The Basics
Country: Serbia & Montenegro
Where is it: Serbia & Montenegro is located in south-eastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Why do people go here: Serbia & Montenegro is still recovering from a very painful war in the early 1990s. Repercussions are still being felt as the once-buoyant tourism industry has sagged and travelers of all sorts have stayed away. Those that do venture in are able to see the rebuilding of a country, and its people.
What are the main entry points: Buses and trains are more popular than flights into the country. Belgrade is the capital and the top draw.
Currency used: Serbian Dinar (Euros and US Dollars widely accepted)
Country Code for Phones: 381
Area codes for Major Cities: Belgrade 11
Religion: Orthodox 65%, Muslim 19%, Roman Catholic 4%, Protestant 1%, other 11%.
Population: 11 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Serb 62.6%, Albanian 16.5%, Montenegrin 5%, Hungarian 3.3%, other 12.6%
Government: Republic
Languages: Serbian 95%, Albanian 5%
Travel Information
Major Cities: Belgrade
Attractions: Belgrade, Adriatic Sea, Novi Sad
Accommodation: Serbia & Montenegro Hostels
Tourism Office locations and links: http://www.yuembusa.org
Off-the-Beaten-Path: The Nektar beer
Health Issues: No vaccines are required for the international traveler.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Summer is fantastic time to hit the beach, although it may get a bit warm. Tourists are not quite scraggling back yet.
Common Phrases: Yes = Jest, No = Nijedan, Please = Ugoditi, Thank you = Hvala ti, Do you speak English? = Govorite li engleski?
Specific Events/Holidays: Constitution Day, 1 September (1992)
Getting Around: Buses tend to be a little nicer than trains, but are also a bit more expensive.
Good to know: Despite the presence of international troops, the area is still dangerous. Backpackers should use caution when traveling through this region.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Serbia and Montenegro is the Danube Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Serbia and Montenegro travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
