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Kosovo vs. Montenegro

Introduction

KosovoMontenegro
Background

The central Balkans were part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires before ethnic Serbs migrated to the territories of modern Kosovo in the 7th century. During the medieval period, Kosovo became the center of a Serbian Empire and saw the construction of many important Serb religious sites, including many architecturally significant Serbian Orthodox monasteries. The defeat of Serbian forces at the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 led to five centuries of Ottoman rule during which large numbers of Turks and Albanians moved to Kosovo. By the end of the 19th century, Albanians replaced Serbs as the dominant ethnic group in Kosovo. Serbia reacquired control over the region from the Ottoman Empire during the First Balkan War of 1912. After World War II, Kosovo's present-day boundaries were established when Kosovo became an autonomous province of Serbia in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (S.F.R.Y.). Despite legislative concessions, Albanian nationalism increased in the 1980s, which led to riots and calls for Kosovo's independence. The Serbs - many of whom viewed Kosovo as their cultural heartland - instituted a new constitution in 1989 revoking Kosovo's autonomous status. Kosovo's Albanian leaders responded in 1991 by organizing a referendum declaring Kosovo independent. Serbia undertook repressive measures against the Kosovar Albanians in the 1990s, provoking a Kosovar Albanian insurgency.

Beginning in 1998, Serbia conducted a brutal counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians (some 800,000 ethnic Albanians were forced from their homes in Kosovo). After international attempts to mediate the conflict failed, a three-month NATO military operation against Serbia beginning in March 1999 forced the Serbs to agree to withdraw their military and police forces from Kosovo. UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) placed Kosovo under a transitional administration, the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), pending a determination of Kosovo's future status. A UN-led process began in late 2005 to determine Kosovo's final status. The 2006-07 negotiations ended without agreement between Belgrade and Pristina, though the UN issued a comprehensive report on Kosovo's final status that endorsed independence. On 17 February 2008, the Kosovo Assembly declared Kosovo independent. Since then, close to 100 countries have recognized Kosovo, and it has joined numerous international organizations. In October 2008, Serbia sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legality under international law of Kosovo's declaration of independence. The ICJ released the advisory opinion in July 2010 affirming that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate general principles of international law, UN Security Council Resolution 1244, or the Constitutive Framework. The opinion was closely tailored to Kosovo's unique history and circumstances.

Demonstrating Kosovo's development into a sovereign, multi-ethnic, democratic country the international community ended the period of Supervised Independence in 2012. Kosovo held its most recent national and municipal elections in 2017. Serbia continues to reject Kosovo's independence, but the two countries agreed in April 2013 to normalize their relations through EU-facilitated talks, which produced several subsequent agreements the parties are engaged in implementing, though they have not yet reached a comprehensive normalization of relations. Kosovo seeks full integration into the international community, and has pursued bilateral recognitions and memberships in international organizations. Kosovo signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU in 2015, and was named by a 2018 EU report as one of six Western Balkan countries that will be able to join the organization once it meets the criteria to accede. Kosovo also seeks memberships in the UN and in NATO.

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.

Geography

KosovoMontenegro
LocationSoutheast Europe, between Serbia and MacedoniaSoutheastern Europe, between the Adriatic Sea and Serbia
Geographic coordinates42 35 N, 21 00 E42 30 N, 19 18 E
Map referencesEuropeEurope
Areatotal: 10,887 sq km

land: 10,887 sq km

water: 0 sq km
total: 13,812 sq km

land: 13,452 sq km

water: 360 sq km
Area - comparativeslightly larger than Delawareslightly smaller than Connecticut; slightly larger than twice the size of Delaware
Land boundariestotal: 714 km

border countries (4): Albania 112 km, Macedonia 160 km, Montenegro 76 km, Serbia 366 km
total: 680 km

border countries (5): Albania 186 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 242 km, Croatia 19 km, Kosovo 76 km, Serbia 157 km
Coastline0 km (landlocked)293.5 km
Maritime claimsnone (landlocked)territorial sea: 12 nm

continental shelf: defined by treaty
Climateinfluenced by continental air masses resulting in relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns; Mediterranean and alpine influences create regional variation; maximum rainfall between October and DecemberMediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland
Terrainflat fluvial basin at an elevation of 400-700 m above sea level surrounded by several high mountain ranges with elevations of 2,000 to 2,500 mhighly indented coastline with narrow coastal plain backed by rugged high limestone mountains and plateaus
Elevation extremeshighest point: Gjeravica/Deravica 2,656 m

lowest point: Drini i Bardhe/Beli Drim (located on the border with Albania) 297 m

mean elevation: 450 m
highest point: Bobotov Kuk 2,522 m

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 1,086 m
Natural resourcesnickel, lead, zinc, magnesium, lignite, kaolin, chrome, bauxitebauxite, hydroelectricity
Land useagricultural land: 52.8% (2018 est.)

arable land: 27.4% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 1.9% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 23.5% (2018 est.)

forest: 41.7% (2018 est.)

other: 5.5% (2018 est.)
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 landNA24 sq km (2012)
Environment - current issuesair pollution (pollution from power plants and nearby lignite mines take a toll on people's health); water scarcity and pollution; land degradationpollution 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
Geography - notethe 41-km long Nerodimka River divides into two branches each of which flows into a different sea: the northern branch flows into the Sitnica River, which via the Ibar, Morava, and Danube Rivers ultimately flows into the Black Sea; the southern branch flows via the Lepenac and Vardar Rivers into the Aegean Seastrategic location along the Adriatic coast
Population distributionpopulation clusters exist throughout the country, the largest being in the east in and around the capital of Pristinahighest population density is concentrated in the south, southwest; the extreme eastern border is the least populated area

Demographics

KosovoMontenegro
Population1,935,259 (July 2021 est.)607,414 (July 2021 est.)
Age structure0-14 years: 24.07% (male 241,563/female 223,568)

15-24 years: 16.95% (male 170,566/female 157,063)

25-54 years: 42.56% (male 433,914/female 388,595)

55-64 years: 8.67% (male 85,840/female 81,782)

65 years and over: 7.75% (male 63,943/female 85,940) (2020 est.)
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% (male 42,345/female 55,351) (2020 est.)
Median agetotal: 30.5 years

male: 30.2 years

female: 30.8 years (2020 est.)
total: 39.6 years

male: 38.1 years

female: 41.1 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate0.67% (2021 est.)-0.4% (2021 est.)
Birth rate15.05 births/1,000 population (2021 est.)11.35 births/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Death rate6.91 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.)10.37 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Net migration rate-1.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.)-4.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sex ratioat birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.12 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2020 est.)
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.08 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: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2020 est.)
Infant mortality ratetotal: 35.93 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 37.99 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 33.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.)
total: 3.29 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 2.75 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.)
Life expectancy at birthtotal population: 72.99 years

male: 70.8 years

female: 75.35 years (2021 est.)
total population: 77.51 years

male: 75.06 years

female: 80.04 years (2021 est.)
Total fertility rate1.92 children born/woman (2021 est.)1.82 children born/woman (2021 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rateNA<.1% (2020 est.)
Nationalitynoun: Kosovar (Albanian)

adjective: Kosovo

note: Kosovo, a neutral term, is sometimes also used as a noun or adjective as in Kosovo Albanian, Kosovo Serb, Kosovo minority, or Kosovo citizen
noun: Montenegrin(s)

adjective: Montenegrin
Ethnic groupsAlbanians 92.9%, Bosniaks 1.6%, Serbs 1.5%, Turk 1.1%, Ashkali 0.9%, Egyptian 0.7%, Gorani 0.6%, Romani 0.5%, other/unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.)

note: these estimates may under-represent Serb, Romani, and some other ethnic minorities because they are based on the 2011 Kosovo national census, which excluded northern Kosovo (a largely Serb-inhabited region) and was partially boycotted by Serb and Romani communities in southern Kosovo
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.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDSNA<500 (2020 est.)

note: estimate does not include children
ReligionsMuslim 95.6%, Roman Catholic 2.2%, Orthodox 1.5%, other 0.1%, none 0.1%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.)Orthodox 72.1%, Muslim 19.1%, Catholic 3.4%, atheist 1.2%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.6% (2011 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deathsNA<100 (2020 est.)

note: estimate does not include children
LanguagesAlbanian (official) 94.5%, Bosnian 1.7%, Serbian (official) 1.6%, Turkish 1.1%, other 0.9% (includes Romani), unspecified 0.1%; note - in municipalities where a community's mother tongue is not one of Kosovo's official languages, the language of that community may be given official status according to the 2006 Law on the Use of Languages (2011 est.)

major-language sample(s):
Libri i Fakteve Boterore, burimi vital per informacione elementare. (Albanian)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
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 cinjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Serbian) 

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

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Education expendituresNANA
Major cities - population216,870 PRISTINA (capital) (2019)177,000 PODGORICA (capital) (2018)

Government

KosovoMontenegro
Country nameconventional long form: Republic of Kosovo

conventional short form: Kosovo

local long form: Republika e Kosoves (Republika Kosovo)

local short form: Kosove (Kosovo)

etymology: name derives from the Serbian "kos" meaning "blackbird," an ellipsis (linguistic omission) for "kosove polje" or "field of the blackbirds"
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 typeparliamentary republicparliamentary republic
Capitalname: Pristina (Prishtine, Prishtina)

geographic coordinates: 42 40 N, 21 10 E

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

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

etymology: the name may derive from a Proto-Slavic word reconstructed as "pryshchina," meaning "spring (of water)"
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 divisions38 municipalities (komunat, singular - komuna (Albanian); opstine, singular - opstina (Serbian)); Decan (Decani), Dragash (Dragas), Ferizaj (Urosevac), Fushe Kosove (Kosovo Polje), Gjakove (Dakovica), Gjilan (Gnjilane), Gllogovc (Glogovac), Gracanice (Gracanica), Hani i Elezit (Deneral Jankovic), Istog (Istok), Junik, Kacanik, Kamenice (Kamenica), Kline (Klina), Kllokot (Klokot), Leposaviq (Leposavic), Lipjan (Lipljan), Malisheve (Malisevo), Mamushe (Mamusa), Mitrovice e Jugut (Juzna Mitrovica) [South Mitrovica], Mitrovice e Veriut (Severna Mitrovica) [North Mitrovica], Novoberde (Novo Brdo), Obiliq (Obilic), Partesh (Partes), Peje (Pec), Podujeve (Podujevo), Prishtine (Pristina), Prizren, Rahovec (Orahovac), Ranillug (Ranilug), Shterpce (Strpce), Shtime (Stimlje), Skenderaj (Srbica), Suhareke (Suva Reka), Viti (Vitina), Vushtrri (Vucitrn), Zubin Potok, Zvecan24 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
Independence17 February 2008 (from Serbia)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 holidayIndependence Day, 17 February (2008)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)
Constitutionhistory: previous 1974, 1990; latest (postindependence) draft finalized 2 April 2008, signed 7 April 2008, ratified 9 April 2008, entered into force 15 June 2008; note - amendment 24, passed by the Assembly in August 2015, established the Kosovo Relocated Specialist Institution, referred to as the Kosovo Specialist Chamber or "Specialist Court," to try war crimes allegedly committed by members of the Kosovo Liberation Army in the late 1990s

amendments: proposed by the government, by the president of the republic, or by one fourth of Assembly deputies; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, including two-thirds majority vote of deputies representing non-majority communities, followed by a favorable Constitutional Court assessment; amended several times, last in 2020
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 systemcivil law system; note - the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) retained limited executive powers within the Kosovo judiciary for complex cases from 2008 to 2018civil law
Suffrage18 years of age; universal18 years of age; universal
Executive branchchief of state: President Vjosa OSMANI (since 4 April 2021); note: President Hashim THACI (since 7 April 2016) resigned 5 November 2020

head of government: Prime Minister Albin KURTI (since 22 February 2021)

cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Assembly

elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly for a 5-year term; if a candidate does not attain a two-thirds threshold in the first two ballots, the candidate winning a simple majority vote in the third ballot is elected (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3-4 April 2021 (next to be held in 2026); prime minister indirectly elected by the Assembly

election results: Vjosa OSMANI elected president in the third ballot; Assembly vote - Vjosa OSMANI (VV) 71 votes; Albin KURTI (VV) elected prime minister; Assembly vote - 67-30
chief of state: President Milo DJUKANOVIC (since 20 May 2018)

head of government: Prime Minister Zdravko KRIVOKAPIC (since 4 December 2020)

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 branchdescription: unicameral Assembly or Kuvendi i Kosoves/Skupstina Kosova (120 seats; 100 members directly elected by open-list proportional representation vote with 20 seats reserved for ethnic minorities - 10 for Serbs and 10 for other ethnic minorities; members serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 February 2021 (next to be held in 2025)

election results: percent of vote by party - VV 50%, PDK 16.9%, LDK 12.7%, AAK 7.1%, Serb List 5.1%, other 8.2%; seats by party - VV 58, PDK 19, LDK 15, Serb List 10, AAK 8, other 10; composition - NA
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%, AK 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, AK 1.; composition - men 57, women 24, percent of women 29.6%
Judicial branchhighest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the court president and 18 judges and organized into Appeals Panel of the Kosovo Property Agency and Special Chamber); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president, vice president, and 7 judges)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Kosovo Judicial Council, a 13-member independent body staffed by judges and lay members, and also responsible for overall administration of Kosovo's judicial system; judges appointed by the president of the Republic of Kosovo; judges appointed until mandatory retirement age; Constitutional Court judges nominated by the Kosovo Assembly and appointed by the president of the republic to serve single, 9-year terms

subordinate courts: Court of Appeals (organized into 4 departments: General, Serious Crime, Commercial Matters, and Administrative Matters); Basic Court (located in 7 municipalities, each with several branches)

note: in August 2015, the Kosovo Assembly approved a constitutional amendment that establishes the Kosovo Relocated Specialist Judicial Institution, also referred to as the Kosovo Specialist Chambers or "Special Court"; the court, located at the Hague in the Netherlands, began operating in late 2016 and has jurisdiction to try crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other crimes under Kosovo law that occurred in the 1998-2000 period
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 leadersAlliance for the Future of Kosovo or AAK [Ramush HARADINAJ]
Alternativa [Mimoza KUSARI-LILA]
Ashkali Party for Integration or PAI
Democratic League of Kosovo or LDK
Democratic Party of Kosovo or PDK [Kadri VESELI]
Independent Liberal Party or SLS [Slobodan PETROVIC]
Initiative for Kosovo or NISMA [Fatmir LIMAJ]
Movement for Self-Determination (Vetevendosje) or VV [Albin KURTI]
New Democratic Initiative of Kosovo
New Democratic Party
New Kosovo Alliance or AKR [Behgjet PACOLLI]
Romani Initiative
Serb List [Goran RAKIC]
Social Democratic Party of Kosovo or PSD [Shpend AHMETI]
Turkish Democratic Party of Kosovo or KDTP [Mahir YAGCILAR]
Unique Gorani Party [Adem HODZA]
Vakat Coalition or VAKAT [Rasim DEMIRI]
Albanian Alternative or AA [Nik DJELOSAJ]
Albanian Coalition (includes DP, DSCG, DUA)
Albanian Coalition Perspective or AKP
Albanian List (coalition includes AA, Forca, AKP, DSA)
Bosniak Party or BS [Rafet HUSOVIC]
Croatian Civic Initiative or HGI [Marija VUCINOVIC]
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 [Alexsa 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)
Liberal Party or LP [Andrija POPOVIC]
Movement for Change 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 [Ranko KRIVOKAPIC]
Social Democrats or SD [Ivan BRAJOVIC]
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 [Janko VUCINIC]
International organization participationIBRD, IDA, IFC, IMF, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OIF (observer)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, 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 USchief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Valdet SADIKU (since 9 March 2021)

chancery: 2175 K Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 450-2130

FAX: [1] (202) 735-0609

email address and website:
https://www.ambasada-ks.net/us/?page=2,1

consulate(s) general: New York

consulate(s): Des Moines (IA)
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 USchief of mission: Ambassador Philip KOSNETT (since 3 December 2018)

embassy: Arberia/Dragodan, Rr.  4 KORRIKU Nr. 25, Pristina

mailing address: 9520 Pristina Place, Washington DC  20521-9520

telephone: [383] 38-59-59-3000

FAX: [383] 38-604-890

email address and website:
PristinaACS@state.gov

https://xk.usembassy.gov/
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 descriptioncentered on a dark blue field is a gold-colored silhouette of Kosovo surmounted by six white, five-pointed stars arrayed in a slight arc; each star represents one of the major ethnic groups of Kosovo: Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Gorani, Roma, and Bosniaks

note: one of only two national flags that uses a map as a design element; the flag of Cyprus is the other
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 anthemname: Europe

lyrics/music: no lyrics/Mendi MENGJIQI

note: adopted 2008; Kosovo chose to exclude lyrics in its anthem so as not to offend the country's minority ethnic groups
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
International law organization participationhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCthas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)six, five-pointed, white stars; national colors: blue, gold, whitedouble-headed eagle; national colors: red, gold
Citizenshipcitizenship by birth: no

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

dual citizenship recognized: yes

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
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

Economy

KosovoMontenegro
Economy - overview

Kosovo's economy has shown progress in transitioning to a market-based system and maintaining macroeconomic stability, but it is still highly dependent on the international community and the diaspora for financial and technical assistance. Remittances from the diaspora - located mainly in Germany, Switzerland, and the Nordic countries - are estimated to account for about 17% of GDP and international donor assistance accounts for approximately 10% of GDP. With international assistance, Kosovo has been able to privatize a majority of its state-owned enterprises.

Kosovo's citizens are the second poorest in Europe, after Moldova, with a per capita GDP (PPP) of $10,400 in 2017. An unemployment rate of 33%, and a youth unemployment rate near 60%, in a country where the average age is 26, encourages emigration and fuels a significant informal, unreported economy. Most of Kosovo's population lives in rural towns outside of the capital, Pristina. Inefficient, near-subsistence farming is common - the result of small plots, limited mechanization, and a lack of technical expertise. Kosovo enjoys lower labor costs than the rest of the region. However, high levels of corruption, little contract enforcement, and unreliable electricity supply have discouraged potential investors. The official currency of Kosovo is the euro, but the Serbian dinar is also used illegally in Serb majority communities. Kosovo's tie to the euro has helped keep core inflation low.

Minerals and metals production - including lignite, lead, zinc, nickel, chrome, aluminum, magnesium, and a wide variety of construction materials - once the backbone of industry, has declined because of aging equipment and insufficient investment, problems exacerbated by competing and unresolved ownership claims of Kosovo's largest mines. A limited and unreliable electricity supply is a major impediment to economic development. The US Government is cooperating with the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) and the World Bank to conclude a commercial tender for the construction of Kosovo C, a new lignite-fired power plant that would leverage Kosovo's large lignite reserves. MED also has plans for the rehabilitation of an older bituminous-fired power plant, Kosovo B, and the development of a coal mine that could supply both plants.

In June 2009, Kosovo joined the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, the Central Europe Free Trade Area (CEFTA) in 2006, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in 2012, and the Council of Europe Development Bank in 2013. In 2016, Kosovo implemented the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) negotiations with the EU, focused on trade liberalization. In 2014, nearly 60% of customs duty-eligible imports into Kosovo were EU goods. In August 2015, as part of its EU-facilitated normalization process with Serbia, Kosovo signed agreements on telecommunications and energy distribution, but disagreements over who owns economic assets, such as the Trepca mining conglomerate, within Kosovo continue.

Kosovo experienced its first federal budget deficit in 2012, when government expenditures climbed sharply. In May 2014, the government introduced a 25% salary increase for public sector employees and an equal increase in certain social benefits. Central revenues could not sustain these increases, and the government was forced to reduce its planned capital investments. The government, led by Prime Minister MUSTAFA - a trained economist - recently made several changes to its fiscal policy, expanding the list of duty-free imports, decreasing the Value Added Tax (VAT) for basic food items and public utilities, and increasing the VAT for all other goods.

While Kosovo's economy continued to make progress, unemployment has not been reduced, nor living standards raised, due to lack of economic reforms and investment.

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.

GDP (purchasing power parity)$20.396 billion (2019 est.)

$19.579 billion (2018 est.)

$18.86 billion (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2010 dollars
$13.357 billion (2019 est.)

$12.835 billion (2018 est.)

$12.215 billion (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP - real growth rate3.7% (2017 est.)

4.1% (2016 est.)

4.1% (2015 est.)
4.3% (2017 est.)

2.9% (2016 est.)

3.4% (2015 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP)$11,368 (2019 est.)

$10,895 (2018 est.)

$10,530 (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2016 US dollars
$21,470 (2019 est.)

$20,629 (2018 est.)

$19,627 (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP - composition by sectoragriculture: 11.9% (2017 est.)

industry: 17.7% (2017 est.)

services: 70.4% (2017 est.)
agriculture: 7.5% (2016 est.)

industry: 15.9% (2016 est.)

services: 76.6% (2016 est.)
Population below poverty line17.6% (2015 est.)24.5% (2018 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage sharelowest 10%: 3.8%

highest 10%: 22% (2015 est.)
lowest 10%: 3.5%

highest 10%: 25.7% (2014 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)2.6% (2019 est.)

1% (2018 est.)

1.4% (2017 est.)
0.3% (2019 est.)

2.6% (2018 est.)

2.3% (2017 est.)
Labor force500,300 (2017 est.)

note: includes those estimated to be employed in the gray economy
167,000 (2020 est.)
Labor force - by occupationagriculture: 4.4%

industry: 17.4%

services: 78.2% (2017 est.)
agriculture: 7.9%

industry: 17.1%

services: 75% (2017 est.)
Unemployment rate30.5% (2017 est.)

27.5% (2016 est.)

note: Kosovo has a large informal sector that may not be reflected in these data
15.82% (2019 est.)

18.8% (2018 est.)
Distribution of family income - Gini index29 (2017 est.)

24.1 (2014 est.)
39 (2015 est.)

32.3 (2013 est.)
Budgetrevenues: 2.054 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 2.203 billion (2017 est.)
revenues: 1.78 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 2.05 billion (2017 est.)
Industriesmineral mining, construction materials, base metals, leather, machinery, appliances, foodstuffs and beverages, textilessteelmaking, aluminum, agricultural processing, consumer goods, tourism
Industrial production growth rate1.2% (2016 est.)-4.2% (2017 est.)
Agriculture - productswheat, corn, berries, potatoes, peppers, fruit; dairy, livestock; fishmilk, potatoes, grapes, vegetables, tomatoes, watermelons, wheat, apples, cabbages, barley
Exports$428 million (2017 est.)

$340 million (2016 est.)
$422.2 million (2017 est.)

$362 million (2016 est.)
Exports - commoditiesmining and processed metal products, scrap metals, leather products, machinery, appliances, prepared foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco, vegetable products, textiles and apparelaluminum, packaged medicines, cars, zinc, wine (2019)
Exports - partnersAlbania 16%, India 14%, North Macedonia 12.1%, Serbia 10.6%, Switzerland 5.6%, Germany 5.4% (2017)Serbia 17%, Hungary 15%, China 11%, Russia 7%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 6%, Germany 6%, Italy 5%, Poland 5% (2019)
Imports$3.223 billion (2017 est.)

$2.876 billion (2016 est.)
$2.618 billion (2017 est.)

$2.29 billion (2016 est.)
Imports - commoditiesfoodstuffs, livestock, wood, petroleum, chemicals, machinery, minerals, textiles, stone, ceramic and glass products, electrical equipmentrefined petroleum, cars, packaged medicines, recreational boats, cigarettes (2019)
Imports - partnersGermany 12.4%, Serbia 12.3%, Turkey 9.6%, China 9.1%, Italy 6.4%, North Macedonia 5.1%, Albania 5%, Greece 4.4% (2017)Serbia 30%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 8%, Croatia 8%, Italy 6%, Greece 6%, Germany 5% (2019)
Debt - external$2.388 billion (2019 est.)

$2.409 billion (2018 est.)
$2.516 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

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

0.885 (2017 est.)

0.903 (2016 est.)

0.9214 (2015 est.)

0.885 (2014 est.)

0.7634 (2013 est.)
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.)
Public debt21.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

19.4% of GDP (2016 est.)
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
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold$683.9 million (31 December 2016 est.)

$708.7 million (31 December 2015 est.)
$1.077 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$846.5 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Current Account Balance-$467 million (2017 est.)

-$533 million (2016 est.)
-$780 million (2017 est.)

-$710 million (2016 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)$7.926 billion (2019 est.)$5.486 billion (2019 est.)
Ease of Doing Business Index scoresOverall score: 73.2 (2020)

Starting a Business score: 95.9 (2020)

Trading score: 94.2 (2020)

Enforcement score: 64.7 (2020)
Overall score: 73.8 (2020)

Starting a Business score: 86.7 (2020)

Trading score: 91.9 (2020)

Enforcement score: 66.8 (2020)
Taxes and other revenues29% (of GDP) (2017 est.)37.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)-2.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)-5.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24total: 49.5%

male: 44.2%

female: 60.4% (2019 est.)
total: 25.2%

male: 25.8%

female: 24.3% (2019 est.)
GDP - composition, by end usehousehold consumption: 84.3% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 13.6% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 29% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 0% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services: 27% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -53.8% (2017 est.)
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.)
Gross national saving24.4% of GDP (2019 est.)

20.7% of GDP (2018 est.)

22.7% of GDP (2017 est.)
16.9% of GDP (2019 est.)

14.9% of GDP (2018 est.)

14.2% of GDP (2017 est.)

Energy

KosovoMontenegro
Electricity - production5.638 billion kWh (2016 est.)3.045 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption3.957 billion kWh (2016 est.)2.808 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports885.7 million kWh (2017 est.)914 million kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - imports557 million kWh (2016 est.)1.21 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Oil - production0 bbl/day (2017 est.)0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Oil - imports0 bbl/day (2015 est.)0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Oil - exports0 bbl/day (2015 est.)0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Oil - proved reserves0 bbl NA (2017 est.)0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves0 cu m NA (2017 est.)0 cu m (2016 est.)
Natural gas - production0 cu m (2017 est.)0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption0 cu m (2017 est.)0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports0 cu m (2017 est.)0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports0 cu m (2017 est.)0 cu m (2017 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity1.573 million kW (2016 est.)890,000 kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels97% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)23% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants3% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)69% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources1% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)8% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production0 bbl/day (2015 est.)0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption14,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)6,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports192 bbl/day (2015 est.)357 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports14,040 bbl/day (2015 est.)6,448 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Electricity accesselectrification - total population: 100% (2020)electrification - total population: 100% (2020)

Telecommunications

KosovoMontenegro
Telephones - main lines in usetotal subscriptions: 117,317

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6.11 (2019 est.)
total subscriptions: 188,175

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 30.74 (2019 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellulartotal subscriptions: 620,186

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32.3 (2019 est.)
total subscriptions: 1,150,998

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 188.05 (2019 est.)
Internet country code.xk

note: assigned as a temporary code under UN Security Council resolution 1244/99
.me
Internet userstotal: 1,706,150

percent of population: 89.44% (July 2018 est.)
total: 439,311

percent of population: 71.52% (July 2018 est.)
Telecommunication systemsgeneral assessment:

EU pre-accession process supported progress in the telecom industry with a regulatory framework, European standards, and a market of new players encouraging development; two operators dominate the sector; under-developed telecom infrastructure leads to low fixed-line penetration; little expansion of fiber networks for broadband; expansion of LTE services (2020)

(2020)

domestic: fixed-line stands at 6 per 100 and mobile-cellular 32 per 100 persons (2019)

international: country code - 383

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

general assessment:

a small population, with a compact but modern telecommunications system and access to European satellites; fiber network is dominant platform; mobile penetration is high due to tourism; mobile broadband based on LTE even in rural areas; operators testing 5G in 2021; telecom sector in-line with EU norms provides competition, access, and tariff structures (2021)

(2020)

domestic: GSM mobile-cellular service, available through multiple providers with national coverage growing; fixed-line 30 per 100 and mobile-cellular 183 per 100 persons (2019)

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 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

Transportation

KosovoMontenegro
Railwaystotal: 333 km (2015)

standard gauge: 333 km 1.435-m gauge (2015)
total: 250 km (2017)

standard gauge: 250 km 1.435-m gauge (224 km electrified) (2017)
Roadwaystotal: 2,012 km (2015)

paved: 1,921 km (includes 78 km of expressways) (2015)

unpaved: 91 km (2015)
total: 7,762 km (2010)

paved: 7,141 km (2010)

unpaved: 621 km (2010)
Airportstotal: 6 (2013)total: 5 (2013)
Airports - with paved runwaystotal: 3 (2019)

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1
total: 5 (2019)

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1
Heliports2 (2013)1 (2012)
National air transport systemnumber of registered air carriers: 0 (2020)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 mt-km (2018)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefixZ64O

Military

KosovoMontenegro
Military branchesKosovo Security Force (KSF): Land Force Command; Logistics Command; Doctrine and Training Command; National Guard Command (2021)the Armed Forces of the Republic of Montenegro are a joint force with land, air, and naval elements (2020)
Military service age and obligationservice is voluntary; must be over the age of 18 and a citizen of Kosovo; upper age for enlisting is 30 for officers, 25 for other ranks, although these may be waived for recruits with key skills considered essential for the KSF
(2019)
18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2006 (2019)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP0.8% of GDP (2019)

0.8% of GDP (2018)

0.8% of GDP (2017)

0.8% of GDP (2016)

0.8% of GDP (2015)
1.72% of GDP (2020 est.)

1.33% of GDP (2019)

1.37% of GDP (2018)

1.34% of GDP (2017)

1.42% of GDP (2016)
Military and security service personnel strengthsthe Kosovo Security Force (KSF) has approximately 3,500 personnel; note - Kosovo plans for the KSF to eventually number around 5,000 troops (2021)the Armed Forces of the Republic of Montenegro have approximately 2,000 total active duty troops (2020)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitionsthe KSF is equipped with small arms and light vehicles only; it relies on donations and since 2013 has received donated equipment from Turkey and the US (2020)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 (2020)

Transnational Issues

KosovoMontenegro
Disputes - international

Serbia with several other states protest the US and other states' recognition of Kosovo's declaration of its status as a sovereign and independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities along Kosovo's northern border challenge final status of Kosovo-Serbia boundary; NATO-led Kosovo Force peacekeepers under UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo authority continue to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all Kosovo citizens; Kosovo and North Macedonia completed demarcation of their boundary in September 2008; Kosovo ratified the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro in March 2018, but the actual demarcation has not been completed

Kosovo ratified the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro in March 2018, but the actual demarcation has not been completed

Refugees and internally displaced personsIDPs: 16,000 (primarily ethnic Serbs displaced during the 1998-1999 war fearing reprisals from the majority ethnic-Albanian population; a smaller number of ethnic Serbs, Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptians fled their homes in 2,004 as a result of violence) (2020)

note: 6,761 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-July 2021)
stateless persons: 472 (2020)

note: 19,643 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-August 2021)

Environment

KosovoMontenegro
Air pollutantscarbon dioxide emissions: 8.94 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 0.54 megatons (2020 est.)
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.)
Revenue from forest resourcesforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)forest revenues: 0.43% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coalcoal revenues: 0.31% of GDP (2018 est.)coal revenues: 0.12% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recyclingmunicipal solid waste generated annually: 319,000 tons (2015 est.)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.)

Source: CIA Factbook