Topic: Photos of Curacao

Topic: Introduction
Background: The original Arawak Indian settlers who arrived on the island from South America in about A.D. 1000, were largely enslaved by the Spanish early in the 16th century and forcibly relocated to other colonies where labor was needed. Curacao was seized by the Dutch from the Spanish in 1634. Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade, Curacao was hard hit economically by the Dutch abolition of slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the construction of the Isla Refineria to service the newly discovered Venezuelan oilfields. In 1954, Curacao and several other Dutch Caribbean colonies were reorganized as the Netherlands Antilles, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In referenda in 2005 and 2009, the citizens of Curacao voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The change in status became effective in October 2010 with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Caribbean, an island in the Caribbean Sea, 55 km off the coast of Venezuela
Geographic coordinates: 12 10 N, 69 00 W12 10 N, 69 00 W
Map references: Central America and the CaribbeanCentral America and the Caribbean
Area: total: 444 sq km

land: 444 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: more than twice the size of Washington, DCmore than twice the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0
Coastline: 364 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semiarid with average rainfall of 60 cm/yeartropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semiarid with average rainfall of 60 cm/year
Terrain: generally low, hilly terraingenerally low, hilly terrain
Elevation: highest point: Mt. Christoffel 372 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Natural resources: calcium phosphates, protected harbors, hot springscalcium phosphates, protected harbors, hot springs
Land use: agricultural land: 10% (2018 est.)

arable land: 10% (2018)

other: 90% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: NA
Population distribution: largest concentration on the island is Willemstad; smaller settlements near the coast can be found throughout the island, particularly in the northwest
Natural hazards: Curacao is south of the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatenedCuracao is south of the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatened
Geography - note: Curacao is a part of the Windward Islands (southern) group in the Lesser AntillesCuracao is a part of the Windward Islands (southern) group in the Lesser Antilles
Map description: Curacao map showing the island country in the Caribbean Sea.Curacao map showing the island country in the Caribbean Sea.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 152,379 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Curacaoan

adjective: Curacaoan; Dutch
Ethnic groups: Curacaoan 75.4%, Dutch 6%, Dominican 3.6%, Colombian 3%, Bonairean, Sint Eustatian, Saban 1.5%, Haitian 1.2%, Surinamese 1.2%, Venezuelan 1.1%, Aruban 1.1%, other 5%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.)
Languages: Papiamento (official) (a creole language that is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and, to a lesser extent, French, as well as elements of African languages and the language of the Arawak) 80%, Dutch (official) 8.8%, Spanish 5.6%, English (official) 3.1%, other 2.3%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.)

note: data represent most spoken language in household
Religions: Roman Catholic 72.8%, Pentecostal 6.6%, Protestant 3.2%, Adventist 3%, Jehovah's Witness 2%, Evangelical 1.9%, other 3.8%, none 6%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 19.68% (male 15,227/female 14,553)

15-24 years: 13.38% (male 10,438/female 9,806)

25-54 years: 36.55% (male 27,733/female 27,589)

55-64 years: 13.88% (male 9,130/female 11,873)

65 years and over: 16.52% (2020 est.) (male 10,127/female 14,869)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 55.9

youth dependency ratio: 28.3

elderly dependency ratio: 27.5

potential support ratio: 3.6 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 36.7 years

male: 34.4 years

female: 39.5 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.32% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 13.2 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 8.71 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -1.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: largest concentration on the island is Willemstad; smaller settlements near the coast can be found throughout the island, particularly in the northwest
Urbanization: urban population: 89% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 0.57% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 144,000 WILLEMSTAD (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 7.88 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 8.69 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.42 years

male: 77.09 years

female: 81.87 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.98 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: total: 100% of population

unimproved: total: 0% of population (2017)
Current Health Expenditure: NA
Physicians density: NA
Sanitation facility access: improved: total: 100% of population

unimproved: total: 0% of population (2017)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: 4.9% of GDP (2013 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 17 years

male: 18 years

female: 18 years (2013)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 29.3%

male: 25.4%

female: 34.5% (2018 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: problems in waste management that threaten environmental sustainability on the island include pollution of marine areas from domestic sewage, inadequate sewage treatment facilities, industrial effluents and agricultural runoff, the mismanagement of toxic substances, and ineffective regulations; the refinery in Sint Anna Bay, at the eastern edge of Willemstad’s large natural harbor, processes heavy crude oil from Venezuela; it has caused significant environmental damage to the surrounding area because of neglect and a lack of strict environmental controls; the release of noxious fumes and potentially hazardous particles causes schools downwind to regularly closeproblems in waste management that threaten environmental sustainability on the island include pollution of marine areas from domestic sewage, inadequate sewage treatment facilities, industrial effluents and agricultural runoff, the mismanagement of toxic substances, and ineffective regulations; the refinery in Sint Anna Bay, at the eastern edge of Willemstad’s large natural harbor, processes heavy crude oil from Venezuela; it has caused significant environmental damage to the surrounding area because of neglect and a lack of strict environmental controls; the release of noxious fumes and potentially hazardous particles causes schools downwind to regularly close
Air pollutants: carbon dioxide emissions: 5.39 megatons (2016 est.)
Climate: tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semiarid with average rainfall of 60 cm/yeartropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semiarid with average rainfall of 60 cm/year
Land use: agricultural land: 10% (2018 est.)

arable land: 10% (2018)

other: 90% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 89% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 0.57% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 24,704 tons (2013 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 494 tons (2013 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 2% (2013 est.)
Total renewable water resources: NA

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Country of Curacao

conventional short form: Curacao

local long form: Land Curacao (Dutch)/ Pais Korsou (Papiamento)

local short form: Curacao (Dutch)/ Korsou (Papiamento)

former: Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies

etymology: the most plausible name derivation is that the island was designated Isla de la Curacion (Spanish meaning "Island of the Cure" or "Island of Healing") or Ilha da Curacao (Portuguese meaning the same) to reflect the locale's function as a recovery stop for sick crewmen
Government type: parliamentary democracyparliamentary democracy
Dependency status: constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairsconstituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs
Capital: name: Willemstad

geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 68 55 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: named after Prince William II of Orange (1626-1650), who served as stadtholder (Dutch head of state) from 1647 to 1650, shortly after the the Dutch captured Curacao from the Spanish in 1634
Administrative divisions: none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

note: Curacao is one of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the other three are the Netherlands, Aruba, and Sint Maartennone (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Independence: none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
National holiday: King's Day (birthday of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER), 27 April (1967); note - King's or Queen's Day are observed on the ruling monarch's birthday; celebrated on 26 April if 27 April is a SundayKing's Day (birthday of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER), 27 April (1967); note - King's or Queen's Day are observed on the ruling monarch's birthday; celebrated on 26 April if 27 April is a Sunday
Constitution: history: previous 1947, 1955; latest adopted 5 September 2010, entered into force 10 October 2010 (regulates governance of Curacao but is subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands); note - in October 2010, with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao became a semi-autonomous entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Legal system: based on Dutch civil lawbased on Dutch civil law
Citizenship: see the Netherlands
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor Lucille A. GEORGE-WOUT (since 4 November 2013)

head of government: Prime Minister Gilmar PISAS (since 14 June 2021)

cabinet: Cabinet sworn-in by the governor

elections/appointments: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually elected prime minister by the Parliament of Curacao; next election scheduled for 2016
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament of Curacao (21 seats; members directly elected by party-list proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held on 19 March 2021 (next to be held in 2025)

election results: percent of vote by party - MFK 28.1%, PAR 14.1%, PNP 12.6%, MAN 6.5%, KEM 5.4%, TPK 5.3%; seats by party - MFK 9, PAR 4, PNP 4, MAN 2, KEM 1, TPK 1; composition - NA
Judicial branch: highest courts: Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba or "Joint Court of Justice" (sits as a 3-judge panel); final appeals heard by the Supreme Court, in The Hague, Netherlands

judge selection and term of office: Joint Court judges appointed by the monarch for life

subordinate courts: first instance courts, appeals court; specialized courts
Political parties and leaders: Korsou di Nos Tur or KdnT [Amparo dos SANTOS]
Korsou Esun Miho or KEM [Michelangelo MARTINES]
Movementu Futuro Korsou or MFK [Gilmar PISAS]
Movementu Progresivo or MP [Marylin MOSES]
Movishon Antia Nobo or MAN [Hensley KOEIMAN]
Partido Antia Restruktura or PAR [Eugene RHUGGENAATH]
Partido Inovashon Nashonal or PIN [Suzanne CAMELIA-ROMER]
Partido Nashonal di Pueblo or PNP [Ruthmilda LARMONIE-CECILIA]
Pueblo Soberano or PS [Ben WHITEMAN]
Trabou pa Kòrsou or TPK [Rennox CALMES]
Un Korsou Hustu [Omayra LEEFLANG]
International organization participation: Caricom (observer), FATF, ILO, ITU, UNESCO (associate), UPUCaricom (observer), FATF, ILO, ITU, UNESCO (associate), UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Consul General Margy BOND (since January 2022); note - also accredited to Aruba and Sint Maarten

embassy: P.O. Box 158, J.B. Gorsiraweg 1

mailing address: 3160 Curacao Place, Washington DC  20521-3160

telephone: [599] (9) 461-3066

FAX: [599] (9) 461-6489

email address and website:
ACSCuracao@state.gov

https://cw.usconsulate.gov/
Flag description: on a blue field a horizontal yellow band somewhat below the center divides the flag into proportions of 5:1:2; two five-pointed white stars - the smaller above and to the left of the larger - appear in the canton; the blue of the upper and lower sections symbolizes the sky and sea respectively; yellow represents the sun; the stars symbolize Curacao and its uninhabited smaller sister island of Klein Curacao; the five star points signify the five continents from which Curacao's people derive
National symbol(s): laraha (citrus tree); national colors: blue, yellow, white
National anthem: name: "Himmo di Korsou" (Anthem of Curacao)

lyrics/music: Guillermo ROSARIO, Mae HENRIQUEZ, Enrique MULLER, Betty DORAN/Frater Candidus NOWENS, Errol "El Toro" COLINA

note: adapted 1978; the lyrics, originally written in 1899, were rewritten in 1978 to make them less colonial in nature
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural); note - excerpted from the Netherlands entry

selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Willemstad

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Most of Curacao's GDP results from services. Tourism, petroleum refining and bunkering, offshore finance, and transportation and communications are the mainstays of this small island economy, which is closely tied to the outside world. Curacao has limited natural resources, poor soil, and inadequate water supplies, and budgetary problems complicate reform of the health and education systems. Although GDP grew only slightly during the past decade, Curacao enjoys a high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure compared to other countries in the region. Curacao has an excellent natural harbor that can accommodate large oil tankers, and the port of Willemstad hosts a free trade zone and a dry dock. Venezuelan state-owned oil company PdVSA, under a contract in effect until 2019, leases the single refinery on the island from the government, directly employing some 1,000 people. Most of the oil for the refinery is imported from Venezuela and most of the refined products are exported to the US and Asia. Almost all consumer and capital goods are imported, with the US, the Netherlands, and Venezuela being the major suppliers. The government is attempting to diversify its industry and trade. Curacao is an Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) of the European Union. Nationals of Curacao are citizens of the European Union, even though it is not a member. Based on its OCT status, products that originate in Curacao have preferential access to the EU and are exempt from import duties. Curacao is a beneficiary of the Caribbean Basin Initiative and, as a result, products originating in Curacao can be imported tax free into the US if at least 35% has been added to the value of these products in Curacao. The island has state-of-the-art information and communication technology connectivity with the rest of the world, including a Tier IV datacenter. With several direct satellite and submarine optic fiber cables, Curacao has one of the best Internet speeds and reliability in the Western Hemisphere.Most of Curacao's GDP results from services. Tourism, petroleum refining and bunkering, offshore finance, and transportation and communications are the mainstays of this small island economy, which is closely tied to the outside world. Curacao has limited natural resources, poor soil, and inadequate water supplies, and budgetary problems complicate reform of the health and education systems. Although GDP grew only slightly during the past decade, Curacao enjoys a high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure compared to other countries in the region.Curacao has an excellent natural harbor that can accommodate large oil tankers, and the port of Willemstad hosts a free trade zone and a dry dock. Venezuelan state-owned oil company PdVSA, under a contract in effect until 2019, leases the single refinery on the island from the government, directly employing some 1,000 people. Most of the oil for the refinery is imported from Venezuela and most of the refined products are exported to the US and Asia. Almost all consumer and capital goods are imported, with the US, the Netherlands, and Venezuela being the major suppliers.The government is attempting to diversify its industry and trade. Curacao is an Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) of the European Union. Nationals of Curacao are citizens of the European Union, even though it is not a member. Based on its OCT status, products that originate in Curacao have preferential access to the EU and are exempt from import duties. Curacao is a beneficiary of the Caribbean Basin Initiative and, as a result, products originating in Curacao can be imported tax free into the US if at least 35% has been added to the value of these products in Curacao. The island has state-of-the-art information and communication technology connectivity with the rest of the world, including a Tier IV datacenter. With several direct satellite and submarine optic fiber cables, Curacao has one of the best Internet speeds and reliability in the Western Hemisphere.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $3.86 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$3.99 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$4.08 billion (2017 est.)
Real GDP growth rate: 3.6% (2012 est.)

2% (2011 est.)

0.1% (2010 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $24,500 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$25,100 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$25,475 (2017 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $5.6 billion (2012 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.6% (2013 est.)

2.8% (2012 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.7% (2012 est.)

industry: 15.5% (2012 est.)

services: 83.8% (2012 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 66.9% (2016 est.)

government consumption: 33.6% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 19.4% (2016 est.)

investment in inventories: 0% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services: 17.5% (2016 est.)

imports of goods and services: -37.5% (2016 est.)
Agricultural products: aloe, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit
Industries: tourism, petroleum refining, petroleum transshipment, light manufacturing, financial and business services
Industrial production growth rate: NA
Labor force: 73,010 (2013)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.2%

industry: 16.9%

services: 81.8% (2008 est.)
Unemployment rate: 13% (2013 est.)

9.8% (2011 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 29.3%

male: 25.4%

female: 34.5% (2018 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -0.4% (of GDP) (2012 est.)
Public debt: 33.2% of GDP (2012 est.)

40.6% of GDP (2011 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 16.6% (of GDP) (2012 est.)
Current account balance: -$400 million (2011 est.)

-$600 million (2010 est.)
Exports: $1.77 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$1.93 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: Switzerland 27%, United States 17%, Spain 14%, Ecuador 7%, India 7%, Antigua and Barbuda 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: gold, precious metal scraps, petroleum coke, frozen fish, coal tar oil (2019)
Imports: $2.33 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$2.75 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: United States 35%, Netherlands 24%, China 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, crude petroleum, packaged medicines, perfumes (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $0 (31 December 2017 est.)
Exchange rates: Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar -

1.79 (2017 est.)

1.79 (2016 est.)

1.79 (2015 est.)

1.79 (2014 est.)

1.79 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Refined petroleum products - production: 189,800 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 167,500 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 45,800 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 54,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 33 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 182,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 111 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: fully automatic modern telecommunications system; telecom sector across the Caribbean region continues to be one of the growth areas; given the lack of economic diversity in the region, with a high dependence on tourism and activities such as fisheries and offshore financial services the telecom sector contributes greatly to the GDP (2020)

domestic: roughly 33 per 100 users for fixed-line and 113 per 100 users for cellular-mobile, majority of the islanders have Internet; market revenue has been affected in recent quarters as a result of competition and regulatory measures on termination rates and roaming tariffs (2019)

international: country code - +599, PCCS submarine cable system to US, Caribbean and Central and South America (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Broadcast media: government-run TeleCuracao operates a TV station and a radio station; 2 other privately owned TV stations and several privately owned radio stations (2019)
Internet country code: .cw.cw
Internet users: total: 107,060 (2019 est.)

percent of population: 68% (2019 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 55,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 34 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 11
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: PJ
Airports: total: 1 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2021)
Roadways: total: 550 km
Merchant marine: total: 63

by type: general cargo 6, oil tanker 1, other 56 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Willemstad

oil terminal(s): Bullen Baai (Curacao Terminal)

bulk cargo port(s): Fuik Bay (phosphate rock)

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Curaçao Militia (CURMIL) (2022)
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the Dutch Government controls foreign and defense policy; the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) provides maritime security (2022)

Topic: Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 14,200 (Venezuela) (2021)
Trafficking in persons: current situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Curacao; undocumented migrants, including the growing population of Venezuelans, are vulnerable to sex and labor trafficking; Curacaoan and foreign women and girls, mostly Dominican and Venezuelan, are exploited in sex trafficking; migrants from other Caribbean countries, South America, China, and India are subject to forced labor in construction, domestic servitude, landscaping, minimarkets, retail, and restaurants

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Curacao does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but it is making significant efforts to do so; the government prosecuted and convicted more traffickers than in the previous reporting period; however, authorities identified fewer victims, and assistance to victims was contingent upon their cooperation with law enforcement in prosecuting traffickers; victims who were in the country illegally, including Venezuelans, were at risk of deportation if they did not participate in trials against their traffickers; the government did not operate centers for trafficking victims but provided some funding to NGOs and international organizations to care for victims (2020)
Illicit drugs: northbound transshipment points for cocaine from Colombia and Venezuela; cocaine is transported to the United States, other Caribbean islands, Africa, and Europe  northbound transshipment points for cocaine from Colombia and Venezuela; cocaine is transported to the United States, other Caribbean islands, Africa, and Europe


Topic: Photos of Pitcairn Islands

Topic: Introduction
Background: Polynesians were the first inhabitants of the Pitcairn Islands, but the islands were uninhabited by the time they were discovered by Europeans in 1606. Pitcairn Island was rediscovered by British explorer Philip CARTERET in 1767, although he incorrectly plotted the coordinates. In 1789, Fletcher CHRISTIAN led a mutiny on the HMS Bounty and after several months of searching for Pitcairn Island, he landed on it with eight other mutineers and their Tahitian companions. They lived in isolation and evaded detection by English authorities until 1808, by which point only one man, 10 women, and 23 children remained. In 1831, with the population growing too big for the island - there were 87 people - the British attempted to move all the islanders to Tahiti, but they were soon returned to Pitcairn Island. The island became an official British colony in 1838 and in 1856, the British again determined that the population of 193 was too high and relocated all of the residents to Norfolk Island. Several families returned in 1858 and 1864, bringing the island’s population to 43, and almost all of the island’s current population are descendants of these returnees. In 1887, the entire population converted to the Seventh Day Adventist faith.

The UK annexed the nearby islands of Henderson, Oeno, and Ducie in 1902 and incorporated them into the Pitcairn Islands colony in 1938, although all three are uninhabited. The population peaked at 233 in 1937 as outmigration, primarily to New Zealand, has thinned the population. Only two children were born between 1986 and 2012, and in 2005, a couple became the first new outsiders to obtain citizenship in more than a century. (The current population is below 50.) Since 2013, the Pitcairn Islands has tried to attract new migrants but has had no applicants because it requires prospective migrants to front significant sums of money and prohibits employment during a two-year trial period, at which point the local council can deny long-term resident status.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about midway between Peru and New Zealand
Geographic coordinates: 25 04 S, 130 06 W
Map references: Oceania
Area: total: 47 sq km

land: 47 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: about three-tenths the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 51 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: tropical; hot and humid; modified by southeast trade winds; rainy season (November to March)
Terrain: rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with cliffs
Elevation: highest point: Palwala Valley Point on Big Ridge 347 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources: miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish; note - manganese, iron, copper, gold, silver, and zinc have been discovered offshore
Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2011 est.)

forest: 74.5% (2018 est.)

other: 25.5% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: less than 50 inhabitants on Pitcairn Island, most reside near the village of Adamstown
Natural hazards: occasional tropical cyclones (especially November to March), but generally only heavy tropical storms; landslides
Geography - note: Britain's most isolated dependency; only the larger island of Pitcairn is inhabited but it has no port or natural harbor; supplies must be transported by rowed longboat from larger ships stationed offshore
Map description: Pitcairn Islands map showing the scattered islands in the South Pacific Ocean and an inset of Pitcairn Island itself.Pitcairn Islands map showing the scattered islands in the South Pacific Ocean and an inset of Pitcairn Island itself.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 50 (2021 est.)
Nationality: noun: Pitcairn Islander(s)

adjective: Pitcairn Islander
Ethnic groups: descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives
Languages: English (official), Pitkern (mixture of an 18th century English dialect and a Tahitian dialect)
Religions: Seventh Day Adventist 100%
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA

15-24 years: NA

25-54 years: NA

55-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA

youth dependency ratio: NA

elderly dependency ratio: NA

potential support ratio: NA
Population growth rate: 0% (2014 est.)
Birth rate: NA
Death rate: NA
Population distribution: less than 50 inhabitants on Pitcairn Island, most reside near the village of Adamstown
Urbanization: rate of urbanization: NA
Sex ratio: NA
Infant mortality rate: total: (2018) NA

male: NA

female: NA
Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA
Total fertility rate: NA
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: NA

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: NA
Current Health Expenditure: NA
Physicians density: NA
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: NA

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: NA
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: NA
Literacy: total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: deforestation (only a small portion of the original forest remains because of burning and clearing for settlement)
Climate: tropical; hot and humid; modified by southeast trade winds; rainy season (November to March)
Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2011 est.)

forest: 74.5% (2018 est.)

other: 25.5% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: rate of urbanization: NA
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands

conventional short form: Pitcairn Islands

etymology: named after Midshipman Robert PITCAIRN who first sighted the island in 1767
Government type: parliamentary democracy
Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK
Capital: name: Adamstown

geographic coordinates: 25 04 S, 130 05 W

time difference: UTC-9 (4 hours behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: named after John Adams (1767–1829), the last survivor of the Bounty mutineers who settled on Pitcairn Island in January 1790
Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of the UK)
Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK)
National holiday: Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926); Discovery Day (Pitcairn Day), 2 July (1767)
Constitution: history: several previous; latest drafted 10 February 2010, presented 17 February 2010, effective 4 March 2010

amendments: Reviewed 10 Jun '21; NC
Legal system: local island by-laws
Citizenship: see United Kingdom
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal with three years residency
Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands Laura CLARK (since 25 January 2018)

head of government: Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council Charlene WARREN-PEU (since 1 January 2020)

cabinet: none

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor and commissioner appointed by the monarch; island mayor directly elected by majority popular vote for a 3-year term; election last held on 6 November 2019 (next to be held not later than December 2022)

election results: Charlene WARREN-PEU elected mayor and chairman of the Island Council; Island Council vote - NA
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Island Council (10 seats; 4 members directly elected by proportional representation vote, 1 nominated by the elected Council members, 2 appointed by the governor, and 3 ex-officio members - the governor, deputy governor, and commissioner; elected members serve 1-year terms)

elections: last held in November 2017 (next to be held not later than December 2019)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - 5 independent; composition - men 5, women 5, percent of women 50%
Judicial branch: highest courts: Pitcairn Court of Appeal (consists of the court president, 2 judges, and the Supreme Court chief justice, an ex-officio member); Pitcairn Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 2 judges); note - appeals beyond the Pitcairn Court of Appeal are referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)

judge selection and term of office: all judges of both courts appointed by the governor of the Pitcairn Islands on the instructions of the Queen of England through the Secretary of State; all judges can serve until retirement, normally at age 75

subordinate courts: Magistrate's Court
Political parties and leaders: none
International organization participation: SPC, UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK)
Flag description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the green, yellow, and blue of the shield represents the island rising from the ocean; the green field features a yellow anchor surmounted by a bible (both the anchor and the bible were items found on the HMS Bounty); sitting on the crest is a Pitcairn Island wheelbarrow from which springs a flowering twig of miro (a local plant)
National anthem: name: "We From Pitcairn Island"

lyrics/music: unknown/Frederick M. LEHMAN

note: serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the UK, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: The inhabitants of this tiny isolated economy exist on fishing, subsistence farming, handicrafts, and postage stamps. The fertile soil of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus, sugarcane, watermelons, bananas, yams, and beans. Bartering is an important part of the economy. The major sources of revenue are the sale of postage stamps to collectors and the sale of handicrafts to passing ships.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): NANA
Agricultural products: honey; wide variety of fruits and vegetables; goats, chickens; fish
Industries: postage stamps, handicrafts, beekeeping, honey
Labor force: 15 (2004)
Labor force - by occupation: note: no business community in the usual sense; some public works; subsistence farming and fishingnote: no business community in the usual sense; some public works; subsistence farming and fishing
Budget: revenues: 746,000 (FY04/05)

expenditures: 1.028 million (FY04/05)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Exports: NANA
Exports - partners: South Africa 24%, Canada 20%, Germany 13%, Czechia 8%, El Salvador 5%, Spain 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: leather footwear, gas turbine parts, precious metal ores, clothing and apparel, beef (2019)
Imports: NANA
Imports - partners: Ecuador 43%, New Zealand 29% (2019)
Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, refined petroleum, food preparation products, plastics, iron fasteners (2019)
Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar -

1.416 (2017 est.)

1.4279 (2016 est.)

1.4279 (2015)

1.4279 (2014 est.)

1.2039 (2013 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: satellite-based phone services; rural connectivity a challenge; 2G services widespread; demand for mobile broadband due to mobile services providing Internet source; the launch of the Kacific-1 satellite in 2019 will improve telecommunications in the region (2020)

domestic: local phone service with international connections via Internet (2018)

international: country code - 872; satellite earth station - 1 Inmarsat

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: satellite TV from Fiji-based Sky Pacific offering a wide range of international channels
Internet country code: .pn
Internet users: total: 50 (2022 est.)

percent of population: 100% (2018 est.)
Communications - note: satellite-based local phone service and broadband Internet connections available in all homes

Topic: Transportation
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Adamstown (on Bounty Bay)

Topic: Military and Security
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified


Topic: Photos of Montenegro

Topic: Introduction
Background: The use of the name Crna Gora or Black Mountain (Montenegro) began in the 13th century in reference to a highland region in the Serbian province of Zeta. The later medieval state of Zeta maintained its existence until 1496 when Montenegro finally fell under Ottoman rule. Over subsequent centuries, Montenegro managed to maintain a level of autonomy within the Ottoman Empire. From the 16th to 19th centuries, Montenegro was a theocracy ruled by a series of bishop princes; in 1852, it transformed into a secular principality. Montenegro was recognized as an independent sovereign principality at the Congress of Berlin in 1878. After World War I, during which Montenegro fought on the side of the Allies, Montenegro was absorbed by the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929. At the conclusion of World War II, it became a constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. When the latter dissolved in 1992, Montenegro joined with Serbia, creating the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and, after 2003, shifting to a looser State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. In May 2006, Montenegro invoked its right under the Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro to hold a referendum on independence from the two-state union. The vote for severing ties with Serbia barely exceeded 55% - the threshold set by the EU - allowing Montenegro to formally restore its independence on 3 June 2006. In 2017, Montenegro joined NATO and is currently completing its EU accession process, having officially applied to join the EU in December 2008.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Southeastern Europe, between the Adriatic Sea and Serbia
Geographic coordinates: 42 30 N, 19 18 E
Map references: Europe
Area: total: 13,812 sq km

land: 13,452 sq km

water: 360 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Connecticut; slightly larger than twice the size of Delaware
Land boundaries: total: 680 km

border countries (5): Albania 186 km; Bosnia and Herzegovina 242 km; Croatia 19 km; Kosovo 76 km; Serbia 157 km
Coastline: 293.5 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

continental shelf: defined by treaty
Climate: Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland
Terrain: highly indented coastline with narrow coastal plain backed by rugged high limestone mountains and plateaus
Elevation: highest point: Zia Kolata 2,534 m

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 1,086 m
Natural resources: bauxite, hydroelectricity
Land use: agricultural land: 38.2% (2018 est.)

arable land: 12.9% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 1.2% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 24.1% (2018 est.)

forest: 40.4% (2018 est.)

other: 21.4% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 24 sq km (2012)
Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Scutari (shared with Albania) - 400 sq km
note - largest lake in the Balkans
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)
Population distribution: highest population density is concentrated in the south, southwest; the extreme eastern border is the least populated area
Natural hazards: destructive earthquakes
Geography - note: strategic location along the Adriatic coast
Map description: Montenegro map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Adriatic Sea.Montenegro map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Adriatic Sea.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 604,966 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Montenegrin(s)

adjective: Montenegrin
Ethnic groups: Montenegrin 45%, Serbian 28.7%, Bosniak 8.7%, Albanian 4.9%, Muslim 3.3%, Romani 1%, Croat 1%, other 2.6%, unspecified 4.9% (2011 est.)
Languages: Serbian 42.9%, Montenegrin (official) 37%, Bosnian 5.3%, Albanian 5.3%, Serbo-Croat 2%, other 3.5%, unspecified 4% (2011 est.)

major-language sample(s):
Knjiga svetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Serbian)

Knjiga svjetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Montenegrin/Bosnian)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions: Orthodox 72.1%, Muslim 19.1%, Catholic 3.4%, atheist 1.2%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.6% (2011 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.14% (male 57,402/female 53,217)

15-24 years: 12.78% (male 40,220/female 37,720)

25-54 years: 39.65% (male 120,374/female 121,461)

55-64 years: 13.41% (male 40,099/female 41,670)

65 years and over: 16.02% (2020 est.) (male 42,345/female 55,351)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 51.1

youth dependency ratio: 27.3

elderly dependency ratio: 23.8

potential support ratio: 4.2 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 39.6 years

male: 38.1 years

female: 41.1 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: -0.41% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 11.19 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 10.33 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -4.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: highest population density is concentrated in the south, southwest; the extreme eastern border is the least populated area
Urbanization: urban population: 68.2% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 0.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 177,000 PODGORICA (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 26.3 years (2010 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio: 6 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 3.24 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 2.72 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.75 years

male: 75.32 years

female: 80.27 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.81 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 20.7% (2018)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 98.2% of population

total: 99.4% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 1.8% of population

total: 0.6% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 8.3% (2019)
Physicians density: 2.74 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Hospital bed density: 3.9 beds/1,000 population (2017)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 93.9% of population

total: 98% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 6.1% of population

total: 2% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2020 est.) <.1%
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: (2020 est.) <500

note: estimate does not include children
HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <100

note: estimate does not include children
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 23.3% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 31.4% (2020 est.)

male: 31.6% (2020 est.)

female: 31.1% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 3.7% (2018/19)
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 1.9%

women married by age 18: 5.8%

men married by age 18: 3.2% (2018 est.)
Education expenditures: NA
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.8%

male: 99.5%

female: 98.3% (2018)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years

male: 15 years

female: 16 years (2020)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 36%

male: 33.6%

female: 39.7% (2020 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: pollution of coastal waters from sewage outlets, especially in tourist-related areas such as Kotor; serious air pollution in Podgorica, Pljevlja and Niksie; air pollution in Pljevlja is caused by the nearby lignite power plant and the domestic use of coal and wood for household heating
Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 20.17 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 2.02 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 0.75 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland
Land use: agricultural land: 38.2% (2018 est.)

arable land: 12.9% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 1.2% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 24.1% (2018 est.)

forest: 40.4% (2018 est.)

other: 21.4% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 68.2% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 0.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.43% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.12% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 332,000 tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 17,994 tons (2015 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5.4% (2015 est.)
Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Scutari (shared with Albania) - 400 sq km
note - largest lake in the Balkans
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km)
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 96.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 62.8 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 1.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Montenegro

local long form: none

local short form: Crna Gora

former: People's Republic of Montenegro, Socialist Republic of Montenegro, Republic of Montenegro

etymology: the country's name locally as well as in most Western European languages means "black mountain" and refers to the dark coniferous forests on Mount Lovcen and the surrounding area
Government type: parliamentary republic
Capital: name: Podgorica; note - Cetinje retains the status of "Old Royal Capital"

geographic coordinates: 42 26 N, 19 16 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1 hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

etymology: the name translates as "beneath Gorica"; the meaning of Gorica is "hillock"; the reference is to the small hill named Gorica that the city is built around
Administrative divisions: 24 municipalities (opstine, singular - opstina); Andrijevica, Bar, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Budva, Cetinje, Danilovgrad, Gusinje, Herceg Novi, Kolasin, Kotor, Mojkovac, Niksic, Petnijica, Plav, Pljevlja, Pluzine, Podgorica, Rozaje, Savnik, Tivat, Tuzi, Ulcinj, Zabljak
Independence: 3 June 2006 (from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro); notable earlier dates: 13 March 1852 (Principality of Montenegro established); 13 July 1878 (Congress of Berlin recognizes Montenegrin independence); 28 August 1910 (Kingdom of Montenegro established)
National holiday: Statehood Day, 13 July (1878, the day the Berlin Congress recognized Montenegro as the 27th independent state in the world, and 1941, the day the Montenegrins staged an uprising against fascist occupiers and sided with the partisan communist movement)
Constitution: history: several previous; latest adopted 22 October 2007

amendments: proposed by the president of Montenegro, by the government, or by at least 25 members of the Assembly; passage of draft proposals requires two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, followed by a public hearing; passage of draft amendments requires two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; changes to certain constitutional articles, such as sovereignty, state symbols, citizenship, and constitutional change procedures, require three-fifths majority vote in a referendum; amended 2013
Legal system: civil law
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Montenegro

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Milo DJUKANOVIC (since 20 May 2018)

head of government: Prime Minister Dritan ABAZOVIC (since 28 April 2022)

cabinet: Ministers act as cabinet

elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 15 April 2018 (next to be held in 2023); prime minister nominated by the president, approved by the Assembly

election results: Milo DJUKANOVIC elected president in the first round; percent of vote - Milo DJUKANOVIC (DPS) 53.9%, Mladen BOJANIC (independent) 33.4%, Draginja VUKSANOVIC (SDP) 8.2%, Marko MILACIC (PRAVA) 2.8%, other 1.7%
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Assembly or Skupstina (81 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held on 30 August 2020 (next to be held in 2024)

election results: percent of vote by party/coalition - DPS 35.1%, ZBCG 32.6%, MNIM 12.5%, URA 5.5%, SD 4.1%, BS 3.9%, SDP 3.1%, AL 1.6%, Albanian Coalition 1.1%, other 0.4%; seats by party/coalition - DPS 30, ZBCG 27, MNIM 10, URA 4, BS 3, SD 3, SDP 2, AL 1, Albanian Coalition 1.; composition as of July 2022 - men 59, women 22, percent of women 27.2%
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Vrhovni Sud (consists of the court president, deputy president, and 15 judges); Constitutional Court or Ustavni Sud (consists of the court president and 7 judges)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president proposed by general session of the Supreme Court and elected by the Judicial Council, a 9-member body consisting of judges, lawyers designated by the Assembly, and the minister of judicial affairs; Supreme Court president elected for a single renewable, 5-year term; other judges elected by the Judicial Council for life; Constitutional Court judges - 2 proposed by the president of Montenegro and 5 by the Assembly, and elected by the Assembly; court president elected from among the court members; court president elected for a 3-year term, other judges serve 9-year terms

subordinate courts: Administrative Courts; Appellate Court; Commercial Courts; High Courts; basic courts
Political parties and leaders: Albanian Alternative or AA [Nik DELJOSAJ]
Albanian Coalition (includes DP, DSCG, DUA)
Albanian Coalition Perspective or AKP
Albanian List or AL [Nik DELJOSAJ] (coalition includes AA, Forca, AKP, DSA)
Bosniak Party or BS [Ervin IBRAHIMOVIC]
Croatian Civic Initiative or HGI [Adrian VUKSANOVIC]
Croatian Reform Party [Marija VUCINOVIC]
Democratic Alliance or DEMOS [Miodrag LEKIC]
Democratic Front or DF [collective leadership] (coalition includes NOVA, PZP, DNP, RP)
Democratic League in Montenegro or DSCG [Mehmet BARDHI]
Democratic League of Albanians or DSA
Democratic Montenegro or DCG [Aleksa BECIC]
Democratic Party or DP [Fatmir GJEKA]
Democratic Party of Socialists or DPS [Milo DJUKANOVIC]
Democratic Party of Unity or DSJ [Nebojsa JUSKOVIC]
Democratic People's Party or DNP [Milan KNEZEVIC]
Democratic Serb Party or DSS [Dragica PEROVIC]
Democratic Union of Albanians or DUA [Mehmet ZENKA]
For the Future of Montenegro or ZBCG [Zdravko KRIVOKAPIC] (electoral coalition includes SNP and 2 alliances - DF, NP)
In Black and White [Dritan ABAZOVIC]
Liberal Party or LP [Andrija POPOVIC]
Movement for Changes or PZP [Nebojsa MEDOJEVIC]
New Democratic Power or FORCA [Nazif CUNGU]
New Serb Democracy or NOVA [Andrija MANDIC]
Party of Pensioners, Disabled, and Restitution or PUPI [Momir JOKSIMOVIC]
Peace is Our Nation or MNIM [Alexa BECIC] (coalition includes Democrats, DEMOS, New Left, PUPI)
Popular Movement or NP [Miodrag DAVIDOVIC] (coalition includes DEMOS, RP, UCG, and several minor parties)
Social Democratic Party or SDP [Rasko KONJEVIC]
Social Democrats or SD [Damir SEHOVIC]
Socialist People's Party or SNP [Vladimir JOKOVIC]
True Montenegro or PRAVA [Marko MILACIC]
United Montenegro or UCG [Goran DANILOVIC] (split from DEMOS)
United Reform Action or URA [Dritan ABAZOVIC]
Workers' Party or RP [Maksim VUCINIC]
International organization participation: CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Marija STJEPCEVIC (since 4 February 2021)

chancery: 1610 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 234-6108

FAX: [1] (202) 234-6109

email address and website:
usa@mfa.gov.me

consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Judy Rising REINKE (since 20 December 2018)

embassy: Dzona Dzeksona 2, 81000 Podgorica

mailing address: 5570 Podgorica Place, Washington DC  20521-5570

telephone: +382 (0)20-410-500

FAX: [382]  (0)20-241-358

email address and website:
PodgoricaACS@state.gov

https://me.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: a red field bordered by a narrow golden-yellow stripe with the Montenegrin coat of arms centered; the arms consist of a double-headed golden eagle - symbolizing the unity of church and state - surmounted by a crown; the eagle holds a golden scepter in its right claw and a blue orb in its left; the breast shield over the eagle shows a golden lion passant on a green field in front of a blue sky; the lion is a symbol of episcopal authority and harkens back to the three and a half centuries when Montenegro was ruled as a theocracy
National symbol(s): double-headed eagle; national colors: red, gold
National anthem: name: "Oj, svijetla majska zoro" (Oh, Bright Dawn of May)

lyrics/music: Sekula DRLJEVIC/unknown, arranged by Zarko MIKOVIC

note: adopted 2004; music based on a Montenegrin folk song
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 4 (3 cultural, 1 natural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor (c); Durmitor National Park (n); Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards (c); Fortified City of Kotor Venetian Defense Works (c)

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Montenegro's economy is transitioning to a market system. Around 90% of Montenegrin state-owned companies have been privatized, including 100% of banking, telecommunications, and oil distribution. Tourism, which accounts for more than 20% of Montenegro’s GDP, brings in three times as many visitors as Montenegro’s total population every year. Several new luxury tourism complexes are in various stages of development along the coast, and a number are being offered in connection with nearby boating and yachting facilities. In addition to tourism, energy and agriculture are considered two distinct pillars of the economy. Only 20% of Montenegro’s hydropower potential is utilized. Montenegro plans to become a net energy exporter, and the construction of an underwater cable to Italy, which will be completed by the end of 2018, will help meet its goal.   Montenegro uses the euro as its domestic currency, though it is not an official member of the euro zone. In January 2007, Montenegro joined the World Bank and IMF, and in December 2011, the WTO. Montenegro began negotiations to join the EU in 2012, having met the conditions set down by the European Council, which called on Montenegro to take steps to fight corruption and organized crime.   The government recognizes the need to remove impediments in order to remain competitive and open the economy to foreign investors. Net foreign direct investment in 2017 reached $848 million and investment per capita is one of the highest in Europe, due to a low corporate tax rate. The biggest foreign investors in Montenegro in 2017 were Norway, Russia, Italy, Azerbaijan and Hungary.   Montenegro is currently planning major overhauls of its road and rail networks, and possible expansions of its air transportation system. In 2014, the Government of Montenegro selected two Chinese companies to construct a 41 km-long section of the country’s highway system, which will become part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Cheaper borrowing costs have stimulated Montenegro’s growing debt, which currently sits at 65.9% of GDP, with a forecast, absent fiscal consolidation, to increase to 80% once the repayment to China’s Ex/Im Bank of a €800 million highway loan begins in 2019. Montenegro first instituted a value-added tax (VAT) in April 2003, and introduced differentiated VAT rates of 17% and 7% (for tourism) in January 2006. The Montenegrin Government increased the non-tourism Value Added Tax (VAT) rate to 21% as of January 2018, with the goal of reducing its public debt.Montenegro's economy is transitioning to a market system. Around 90% of Montenegrin state-owned companies have been privatized, including 100% of banking, telecommunications, and oil distribution. Tourism, which accounts for more than 20% of Montenegro’s GDP, brings in three times as many visitors as Montenegro’s total population every year. Several new luxury tourism complexes are in various stages of development along the coast, and a number are being offered in connection with nearby boating and yachting facilities. In addition to tourism, energy and agriculture are considered two distinct pillars of the economy. Only 20% of Montenegro’s hydropower potential is utilized. Montenegro plans to become a net energy exporter, and the construction of an underwater cable to Italy, which will be completed by the end of 2018, will help meet its goal. Montenegro uses the euro as its domestic currency, though it is not an official member of the euro zone. In January 2007, Montenegro joined the World Bank and IMF, and in December 2011, the WTO. Montenegro began negotiations to join the EU in 2012, having met the conditions set down by the European Council, which called on Montenegro to take steps to fight corruption and organized crime. The government recognizes the need to remove impediments in order to remain competitive and open the economy to foreign investors. Net foreign direct investment in 2017 reached $848 million and investment per capita is one of the highest in Europe, due to a low corporate tax rate. The biggest foreign investors in Montenegro in 2017 were Norway, Russia, Italy, Azerbaijan and Hungary. Montenegro is currently planning major overhauls of its road and rail networks, and possible expansions of its air transportation system. In 2014, the Government of Montenegro selected two Chinese companies to construct a 41 km-long section of the country’s highway system, which will become part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Cheaper borrowing costs have stimulated Montenegro’s growing debt, which currently sits at 65.9% of GDP, with a forecast, absent fiscal consolidation, to increase to 80% once the repayment to China’s Ex/Im Bank of a €800 million highway loan begins in 2019. Montenegro first instituted a value-added tax (VAT) in April 2003, and introduced differentiated VAT rates of 17% and 7% (for tourism) in January 2006. The Montenegrin Government increased the non-tourism Value Added Tax (VAT) rate to 21% as of January 2018, with the goal of reducing its public debt.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $11.36 billion (2020 est.)

$13.39 billion (2019 est.)

$12.87 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 4.3% (2017 est.)

2.9% (2016 est.)

3.4% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $18,300 (2020 est.)

$21,500 (2019 est.)

$20,700 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $5.486 billion (2019 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.3% (2019 est.)

2.6% (2018 est.)

2.3% (2017 est.)
Credit ratings: Moody's rating: B1 (2016)

Standard & Poors rating: B+ (2014)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 7.5% (2016 est.)

industry: 15.9% (2016 est.)

services: 76.6% (2016 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 76.8% (2016 est.)

government consumption: 19.6% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 23.2% (2016 est.)

investment in inventories: 2.9% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services: 40.5% (2016 est.)

imports of goods and services: -63% (2016 est.)
Agricultural products: milk, potatoes, grapes, vegetables, tomatoes, watermelons, wheat, apples, cabbages, barley
Industries: steelmaking, aluminum, agricultural processing, consumer goods, tourism
Industrial production growth rate: -4.2% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 167,000 (2020 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 7.9%

industry: 17.1%

services: 75% (2017 est.)
Unemployment rate: 15.82% (2019 est.)

18.8% (2018 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 36%

male: 33.6%

female: 39.7% (2020 est.)
Population below poverty line: 24.5% (2018 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 39 (2015 est.)

32.3 (2013 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.5%

highest 10%: 25.7% (2014 est.)
Budget: revenues: 1.78 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 2.05 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -5.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 67.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

66.4% of GDP (2016 est.)

note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Taxes and other revenues: 37.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Current account balance: -$780 million (2017 est.)

-$710 million (2016 est.)
Exports: $1.24 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$2.42 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$2.35 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: Serbia 17%, Hungary 15%, China 11%, Russia 7%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 6%, Germany 6%, Italy 5%, Poland 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: aluminum, packaged medicines, cars, zinc, wine (2019)
Imports: $2.9 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$3.59 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$3.67 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: Serbia 30%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 8%, Croatia 8%, Italy 6%, Greece 6%, Germany 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicines, recreational boats, cigarettes (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $1.077 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$846.5 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $2.516 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.224 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar -

0.885 (2017 est.)

0.903 (2016 est.)

0.9214 (2015 est.)

0.885 (2014 est.)

0.7634 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 1.007 million kW (2020 est.)

consumption: 3,246,760,000 kWh (2019 est.)

exports: 943 million kWh (2019 est.)

imports: 1.196 billion kWh (2019 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 493 million kWh (2019 est.)
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 42.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

wind: 10.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

hydroelectricity: 47.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Coal: production: 1.456 million metric tons (2020 est.)

consumption: 1.351 million metric tons (2020 est.)

exports: 96,000 metric tons (2020 est.)

imports: 1,000 metric tons (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 142 million metric tons (2019 est.)
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 7,600 bbl/day (2019 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 357 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 6,448 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 2.447 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.333 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 1.114 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 77.286 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 191,768 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 1,080,089 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 172 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: a small telecom market supported by a population of only 623,000; fixed broadband services are available via a variety of technology platforms, though fiber is the dominant platform, accounting for almost 40% of connections; the growth of fiber has largely been at the expense of DSL as customers are migrated to fiber networks as these are built out progressively; mobile penetration is particularly high, though this is partly due to the significant number of tourists visiting the country seasonally, as also to the popularity of subscribers having multiple prepaid cards; in the wake of the pandemic and associated restrictions on travel, the number of mobile subscribers fell in 2020, as also in the first quarter of 2021, year-on-year; networks support a vibrant mobile broadband services sector, largely based on LTE; two of the MNOs began trialing 5G in May 2021, though commercial services will not gain traction until after the multi-spectrum auction is completed at the end of 2021; spectrum is available in the 694-790MHz and 3400-3800MHz ranges, as well as in the 26.5-27.5GHz range. (2021)

domestic: GSM mobile-cellular service, available through multiple providers; fixed-line over 30 per 100 and mobile-cellular 172 per 100 persons (2020)

international: country code - 382; 2 international switches connect the national system

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Broadcast media: state-funded national radio-TV broadcaster operates 2 terrestrial TV networks, 1 satellite TV channel, and 2 radio networks; 4 local public TV stations and 14 private TV stations; 14 local public radio stations, 35 private radio stations, and several on-line media (2019)
Internet country code: .me
Internet users: total: 484,619 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 78% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 184,176 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 4

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 565,522 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 130,000 (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 4O
Airports: total: 5 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2021)
Heliports: 1 (2021)
Railways: total: 250 km (2017)

standard gauge: 250 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge (224 km electrified)
Roadways: total: 7,762 km (2010)

paved: 7,141 km (2010)

unpaved: 621 km (2010)
Merchant marine: total: 17

by type: bulk carrier 4, other 13 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Bar

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: the Armed Forces of the Republic of Montenegro: joint force with land, air, and naval elements (2022)
Military expenditures: 1.6% of GDP (2021 est.)

1.7% of GDP (2020)

1.3% of GDP (2019) (approximately $130 million)

1.4% of GDP (2018) (approximately $120 million)

1.3% of GDP (2017) (approximately $110 million)
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 2,000 active duty troops (2022)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Armed Forces of Montenegro is small and consists mostly of equipment inherited from the former Yugoslavia military, with a limited mix of other imported systems; since 2010, it has received small quantities of equipment from Austria, Turkey, and the US (2021)
Military service age and obligation: 18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2006 (2021)

note: as of 2019, women made up about 6% of the military's full-time personnel
Military - note: Montenegro became a member of NATO in 2017; as of 2022, Greece and Italy provided NATO's air policing mission for Montenegro

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Montenegro-Albania: none identified Montenegro-Bosnia and Herzegovina: the two countries signed a border agreement in August 2015; sovereignty of the disputed Sutorina territory was given to Montenegro Montenegro-Croatia: the two countries in 2002 reached a temporary agreement designating the Prevlaka Peninsula as part of Croatia, in October 2020, a Montenegrin official resurrected the dormant dispute over the Prevlaka Peninsula by stating that Montenegro had a good chance of winning it through international arbitration Montenegro-Kosovo: a 2015 border agreement was ratified by Montenegro in 2015 and by Kosovo in 2018, but the actual demarcation has not been completed Montenegro-Serbia: The former republic boundary – when the two countries were one and called the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia – serves as the boundary until a line is formally delimited and demarcated  Montenegro-Albania: none identifiedMontenegro-Bosnia and Herzegovina: the two countries signed a border agreement in August 2015; sovereignty of the disputed Sutorina territory was given to MontenegroMontenegro-Croatia: the two countries in 2002 reached a temporary agreement designating the Prevlaka Peninsula as part of Croatia, in October 2020, a Montenegrin official resurrected the dormant dispute over the Prevlaka Peninsula by stating that Montenegro had a good chance of winning it through international arbitrationMontenegro-Kosovo: a 2015 border agreement was ratified by Montenegro in 2015 and by Kosovo in 2018, but the actual demarcation has not been completedMontenegro-Serbia: The former republic boundary – when the two countries were one and called the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia – serves as the boundary until a line is formally delimited and demarcated
Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 9,614 (Ukraine) (as of 8 August 2022)

stateless persons: 458 (mid-year 2021)

note: 23,352 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-August 2022)
Illicit drugs: drug trafficking groups are major players in the procurement and transportation of large quantities of cocaine  destined for  European marketsdrug trafficking groups are major players in the procurement and transportation of large quantities of cocaine  destined for  European markets