Geographical location – Montenegro is located in the central Mediterranean, the south-western part of the Balkan Peninsula. It has land borders with: Croatia - on the west, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina - the northwest, Serbia - in the northeast, Albania - in the southeast. The Adriatic Sea is located on its southwest from which the narrow coastal belt which is 2-3 km wide is surrounded by a mountain range. The territory of Montenegro is 13 812 km2. The length of the coast is 293 km. The beaches are 73 km long. The part of the Adriatic Sea between Montenegro and southern Italy is 200 km wide at the widest spot and deepest 1330 m at 120 km southwest of the Bay of Kotor.
Population – Population in Montenegro - 662 000, including: 62% of Montenegrins, 13% Bosnians, 9% Serbs and 7% Albanians. The state language is Montenegrin. Constitutional as an official is determined “ijekavian” dialect of Serbian language, which is not much different from standard Serbian.
Religion – Orthodox
Culture – Cultural heritage of Montenegro is centuries old and was formed under the influence of both Western and Eastern civilizations, rich in many precious archaeological artifacts, monuments, architecture and literature and artistic creations according to which it is possible to study the history of the development of the cultural milieu. Montenegro is particularly interesting in an archeological way. Especially allocated sites: Cave Red Rock, Bioče (Moraca River Canyon), Copper rocks and Mališina caves (canyon Ćeotine) which was inhabited even during the Neolithic period.
The number of architectural monuments is approximately the same, most of which are religious character and make Montenegro precious for fans of "music frozen in stone", is also of interest to Orthodox Christians, pilgrims to the holy places of Montenegro.
Some towns in Montenegro are under the protection of UNESCO and representing special value for global and cultural heritage of mankind. Special value and special tourist interest are the towns of Cetinje, Kotor, Budva, Herceg-Novi, Old Bar and Old Town of Ulcinj.
At the UNCED conference 1992nd Montenegro was declared an ecological state and was declared as ecological national park of Europe.
Cuisine – Small cafes, small restaurants and restaurants are located in cities, towns and along main roads. The best restaurants specialize on the national cuisine and are located mostly outside the city, near the highway that leads from one to another city. Montenegrin cuisine is divided into coastal and continental. Continental cuisine is rich in grains and dairy products (very many types of cheese) beans, potatoes, meat (mostly pork and lamb), freshwater and lake fish.
Various vegetables are very often used for cooking in a variety of ways. The bases of the coastal (Mediterranean) cuisine are fish dishes, seafood and vegetables, of course without excluding meat and Italian cuisine dishes (pasta, risotto). A special place in the menu covers Njeguški Montenegrin smoked ham, which will always be offered.
Beverages – Montenegro has special kinds of grape, a long tradition of viticulture and great wines. Apart from local varieties – Vranac, Kratošija, Krstač – Montenegro perfectly succeeded in growing French varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet, Chardonnay and Sauvignon. These particular wines are the ones that will be offered most often. In addition, Montenegro has a great choice of spirits. The best known species of the local schnapps are "Montenegrin grape schnapps," "Prvjenac" and "Kruna".
Currency – Euro - Foreign persons are entitled to import currency in unlimited quantities into Montenegro but only with prior customs declaration of the amount of money. Otherwise, it is possible to take out no more than 500 euros. National Banks are open from Monday to Friday 10:30 to 14:00. Commercial Bank from 8:00 to 15:00, Fridays 08:00 to 13:00.
Using credit cards and cash checks is difficult in the territory of Montenegro, with the exceptions of Podgorica and coastal cities where Visa, MasterCard and Amex are being used.
Tips – Hotels and restaurants include service in proportion to the amount of the invoice. But regardless it is desirable to leave a 10% tip, or simply round up the sum to be paid.
Security – The level of offenses in Montenegro is low. Relationship to strangers - sociable. In the tourist regions it is possible of move during the night without fear.
