Zdravo! Welcome to the hidden jewel of the Balkans—Montenegro!

A small but geographically stunning country on the Adriatic coast of Southeastern Europe. There are around 600,000 people living here, and the capital is Podgorica, though the historic town of Cetinje holds the title of the Old Royal Capital. The official language is Montenegrin, which is very similar to Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian.

Montenegro covers about 13,812 square kilometers (5,333 square miles). That’s the same size as the state of Connecticut in the U.S., or about half the size of Belgium. Despite its small size, its name literally means “Black Mountain,” referring to the dark, pine-covered peaks that dominate the landscape.

The most popular sports are Football, Basketball, and Water Polo, with the national water polo team being one of the best in the world. Their national animal is the Double-headed Eagle, which has been a symbol of the country’s sovereignty for centuries.

The flag consists of a red field with a gold border and the national coat of arms in the center, where the red symbolizes the blood of those who fought for the country and the gold represents the glory and wealth of the nation.

The food is a delicious blend of Mediterranean seafood on the coast and hearty mountain fare inland. You must try Njegški pršut, a special dry-cured ham that is famous throughout the region. Another staple is Kachamak, a thick, creamy porridge made from cornmeal and potatoes, usually served with local cheese and kajmak (clotted cream). On the coast, you’ll find incredible Black Risotto, colored with cuttlefish ink.

Montenegro is home to the Bay of Kotor, often called Europe’s southernmost fjord, which features stunning medieval towns tucked between towering cliffs and turquoise water. The country also boasts the Tara River Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon. For nature lovers, Biogradska Gora is home to one of the last three virgin forests in Europe. You can also visit the Ostrog Monastery, a breathtaking white building carved almost entirely into a vertical cliff face, which is a major site of pilgrimage.

From the luxury yachts in Porto Montenegro to the rugged peaks of Durmitor National Park, Montenegro is a land where the mountains truly meet the sea. Hvala! That means “Thank you!”