May 21: Independence Day in Montenegro
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Montenegro.
History Note
Montenegro lies in the Balkan region of southeastern Europe. It borders the Adriatic Sea, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania. It has a complicated recent history.
After World War I, Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes in the Balkans formed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. This became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia after World War II. This nation was an original member of the United Nations.
At the end of the Cold War, ethnic and religious tension in Yugoslavia led to violence and to a division into multiple countries. One of those countries was the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which formed in 2000. The name of this country changed to Serbia and Montenegro in 2003.
On May 21, 2006, Montenegrins voted to end their federation with Serbia and become an independent nation. Montenegro celebrates May 21 as Independence Day with official ceremonies and cultural performances.
Montenegro has a population of about 600,000. About 70% are members of the Orthodox Church and 20% are Muslim. The country is a parliamentary republic with Podgorica as its capital.
Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint Jovan Vladimir in Bar, Montenegro. Photo by Fotokon / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
This collection of drone footage shows the beauty of Montenegro.
Find other resources at Homeschool History.
