World Happiness Report for Montenegro 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Montenegro: 76
- Happiness Score Montenegro:5.707
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Montenegro. ME.
Montenegro is a small country located in Southeast Europe. Its political structure is a parliamentary republic. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from the Byzantine, Slavic, and Ottoman empires. Montenegro’s economy is primarily based on tourism, as it is known for its stunning coastline and natural beauty.
- Montenegro is one of the youngest countries in the world, having gained independence in 2006.
- The country has a diverse population, with influences from various ethnic and religious groups.
- Montenegro is known for its traditional music and dance, as well as its vibrant and colorful festivals.
Montenegro – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History and Ancient Civilizations
The territory of modern-day Montenegro has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. The region was home to various ancient Illyrian tribes, including the Ardiaei, Autariates, and Docleatae. In the 3rd century BC, the area fell under the influence of the Roman Empire, and the city of Doclea (present-day Podgorica) became an important Roman settlement.
Kingdoms and Empires
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Montenegro was part of the Byzantine Empire until the 7th century AD. The Slavic tribes then migrated to the region, establishing the medieval principalities of Travunia, Duklja, and Zeta. In the 14th century, the Balšić noble family gained control over parts of Montenegro, and later the Crnojević dynasty established the Principality of Zeta, laying the foundations for the modern Montenegrin state.
Colonial Period
Montenegro was never officially colonized, but it came under the influence of various regional powers throughout history. In the late 15th century, the Ottomans conquered parts of the territory, leading to a long struggle for independence. The Principality of Montenegro successfully resisted Ottoman rule, and by the 19th century, it had established itself as an autonomous nation.
Independence and Modern Era
Montenegro gained full independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878 and was recognized as a sovereign kingdom in 1910. After World War I, it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia). During World War II, Montenegro was occupied by Axis forces, and a fierce resistance movement emerged. In 1992, Montenegro joined other Yugoslav republics in forming the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In 2006, Montenegro regained its independence through a peaceful referendum.
Current Political Situation
Montenegro is a parliamentary constitutional republic, with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The current president is Jakov Milatović, and the prime minister is Dritan Abazović. Montenegro is a candidate for accession to the European Union and has been a member of NATO since 2017.
International Relations
Montenegro maintains friendly relations with most countries in the region and the world. It has close ties with its neighbors, particularly Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Montenegro is also an active member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Council of Europe.
Human Development and Economy
Montenegro has a transitional economy based on services, tourism, and manufacturing. Key industries include aluminum production, steel manufacturing, and agriculture. The country has a high Human Development Index and is considered an upper-middle-income economy. However, it faces challenges such as high unemployment and a significant informal economy.
Cultural Highlights
Montenegro is a multicultural nation with a rich heritage influenced by various civilizations. The predominant religion is Orthodox Christianity, but there are also significant Catholic and Muslim minorities. The country boasts numerous historical sites, including medieval monasteries, fortresses, and UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Old Town of Kotor. Montenegrin cuisine features Mediterranean and Balkan influences, with specialties like cured meats, cheese, and seafood.
Challenges and Opportunities
Some of the key challenges facing Montenegro include economic diversification, addressing high unemployment, and strengthening democratic institutions. On the other hand, opportunities lie in developing sustainable tourism, attracting foreign investment, and furthering European integration. With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and strategic location, Montenegro has the potential to become a prosperous and stable nation in the Balkan region.
Main facts
Location
Montenegro is a sovereign state located in Southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. It is situated in the Dinaric Alps and borders the Adriatic Sea to the southwest, sharing borders with Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast, Kosovo to the east, and Albania to the southeast.
Map References
Montenegro is located in Southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula.
Area – Comparative
Montenegro has an area of 13,812 square kilometers (5,333 square miles), making it slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut in the United States.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Montenegro has a total land boundary length of 625 kilometers (388 miles), sharing borders with the following countries:
- Albania – 172 km (107 mi)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – 249 km (155 mi)
- Croatia – 25 km (16 mi)
- Kosovo – 79 km (49 mi)
- Serbia – 203 km (126 mi)
Coastline
Montenegro has a coastline of 293.5 kilometers (182.4 miles) along the Adriatic Sea, featuring picturesque beaches, coves, and the Bay of Kotor, a renowned natural harbor.
Maritime Claims
Montenegro claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Continental shelf: 200 meters depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate along the coast, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The interior regions have a more continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers.
Terrain
Montenegro’s landscape is diverse, featuring high mountain ranges, deep canyons, and fertile plains. The country is dominated by the Dinaric Alps, which include the Durmitor and Prokletije mountain ranges. The Zeta Plain in the west is a major agricultural region, and the Tara River Canyon is one of the world’s deepest river canyons.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Montenegro is Zla Kolata, part of the Prokletije mountain range, at an elevation of 2,534 meters (8,313 feet). The lowest point is the Adriatic Sea at 0 meters (0 feet).
Natural Resources
Montenegro’s natural resources include bauxite, hydropower potential, and forests.
Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Montenegro include:
- Skadar Lake (shared with Albania)
- Piva River
- Tara River
- Lim River
- Morača River
Natural Hazards
Montenegro is susceptible to the following natural hazards:
- Destructive earthquakes
- Hot, dry summers and wildfires
- Occasional severe winter storms
Geography – Notes
Montenegro is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rugged mountains, deep canyons, and a picturesque coastline along the Adriatic Sea. The country’s diverse landscapes, including the Bay of Kotor and the Tara River Canyon, are major attractions for tourists. Montenegro also has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 61.50%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 2,017. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 19.00%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 42.70867819.37439.
- Capital: The capital of Montenegro is Podgorica
- Major Cities:
- Podgorica – Population: 204,877
- Nikšić – Population: 72,443
- Pljevlja – Population: 19,489
- Bar – Population: 17,727
- Population: 622,137
- Area(Km2): 13,812
- Population Density( P/Km²):47. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:382
- Official Language(s):Montenegro is Montenegrin (official) 43.5%, Serbian 37%, Bosnian 8.5%, Albanian 5.3%, unspecified 5.7%
- Currency: EUR
Main Economic Indicators
Montenegro has a small, open economy that is in transition towards market-based policies. The economy relies heavily on tourism, energy, and agriculture. Key economic challenges include high unemployment, fiscal deficits, and significant dependence on foreign direct investment. Montenegro has pursued policies aimed at accession to the European Union and has introduced the euro as its official currency.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.7% (2022 est.), 3.4% (2021 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BB+
Moody’s: Ba3
Standard & Poor’s: BB+
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 6.4%
Industry: 16%
Services: 77.6%
(2017 est.)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Tobacco, grapes, olives, citrus fruits, early vegetables, wheat
Industrial Products: Steel, aluminum, bauxite, beer, wood products
Labor Force
Total labor force: 292,400 (2022 est.)
Comparative ranking: 165th in the world
Current Account Balance
Current account balance: $-1.194 billion (2021 est.)
Comparative ranking: 162nd in the world
Exports and Imports
Exports: $1.07 billion (2021 est.)
Key partners: Serbia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Slovenia
Main commodities: Aluminum, electricity, wire products, furniture
Imports: $3.84 billion (2021 est.)
Key partners: Serbia, Germany, Italy, China, Greece
Main commodities: Machinery, manufactured goods, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $2.039 billion (31 December 2021 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$5,494,736,901. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): . It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 22.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.16. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $1.23. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 14.88%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Nationality: Montenegrin(s)
Adjective: Montenegrin
2. Ethnic Groups
- Montenegrin 45%
- Serb 28.7%
- Bosniak 8.7%
- Albanian 4.9%
- Muslim 3.3%
- Roma 1%
- Others 8.4%
3. Religions
- Orthodox Christian 72.1%
- Muslim 19.1%
- Catholic Christian 3.4%
- Atheist 1.2%
- Other 0.6%
- Undeclared 2.6%
4. Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 15.89%
- 15-64 years: 68.07%
- 65 years and over: 16.04%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 46.7
Youth Dependency Ratio: 23.3
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 23.5
6. Median Age
Total: 39.2 years
Male: 38.5 years
Female: 40 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity Rate: 23.3%
- Alcohol Consumption: 7.9 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
- Tobacco Use: 31.9% of adults
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 76.9 years
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 76.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 98.7%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:11.73. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:15. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.75. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 80.4%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 417,765. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):31.80%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Montenegro’s military and security forces consist of the Army as the primary service branch. The Military Maritime Service and Air Force operate smaller capabilities. There are no known specialized units or foreign legions.
The National Police maintains internal security, assisted by Communal Police forces at the municipal level.
Military Expenditures
Montenegro’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.66%
- 2021: 1.57%
- 2020: 1.59%
- 2019: 1.48%
- 2018: 1.39%
Montenegro ranks among the lower spenders on defense globally.
Personnel Strengths
Montenegro has approximately 7,800 active-duty military personnel, with the majority serving in the Army.
The National Police employs around 4,000 officers.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Montenegro’s military equipment includes light infantry weapons, armored personnel carriers, and a limited number of Soviet-era combat vehicles and artillery pieces. The Air Force operates a small fleet of transport and trainer aircraft.
Recent acquisitions have focused on modernizing infantry equipment and enhancing maritime security capabilities.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Montenegro has a voluntary military service system. The minimum age for voluntary service is 19. There is no mandatory military conscription.
Military Deployments
Montenegro has a small contingent of 28 troops deployed in support of the NATO-led mission in Kosovo (KFOR).
The country also contributes personnel to UN peacekeeping missions, including in the Central African Republic and Western Sahara.
Strategic Military Notes
Montenegro’s defense strategy emphasizes participation in international peacekeeping operations and integration with NATO military structures. As a NATO member since 2017, Montenegro aims to enhance its interoperability and contribute to the alliance’s collective security.
The military plays a supporting role in disaster response and civil protection efforts within Montenegro.
- Armed Forces Size: 2400. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.76
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 54.40%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.