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Montenegro

Europe

All indicators of the Macroscope base for Montenegro, with sources. Below: what past UN and IMF releases projected and what actually happened.

Population
634k
persons, 1 July, 2023
Births
6.98k
births per year, 2023
Total fertility rate
1.80
children per woman, 2023
Internet users
88.9
% of population, 2024
Mobile cellular subscriptions
221.7
per 100 people, 2024
GDP per capita, PPP
28,895
constant 2021 international $, 2025
Urban population
65.6
% of population, 2025

What the data shows

Computed with the same code as the observations under the main chart and in the API (get_insights). Moving together in time does not prove a cause.

How the indicators changed

  • Fertility (TFR): 4.36 in 1950 → 1.80 in 2023 (−59%). Peak: 4.63 in 1951; the latest value is 61% lower. Threshold: below 2.1 since 1986. The trend broke around 1974: change slowed down (−0.1 → −0.02 a year).
  • Births: 12.4k in 1950 → 6.98k in 2023 (−44%). Peak: 15k in 1954; the latest value is 53% lower. The trend broke around 1956 and 1968: +0.28k → −0.25k → −0.08k a year.
  • Population: 403k in 1950 → 634k in 2023 (+57%). The trend broke around 1980 and 1997: +5.94k → +2.99k → −0.84k a year.
  • Internet: 25.4% in 2004 → 88.9% in 2024 (+64 pp). Threshold: above 50% since 2012. Fastest growth in 2011–2016: 35.6% → 69.9%.
  • Urban share: 24.6% in 1960 → 65.6% in 2025 (+41 pp). Threshold: above 50% since 1993. The trend broke around 2008: change slowed down (+0.74 → +0.1 a year).
  • GDP per person (PPP): 14,639 PPP dollars in 1997 → 28,895 PPP dollars in 2025 (+97%). Low: 13,993 PPP dollars in 1999; +106% since then. The trend broke around 2019: change sped up (+424 → +937 a year).
  • GDP growth: on average 3.4% in the 2000s, 2.8% in the 2010s, 3.0% in the 2020s. Lowest: −15% in 2020; highest: 13% in 2021.
  • Inflation: on average 10.5% in the 2000s, 1.6% in the 2010s, 5.2% in the 2020s. Lowest: −0.7% in 2014; highest: 29.9% in 2000.

What changed at the same time

  • The fastest decline of "Fertility (TFR)" was in 1954–1964: 4.49 → 3.28. Over the same years: births 15k → 13.1k; population 434k → 497k; urban share 28.6% (1964); no data for the others in those years.
  • Over the last 10 years (2013–2023): fertility (TFR) 1.74 → 1.80; births 7.95k → 6.98k; population 633k → 634k; internet 60.3% → 88.6%; urban share 64.6% → 65.5%; GDP per person (PPP) 20,201 PPP dollars → 27,243 PPP dollars; GDP growth 3.4% → 6.5%; inflation 2.2% → 8.6%.

How the indicators relate

  • Fertility (TFR) and internet (2004–2023, 20 years): levels are barely related (r = 0.27); year-to-year changes show no reliable link (r = 0.25).
  • Fertility (TFR) and urban share (1960–2023, 64 years): levels are strongly related, in opposite directions (r = −0.93); year-to-year changes show no reliable link (r = 0.03). This looks like a shared trend: both change over time, but not in step from year to year.
  • Fertility (TFR) and GDP per person (PPP) (1997–2023, 27 years): levels are barely related (r = −0.14); year-to-year changes show no reliable link (r = −0.04).

Forecasts vs actual

  • Fertility (TFR): past UN projections. The outcome was below the projection in 1 of 7 revisions (2006–2022) and above in 6; median gap +8.3%.
  • Fertility (TFR): UN 2024 projection (medium): 2050 — 1.73 (−4% vs 2023), 2100 — 1.69 (−6% vs 2023); low variant for 2100: 1.19.
  • Births: past UN projections. The outcome was below the projection in 2 of 7 revisions (2006–2022) and above in 5; median gap +4.4%.
  • The UN 2006 projection expected today's level (6.98k, 2023) only around 2027: reality is 4 years ahead of it.
  • The UN 2019 projection expected today's level (6.98k, 2023) only around 2025: reality is 2 years ahead of it.
  • Births: UN 2024 projection (medium): 2050 — 5.04k (−28% vs 2023), 2100 — 2.46k (−65% vs 2023); low variant for 2100: 0.62k.
  • Population: past UN projections. The outcome was below the projection in 1 of 8 revisions (2006–2022) and above in 7; median gap +1%.
  • Population: UN 2024 projection (medium): 2050 — 533k (−16% vs 2023), 2100 — 326k (−49% vs 2023); low variant for 2100: 200k.
  • GDP growth: IMF next-year forecasts (34 editions, 2008–2024). On average the outcome was 0.9 pp below the forecast; below it in 47% of cases; typical error ±3.6 pp. The biggest miss was for 2020: IMF, April 2019 expected 2.5%, the outcome was −15%.
  • GDP growth: latest IMF forecast (IMF, April 2026): 2026 — 2.8%, 2028 — 3.2%, 2031 — 3%.
  • Inflation: IMF next-year forecasts (34 editions, 2008–2024). On average the outcome was 0.6 pp above the forecast; below it in 44% of cases; typical error ±2.1 pp. The biggest miss was for 2022: IMF, April 2021 expected 1%, the outcome was 13%.
  • Inflation: latest IMF forecast (IMF, April 2026): 2026 — 3.2%, 2028 — 2.3%, 2031 — 2.2%.

UN projections vs actual

Solid line: actual data, UN WPP 2024 estimates to 2023, then national statistics where comparable with the UN. Dashed: medium variants of past UN revisions. The table shows what each revision expected for the latest year (or five-year period) with actual data.

Population

persons, 1 July
Montenegro: PopulationActual 2023: 634k590k600k610k620k630k640k19902000201020202030
  • Actual
  • UN 2006
  • UN 2008
  • UN 2010
  • UN 2012
  • UN 2015
  • UN 2017
  • UN 2019
  • UN 2022
  • UN 2024, medium
ReleaseTarget periodHorizonExpectedActualActual vs expected
UN 2006202317 years613k634k+3.4%
UN 2008202315 years633k634k+0.2%
UN 2010202313 years636k634k−0.4%
UN 2012202311 years617k634k+2.7%
UN 201520238 years624k634k+1.5%
UN 201720236 years629k634k+0.8%
UN 201920234 years628k634k+0.9%
UN 202220231 year626k634k+1.1%

Births

births per year
Montenegro: BirthsActual 2023: 6.98k5k6k7k8k9k10k19902000201020202030
  • Actual
  • UN 2006
  • UN 2008
  • UN 2010
  • UN 2012
  • UN 2015
  • UN 2017
  • UN 2019
  • UN 2022
  • UN 2024, medium
ReleaseTarget periodHorizonExpectedActualActual vs expected
UN 20062015–202012 years7.74k7.44k−3.9%
UN 20082015–202010 years7.56k7.44k−1.6%
UN 20102015–20208 years7.12k7.44k+4.4%
UN 20122015–20206 years6.92k7.44k+7.5%
UN 20152015–20202 years6.96k7.44k+6.9%
UN 20172015–20200 years7.02k7.44k+5.9%
UN 202220231 year6.77k6.98k+3.1%

Total fertility rate

children per woman
Montenegro: Total fertility rateActual 2023: 1.801.51.71.92.12.319902000201020202030
  • Actual
  • UN 2006
  • UN 2008
  • UN 2010
  • UN 2012
  • UN 2015
  • UN 2017
  • UN 2019
  • UN 2022
  • UN 2024, medium
ReleaseTarget periodHorizonExpectedActualActual vs expected
UN 20062015–202012 years1.851.79−3%
UN 20082015–202010 years1.721.79+4.7%
UN 20102015–20208 years1.591.79+12.6%
UN 20122015–20206 years1.641.79+9.4%
UN 20152015–20202 years1.661.79+8.4%
UN 20172015–20200 years1.661.79+8.3%
UN 202220231 year1.671.80+8%

IMF forecasts vs actual

Solid line: actual values from the latest IMF edition (data get revised, so we use the newest). Dashed: April editions, current year and five years ahead. The table covers next-year forecasts from all editions: mean error shows bias, mean absolute error shows accuracy.

Real GDP growth

% per year
Montenegro: Real GDP growthActual 2025: 2.7−20−10010202000200520102015202020252030
  • Actual (IMF)
  • WEO, April editions
IndicatorForecastsMean errorMean absolute errorActual below forecast
Real GDP growth34−0.9 pp3.6 pp47%
Inflation34+0.6 pp2.1 pp44%
Government gross debt28+2.3 pp10 pp46%

All indicators

Demography

Population

634k persons, 1 July latest value, 2023

Montenegro: Population1950: 403k; 2023: 634k0200k400k600k800k19501975200020252050

Population on 1 July. UN estimate to 2023, medium variant from 2024; past UN revisions for forecast checks.

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Births

6.98k births per year latest value, 2023

Montenegro: Births1950: 12.4k; 2023: 6.98k05k10k15k19501975200020252050

Live births per calendar year. UN WPP 2024 and national statistics (64 countries, 2015-2025).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Total fertility rate

1.80 children per woman latest value, 2023

Montenegro: Total fertility rate1950: 4.36; 2023: 1.800.001.002.003.004.005.0019501975200020252050

Average number of children a woman would have at the age-specific fertility rates of the year.

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Life expectancy at birth, women

80.3 years latest value, 2023

Montenegro: Life expectancy at birth, women1950: 59.2; 2023: 80.302040608010019501975200020252050

Years a newborn girl would live at the mortality rates of the year (UN).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Life expectancy at birth, men

73.7 years latest value, 2023

Montenegro: Life expectancy at birth, men1950: 56.7; 2023: 73.702040608019501975200020252050

Years a newborn boy would live at the mortality rates of the year (UN).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Median age

39.3 years latest value, 2023

Montenegro: Median age1950: 20.7; 2023: 39.30102030405019501975200020252050

Age that divides the population in two halves (UN).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Mean age of mothers at childbirth

30.2 years latest value, 2023

Montenegro: Mean age of mothers at childbirth1950: 30.1; 2023: 30.201020304019501975200020252050

Mean age of mothers at the birth of their children of any order (UN).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Sex ratio at birth

106.9 boys per 100 girls latest value, 2023

Montenegro: Sex ratio at birth1950: 105.6; 2023: 106.905010015019501975200020252050

Boys born per 100 girls born (UN).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Net migration

12k persons per year latest value, 2023

Montenegro: Net migration1950: 0.65k; 2023: 12k−10k010k20k30k19501975200020252050

Immigrants minus emigrants per year (UN estimate and projection).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Old-age dependency

28.3 persons 65+ per 100 aged 20-64 latest value, 2020

Montenegro: Old-age dependency1950: 17.2; 2020: 28.30102030405019501975200020252050

Persons aged 65+ per 100 aged 20-64, every five years (UN).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Digitalisation

Internet users

88.9 % of population latest value, 2024

Montenegro: Internet users2004: 25.4; 2024: 88.90204060801002005201020152020

Share of individuals who used the Internet in the last three months from any device. ITU data.

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Mobile cellular subscriptions

221.7 per 100 people latest value, 2024

Montenegro: Mobile cellular subscriptions2004: 76.3; 2024: 221.70501001502002502005201020152020

Active mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people; can exceed 100 when people have several SIM cards. ITU data.

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Fixed broadband subscriptions

32.3 subscriptions per 100 people latest value, 2024

Montenegro: Fixed broadband subscriptions2005: 1.2; 2024: 32.30102030402005201020152020

Fixed subscriptions to high-speed Internet (256 kbit/s or more) per 100 people. ITU data.

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Economy

GDP per capita, PPP

28,895 constant 2021 international $ latest value, 2025

Montenegro: GDP per capita, PPP1997: 14,639; 2025: 28,895010,00020,00030,000200020052010201520202025

Gross domestic product per person at purchasing power parity, constant 2021 international dollars (World Bank, ICP).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Real GDP growth

2.7 % per year latest value, 2025

Montenegro: Real GDP growth2001: 1.1; 2025: 2.705101520052010201520202025

Annual change of GDP at constant prices. Actual values and forecasts from IMF WEO editions.

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2026

Inflation

3.9 % per year, average latest value, 2025

Montenegro: Inflation2000: 29.9; 2025: 3.90102030200020052010201520202025

Change of the annual average consumer price index (IMF WEO).

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2026

Government gross debt

67.1 % of GDP latest value, 2025

Montenegro: Government gross debt2002: 85.7; 2025: 67.105010015020052010201520202025

General government gross debt, percent of GDP (IMF WEO).

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2026

Unemployment rate

11.2 % of labour force latest value, 2009

Montenegro: Unemployment rate2008: 10.7; 2009: 11.20510152005

Unemployed as a share of the labour force (IMF WEO; national definitions).

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, October 2010

GDP per capita, US dollars

14,784 current US dollars latest value, 2025

Montenegro: GDP per capita, US dollars2000: 1,594; 2025: 14,78405,00010,00015,000200020052010201520202025

GDP per person in current US dollars at market exchange rates (IMF WEO).

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2026

Society

Urban population

65.6 % of population latest value, 2025

Montenegro: Urban population1960: 24.6; 2025: 65.60204060801960197019801990200020102020

Share of people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices (World Bank, from UN World Urbanization Prospects).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Tertiary enrolment, women

66.9 % gross latest value, 2023

Montenegro: Tertiary enrolment, women2000: 19.7; 2023: 66.902040608020002005201020152020

Women enrolled in tertiary education as a share of women in the five-year age group after secondary school; can exceed 100 (UNESCO).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Women with upper secondary education

77.7 % of women 25+ latest value, 2020

Montenegro: Women with upper secondary education2003: 55.6; 2020: 77.70204060802005201020152020

Share of women aged 25+ who completed at least upper secondary education (UNESCO).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Life expectancy at birth

77.9 years latest value, 2024

Montenegro: Life expectancy at birth1960: 65.5; 2024: 77.90204060801960197019801990200020102020

Life expectancy at birth, both sexes (World Bank, from UN and national statistics).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Same region: Europe