Montenegro has a population estimated at 624,000 (UN 2009) with an area of 13,812 sq km (5,333 sq miles). The capital is Podgorica. The major languages are Serbian and Montenegrin.

Montenegro was absorbed into the newly-formed Yugoslavia at the end of World War I. Montenegro became independent in 2006. Although there was fear that the vote could lead to unrest in the areas of Montenegro where ethnic Serbs, who make up roughly a third of the population, formed the majority and strongly opposed separation from Serbia. There was backing for independence from most ethnic Montenegrins and ethnic Albanians living in Montenegro. Montenegro emerged as a sovereign state after just over 55% of the population opted for independence in a May 2006 referendum.

• Montenegro ratified The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in October 23, 2006
• Montenegro does not have a National Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325)
• Montenegro does not have a UN peacekeeping mandate

Sources:BBC; Amnesty International; UNIFEM