Montenegro's history

Montenegro's history is almost inextricably tied to Serbia's. Similarly to Serbia, Montenegro was under the rule of the Ottoman Turks for the duration of their reign in the Balkans. When the Turks were removed from the area, Montenegro became an independent principality within the Austro-Hungarian Empire but did not become an independent, sovereign state until 1878. During World War I, Montenegro fought on the side of the Allies but was defeated and occupied by Austria.

In May 2006 Montenegro held a referendum and (on a vote of 55.4% against a required 55%) split from Serbia. Having suffered great hardship during the Balkan Conflict of the 1990s, Montenegro is now undergoing a period of change, a resurgence in tourism along and economic growth which in turn has created the conditions for an emerging property market.