Albania vs. Montenegro
Introduction
| Albania | Montenegro | |
|---|---|---|
| Background | Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, but was conquered by Italy in 1939 and occupied by Germany in 1943. Communist partisans took over the country in 1944. Albania allied itself first with the USSR (until 1960), and then with China (to 1978). In the early 1990s, Albania ended 46 years of isolated communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven challenging as successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread corruption, dilapidated infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks, and combative political opponents. Albania has made progress in its democratic development since it first held multiparty elections in 1991, but deficiencies remain. Most of Albania's post-communist elections were marred by claims of electoral fraud; however, international observers judged elections to be largely free and fair since the restoration of political stability following the collapse of pyramid schemes in 1997. Albania joined NATO in April 2009 and in June 2014 became an EU candidate. Albania in April 2017 received a European Commission recommendation to open EU accession negotiations following the passage of historic EU-mandated justice reforms in 2016. Although Albania's economy continues to grow, it has slowed, and the country is still one of the poorest in Europe. A large informal economy and a weak energy and transportation infrastructure remain obstacles. | 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
| Albania | Montenegro | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, between Greece to the south and Montenegro and Kosovo to the north | Southeastern Europe, between the Adriatic Sea and Serbia |
| Geographic coordinates | 41 00 N, 20 00 E | 42 30 N, 19 18 E |
| Map references | Europe | Europe |
| Area | total: 28,748 sq km land: 27,398 sq km water: 1,350 sq km | total: 13,812 sq km land: 13,452 sq km water: 360 sq km |
| Area - comparative | slightly smaller than Maryland | slightly smaller than Connecticut; slightly larger than twice the size of Delaware |
| Land boundaries | total: 691 km border countries (4): Greece 212 km, Kosovo 112 km, Macedonia 181 km, Montenegro 186 km | total: 680 km border countries (5): Albania 186 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 242 km, Croatia 19 km, Kosovo 76 km, Serbia 157 km |
| Coastline | 362 km | 293.5 km |
| Maritime claims | territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation | territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: defined by treaty |
| Climate | mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter | Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland |
| Terrain | mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast | highly indented coastline with narrow coastal plain backed by rugged high limestone mountains and plateaus |
| Elevation extremes | highest point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,764 m lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 708 m | highest point: Bobotov Kuk 2,522 m lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 1,086 m |
| Natural resources | petroleum, natural gas, coal, bauxite, chromite, copper, iron ore, nickel, salt, timber, hydropower, arable land | bauxite, hydroelectricity |
| Land use | agricultural land: 42.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 22.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 17.4% (2018 est.) forest: 28.8% (2018 est.) other: 28.2% (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 land | 3,537 sq km (2014) | 24 sq km (2012) |
| Natural hazards | destructive earthquakes; tsunamis occur along southwestern coast; floods; drought | destructive earthquakes |
| Environment - current issues | deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial and domestic effluents; air pollution from industrial and power plants; loss of biodiversity due to lack of resources for sound environmental management | 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-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected 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 |
| Geography - note | strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea) | strategic location along the Adriatic coast |
| Population distribution | a fairly even distribution, with somewhat higher concentrations of people in the western and central parts of the country | highest population density is concentrated in the south, southwest; the extreme eastern border is the least populated area |
Demographics
| Albania | Montenegro | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,088,385 (July 2021 est.) | 607,414 (July 2021 est.) |
| Age structure | 0-14 years: 17.6% (male 284,636/female 256,474) 15-24 years: 15.39% (male 246,931/female 226,318) 25-54 years: 42.04% (male 622,100/female 670,307) 55-64 years: 11.94% (male 178,419/female 188,783) 65 years and over: 13.03% (male 186,335/female 214,276) (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 age | total: 34.3 years male: 32.9 years female: 35.7 years (2020 est.) | total: 39.6 years male: 38.1 years female: 41.1 years (2020 est.) |
| Population growth rate | 0.24% (2021 est.) | -0.4% (2021 est.) |
| Birth rate | 12.86 births/1,000 population (2021 est.) | 11.35 births/1,000 population (2021 est.) |
| Death rate | 7.27 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.) | 10.37 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.) |
| Net migration rate | -3.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.) | -4.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.) |
| Sex ratio | at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.11 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 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 rate | total: 11.1 deaths/1,000 live births male: 12.15 deaths/1,000 live births female: 9.96 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 birth | total population: 79.23 years male: 76.55 years female: 82.12 years (2021 est.) | total population: 77.51 years male: 75.06 years female: 80.04 years (2021 est.) |
| Total fertility rate | 1.53 children born/woman (2021 est.) | 1.82 children born/woman (2021 est.) |
| HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate | <.1 (2020 est.) | <.1% (2020 est.) |
| Nationality | noun: Albanian(s) adjective: Albanian | noun: Montenegrin(s) adjective: Montenegrin |
| Ethnic groups | Albanian 82.6%, Greek 0.9%, other 1% (including Vlach, Romani, Macedonian, Montenegrin, and Egyptian), unspecified 15.5% (2011 est.) note: data represent population by ethnic and cultural affiliation | 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/AIDS | 1,400 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children | <500 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children |
| Religions | Muslim 56.7%, Roman Catholic 10%, Orthodox 6.8%, atheist 2.5%, Bektashi (a Sufi order) 2.1%, other 5.7%, unspecified 16.2% (2011 est.) note: all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing private religious practice | Orthodox 72.1%, Muslim 19.1%, Catholic 3.4%, atheist 1.2%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.6% (2011 est.) |
| HIV/AIDS - deaths | <100 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children | <100 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children |
| Languages | Albanian 98.8% (official - derived from Tosk dialect), Greek 0.5%, other 0.6% (including Macedonian, Romani, Vlach, Turkish, Italian, and Serbo-Croatian), unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Libri i fakteve boterore, burim i pa zevendesueshem 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. |
| Literacy | definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 98.1% male: 98.5% female: 97.8% (2018) | 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: 14 years female: 16 years (2019) | total: 15 years male: 15 years female: 15 years (2019) |
| Education expenditures | 3.6% of GDP (2017) | NA |
| Urbanization | urban population: 63% of total population (2021) rate of urbanization: 1.29% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) | urban population: 67.8% of total population (2021) rate of urbanization: 0.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) |
| Drinking water source | improved: urban: 96.8% of population rural: 95.3% of population total: 96.2% of population unimproved: urban: 4.7% of population rural: 4.7% of population total: 3.8% of population (2017 est.) | improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 99.8% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0.2% of population (2017 est.) |
| Sanitation facility access | improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 99.5% of population total: 99.8% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0.5% of population total: 0.2% of population (2017 est.) | improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 93.9% of population total: 97.8% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 6.1% of population total: 2.2% of population (2017 est.) |
| Major cities - population | 503,000 TIRANA (capital) (2021) | 177,000 PODGORICA (capital) (2018) |
| Maternal mortality rate | 15 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) | 6 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) |
| Children under the age of 5 years underweight | 1.5% (2017/18) | 3.7% (2018/19) |
| Health expenditures | 5.3% (2018) | 8.4% (2018) |
| Physicians density | 1.22 physicians/1,000 population (2016) | 2.76 physicians/1,000 population (2018) |
| Hospital bed density | 2.9 beds/1,000 population (2013) | 3.9 beds/1,000 population (2017) |
| Obesity - adult prevalence rate | 21.7% (2016) | 23.3% (2016) |
| Mother's mean age at first birth | 24.8 years (2019 est.) | 26.3 years (2010 est.) |
| Contraceptive prevalence rate | 46% (2017/18) | 20.7% (2018) |
| Dependency ratios | total dependency ratio: 46.9 youth dependency ratio: 25.3 elderly dependency ratio: 21.6 potential support ratio: 4.6 (2020 est.) | total dependency ratio: 51.1 youth dependency ratio: 27.3 elderly dependency ratio: 23.8 potential support ratio: 4.2 (2020 est.) |
Government
| Albania | Montenegro | |
|---|---|---|
| Country name | conventional long form: Republic of Albania conventional short form: Albania local long form: Republika e Shqiperise local short form: Shqiperia former: People's Socialist Republic of Albania etymology: the English-language country name seems to be derived from the ancient Illyrian tribe of the Albani; the native name "Shqiperia" is derived from the Albanian word "Shqiponje" ("Eagle") and is popularly interpreted to mean "Land of the Eagles" | 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 | parliamentary republic |
| Capital | name: Tirana (Tirane) geographic coordinates: 41 19 N, 19 49 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 Tirana first appears in a 1418 Venetian document; the origin of the name is unclear, but may derive from Tirkan Fortress, whose ruins survive on the slopes of Dajti mountain and which overlooks the city | 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 | 12 counties (qarqe, singular - qark); Berat, Diber, Durres, Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokaster, Korce, Kukes, Lezhe, Shkoder, Tirane, Vlore | 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 | 28 November 1912 (from the Ottoman Empire) | 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 | Independence Day, 28 November (1912), also known as Flag Day | 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 approved by the Assembly 21 October 1998, adopted by referendum 22 November 1998, promulgated 28 November 1998 amendments: proposed by at least one-fifth of the Assembly membership; passage requires at least a two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly; referendum required only if approved by two-thirds of the Assembly; amendments approved by referendum effective upon declaration by the president of the republic; 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 system | civil law system except in the northern rural areas where customary law known as the "Code of Leke" is still present | civil law |
| Suffrage | 18 years of age; universal | 18 years of age; universal |
| Executive branch | chief of state: President of the Republic Ilir META (since 24 July 2017) head of government: Prime Minister Edi RAMA (since 10 September 2013); Deputy Prime Minister Senida MESI (since 13 September 2017) cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, nominated by the president, and approved by the Assembly elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); a candidate needs three-fifths majority vote of the Assembly in 1 of 3 rounds or a simple majority in 2 additional rounds to become president; election last held in 4 rounds on 19, 20, 27, and 28 April 2017 (next election to be held in 2022); prime minister appointed by the president on the proposal of the majority party or coalition of parties in the Assembly election results: Ilir META elected president; Assembly vote - 87 - 2 in fourth round | 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 branch | description: unicameral Assembly or Kuvendi (140 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 25 April 2021 (next to be held in 2025) election results: percent of vote by party/coalition - PS 48.7%, PD-Alliance for Change 39.4%, LSI 6.8%, PSD 2.3%, other 2.8%; seats by party/coalition - PS 74, PD-Alliance for Change 59, LSI 4, PSD 3; composition -men 93, women 47, percent of women 33.6%% | 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 branch | highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of 19 judges, including the chief justice); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges, including the chairman) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the High Judicial Council with the consent of the president to serve single 9-year terms; Supreme Court chairman is elected for a single 3-year term by the court members; appointments of Constitutional Court judges are rotated among the president, Parliament, and Supreme Court from a list of pre-qualified candidates (each institution selects 3 judges), to serve single 9-year terms; candidates are pre-qualified by a randomly selected body of experienced judges and prosecutors; Constitutional Court chairman is elected by the court members for a single, renewable 3-year term subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Courts of First Instance; specialized courts: Court for Corruption and Organized Crime, Appeals Court for Corruption and Organized Crime (responsible for corruption, organized crime, and crimes of high officials) | 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 | Alliance for Change (electoral coalition led by PD) Democratic Party or PD [Lulzim BASHA] Party for Justice, Integration and Unity or PDIU [Shpetim IDRIZI] (part of the Alliance for Change; formerly part of APMI) Social Democratic Party or PSD [Tom DOSHI] Socialist Movement for Integration or LSI [Monika KRYEMADHI] Socialist Party or PS [Edi RAMA] | 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 participation | BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EITI (compliant country), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO | 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 US | chief of mission: Ambassador Floreta LULI-FABER (since 18 May 2015) chancery: 2100 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 223-4942 FAX: [1] (202) 628-7342 email address and website: embassy.washington@mfa.gov.al http://www.ambasadat.gov.al/usa/en consulate(s) general: New York | 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 Yuri KIM (since 27 January 2020) embassy: Rruga Stavro Vinjau, No. 14, Tirana mailing address: 9510 Tirana Place, Washington DC 20521-9510 telephone: [355] 4 2247-285 FAX: [355] 4 2232-222 email address and website: ACSTirana@state.gov https://al.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 description | red with a black two-headed eagle in the center; the design is claimed to be that of 15th-century hero Georgi Kastrioti SKANDERBEG, who led a successful uprising against the Ottoman Turks that resulted in a short-lived independence for some Albanian regions (1443-78); an unsubstantiated explanation for the eagle symbol is the tradition that Albanians see themselves as descendants of the eagle; they refer to themselves as "Shqiptare," which translates as "sons of the eagle" | 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 anthem | name: "Hymni i Flamurit" (Hymn to the Flag) lyrics/music: Aleksander Stavre DRENOVA/Ciprian PORUMBESCU note: adopted 1912 | 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 participation | has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction | has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction |
| National symbol(s) | black double-headed eagle; national colors: red, black | double-headed eagle; national colors: red, gold |
| Citizenship | citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Albania 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
| Albania | Montenegro | |
|---|---|---|
| Economy - overview | Albania, a formerly closed, centrally planned state, is a developing country with a modern open-market economy. Albania managed to weather the first waves of the global financial crisis but, the negative effects of the crisis caused a significant economic slowdown. Since 2014, Albania's economy has steadily improved and economic growth reached 3.8% in 2017. However, close trade, remittance, and banking sector ties with Greece and Italy make Albania vulnerable to spillover effects of possible debt crises and weak growth in the euro zone. Remittances, a significant catalyst for economic growth, declined from 12-15% of GDP before the 2008 financial crisis to 5.8% of GDP in 2015, mostly from Albanians residing in Greece and Italy. The agricultural sector, which accounts for more than 40% of employment but less than one quarter of GDP, is limited primarily to small family operations and subsistence farming, because of a lack of modern equipment, unclear property rights, and the prevalence of small, inefficient plots of land. Complex tax codes and licensing requirements, a weak judicial system, endemic corruption, poor enforcement of contracts and property issues, and antiquated infrastructure contribute to Albania's poor business environment making attracting foreign investment difficult. Since 2015, Albania has launched an ambitious program to increase tax compliance and bring more businesses into the formal economy. In July 2016, Albania passed constitutional amendments reforming the judicial system in order to strengthen the rule of law and to reduce deeply entrenched corruption. Albania's electricity supply is uneven despite upgraded transmission capacities with neighboring countries. However, the government has recently taken steps to stem non-technical losses and has begun to upgrade the distribution grid. Better enforcement of electricity contracts has improved the financial viability of the sector, decreasing its reliance on budget support. Also, with help from international donors, the government is taking steps to improve the poor road and rail networks, a long standing barrier to sustained economic growth. Inward foreign direct investment has increased significantly in recent years as the government has embarked on an ambitious program to improve the business climate through fiscal and legislative reforms. The government is focused on the simplification of licensing requirements and tax codes, and it entered into a new arrangement with the IMF for additional financial and technical support. Albania's three-year IMF program, an extended fund facility arrangement, was successfully concluded in February 2017. The Albanian Government has strengthened tax collection amid moderate public wage and pension increases in an effort to reduce its budget deficit. The country continues to face high public debt, exceeding its former statutory limit of 60% of GDP in 2013 and reaching 72% in 2016. | 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) | $39.859 billion (2019 est.) $38.986 billion (2018 est.) $37.461 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 rate | 2.24% (2019 est.) 4.07% (2018 est.) 3.8% (2017 est.) | 4.3% (2017 est.) 2.9% (2016 est.) 3.4% (2015 est.) |
| GDP - per capita (PPP) | $13,965 (2019 est.) $13,601 (2018 est.) $13,037 (2017 est.) note: data are in 2010 dollars | $21,470 (2019 est.) $20,629 (2018 est.) $19,627 (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars |
| GDP - composition by sector | agriculture: 21.7% (2017 est.) industry: 24.2% (2017 est.) services: 54.1% (2017 est.) | agriculture: 7.5% (2016 est.) industry: 15.9% (2016 est.) services: 76.6% (2016 est.) |
| Population below poverty line | 14.3% (2012 est.) | 24.5% (2018 est.) |
| Household income or consumption by percentage share | lowest 10%: 4.1% highest 10%: 19.6% (2015 est.) | lowest 10%: 3.5% highest 10%: 25.7% (2014 est.) |
| Inflation rate (consumer prices) | 1.4% (2019 est.) 2% (2018 est.) 1.9% (2017 est.) | 0.3% (2019 est.) 2.6% (2018 est.) 2.3% (2017 est.) |
| Labor force | 1.104 million (2020 est.) | 167,000 (2020 est.) |
| Labor force - by occupation | agriculture: 41.4% industry: 18.3% services: 40.3% (2017 est.) | agriculture: 7.9% industry: 17.1% services: 75% (2017 est.) |
| Unemployment rate | 5.83% (2019 est.) 6.32% (2018 est.) note: these official rates may not include those working at near-subsistence farming | 15.82% (2019 est.) 18.8% (2018 est.) |
| Distribution of family income - Gini index | 33.2 (2017 est.) 30 (2008 est.) | 39 (2015 est.) 32.3 (2013 est.) |
| Budget | revenues: 3.614 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 3.874 billion (2017 est.) | revenues: 1.78 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.05 billion (2017 est.) |
| Industries | food; footwear, apparel and clothing; lumber, oil, cement, chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydropower | steelmaking, aluminum, agricultural processing, consumer goods, tourism |
| Industrial production growth rate | 6.8% (2017 est.) | -4.2% (2017 est.) |
| Agriculture - products | milk, maize, tomatoes, potatoes, watermelons, wheat, grapes, cucumbers, onions, apples | milk, potatoes, grapes, vegetables, tomatoes, watermelons, wheat, apples, cabbages, barley |
| Exports | $900.7 million (2017 est.) $789.1 million (2016 est.) | $422.2 million (2017 est.) $362 million (2016 est.) |
| Exports - commodities | leather footwear and parts, crude petroleum, iron alloys, clothing, electricity, perfumes (2019) | aluminum, packaged medicines, cars, zinc, wine (2019) |
| Exports - partners | Italy 45%, Spain 8%, Germany 6%, Greece 5%, France 4%, China 4% (2019) | Serbia 17%, Hungary 15%, China 11%, Russia 7%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 6%, Germany 6%, Italy 5%, Poland 5% (2019) |
| Imports | $4.103 billion (2017 est.) $3.67 billion (2016 est.) | $2.618 billion (2017 est.) $2.29 billion (2016 est.) |
| Imports - commodities | refined petroleum, cars, tanned hides, packaged medical supplies, footwear parts (2019) | refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicines, recreational boats, cigarettes (2019) |
| Imports - partners | Italy 28%, Greece 12%, China 11%, Turkey 9%, Germany 5% (2019) | Serbia 30%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 8%, Croatia 8%, Italy 6%, Greece 6%, Germany 5% (2019) |
| Debt - external | $9.311 billion (2019 est.) $9.547 billion (2018 est.) | $2.516 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.224 billion (31 December 2016 est.) |
| Exchange rates | leke (ALL) per US dollar - 102.43 (2020 est.) 111.36 (2019 est.) 108.57 (2018 est.) 125.96 (2014 est.) 105.48 (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.) |
| Fiscal year | calendar year | calendar year |
| Public debt | 71.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 73.2% 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 | $3.59 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $3.109 billion (31 December 2016 est.) | $1.077 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $846.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) |
| Current Account Balance | -$908 million (2017 est.) -$899 million (2016 est.) | -$780 million (2017 est.) -$710 million (2016 est.) |
| GDP (official exchange rate) | $15.273 billion (2019 est.) | $5.486 billion (2019 est.) |
| Credit ratings | Moody's rating: B1 (2007) Standard & Poors rating: B+ (2016) | Moody's rating: B1 (2016) Standard & Poors rating: B+ (2014) |
| Ease of Doing Business Index scores | Overall score: 67.7 (2020) Starting a Business score: 91.8 (2020) Trading score: 96.3 (2020) Enforcement score: 53.5 (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 revenues | 27.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) | 37.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) |
| Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-) | -2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) | -5.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) |
| Unemployment, youth ages 15-24 | total: 27% male: 27.8% female: 25.9% (2019 est.) | total: 25.2% male: 25.8% female: 24.3% (2019 est.) |
| GDP - composition, by end use | household consumption: 78.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 25.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 31.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -46.6% (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 saving | 14% of GDP (2019 est.) 16.8% of GDP (2018 est.) 16.5% of GDP (2017 est.) | 16.9% of GDP (2019 est.) 14.9% of GDP (2018 est.) 14.2% of GDP (2017 est.) |
Energy
| Albania | Montenegro | |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity - production | 7.138 billion kWh (2016 est.) | 3.045 billion kWh (2016 est.) |
| Electricity - consumption | 5.11 billion kWh (2016 est.) | 2.808 billion kWh (2016 est.) |
| Electricity - exports | 1.869 billion kWh (2016 est.) | 914 million kWh (2016 est.) |
| Electricity - imports | 1.827 billion kWh (2016 est.) | 1.21 billion kWh (2016 est.) |
| Oil - production | 14,000 bbl/day (2018 est.) | 0 bbl/day (2018 est.) |
| Oil - imports | 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) | 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) |
| Oil - exports | 17,290 bbl/day (2015 est.) | 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) |
| Oil - proved reserves | 168.3 million bbl (1 January 2018 est.) | 0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.) |
| Natural gas - proved reserves | 821.2 million cu m (1 January 2018 est.) | 0 cu m (2016 est.) |
| Natural gas - production | 50.97 million cu m (2017 est.) | 0 cu m (2017 est.) |
| Natural gas - consumption | 50.97 million cu m (2017 est.) | 0 cu m (2017 est.) |
| Natural gas - exports | 0 cu m (2017 est.) | 0 cu m (2017 est.) |
| Natural gas - imports | 0 cu m (2017 est.) | 0 cu m (2017 est.) |
| Electricity - installed generating capacity | 2.109 million kW (2016 est.) | 890,000 kW (2016 est.) |
| Electricity - from fossil fuels | 5% of total installed capacity (2016 est.) | 23% of total installed capacity (2016 est.) |
| Electricity - from hydroelectric plants | 95% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) | 69% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) |
| Electricity - from nuclear fuels | 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) | 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) |
| Electricity - from other renewable sources | 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) | 8% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) |
| Refined petroleum products - production | 5,638 bbl/day (2015 est.) | 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) |
| Refined petroleum products - consumption | 29,000 bbl/day (2016 est.) | 6,000 bbl/day (2016 est.) |
| Refined petroleum products - exports | 3,250 bbl/day (2015 est.) | 357 bbl/day (2015 est.) |
| Refined petroleum products - imports | 26,660 bbl/day (2015 est.) | 6,448 bbl/day (2015 est.) |
| Electricity access | electrification - total population: 100% (2020) | electrification - total population: 100% (2020) |
Telecommunications
| Albania | Montenegro | |
|---|---|---|
| Telephones - main lines in use | total subscriptions: 242,859 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7.9 (2019 est.) | total subscriptions: 188,175 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 30.74 (2019 est.) |
| Telephones - mobile cellular | total subscriptions: 2,630,076 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 85.59 (2019 est.) | total subscriptions: 1,150,998 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 188.05 (2019 est.) |
| Internet country code | .al | .me |
| Internet users | total: 2,196,613 percent of population: 71.85% (July 2018 est.) | total: 439,311 percent of population: 71.52% (July 2018 est.) |
| Telecommunication systems | general assessment: Albania's small telecom market has improved through signatory status of EU accession plan; EU financial aid will build infrastructure and enhance cooperation; operator committed _100 million to upgrade fixed-line infrastructure, supporting broadband services nationally; consistent with the region, fixed-line telephony use and penetration is declining as subscribers prefer mobile solutions; mobile sector is supported through LTE networks; operators have invested in 5G, including the intention to create a corridor with Kosovo; importer of broadcasting equipment from EU neighbors (2021) (2020)domestic: fixed-line 8 per 100, teledensity continues to decline due to heavy use of mobile-cellular telephone services; mobile-cellular telephone use is widespread and generally effective, 91 per 100 for mobile-cellular (2019) international: country code - 355; submarine cables for the Adria 1 and Italy-Albania provide connectivity to Italy, Croatia, and Greece; a combination submarine cable and land fiber-optic system, provides additional connectivity to Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Turkey; international traffic carried by fiber-optic cable and, when necessary, by microwave radio relay from the Tirana exchange to Italy and Greece (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 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 |
| Broadband - fixed subscriptions | total: 436,192 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14.19 (2019 est.) | total: 178,781 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29.21 (2019 est.) |
| Broadcast media | Albania has more than 65 TV stations, including several that broadcast nationally; Albanian TV broadcasts are also available to Albanian-speaking populations in neighboring countries; many viewers have access to Italian and Greek TV broadcasts via terrestrial reception; Albania's TV stations have begun a government-mandated conversion from analog to digital broadcast; the government has pledged to provide analog-to-digital converters to low-income families affected by this decision; cable TV service is available; 2 public radio networks and roughly 78 private radio stations; several international broadcasters are available (2019) | 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) |
Transportation
| Albania | Montenegro | |
|---|---|---|
| Railways | total: 677 km (447 km of major railway lines and 230 km of secondary lines) (2015) standard gauge: 677 km 1.435-m gauge (2015) | total: 250 km (2017) standard gauge: 250 km 1.435-m gauge (224 km electrified) (2017) |
| Roadways | total: 3,945 km (2018) | total: 7,762 km (2010) paved: 7,141 km (2010) unpaved: 621 km (2010) |
| Ports and terminals | major seaport(s): Durres, Sarande, Shengjin, Vlore | major seaport(s): Bar |
| Merchant marine | total: 70 by type: general cargo 50, oil tanker 1, other 19 (2020) | total: 16 by type: bulk carrier 4, other 12 (2020) |
| Airports | total: 3 (2020) | total: 5 (2013) |
| Airports - with paved runways | total: 3 (2020) 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2017) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2017) | 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 |
| National air transport system | number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 5 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 303,137 (2018) | 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 prefix | ZA | 4O |
Military
| Albania | Montenegro | |
|---|---|---|
| Military branches | General Staff, Land Forces Command, Navy Force Command (includes Coast Guard), Air Forces Command, Support Command, Training and Doctrination 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 obligation | 19 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; 18 is the legal minimum age in case of general/partial compulsory mobilization; conscription abolished 2010 (2019) | 18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2006 (2019) |
| Military expenditures - percent of GDP | 1.3% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.31% of GDP (2019) 1.16% of GDP (2018) 1.11% of GDP (2017) 1.1% of GDP (2016) | 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 - note | Albania officially became a member of NATO in 2009 | Montenegro officially became a member of NATO in 2017 |
| Military and security service personnel strengths | information varies; approximately 8,000 total active duty personnel (6,000 Army; 1,500 Navy; 500 Air Force) (2020) | the Armed Forces of the Republic of Montenegro have approximately 2,000 total active duty troops (2020) |
| Military equipment inventories and acquisitions | the Albanian military was previously equipped with mostly Soviet-era weapons that were sold or destroyed; its inventory now includes a mix of mostly donated and second-hand European and US equipment; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of equipment from France, Germany, 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
| Albania | Montenegro | |
|---|---|---|
| Disputes - international | none | Kosovo ratified the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro in March 2018, but the actual demarcation has not been completed |
| Refugees and internally displaced persons | stateless persons: 1,031 (2020) note: 11,827 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-January 2021) | stateless persons: 472 (2020) note: 19,643 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-August 2021) |
Environment
| Albania | Montenegro | |
|---|---|---|
| Air pollutants | particulate matter emissions: 17.87 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 4.54 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 2.55 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.) |
| Total water withdrawal | municipal: 283 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 231.8 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 905 million cubic meters (2017 est.) | municipal: 96.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 62.8 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 1.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.) |
| Revenue from forest resources | forest revenues: 0.18% of GDP (2018 est.) | forest revenues: 0.43% of GDP (2018 est.) |
| Revenue from coal | coal revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.) | coal revenues: 0.12% of GDP (2018 est.) |
| Waste and recycling | municipal solid waste generated annually: 1,142,964 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
