the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) bombing campaign in Kosovo.

In December 2002, Djukanovic resigned as President and was appointed Prime Minister. The President of Montenegro is Filip Vujan-ovic, elected in May 2003 after two previous elections were declared void after failing to meet voter turnou requirements. Parliamentary elections were held on September 10, 2006. Both domestic and international observers assessed the elections as being generally in line with international standards. Zeljko Sturanovic became Prime Minister.

Legislature

The Montenegrin Parliament is the lawmaking body of the Government of Montenegro.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 2/1/2008

Pres.: Filip VUJANOVIC

Prime Min.: Zeljko STURANOVIC

Dep. Prime Min. for Economic Policy: Vujica LAZOVIC

Dep. Prime Min. for European Integration: Gordana DJUROVIC

Min. of Agriculture, Forestry, & Water Management: Milutin SIMOVIC

Min. of Culture, Sports, & Media: Predrag SEKULIC

Min. of Defense: Boro VUCINIC

Min. for Economic Development: Branimir GVOZDENOVIC

Min. of Education & Science: Slobodan BACKOVIC

Min. of Finance: Igor LUKSIC

Min. of Foreign Affairs: Milan ROCEN

Min. of Health, Labor, & Social Insurance: Miodrag RADUNOVIC

Min. for Human & Minority Rights: Fuad NIMANI

Min. of Internal Affairs & Public Admin.: Jusuf KALAMPEROVIC

Min. of Justice: Miras RADOVIC

Min. of Transport, Maritime Affairs, & Telecommunications: Andrija LOMPAR

Min. of Tourism & Environmental Protection: Predrag NENEZIC

Min. Without Portfolio: Suad NUMANOVIC

Ambassador to the US: Miodrag VLAHOVIC

Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Nebojsa KALUDJEROVIC

DEFENSE

The Montenegrin Government has established a military and a Ministry

of Defense. Further reform and transformation of both institutions is underway.

ECONOMY

Montenegro has natural resources, primarily bauxite, adequate water supplies, and a climate conducive to agriculture and tourism. The establishment of the bauxite-alumina-aluminum industry after World War II provided Montenegro with a core strategic industry, which has suffered from high production costs since the first energy crisis in 1973. In the 1960s, tourism began its initial growth, largely attracting visitors from Eastern Europe. War and sanctions in the early 1990s hit Montenegro hard, and recovery only really began after the end of the Kosovo crisis in 1999 and the adoption of the deutschmark (DM) in November 1999, which largely disconnected Montenegro's economy from Serbia and the Serbian dinar.

During the last few years, Montenegro has created a business-friendly investment climate. The Euro replaced the DM on March 31, 2002. The country established the lowest corporate tax rate in the region (9%) and Standard & Poors has given Montenegro a credit rating of BB+. In 2006 inflation was 2.5%, and, according to the cost of the living index, the inflation rate in the first half of 2007 was only 1.1%. Around 85% of capital value in Montenegrin companies had been privatized by December 2006. The banking sector, telecommunications, and oil import and distribution in Montenegro are 100% privately owned. Capital structure analyses show that the state still has shares in 65 companies, and in 53.8% of those the state has more than 50% ownership.

The biggest improvement Montenegro has made has been in the area of tax policy. Montenegro introduced value added tax (VAT) in April 2003, and, as of January 2006, introduced the tax rates of 17% and 7% (for tourism). The lower VAT rate for tourism is to encourage growth in this strategic industry. Montenegro also decreased the personal income tax (PIT), and a 15% flat rate has been implemented since January 2007. Net foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2006 reached $680 million, which was six times higher than in 2004, and investments per capita are $1,100—one of the highest in Europe. In the first half of 2007 there was a 78% increase in direct foreign investments in Montenegro. According to preliminary data from the Montenegrin central bank, the amount of foreign investments from January to July 2007 was $650 million.

Tourism and tourism investments, particularly along the Adriatic coast, are booming. The independent World Travel and Tourism Council repeatedly has ranked Montenegro as the top-growing tourism destination in the world, with growth estimated at 10% annually through 2016.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Since the June 3, 2006 declaration of independence, the European Union, Serbia, and all permanent members of the UN Security Council have recognized Montenegro. The UN General Assembly voted on June 28, 2006 to admit Montenegro as a new member state, and Montenegro has indicated its desire to join the EU and NATO. Montenegro is applying for membership in various international organizations, since the union's seats in such bodies were retained by Serbia. Serbia and Montenegro dissolved their union peacefully, and both countries have stated intentions to maintain close political, economic, and cultural ties.

U.S.-MONTENEGRO RELATIONS

The United States recognized Montenegro on June 12, 2006 and formally established diplomatic relations on August 15. The U.S. maintains an Embassy in Podgorica. There are currently a variety of U.S. assistance programs in place in Montenegro to help improve the economic climate and strengthen democracy. These include initiatives to prepare the country for World Trade Organization (WTO) accession and to promote local economic growth and business development.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

Last Updated: 2/19/2008

PODGORICA (E) Ljubljanska bb, 81000 POdgorica, Montenegro, +382-81-225-417, Fax +382-81-241-358, Workweek: Monday to Friday (0830-1700), Website: http://Podgorica.usembassy.gov

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet

August 14, 2007

Country Description: Montenegro declared its independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro on June 3, 2006, following a peaceful referendum process. Montenegro is a small Balkan country currently undergoing significant political and economic change. Tourist facilities are widely available but vary in quality and some may not be up to Western standards.

Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens with tourist, official, or diplomatic passports do not require a visa for entry and stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days. If U.S. citizens decide to stay longer than 90 days they must apply for a temporary residence permit one week before the 90 day period expires. This applies to bearers of all types of U.S. passports—tourist, official, and diplomatic. The Government of Montenegro has established its Embassy in Washington and a Consulate in New York.

Travelers are required to declare currency in excess of 2,000 Euros upon entry and must obtain from customs officials a declaration form that must be presented at departure. Failure to comply may result in confiscation of funds and criminal proceedings.

Registration with Local Authorities: Visitors staying in private accommodations other than hotels must register with the police station responsible for the area in which they are staying within 24 hours of arrival. Failure to comply may result in a fine, incarceration, and/or expulsion. Persons who fail to register may face difficulties in departing the country. Visitors staying in hotels or tourist facilities are automatically registered with the police by the hotel.

Safety and Security: Threats to American interests are rare. Any demonstrations due to work conditions or sports events have been peaceful or have experienced low levels of violence.

Montenegrin nightclubs and tourist centers are popular with foreign tourists. Patrons should be aware that these establishments can be crowded and may not comply with western standards for occupancy control and fire safety.

On January 23, 2006, a passenger train derailment in Montenegro resulted in 48 deaths and numerous casualties. Travelers in the region may wish to consider the safety of train travel in light of this accident. Initial reports indicated that the accident resulted from brake failure. The court proceeding to determine the exact cause of the accident is still ongoing.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.

Crime: Street crime is at a level similar to other large European cities. Violent crime is rare, and most commonly associated with organized crime activities. In case of emergency, the police telephone number is 92, or toll-free 112 if called from a mobile phone of any mobile provider.

Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Although many physicians in Montenegro are highly trained, hospitals and clinics are generally not equipped or maintained to Western standards. Medicines and basic medical supplies are largely obtainable in privately owned pharmacies. Hospitals and private clinics usually require payment in cash for all services.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Montenegro is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Roads in Montenegro are often poorly maintained, especially in rural areas. Dangerous areas for road travel include a road called “Moraca Canyon.” This is a twisting, two-lane road that is especially overcrowded in the summer. In the winter, the “Moraca Canyon” and northern parts of Montenegro are covered with snow, which may slow down traffic. Roads that lead to the Montenegro coastal areas are in better condition, but are overcrowded during summer season. Montenegrin drivers are often reckless and aggressive, and accidents are frequent.

The use of seat belts is mandatory and cell phone usage while driving is prohibited. The new traffic law states that vehicle lights must be switched on at all times while driving. A driver with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.5 g/kg (US equivalent of 0.05) is considered intoxicated. Roadside assistance is available by dialing 9807 or +382 81 234-467 or by visiting www.amscg.cg.yu. Other emergency numbers are police: 92, fire department: 93, and ambulance: 94.

Metered taxi service is safe and reasonably priced, although foreigners are sometimes charged higher rates. It is advisable to negotiate a price in advance of travel by taxi between cities. Visit the website of Montenegro's national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at www.visit-montenegro.org.

Aviation Safety Oversight: Since Montenegro's recent independence, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not separately assessed the Government of Montenegro's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. However, the FAA earlier assessed the Government of Serbia and Montenegro's Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with ICAO standards for oversight of Serbia and Montenegro's air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's website at http://www.faa.gov.

Special Circumstances: Dual U.S./ Montenegrin nationals may be subject to laws that impose special obligations on Montenegrin citizens. As of August 30, 2006, Montenegrin men are no longer required by Montenegrin law to perform military service.

There are occasional water and electricity outages during peak summer season due to high demand.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Montenegrin law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Montenegro are strict and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family.

Registration and Embassy Locations: Americans living or traveling in Montenegro are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Montenegro. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Podgorica is located at Ljubljanska bb, tel: +382-81-225-417, fax: +382-81-241-358. For after hour emergencies, please call +382 (0)67 283 584. You may also visit the embassy's website at http://podgorica.usembassy.gov.

International Adoption

August 2006

The information in this section has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at http://travel.state.gov/family.

Disclaimer: The information in this flyer relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is based on public sources and current understanding. Questions involving foreign and U.S. immigration laws and legal interpretation should be addressed respectively to qualified foreign or U.S. legal counsel.

Please Note: The United States recognized Montenegro as an independent state on June 12, 2006, following the June 3 declaration of independence by the Montenegrin Parliament. This flyer is based primarily on current Serbian law for intercountry adoption and will be updated if Montenegro changes its laws or procedures on intercountry adoption.

The United States has an Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia and a presence in Podgorica, Montenegro. Podgorica provides only limited consular services to American citizens. The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade provides all visa services, including immigrant visa services, to Montenegrin citizens at this time.

Patterns of Immigration: Please review current reports online at http://travel.state.gov/family.

Adoption Authority:
Ministry of Social Affairs
Attn: Svjetlana Sovilj
Rimski trg BB
81000 Podgorica
Phone: +381 81 482-451
Fax: +381 81 234-256 www.minrada.vlada.cg.yu

Eligibility Requirements for Adoptive Parents: Montenegrin adoption law requires at least one of the prospective adoptive parents to be between 30 and 60 years of age. Prospective parents must have been married for at least three years when beginning the adoption process. Unmarried persons and same-sex couples are not permitted to adopt. Prospective adoptive parents will be disqualified from adopting they have been diagnosed with are mental disorders infectious diseases. Adoptive parents with other serious health conditions must demonstrate to the Ministry of Social Affairs their ability to raise the child.

Residency Requirements: There are no residency requirements for adoption. However, current law gives priority to prospective parents who are of Montenegrin origin.

Time Frame: The length of the adoption process varies greatly. If prospective adoptive parents have located a child prior to their arrival to Montenegro, the whole process may be finished within four weeks.

Adoption Agencies and Attorneys: There are no adoption agencies in Montenegro. Adoptive parents must work directly with the Ministry of Social Affairs. However, U.S. citizens considering adopting from Serbia may still choose to work with an adoption agency to assist them with the U.S. portions of the process.

Adoption Fees: There are no government fees for adoption. The only fee to be paid is for the issuance of the passport for the adopted child. Currently, both Serbia and Montenegro still use passports issued by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The passport fee is around $15 depending on the exchange rate.

Adoption Procedures: Adoptive parents must first contact Ministry of Social Affairs of Montenegro. They must then submit the required documentation listed below.

If determined eligible by the Ministry of Social Affairs, prospective adoptive parents will be instructed to contact the appropriate local authority. Each municipality in Montenegro has its own authority called Center for Social Work (Centar za socijalni rad) which is part of the Ministry of Social Affairs. The Ministry will guide prospective parents to a local authority depending on the number of children awaiting adoption in that area.

Local authorities will attempt to match prospective parents with a child. When a match is made and the parents inform the local authorities to that affect, local authorities will schedule “Solemn Ceremony of Adoption (usually within few days). Local authorities will then erase the names of the biological parents from the registry books and make a new entry with the names of the adopting parents. This is also the time when the child's name can be formally changed, including the child's first name. Authorities will also issues an Adoption Decree (Resenje o usvojenju) which includes child's history and details on the adoption process, Birth certificate and passport.

Required Documents:

• Written request signed by both prospective adoptive parents;
• Parents’ Birth Certificates;
• Marriage Certificate;
• Proof of Citizenship (passport);
• Passport copies;
• Evidence of employment and income;
• Evidence of assets;
• Medical certificate including a psychiatrist's report on the parents’ suitability for the adoption process;
• Criminal records/Police certificates.

Montenegro has not yet established an embassy or consulate in the United States. The Serbian Embassy is located at:

2134 Kalorama Rd, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Tel: (202) 332-0333
Fax: (202) 332-3933
Fax (Consular): (202) 332-5974
http://www.yuembusa.org
Serbia also has a Consulate Generalin Chicago.

U.S.Immigration Requirements: Prospective adoptive parents are strongly encouraged to consult USCIS publication M-249, The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective Adoptive Children, as well as the Department of State publication, International Adoptions. Please see the International Adoption section of this book for more details and review current reports online at http://travel.state.gov/famil

U.S. Consulate
Ljubljanska bb
81000 Podgorica
Montenegro
Switchboard: +381 81 225 417
Fax: +381 81 241 358
E-mail: [email protected]
http://podgorica.usconsulate.gov

Additional Information: Specific questions about adoption in Montenegro may be addressed to the U.S. Government Office in Podgorica. General questions regarding intercountry adoption may be addressed to the Office of Children's Issues, U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/CI, SA-29, 4th Floor, 2201 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, toll-free Tel: 1-888-407-4747.