Montenegro is located on the Balkan Peninsula, washed by the Adriatic Sea. The coast, tourist infrastructure and attractions have led to an increase in the flow of vacationers. But there is one factor influencing the comfort of travelers – the population of Montenegro, its character and national characteristics.
Content
Nationality of the country
The main part of the population is Montenegrins. According to historians, they are part of the peoples of Serbia, these countries have often been united. In Montenegro, part of the population still wants to join Serbia. The reason is common traditions, national cuisine, very similar languages. However, compared to the last century, this trend among the population is declining. Gradually, Montenegrins become aware of themselves as a separate ethnic group.
The main peoples of the country:
- Montenegrins – 45%.
- Serbs – 29%.
- Bosniaks – 9%
- Albanians – 5%.
About 1,000 Russians and as many Turks live in the country. Therefore, the mentality of the Montenegrin population is very close to the Slavs. The Montenegrin ethnos was formed in the 15th century, during the time of the Turkish company. Most of the population escaped from the conquerors went to the mountains. After the liberation of the territories, they returned to their former places, but the stay and difficult living conditions made the Montenegrins different from the Serbs and other peoples of the Balkan Peninsula.
Important: the ethnographic situation was influenced by the location of the country. You can learn about this from the full description of Montenegro – history, resorts, traditions.
Demographics
The country’s population growth began in the 1950s. Until 2000, the increase was significant, but then it slowed down. The reason is emigration to the European Union, lack of state aid for newborns. Now this situation is improving, but there are still problems with work in the country. The most developed industry is tourism and holiday services. According to the latest census, the population is 670,000.
Facts about the population of the country:
- The ratio of men to women is about equal.
- In 2019, the projected emigration will be about 300 people.
- About 12 new citizens are born every day.
- The planned growth is 320 people.
- Density – 45 per 1 km.
In summer, the population of Montenegro increases due to tourists and independent travelers. Some of them rent villas or apartments, some buy houses and apartments. The latter is a convenient way to invest money.
Most of the citizens live on the Adriatic coast, the most numerous city is the capital Podgorica . There are several companies that provide a steady income to citizens.
Montenegro has a relatively long life expectancy. It is 74 years for men and 76 for women. The reason is a quiet life, healthy food and good ecology. Mostly longer life in mountainous areas.
About the character of Montenegrins
Historical feature – the population of Montenegro was constantly at war. These were internal conflicts, the conquests of neighboring Turkey or pan-European wars. This situation affected the character of the inhabitants, for several centuries, in addition to official power, tribal clans ruled. Their influence is still strong in mountainous areas. This is less common in resort towns and large settlements.
Today, the people of Montenegro are friendly, sociable and hospitable people. For them, the guest is the messenger of the gods. It is a pity that this does not apply to tourists and independent travelers. Since 2000, there have been more cases of deception of vacationers, and overpricing of taxi drivers is a well-known feature of the country.
The peculiarity of Montenegrins is slowness. If you have arranged a meeting with a local, you need to remind yourself several times. Slowness of life is a national tradition. Women have a special place in culture. Mothers of families often weigh more than men. The exception is Gypsy settlements.
The language in the country is Montenegrin. But most locals speak Serbian and Russian. At the resorts, the staff speaks English. The reason is a lot of tourists and vacationers from Europe. People often come to Montenegro for vacations from Germany, neighboring Italy and France. Tourists from these countries do not always behave well, but locals almost do not comment on them.
For tourists
Arriving in Montenegro, you need to know that it looks very similar to other Slavic countries, but there are some differences. The first is the culture of behavior. The waiters, the hotel staff and the villas should be treated culturally. The people of Montenegro are very hurtful, if they are disrespected, conflicts are possible.
It is necessary to study the peculiarities of the Montenegrin language, in particular – obscene words and expressions. These include “chicken”, “match”. It is not recommended to use them during communication and just on the street, they are ugly expressions for every Montenegrin. The resort may forgive this, but in remote villages it will be considered an insult.