People and Society of Montenegro

Ethnic Groups

Montenegrin 43%, Serbian 32%, Bosniak 8%, Albanian 5%, other (Muslims, Croats, Roma) 12%

Population

620,879

Population in Major Urban Areas

PODGORICA (capital) 156,000

Although many physicians in Montenegro are highly trained, hospitals and clinics are generally not equipped or maintained to Western standards. Travelers may need to go to privately owned pharmacies in order to obtain medicines and basic medical supplies. Hospitals and private clinics usually require payment in cash for all services. Montenegro has only a small number of ambulances. As a consequence, emergency services are generally responsive in only the most severe cases. Otherwise, people must have their own transportation to hospitals and clinics.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Montenegro stands at approximately 76 to 77 years overall, with women typically living longer than men — around 79 years for females compared to roughly 74 years for males. These figures place Montenegro broadly in line with many European Union candidate countries and reflect meaningful improvements in public health achieved over recent decades. Montenegro's life expectancy has risen considerably since the country declared independence in 2006, supported by ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure and institutional reform. The country operates a public health system that provides universal coverage, and citizens have access to hospitals, clinics, and specialist care across the country, with the capital Podgorica serving as the main hub for advanced medical services. Several factors influence current life expectancy levels. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Montenegro, consistent with trends seen throughout the Western Balkans region. Smoking rates are notably high by European standards, contributing to elevated risks of heart disease, stroke, and respiratory conditions. Obesity and sedentary lifestyles are also recognized public health concerns that health authorities are actively working to address through awareness campaigns and policy initiatives. On the positive side, Montenegro's Mediterranean-influenced diet in coastal regions — rich in fish, olive oil, and fresh vegetables — supports healthier outcomes for portions of the population. Access to clean water and improved sanitation across most of the country also underpins baseline health standards. Montenegro has been engaged in aligning its healthcare policies with European Union standards as part of its EU accession process, and this has brought increased focus on preventive care, chronic disease management, and health education. These ongoing reforms are expected to contribute to further gradual improvements in life expectancy in the coming years. Compared to Western European nations, where life expectancy commonly reaches or exceeds 81 to 84 years, Montenegro still has room for improvement, but its overall trajectory remains positive. The World Bank classifies Montenegro as an upper-middle-income country, and its health outcomes broadly reflect that economic standing.

Infant Mortality Rate

Montenegro has achieved notably low infant mortality rates in recent decades, reflecting the country's significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and maternal and child health services since gaining independence in 2006. As of the most recent available data, Montenegro's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 3 to 4 deaths per 1,000 live births. This places the country well below the global average of around 28 deaths per 1,000 live births and is broadly comparable to many Western European nations, representing a strong public health achievement for a small Balkan state still navigating post-transition economic development. This figure marks a dramatic improvement from earlier periods. In the early 1990s, infant mortality in Montenegro was considerably higher, estimated at over 15 deaths per 1,000 live births. The sustained decline over the following three decades can be attributed to improved access to prenatal and postnatal care, better-trained medical personnel, expanded vaccination programs, and growing public health awareness among the population. Montenegro's healthcare system provides universal coverage, which ensures that the majority of births take place in clinical settings attended by skilled health professionals. The country has maintained high rates of immunization against preventable diseases such as diphtheria, polio, and measles, which historically contributed to infant deaths in the region. Urban and rural disparities in healthcare access do persist to some degree, with residents in remote mountainous areas occasionally facing greater distances to medical facilities. However, ongoing government initiatives and support from international health organizations have worked to reduce these gaps in recent years. Montenegro's infant mortality performance also correlates with its relatively high rate of exclusive breastfeeding promotion, maternal education levels, and sanitation infrastructure. The country's membership in various international health frameworks has further supported the adoption of evidence-based practices in neonatal and infant care. Overall, Montenegro's infant mortality rate serves as a positive indicator of the country's public health progress and its commitment to meeting internationally recognized child health standards.

Major Infectious Diseases

intermediate

• Orthodox78.0%
• Muslim5.0%
• Roman Catholic4.0%

Serbian (Ijekavian dialect - official)

Crime Information

Street crime in Podgorica is at a level to be expected for a small European city with fewer than 200,000 people. Residential break-ins present the greatest security concern for U.S. citizens in Montenegro; however, the frequency of these crimes is still relatively low. Violent crime is infrequent. Police have a limited ability to provide services in English. Cases of credit card fraud and theft at ATMs are minimal in the winter months, but there is a significant increase in theft at ATMs during the tourist season between May and September. Visitors should ensure that they protect their PINs at all times when using ATMs, and monitor card activity. Don’t buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Montenegro, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In Montenegro, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Likewise, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. There are also some things that might be legal in Montenegro, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Montenegro, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go. Persons violating Montenegrin laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Montenegro are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Carrying of weapons is forbidden. While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.