Montenegro is a small country in the western Balkans, now growing into a leading country in beach tourism. Montenegro’s history as a state is not so old but the lands where Montenegro is today once were parts of the Illyrian kingdoms. They were inhabited by the Illyrian tribes of Labeatis and Ardians, most notably by King Agron and Queen Teuta. They were part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires until the Slavic tribes settled in this area and created small kingdoms. Montenegro was not noted for much until the beginnings of the 20th century when it joinedYugoslavia. For the rest of the century it had very close relationships with Serbia. It was declared independent in 2006 and in recent years has begun to develop tourism, becoming a preferred summer destination.
Facts
Population: 622,471 | Capital: Podgorica | Language: Montenegrin language | Surface: 13,812 km2
Montenegro’s largest city, and the country’s capital, Podgorica is located almost in the center of Montenegro between two tourist attractions, Skadar Lake and the steep Dinaric Alps. Inhabited since ancient times, Montenegro has seen manyarmies march through: Illyrians, Romans, Slavs, Ottomans, Byzantine and more, especially in the last century when the great European powers struck the Balkans. You will find history’s tracesin every corner of the city, but also natural beauties like Biogradska National Park, the best place in the area for a stroll. Tara Mountain and Gorge and the Kolasin Ski Resort are not far from Podgorica. While in Podgorica, you should not miss the Ostrog Monastery, one of the oldest and most unique religious sites in the country.
Budva’s beginnings are a mix of legend and truth, between stories about the legendary Greek ruler, Cadmus and the real foundation estimated to be about 3400 years ago. Nevertheless, in the old town you can see for yourself not only how the Greek culture affectedit, but also traces from the Roman Empire. Because Budva was near Rome and Byzantium’s borders, it became an important stronghold. This continued into the Middle Ages and afterwards when it was part of the Venetian Kingdom. All the rulers were interested in Budva due to its position in the Adriatic. That can be seen in the citadel’s strong thick walls. In the past century it was part of Montenegro. Since the late 90s, it has become one of Montenegro and Europe’s top destinations.
Kotor is one of Montenegro’s most impressive cities. First mentioned in the 2nd century B.C., Kotor has been an Illyrian settlement since antiquity, as shown by the ancient walled castle on the mountain overlooking the whole bay and the old and new town of Kotor. It looks similar to Dubrovnik but has its own specialties. AKotor visit starts at the entrance in the castle walls, Venetian in style and fortified time after time for better protection. As soon as you enter, you will have that special Kotor moment, like going back in time.
If you are a person who can make the most from even the most modest things, Skadar Lake is the place for you to show your adventurous creativity. Shared by Montenegro and Albania, 
