Serbian 63.6%, Montenegrin (official) 22%, Bosnian 5.5%, Albanian 5.3%, unspecified 3.7%

Orthodox 74.2%, Muslim 17.7%, Catholic 3.5%, other 0.6%, unspecified 3%, atheist 1%

Montenegro severed its economy from federal control and from Serbia during the MILOSEVIC era and maintained its own central bank, adopted the Deutchmark, then the euro - rather than the Yugoslav dinar - as official currency, collected customs tariffs, and managed its own budget. The dissolution of the loose political union between Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 led to separate membership in several international financial institutions, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. On 18 January 2007, Montenegro joined the World Bank and IMF. Montenegro is pursuing its own membership in the World Trade Organization and signed a Stabilization and Association agreement with the European Union in October 2007. On December 15, 2008, Montenegro submitted an EU membership application. Unemployment and regional disparities in development are key political and economic problems. Montenegro has privatized its large aluminum complex - the dominant industry - as well as most of its financial sector, and has begun to attract foreign direct investment in the tourism sector. The global financial crisis is likely to have a significant negative impact on the economy, due to the ongoing credit crunch, a decline in the real estate sector, and a fall in aluminum exports.

Armed Forces of the Republic of Montenegro: Army, Navy, Air Force

US citizens with tourist, official, or diplomatic passports do not require a visa for entry and stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days. If US 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 US passports – tourist, official, and diplomatic. The Government of Montenegro has established its Embassy in Washington, DC and a Consulate General in New York. The Embassy of Montenegro currently has no web site but can be reached at its Embassy in Washington, DC at 1610 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 234-6108; fax: (202) 234-6109 for the most current visa information. The Consulate General of Montenegro in New York is located at 802 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10017; telephone (212) 661-5400.
Travelers entering Montenegro by motor vehicle are required to pay an annual eco-tax. For passenger vehicles, the tax ranges in price from 10 Euros to 50 Euros depending on the size of the vehicle. Travelers are required to declare currency in excess of 2,000 Euros upon entry and can obtain from customs officials upon request 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.

Airports: 5, Airports w/paved runways: 3

Threats to American interests are rare. Demonstrations, usually related to political activities, labor conditions, or sporting events, have been peaceful or exhibited only 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.
Travelers in the region may wish to consider the safety of public transportation, including trains and buses, in view of aging and poorly maintained equipment. 
Street crime in Podgorica is at a level to be expected for a small European city of 170,000 people. Residential break-ins present the greatest security concern for expatriates in Montenegro; however, the number is still relatively small. Violent crime is limited. Police have a limited ability to provide services in English.

Infant MR not available.
Life expectancy at birth: TOTAL 74 years (male 71/female 76)
 

Required: None
Recommended: Hep A & B, Rabies, Typhoid
Boosters: tetanus-diptheria & polio as needed.

Tickborne encephalitis, a viral infection of the central nervous system occurs in the southern part of the nontropical forest belt in Europe and Asia (to Pacific Ocean). Other infections that tend to occur more often in longer-term travelers (or in immigrants from the region) include tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C (especially in Romania). Outbreaks of diphtheria have been reported in states of the former Soviet Union.

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. Montenegro has only a small number of ambulances and consequently, emergency services are generally responsive in only the most severe cases. Otherwise, people are expected to provide their own transportation to hospitals and clinics.

There have been reported cases of Avian Influenza in animals, but not humans.

Country Code: +381  
Internet Code:   .me