Podgorica

{{IPA notice}} '''Podgorica''' ({{IPA-sh|pɔ̝̌dgɔ̝ri̞t͡sa|pron}}; UK: {{IPAc-en|ˈ|p|ɒ|d|ɡ|ɒ|r|ɪ|t|s|ə|}}, US: {{IPAc-en|ˈ|p|ɑː|d|g|ɔː|r|i|t|s|ə|}}, {{Respell|POD-gorr|EE|tsə}}; [[Montenegrin language|Montenegrin]]: ''Podgorica'', Подгорица, lit. "under the small hill"), is the [[Capital (political)|capital]] and largest city of [[Montenegro]]. Podgorica's favourable position at the confluence of the [[Ribnica River|Ribnica]] and [[Morača River|Morača]] rivers and the meeting point of the fertile [[Zeta Plain]] and [[Bjelopavlići Valley]] has encouraged settlement. The city is close to winter ski centres in the north and seaside resorts on the [[Adriatic|Adriatic Sea]]. A census in 2011 put the city's population at 151,312. The Podgorica [[Municipalities of Montenegro|municipality]] contains 10.4% of Montenegro's territory and 29.9% of its population. It is the administrative centre of Montenegro and its economic, cultural and educational focus. ==Etymology== The name Podgorica means "under the Gorica" in [[Montenegrin language]]. ''Gorica'' (meaning "little hill" or ''[[hillock]]'') is the name of the [[cypress]]-covered hill that overlooks the city centre. Some three kilometres (1.9 miles) north-west of Podgorica lie the ruins of [[Duklja|''Doclea'']], a town known in [[Ancient Greece|Greek]], pre-Roman and [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] times. The [[Roman Emperor]] [[Diocletian]] came from this region. In later centuries, Romans "corrected" the name to ''Dioclea'', guessing wrongly that an "i" had been lost in vulgar speech. "Duklja" is the later (Slavic) version of that word. When founded (before the 11th century), the town was called '''Birziminium'''. In the [[Middle Ages]], it was known as '''Ribnica''' ({{IPA-sh|rîbnit͡sa|pron}}). The name '''Podgorica''' was used from 1326. From 1946 to 1992, the city was [[List of places named after Tito|named '''Titograd''']] ({{IPA-sh|tîtɔgraːd|}}) in honor of [[Josip Broz Tito]], the former [[President of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|President of Yugoslavia]]. ==History== [[File:Sahat kula.jpg|thumb|left|Sahat kula, an [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] clock tower, one of the very few Ottoman landmarks that survived [[Bombing of Podgorica in World War II|WW2 bombings]]]] Podgorica is at the [[Crossroads (culture)|crossroads]] of several historically important routes, near the rivers [[Zeta River|Zeta]], [[Morača]], [[Cijevna]], [[Ribnica (river)|Ribnica]], and [[Sitnica (Morača)|Sitnica]], in the valley of [[Skadar lake]] and near the [[Adriatic Sea]], in fertile lowlands with favourable climate. The earliest human settlements were in prehistory: the oldest physical remains are from the late [[Stone Age]]. In the [[Illyria]]n age, the area between the [[Zeta plain|Zeta]] and [[Bjelopavlići]] valleys was occupied by two Illyrian tribes, the [[Labeates]] and the [[Docleatae|Docleats]]. The population of the city was 8,000-10,000, in which all core urban issues were resolved. The high population density (in an area of about 10 km/6 mi radius) was made possible by the geographical position, favourable climate and economic conditions and by the defensive positions that were of great importance at that time. From the 5th century, with the arrival of the first [[Slavic peoples|Slavic]] and [[Eurasian Avars|Avar]] tribes and the beginning of the break-up of the [[Roman Empire]], the area bore witness to many noteworthy events. With time, the fortifications ceased their function and new towns were built. Slavic groups in the area were in constant war with Byzantium and tended to establish a new state. The result was establishment of a new settlement that was probably named after the river Ribnica on whose banks it was built. The first mention of Ribnica is during the rule of the [[Serbia]]n royal family of the [[House of Nemanjić|Nemanjići]]. The importance of Ribnica was its position as crossroads in communications with the west. In occupying these areas, the [[Slavs]] created a new state and developed their own culture and art, acceptable to the mediaeval church and feudal class. The name Podgorica was first mentioned in 1326 in a court document of the [[Kotor]] archives. The city was economically strong: trade routes between [[Dubrovnik]] and the State of Nemanjici, well developed at that time, were maintained via the road that led to Podgorica through [[Trebinje]] and [[Nikšić]]. As a busy crossroads, Podgorica was a vibrant regional centre of trade and communication. This boosted its development, economic power, military strength and strategic importance. The [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] capture of Podgorica in 1474 interrupted its economic, cultural and artistic development. The Ottomans built a large [[fortress]] in Podgorica and the existing settlement, with its highly developed merchant connections, became the main defensive and attacking bastion against rebellious tribes. The fortified city, with towers, gates and defensive ramparts, enabled the Ottomans to resist all attacks. In 1864, Podgorica became a [[kaza]] of the [[Shkodër|İşkodra]] vilayet called Böğürtlen 'blackberry'. It was also known [[Burguriçe]] in [[Albanian language|Albanian]]. The [[Berlin Congress]] in 1878 annexed Podgorica to [[Montenegro]], marking the end of four centuries of Ottoman rule, and the beginning of a new era in the development of Podgorica and Montenegro. The city developed quickly and became a strong marketplace. The first forms of capital concentration were seen. In 1904, Zetska [[savings bank]], the first significant financial institution, was formed. It would soon grow into Podgorička bank. Roads were built to all neighbouring towns and, in 1902, a [[tobacco]] plant became Podgorica's first significant commercial company. [[World War I]] marked the end of dynamic development for Podgorica, by then the largest city in the newly proclaimed [[Kingdom of Montenegro]]. Podgorica was occupied, as was the rest of the country, by [[Austria-Hungary]] from 1916 to 1918. After the liberation by the [[Allies of World War I|allies]] in 1918, a controversial [[Podgorica Assembly]] was held at Podgorica Tobacco Monopoly building. The assembly marked the end of Montenegrin statehood, as Montenegro was merged with [[Serbia]] and incorporated in the [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia]]. Between the two world wars, the population of Podgorica was about 13,000. Podgorica suffered heavily during [[World War II]]; the city was [[Bombing of Podgorica in World War II|bombed over 70 times]] throughout the course of the war and razed to the ground, causing the deaths of over 4,100 people. The city was liberated on December 19, 1944. Under the name of Titograd, the city became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Montenegro on 13 July 1946. A period of unprecedented expansion followed, which marked the [[SFRY]] era: the population increased dramatically, the city was heavily industrialized, infrastructure was improved, and health, educational, and cultural institutions were founded. The city rapidly became the commercial, socio-economic and cultural centre of the country. The progress halted again when the break-up of SFRY began in the 1990s. The name of Podgorica was reinstated on April 2, 1992. The destructive [[Yugoslav wars]] bypassed Montenegro, but the entire country was greatly affected economically. A period of severe [[economic stagnation]] lasted throughout the 1990s. The economy began to recover in the early years of the 21st century, when Podgorica began to emerge as a modern, [[Western world|pro-western]] city. Following the successful [[Montenegrin independence referendum, 2006|independence referendum]] in May 2006, Podgorica became the official capital of an independent state, boosting its status as a regional centre and raising its economic prospects. ==Geography== Podgorica is located in central Montenegro. The area is crossed with rivers and the city itself is only {{convert|15|km}} north of [[Lake Skadar]]. The [[Morača River|Morača]] and [[Ribnica River|Ribnica]] rivers flow through the city, while the [[Zeta River|Zeta]], [[Cijevna River|Cijevna]], [[Sitnica River|Sitnica]] and [[Mareza]] flow nearby. This richness in bodies of water is a major feature of the city. In contrast to most of Montenegro, Podgorica lies in a mainly flat area at the northern end of the Zeta plain. The only exceptions are hills which overlook the city. The most significant is '''Gorica Hill''' ({{convert|107|m|ft|abbr=on|disp=s}}), which rises above the city centre. The other hills include ''Malo brdo'' ("little hill"), ''Velje brdo'' ("big hill"), ''Ljubović'', ''Dajbapska gora'' and ''Čardak''. In the main, these are too steep for development and thus limit the city's expansion, especially to the north. ===Climate=== Podgorica has a modified [[Mediterranean climate]] with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Although the city is only some 50 km from the [[Adriatic Sea]], an arm of the Mediterranean, the proximity of the [[Dinaric Alps]] to the north alters its climate. The mean annual rainfall is {{convert|1600|mm|in|abbr=on}}. The temperature exceeds {{convert|25|°C}} on about 135 days each year and the median daily temperature is {{convert|16.4|°C}}. The number of rainy days is about 120, and those with a strong wind around 60. An occasional strong northerly wind influences the climate in the winter, with a wind-chill effect lowering the perceived temperature by a few degrees. Podgorica is particularly known for its extremely hot summers: temperatures over {{convert|40|°C}} are common in July and August. The highest temperature recorded in Montenegro was {{convert|45.8|°C}}, on 16 August 2007. Snow is a rare occurrence in Podgorica: it rarely snows more than a few days per year. {{Weather box |location = Podgorica |metric first = yes |single line = yes |Jan record high C = 18 |Feb record high C = 20 |Mar record high C = 26 |Apr record high C = 31 |May record high C = 33 |Jun record high C = 38 |Jul record high C = 43 |Aug record high C = 46 |Sep record high C = 39 |Oct record high C = 30 |Nov record high C = 23 |Dec record high C = 19 |year record high C = 45 |Jan high C = 9 |Feb high C = 11 |Mar high C = 14 |Apr high C = 19 |May high C = 24 |Jun high C = 29 |Jul high C = 33 |Aug high C = 33 |Sep high C = 27 |Oct high C = 21 |Nov high C = 15 |Dec high C = 12 |Jan low C = 2 |Feb low C = 3 |Mar low C = 5 |Apr low C = 9 |May low C = 14 |Jun low C = 18 |Jul low C = 21 |Aug low C = 21 |Sep low C = 17 |Oct low C = 12 |Nov low C = 8 |Dec low C = 4 |Jan record low C = -21 |Feb record low C = -20 |Mar record low C = -8 |Apr record low C = 0 |May record low C = 4 |Jun record low C = 10 |Jul record low C = 12 |Aug record low C = 9 |Sep record low C = 4 |Oct record low C = -3 |Nov record low C = -14 |Dec record low C = -20 |year record low C = -21 |Jan precipitation mm = 163 |Feb precipitation mm = 179 |Mar precipitation mm = 146 |Apr precipitation mm = 98 |May precipitation mm = 105 |Jun precipitation mm = 59 |Jul precipitation mm = 38 |Aug precipitation mm = 51 |Sep precipitation mm = 110 |Oct precipitation mm = 230 |Nov precipitation mm = 213 |Dec precipitation mm = 225 |year precipitation mm = 1617 |Jan precipitation days = 13 |Feb precipitation days = 14 |Mar precipitation days = 11 |Apr precipitation days = 10 |May precipitation days = 11 |Jun precipitation days = 6 |Jul precipitation days = 5 |Aug precipitation days = 4 |Sep precipitation days = 7 |Oct precipitation days = 11 |Nov precipitation days = 16 |Dec precipitation days = 15 |year precipitation days = 123 |Jan sun = 113 |Feb sun = 124 |Mar sun = 186 |Apr sun = 210 |May sun = 248 |Jun sun = 300 |Jul sun = 341 |Aug sun = 341 |Sep sun = 240 |Oct sun = 186 |Nov sun = 120 |Dec sun = 93 |year sun = 2502 |source 1 = [http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT004700 BBC Weather Service:Podgorica] |date=January 2006 }} ==Cityscape== [[File:Radio tower Podgorica.jpg|thumb|left|The radio frequency spectrum control tower, overlooking the city]] [[File:MilleniumBridgeNight.jpg|thumb|[[Millennium Bridge (Podgorica)|Millennium Bridge]]]] {{See also|List of Podgorica neighbourhoods and suburbs}} Podgorica's mixture of architectural styles reflects the turbulent history of the city and country: as one régime replaced another, the corresponding style was introduced. As part of the [[Ottoman Empire]] until 1878, Podgorica has many examples of Turkish architecture. The oldest parts of the city, ''Stara Varoš'' (''Old town'') and ''Drač'' are typical of this, with two [[mosque]]s, a Turkish [[clock tower]] and narrow, winding streets. When the city was incorporated to Montenegro, the urban core shifted to the other bank of the [[Ribnica River]], where the town developed in a more [[Europe]]an style: wider streets with an [[orthogonal]] layout. This part of the city is today traditionally regarded as city centre, and is called ''Nova Varoš'' (''New town'') During [[World War II]], Podgorica was almost razed to the ground, being [[Bombing of Podgorica in World War II|bombed over 70 times]]. After liberation, rebuilding began as in other cities of the communist-ruled [[SFRY]]. Mass residential blocks were erected, with basic design typical of [[Eastern bloc]] countries. All that part of the city on the right bank of the [[Morača River]] was built this way. Even the empty spaces in the city centre were filled with near-[[brutalist]] structures, resulting in an unfortunate fusion of old and new. The residential and business blocks of the SFRY era provided ample housing but have been much criticized for their uninventive and grey appearance.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} The main contemporary traffic arteries were laid out during this period, which extended the orthogonal street layout of city center, to the south and west. Residential and infrastructural developments in the SFRY era have mostly shaped the layout of today's Podgorica, and accommodated the unprecedented population growth that followed World War II. However, in area surrounding residential blocks, the city expanded in a form of often chaotic [[urban sprawl]], with densely built private lowrise dwellings leaving little space for streets and sidewalks. The trend of sprawling informal settlements was at peak during the [[1990s]]. Efforts have been made since to improve the infrastructure of those settlements, but many problems remain, especially in large lowrise neighbourhoods in north and northeast Podgorica. A major advance in Podgorica architecture began in the late 1990s and, since then, the face of the city has changed rapidly. Residential and business construction are proceeding rapidly, incorporating contemporary glass-and-steel architectural trends. In an effort to create a recognizable and modern state capital, city officials are routing significant investments in city's public spaces. Thus, the city has gained entirely new squares, parks and monuments. New landmarks include the ''Hristovog Vaskrsenja'' [[Orthodox temple (church)|orthodox temple]] and the [[Millennium Bridge, Podgorica|Millennium Bridge]], the main feature of the Podgorica skyline. Podgorica today is transforming rapidly from a featureless town to a modern European capital. ===Entertainment and performing arts=== [[File:Crnogorsko narodno pozorište.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Montenegrin National Theatre]] building]] Podgorica is home to many Montenegrin cultural institutions and events. It hosts the [[Montenegrin National Theatre]] and a number of museums and galleries. The Montenegrin National Theatre is the most significant theatre not only in Podgorica but in all of Montenegro. Podgorica is also host to the ''City Theatre'' (Gradsko pozorište), which includes the Children's Theatre and the Puppet Theatre. Although not as rich in museums and galleries as the historic royal capital [[Cetinje]], there are several noteworthy museums: * The ''Podgorica City Museum'' (''Muzej grada Podgorice'') preserves Podgorica's rich heritage. Founded in 1950, it has four categories: archaeological, ethnographic, historical and cultural-historical. It houses artefacts which date back to the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] and [[Illyria]]n eras. * The ''Archaeological Research Centre'' (''Centar za arheološka istraživanja'') was founded in 1961. Its mission is to gather, classify, restore and display archaeological sites. * The ''Museum of [[Marko Miljanov]]'' (Muzej Marka Miljanova) in [[Medun]] shows life in 19th century [[Montenegro]]. It is the most significant Montenegrin memorial museum of its kind. * The ''Natural History Museum'' (''Prirodnjački muzej'') displays specimens of Montenegrin flora and fauna. This museum has no exhibition space of its own, despite many proposals and initiatives to build one. There is a notable art gallery in the Dvorac [[House of Petrović|Petrovića]] (''Petrović's Castle'') complex in Podgorica's largest public park. [[Nicholas I of Montenegro|King Nicholas]]'s castle, Perjanički dom (''House of the Honour Guard''), castle chapel and surrounding buildings were converted to an art gallery in 1984. Since 1995, it has been part of the ''Modern Arts Centre'' (''Centar savremenih umjetnosti'') and houses approximately 1,500 works of art. The historic ''Cinema Culture'' (''Kino kultura''), which was founded in 1949, was closed in November 2008 due to continuous financial losses it generated. It was the only cinema in the city for 6 decades. The building of the former cinema will be converted to host the ''Podgorica City Theatre''. Shortly after its closure, a [[Ster-Kinekor]] (later acquired by [[Cineplexx Cinemas|Cineplexx]]) 6-screen [[Multiplex (movie theater)|multiplex]] cinema opened at [[Delta City]] shopping mall. A significant cultural institution of over fifty years' standing is the ''Cultural-informational centre Budo Tomović'' (''KIC Budo Tomović''). It is a public institution which organises various artistic events, including ''Podgorica's Cultural Summer'' (''Podgoričko Kulturno Ljeto''), ''FIAT'' – International Alternative Theatre Festival (''Festival Internacionalnog Aletarnativnog Teatra''), ''DEUS'' – ''December Arts Scene'' (''Decembarska Umjetnička Scena''). '''KIC budo Tomović'' was a host for such names as [[Tony Parsons (British journalist)|Tony Parsons]] or [[Brooklyn Funk Essentials]] during their visits to Podgorica. ===Media=== Podgorica is undoubtedly the media hub of Montenegro. It is home to the headquarters of the state-owned [[public television]] broadcaster [[RTCG]]. Commercial broadcasters in Podgorica include [[TV In]], [[NTV Montena]], [[Elmag RTV]], [[RTV Atlas]], [[TV Vijesti]] and [[Montenegro Broadcast Company|MBC]]. It was announced that cities local television will be open soon. Their programmes can be received in much of Montenegro. All Montenegro's daily newspapers (oldest Montenegrin daily newspaper ''[[Pobjeda]]'', and ''[[Vijesti]]'', ''[[Dan (newspaper)|DAN]]'') are published in Podgorica, as is the popular weekly magazine ''[[The Monitor (Montenegro)|Monitor]]''. ===Sports=== [[File:Morača Sports Center.jpg|thumb|[[Morača Sports Center]]]] The most popular sports by far are [[football (soccer)|football]] and [[basketball]]. Basketball became especially popular with the success in the late 20th and early 21st centuries of [[KK Budućnost Podgorica]], both in [[FRY|Yugoslav]] and European competitions. Football in Podgorica has a very long tradition associated with [[FK Budućnost Podgorica]]. World-famous players [[Predrag Mijatović]] and [[Dejan Savićević]] were born in Podgorica and made their debut in that team. [[FK Zeta]] (from the Podgorica suburb of [[Golubovci]]) has also reached the former first league of Serbia and Montenegro. These clubs, along with [[FK Mogren]] of Budva, usually compete with each other for leading position in the [[First League of Montenegro]]. Other clubs from Podgorica and its surroundings play in the Montenegrin First League e.g. [[FK Dečić]] ([[Tuzi]]), [[FK Kom]] and [[FK Mladost Podgorica|FK Mladost]]. One of the most popular clubs from the suburbs is [[FK Ribnica]] from [[Konik, Montenegro|Konik]]. The volleyball team [[OK Budućnost Podgorica]] and the women's handball team [[ŽRK Budućnost T-Mobile]] have had significant success in European competition. [[Budućnost Podgorica]] is the most important sports club in Podgorica. Its name means ''Future''. Sporting events like the annual ''Podgorica Marathon'' and the ''Morača River'' jumps attract international competitors. Podgorica was the host of [[2009 FINA Men's Water Polo World League]]. ===Venues=== [[File:PGStadium.jpg|thumb|Podgorica City Stadium]] Podgorica has a number of sporting venues; some are under reconstruction and expansion. The main ones are: *[[Podgorica City Stadium]]. When eastern stand is completed, it will have a capacity of 24,000. It is the home of [[FK Budućnost Podgorica]] and the [[Montenegro national football team]]. It is currently the only venue in Montenegro that complies with [[FIFA]] standards for international football matches. *[[Morača Sports Center]], a multi functional indoor sport facility. It has a capacity of 4,200 seats. It hosted one group of [[Eurobasket 2005]], while other games were played in [[Belgrade Arena|Belgrade]], [[Millennium Center|Vršac]] and [[Spens Sports Center|Novi Sad]]. Almost every football club in Podgorica has its own stadium, although these are often only fields with small stands or no stand at all. Other notable venues are the Stadium of Small Sports (Малих спортова стадиум, ''Malih sportova stadium'') under Gorica hill and the [[sport shooting]] range under Ljubović hill. There are many other sports facilities around the city, most notably [[indoor soccer]] fields. ==Economy== Podgorica is not only the administrative centre of Montenegro but also its main economic engine. Most of Montenegro's industrial, financial and commercial base is in Podgorica. Before World War I, most of Podgorica's economy was in trade and small-scale manufacture – an economic model established during the long rule of the [[Ottoman Empire]]. After World War II, Podgorica became Montenegro's capital and a focus of the rapid urbanisation and industrialisation of the [[SFRY|Yugoslav era]]. Industries such as [[aluminium]] and [[tobacco]] processing, [[textile industry|textiles]], engineering, vehicle production and industrialised [[wine]] production were established in and around the city. In 1981 Podgorica's GDP per capita was 87% of the Yugoslav average. The [[Yugoslav wars]], and the dissolution of Yugoslavia left Podgorica's industries without markets, suppliers or funds to invest and modernise equipment. This led to a decline of many factories, some of which closed down. Those surviving were [[privatization|privatised]] and have now largely recovered. The [[Podgorica Aluminium Plant|Podgorica aluminium smelter]] (''Kombinat aluminijuma Podgorica – KAP'', owned by [[Rusal]]) and AD [[Plantaže]] (a wine and brandy making company) are still among the biggest companies in Montenegro. In the early [[2000s (decade)|2000s]], Podgorica's financial and service sector expanded rapidly and its economy became more service-oriented. The [[Montenegro Stock Exchange]] is situated in the city, as well as most Montenegrin banks' headquarters. Economic activity in Podgorica has mostly shifted from [[heavy industries]] to [[telecommunications]], [[construction]] and [[banking]]. Investors and foreign companies which open outlets in Podgorica add significantly to the growth and diversification of its economy. As a side effect, the prices of property and development land in the centre of Podgorica have increased greatly. The growth, although somewhat slowed down due to [[late 2000s recession]], is expected to continue, as Podgorica became capital of an independent country in 2006. ==Religion== [[File:Hram001.jpg|thumb|left|Christ's Resurrection Church]] Podgorica is home to three main religious groups : [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Christians]], [[Sunni Islam|Sunnite Muslims]] and [[Catholicism|Catholic Christians]] Orthodox Christian population mostly originates from local [[Serb]] and [[Montenegrins|Montenegrin]] population, which accepted [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Christianity]] in Middle Ages after a major split during [[East–West Schism|The Great Schism]]. Most of them settled in Podgorica after final defeat of [[Ottoman Empire]] and represent major religious group. There are various sacral objects of Eastern Orthodox churches in the City such as St. George church which originates from 13.th century, or [[Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ (Podgorica)|Christ's Resurrection Church]] which is largest temple in the city recently erected. Catholic population mainly consists of local autochthonous [[Albanian people|Albanian]] minority as well as [[Croat]] minority. Main sacral object for Catholic population located in the [[Konik, Montenegro|Konik neighbourhood]] is Catholic Church "Hearth of Jesus" constructed in 1966. in [[Brutalist architecture|Brutalist]] style which makes this object unique. Other Catholic objects are located in eastern suburb [[Tuzi]]. Muslim population originates from [[Montenegrins|Montenegrin]] and [[Serb]] population which converted to [[Sunni Islam]] in [[Middle Ages]] during [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] rule. Most [[Mosque]]s are located in oriental old town of Podgorica called ''Stara Varoš''.Religious determination in the municipality)2011 census) {| class="wikitable" !width="100px"|Religion !width="80px"|Number !width="80px"|Percentage |- |[[Eastern Orthodox]]||145,575||78,29% |- |[[Islam]]||16,275||8,75% |- |[[Muslims]] ||4,608||2,48% |- |[[Roman Catholicism]]||7,947||4,27% |- |[[Christians]]||568||0,31% |- |[[Agnostic]]||225||0,12% |- |[[Atheist]]||3,698||1,99% |- |Other||1,961||1,05% |- |Did not declare||4,583||2,46% |} ==Demographics== Although medium-sized by [[Europe]]an standards, Podgorica is by far the largest city in [[Montenegro]]: almost one third of Montenegrin citizens live there. According to 2011 census, there are 187,085 people in the Podgorica municipality, which includes small towns of [[Tuzi]] and [[Golubovci]], while 151,312 people live in the city itself. According to the census, the municipality of Podgorica is the [[metropolitan area]], while the city of Podgorica represents the [[urban area]]. ===Politics=== [[File:Podgorica City hall.JPG|thumb|left|Podgorica City Hall.]] The city administration consists of [[mayor]], city [[deliberative assembly|assembly]] and a number of secretariats and administrative bodies which together act as a city [[local government]]. The city assembly has 57 members, elected directly for four-year terms. The mayor used to be directly elected for five-year term, but since the new law was introduced in Montenegrin municipalities mayors will be elected by the city assembly and will have to maintain it's support during his term. Separate elections are held for local sub-divisions of [[Golubovci]] and [[Tuzi]] since it is part of their administrative autonomy inside Podgorica municipality. Constant questions are raised by various politicians over gaining separate municipality status for [[Golubovci]] and [[Tuzi]] On local elections held on May 23, 2010, the [[Democratic Party of Socialists]] won 28 seats in the municipal assembly (with coalition partners [[Bosniak Party]] and [[Liberal Party of Montenegro|Liberal Party]]), from 29 needed to form a majority. The opposition coalition "For better Montenegro", consisting of [[Movement for Changes|PZP]], [[Socialist People's Party of Montenegro|SNP]], [[New Serb Democracy|NOVA]] and some minor parties won 24 seats. [[Social Democratic Party of Montenegro]], which has won 5 mandates, is in position to decide with whom it will form a coalition. Position of the mayor is held by senior [[Democratic Party of Socialists|DPS]] official, [[Miomir Mugoša]], who has been incumbent since 2000. ===Local subdivisions=== {{Main|Subdivisions of Podgorica}} The municipality of Podgorica consists of ''Podgorica City Proper'' and two subdivisions called ''Urban municipalities'' (Градске општине, ''Gradske opštine''), [[Golubovci]] and [[Tuzi]]. The entire municipality of Podgorica is further divided into 57 ''local communities'' (мјесне заједнице, ''mjesne zajednice''), bodies in which the citizens participate in decisions on matters of relevance to the local community. ==Education== [[File:Univerzitet Crne Gore.jpg|thumb|right|[[University of Montenegro]] main building]] Most of Montenegro's higher education establishments are in Podgorica. It is home to the [[University of Montenegro]], the country's most significant such institution. It consists of the following faculties: * Faculty of [[Economics]] * Faculty of [[Law]] * Faculty of [[Electrical Engineering]] * Faculty of [[Metallurgy]] and [[Technology]] * Faculty of [[Political Sciences]] * Faculty of [[Civil Engineering]] * Faculty of [[Mechanical Engineering]] * Faculty of [[Natural Sciences]] and [[Mathematics]] * Faculty of [[Medicine]] The University includes four scientific research institutes as well: * Institute of Foreign Languages * Institute of Biotechnology * Institute of History * Institute of Marine Biology The [[Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts]] is also in Podgorica, as is the [[Doclean Academy of Sciences and Arts|DANU]] cultural organization. The [[University "Mediterranean"]] was founded 2006 as first private university in Montenegro. In the meantime, the number of private institutions for higher education has increased. The municipality of Podgorica has 34 elementary schools and 10 secondary schools, including one [[Gymnasium (school)|gymnasium]]. The first secondary school established in Podgorica is Slobodan Škerović. The rebuilt economic high school now offers new features and higher quality education. The ''Radosav Ljumović'' national library is considered the most comprehensive in Montenegro. ===Public Transport=== Public transport in Podgorica consists of bus lines. City owned ''AD Gradski saobraćaj'' public transport company used to be the sole bus operator, until the 1990s, when private carriers were introduced. The city-owned company went bankrupt in 2001, and buses were since operated solely by private carriers. Public transport has struggled to deal with competition. Unlicensed taxis that once threatened the bus services are now extinct, but cheaper despatched taxicab services have become more popular. The taxicab service is well-organised. Over 20 companies operate over 800 vehicles. These boast a high level of service, including new cars, same car model for entire company, drivers in uniforms and [[GPS]]-tracked vehicles. ===Road=== [[File:PGWelcome.jpg|thumb|right|Northern entrance to Podgorica ([[European route E65|E65]], [[European route E80|E80]]).]] Podgorica's location in central Montenegro makes it a natural hub for rail and road transport. Roads in Montenegro (especially that which connects Podgorica to northern Montenegro and [[Serbia]]) are usually inferior to modern European roads. Both major Montenegrin motorway projects, [[Belgrade–Bar motorway|Bar – Boljare motorway]] and [[Adriatic Ionian motorway]], will pass near Podgorica. Those roads are currently in planning stages. The newly-built [[Sozina tunnel]] (4.2 km) shortened the journey from Podgorica to [[Bar, Montenegro|Bar]] (Montenegro's main seaport) to under 30 minutes. Also a new road bypass has been constructed in 2011, to remove transportation routes from north to south of the country out of the City center. A south-western bypass has also been planned, with same goal of moving heavy transport out of the City core. Podgorica is also characteristic for its extensive network of 2+2 or 3+3 boulevards which make inner city transport quick and effective. Traffic over the [[Morača River|Morača]] river also goes fluently since both coasts are very well connected with over 5 bridges. The current main transit connections of Podgorica are: * north ([[European route E65|E65]], [[European route E80|E80]]), towards [[Belgrade]] and on to [[Central Europe]] * west ([[European route E762|E762]]), towards [[Nikšić]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]] and on to [[Western Europe]] * south ([[European route E65|E65]], [[European route E80|E80]]) towards the [[Adriatic coast]] * east ([[European route E762|E762]]), towards [[Albania]] [[File:AerodromPodgorica.jpg|thumb|right| [[Podgorica Airport]] near [[Golubovci]].]] ===Rail=== Podgorica is a hub of X-shaped [[Railways of Montenegro|Montenegrin rail network]]. The [[Belgrade–Bar railway|Belgrade–Bar]] line converges with the [[Nikšić-Podgorica railway|line to Nikšić]] and [[Podgorica-Shkodër railway|line to Shkodër]] at the [[Podgorica Rail Station]]. The station itself is located {{convert|1.5|km|2|abbr=on}} to the southeast of the main city square. Podgorica's main railway link (for both passenger and freight traffic) is Belgrade–Bar. The link to [[Nikšić]] is currently under reconstruction and [[Railway electrification system|electrification]]., with passenger service expected to start in 2012. The rail link to [[Shkodër]] is currently used as freight-only. ===Air=== [[Podgorica Airport]] is 10 km south of the city center located in [[Zeta Plain]] and is [[Montenegro|Montenegro's]] main international airport. It consists of one terminal and was recently connected to the city with a boulevard. A new passenger terminal was opened on 13 July 2006. Podgorica Airport served over 650,000 passengers in 2010. There are regular flights from Podgorica to [[Belgrade]], [[Budapest]], [[Frankfurt]], [[Istanbul]], [[Ljubljana]], [[Niš]], [[Paris]], [[Rome]], [[Moscow]], [[Vienna]], [[Zagreb]] and [[Zurich]]. ==External links== {{Commons}} * [http://podgorica.me/ Podgorica official website] * [http://www.podgorica.travel/index-cg.html Tourism Organisation of Podgorica] * [http://www.montenegro.travel/ National Tourism Organization of Montenegro] * [http://www.visit-montenegro.com/cities-podgorica.htm Visit-Montenegro.com] * [http://www.photo-montenegro.com/home.php?fKategorija=Podgorica&akcija=rezpret Photo-Montenegro.com] * [http://wikitravel.org/en/Podgorica Podgorica – WikiTravel] * [http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=545949 Skyscrapercity Podgorica Construction Updates]