Montenegro

Montenegro is a small but new country in the Balkan region that is hoping to become a member of the EU in the foreseeable future. The population of Montenegro is just 0.6 million, 25% of which live in the capital, Podgorica. The population is expected to be broadly the same in 2030, but the proportion of people aged over 65 is expected to increase from 13% to 19%. Montenegrin is the official language, although more people speak Serbian. 75% are Orthodox, while 18% are Muslim. Montenegro does not have its own currency, but uses the Euro. The standard rate of VAT is 17%.

Montenegro                         Capital: Podgorica

 

Population

0.6 million à 0.6 million (2030)

Proportion of people over 65 is 13% à 19% (2030)

Language

Serbian and Montenegrin

Religion

75% Orthodox, 18% Muslim

GDP / head (2010)

€ 5,000   (EU average: € 24,400)

Currency

Euro

VAT

17%

GDP growth (volume)

 

2.7%

2.2% in 2012 (f)

3.2% in 2013 (f)

Unemployment rate

(Dec 2011)

19.4%   (EU average: 10.0%)

Inflation rate

3.1%   (EU average: 3.1%)

 

Figures relate to 2011, except where indicated.                                      Source: Eurostat, Searce (2012)

 

Montenegro has a GDP per capita of €5,000, compared to the EU average of €24,400 in 2010. According to Eurostat, the Montenegrin economy grew by 2.7% in 2011, and is expected to grow by 2.2% in 2012 and by 3.2% in 2013 (compared to the Eurozone average growth of 1.6%, 0.2% and 1.4% respectively). The inflation rate was 3.1% in 2011, compared to 3% in the EU. The unemployment rate was 19.4%, compared to 9.8% in the EU as a whole in 2011.