Overview
Montenegro is located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, covering approximately 13,812 km². It shares borders with Croatia (14 km), Bosnia and Herzegovina (225 km) to the west, Serbia and Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/1999) to the north and northeast, and Albania (172 km) to the southeast. The country is separated from Italy by the Adriatic Sea.
Montenegro’s terrain ranges from high peaks along the Serbian and Albanian borders to plains, including the Bjelopavlićka and Zetska plains.
The country’s main rivers flow into the Adriatic and Black Sea basins, and it has nearly 400 km² of lakes, with only Pivsko Lake being artificial.
Considering criteria related to relief, climate, and geology, Montenegro’s territory can be divided into five regions: Eastern, Northern, Central, Karst, and Montenegrin Coast.
Land use in Montenegro in 2021 covered 255,564.4 ha, with the majority (94.3%) being permanent grassland and pasture, followed by arable land (2.7%), permanent crops (2.2%), and gardens (0.8%). These figures experienced slight changes compared to 2020.
Montenegro’s protected forests cover 13.41% of the country’s territory and are protected as national parks, nature parks, and reserves. These areas preserve diverse ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and habitats for various species.
Forest and Forest land
Montenegro has abundant forest and forest land, making up a significant portion of its territory. According to the results of the First National Forest Inventory (NFI), the country has a high degree of forest cover, encompassing approximately 59.5% of its total land area, equivalent to 826,782 hectares. This extensive forested landscape contributes significantly to Montenegro’s ecological diversity and environmental well-being.
According to the results of the First National Forest Inventory (NFI), Montenegro is characterized by a high forest cover of 59.5% (826,782 ha). Forest land occupies 9.9% (137,480 ha). Together, forests and forest land constitute 69.4% of Montenegro’s territory. The forest cover ratio is 1.3 ha per inhabitant.
Forest area
0,8
million ha
Of the total forested area, managed forests make up approximately 66.6% of the surface. The protective forests are the most prevalent with 11.8% as well as the national parks with 3.4% of the total forest area.
Regarding forest land ownership, private forest owners dominate with 58%, while state-owned forests make up the remaining 42%.
Montenegro’s approach to forest management emphasizes sustainability and conservation, aligning with international standards and agreements. The First National Forest Inventory (NFI) not only assesses the state of forests but also informs forest management practices, ensuring their long-term health and vitality.
Protected Areas
In Montenegro, approximately 13.41% of the territory, equivalent to 185,270 hectares, falls under protective status. These protected areas encompass national parks, nature parks, and reserves. Within all national parks, except for Skadar Lake National Park, forests are the predominant land category. Nature parks and reserves represent regions where climatic and other ecological factors have fostered the growth of diverse and abundant plant and animal species.
These areas span various altitude zones, ranging from river valleys and dense deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests in the lower and central sections of mountain ranges to mountain meadows, pastures, rocky terrains, and mountain peaks. They also serve as habitats primarily dedicated to the protection of water and fauna.
Montenegro has also established the EMERALD ecological international network, and efforts to establish NATURA 2000 protected areas are underway.
Protected areas
185 270
ha
Agricultural Land
In 2021, Montenegro’s agricultural land covered an area of 255,564.4 hectares. The agricultural land is divided into various categories based on land use, each serving a unique purpose within the country’s agricultural sector.
The majority of Montenegro’s agricultural land, around 94.3%, consists of perennial meadows and pastures. These areas are essential for livestock grazing and play a crucial role in supporting the country’s livestock industry. Additionally, they contribute to the preservation of natural landscapes and biodiversity.
Arable land constitutes 2.7% of the total agricultural land, primarily used for crop cultivation. Montenegro’s agriculture includes the production of a variety of crops, including grains, vegetables, and fruits, among others.
Another category is permanent plantations, accounting for 2.2% of the agricultural land. These areas are dedicated to the cultivation of fruit trees and vines, contributing to the country’s fruit production industry.
Lastly, approximately 0.8% of the agricultural land is designated for household gardens and small-scale farming, providing local communities with fresh products and supporting subsistence agriculture.
Montenegro’s agricultural sector remains vital for ensuring food security and sustaining rural communities. As part of the country’s overall land use strategy, efforts are made to promote sustainable farming practices, enhance agricultural productivity, and address this sector’s challenges.
Agricultural land
255 564
ha