• Safe Haven Effect: Escalating Iran-Israel tensions in the Middle East have prompted global investors to shift their capital to safer regions distant from conflict risks. Montenegro stands out as a “safe haven” during this process, bolstered by its NATO membership and EU candidacy status.
• Rising Demand and Price Trends: Regional instability has triggered a search for alternative markets, particularly among investors from Israel and neighboring countries. Since the second half of 2025, residential property prices in Montenegro have increased by approximately 20% annually, with average square meter prices reaching €2,200.
• Strategic Location and Investment: At Maremont Real Estate, we anticipate that demand for luxury housing in coastal areas such as Budva and Tivat will be sustained by capital inflows originating from the Middle East.
• Inflationary Pressures: The increase in energy costs triggered by the conflict is also driving up construction costs. This situation will lead to limited supply and the appreciation of existing portfolios.

Advantages of New Business Sectors and Economic Diversification in Montenegro

1. Economic Resilience and Stability: The Montenegrin economy, traditionally dependent on tourism, is gaining resilience against seasonal fluctuations with the emergence of new sectors focused on IT, renewable energy, and technology. This diversification creates year-round rental and purchase demand in the real estate market.
2. Skilled Migration and “White-Collar” Demand: New ventures in the technology and finance sectors are attracting high-income international professionals. This directly increases demand for the luxury housing segment and modern office spaces, supporting steady growth in property values.
3. Rental Yield and ROI Increase: The growth of the business world, alongside the increase in the Digital Nomad and expat population, maximizes long-term rental potential. According to Maremont Real Estate data, the rising demand for commercial spaces and residential-type housing significantly shortens the Return on Investment (ROI) period.
4. Infrastructure and Urban Development: The establishment of new industrial and technology zones necessitates the development of surrounding infrastructure. This brings undiscovered regions into the investment radar, offering investors high premium potential with low entry costs.
5. Tax Advantages and Investment Facilitation: Montenegro’s low corporate tax and investor-friendly policies encourage the establishment of new business lines, while also allowing business owners to secure residency rights through real estate investment.

At Maremont Real Estate, we observe that this new business ecosystem is transforming real estate from a mere shelter into a high-yield commercial instrument.

A 10-point assessment analyzing this critical period in global energy markets is as follows:

Supply Security and the Strait of Hormuz Crisis: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, through which approximately 20% of global oil supply passes, has brought nearly 20 million barrels per day of oil and petroleum products flows to a near halt.

Price Volatility and Record Increases: Brent crude tested the $119.50 level during March as the conflict intensified, reaching the highest levels in recent years.

Activation of Strategic Reserves: In order to close the supply gap, the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced the largest intervention in its history, releasing 400 million barrels of strategic petroleum reserves into the market.

OPEC+ Production Policies: While total regional production is estimated to have declined by around 10 million barrels per day due to the war in Iran, the OPEC+ group is evaluating production increases to stabilize the market.

Loss of Iran’s Production Capacity: Iran’s oil facilities, with a production capacity exceeding 3.3 million barrels per day, being targeted poses a risk of making the physical supply shortage permanent.

Global Inflationary Pressure: This sharp increase in energy costs is expected to add at least 0.8% directly to global inflation and complicate central banks’ interest rate easing processes.

Crisis in Refined Product Markets: Price increases in refined products such as diesel, jet fuel, and fuel oil have surpassed crude oil price increases due to disruptions in supply chains.

Energy Deficit in Asian Markets: Since 75% of the oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz goes to Asian countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea, this region faces the risk of industrial production disruptions.

LNG and Natural Gas Interaction: With Qatar suspending production and the closure of the strait, LNG prices have increased by 60%, turning the oil crisis into a broader energy crisis.

Geopolitical Uncertainty and Future Outlook: Market analysts warn that oil prices could rise to as high as $200 per barrel depending on the duration of the conflict.

The OPEC+ group, at its ministerial meeting held on March 1, 2026, decided to increase production as of April 2026 in order to maintain the global supply-demand balance and mitigate the impact of geopolitical risks in the Middle East on prices.

The new production quotas and strategic details set for April 2026 are as follows:

Production Increase and Target Levels

The group has decided to end the “production freeze” period of the first quarter of 2026 and provide an additional 206,000 barrels per day starting from April. This increase is part of the gradual rollback of the 1.65 million barrels per day voluntary cuts announced in 2023.

Country-Based April 2026 Production Quotas

The following eight major producing countries will comply with the new daily production targets set for April:

Critical Notes and Flexibility

Monitoring and Revision: The OPEC+ JMMC committee will meet again on April 5, 2026, to assess market conditions and the impact of the Iran crisis; it has the flexibility to halt or reverse these increases if necessary.

Market Share Strategy: This increase move is supported particularly by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which aim to benefit from rising prices and regain market share amid U.S.-Iran tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Overall Quota: The group’s overall production ceiling for 2026 is set at 39.725 million barrels per day.

1. Excise Duty and VAT Exemption on Fuel (Duty-Free Fuel)
   As of 2025, Montenegro has reinstated the duty-free fuel application for both commercial and private foreign-flagged yachts. This regulation provides yacht owners with a cost advantage of up to approximately 50% compared to retail prices.

• Scope: Full exemption from Excise Duty and the 21% VAT is provided.
• Conditions: The vessel must leave Montenegrin territorial waters after refueling; however, it may return later. Restrictions such as the “72-hour stay requirement” applied in certain periods have been largely eased at the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 to increase competitiveness.

2. Reduced VAT Rate on Services
   While the standard VAT rate in Montenegro for maritime and tourism services is 21%, special discounted rates are applied to the yachting sector:

• Marina Services: The VAT rate is applied at 7% for accommodation, mooring, and related tourism services, thereby reducing operational costs.
• Yat Charter: VAT exemption (0%) can be applied to yacht charter operations conducted in Montenegro, making the country a hub for charter activities.

3. Exemptions on Provisions and Other Supply Products
   Tax advantages in marinas exist not only for fuel but also for other supplies made for ship stores:

• Alcohol and Tobacco: Within daily per-person limits set for crew and passengers (e.g., 1 liter of alcohol and 40 cigarettes), duty-free products can be procured from customs warehouses.
• Spare Parts: Customs duty advantages are offered for spare parts and technical equipment brought to marinas through customs warehouses.

4. Corporate Tax and Investment Incentives
   General economic incentives also apply to marina operators and affiliated companies in the region:

• Progressive Corporate Tax: As of 2026, Montenegro applies a very low corporate tax rate of 9% for profits up to €100,000.
• Strategic Investor Status: Marina investments above a certain volume can obtain “Strategic Investor” status, benefiting from additional exemptions that reduce operational costs by up to 30%.

Here is a comprehensive and detailed guide to sports in Montenegro:

1. National Sport: Water Polo Water polo is considered the national sport of Montenegro. Coastal towns such as Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Budva are centers where the world’s best water polo players are trained.

• Greatest Achievement: The Gold Medal won at the 2008 Malaga European Championship. This was the first major international success won by independent Montenegro.
• Other Achievements: World League championships (2009, 2018, 2021) and silver/bronze medals at European Championships. The Montenegrin national team has managed to reach the semi-finals in almost all the Olympics it participated in.
• Club Success: VK Primorac Kotor reached the pinnacle at the club level by winning the CEV Champions League in 2009.

2. The Golden Lionesses: Women’s Handball This is one of the branches Montenegro is most proud of. The women’s national team, nicknamed the “Golden Lionesses,” brought the country its first Olympic medal in history.

• Olympic Success: Silver Medal at the 2012 London Olympics. This is Montenegro’s only medal in Olympic history as an independent state.
• European Championship: In the same year (2012), they won the Gold Medal by defeating Norway in the European Championship final.
• Club Success: Budućnost Podgorica is like the Real Madrid of women’s handball. It brought the EHF Champions League to its museum twice, in 2012 and 2015.

3. Basketball and Football

• Basketball: Montenegro is one of the countries that sends the most players to the NBA and EuroLeague relative to its population. The men’s national team has recently become a regular at the World Cup and EuroBasket tournaments.
• Football: Their greatest success was playing in the play-offs for the Euro 2012 qualifiers. However, footballers raised at the individual level have played in giant clubs worldwide.

4. Montenegro’s Legendary Athletes Montenegro has produced very important names in world sports history:

• Dejan Savićević (Football): One of the legends of AC Milan history, nicknamed “Il Genio” (The Genius).
• Predrag Mijatović (Football): The legendary name who scored the goal in the Champions League final for Real Madrid.
• Nikola Vučević (Basketball): NBA star, Chicago Bulls player selected as an All-Star twice.
• Stevan Jovetić and Stefan Savić (Football): The two biggest stars of Montenegrin football in the modern era.
• Bojana Popović (Handball): Considered one of the best female handball players the world has ever seen.
• Marija Vuković (Athletics): 2022 European Silver Medalist in high jump.
• Dejan Zlatičanin (Boxing): The first Montenegrin to become the WBC lightweight world champion.

5. Major Organizations Montenegro not only trains athletes but also hosts many international organizations:

• Games of the Small States of Europe (2019): It was the most comprehensive sports organization held nationwide.
• Women’s European Handball Championship (2022): Podgorica hosted the group matches.
• 2025 European Judo Championship: A prestigious organization recently held in Montenegro.
• 2026 European Water Polo Championship (Preparations): It is on the calendar as an organization that reinforces Montenegro’s strength in water polo.

In summary, Montenegro is tough in the water polo pool, a warrior on the handball court, and highly technical at the basketball hoop. The medals won with a population of 600,000 are an indication of the importance the country gives to its sports infrastructure and discipline.

Podgorica’s most defining feature is its location in a basin where five rivers—Morača, Ribnica, Zeta, Cijevna, and Sitnica—converge. The Morača River, flowing through the heart of the city, is not just a water source but a turquoise ribbon that defines its character. The modern Millennium Bridge has become the city’s icon, representing its contemporary face, while the nearby Adzi-Pasa Bridge carries the elegance of the Ottoman era into the present day.

For those wishing to feel the city’s soul, the first stop should be Stara Varoš (Old Town). Narrow streets dating back to the Ottoman period, the Clock Tower (Sahat Kula), and small mosques are living proof of the city’s multicultural fabric. Walking here, you might feel as though you are in an old Balkan town, only to find yourself steps away from the wide boulevards and high-rises of modern Podgorica.

Podgorica truly earns its title as a “Green City.” Parks and forested areas scattered throughout the city provide vital breathing space. Gorica Hill, which gives the city its name (“Pod-Gorica” meaning “Under Gorica”), is a favorite escape for both tourists and locals with its walking trails, monuments, and fresh air. This green canopy offers natural cooling during the hot Mediterranean summers.

Culturally, Podgorica hosts Montenegro’s most significant museums, theaters, and art galleries. The Montenegrin National Theatre and the City Museum are ideal places to explore the country’s artistic heritage. Additionally, the ruins of the Ancient City of Duklja just outside the city whisper the grandeur of the Roman era to archaeology enthusiasts, proving that the city possesses a deep cultural legacy beyond its modern structures.

Regarding religious architecture, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ (Saborni Hram Hristovog Vaskrsenja) is one of the city’s most magnificent landmarks. This massive Orthodox cathedral, which took years to complete, mesmerizes visitors with its intricate exterior and gold-leaf frescoes. Holding a prominent place in the city’s skyline, it blends modern Montenegrin faith with grand architectural vision.

Podgorica is also a hub for gourmets and shoppers. Njegoševa and Bokeška streets are where the city’s energy pulses, featuring modern cafes, boutique shops, and a vibrant nightlife. Local restaurants offering the finest Montenegrin wines combine traditional Balkan cuisine with international flavors. The nearby famous “Plantaže” vineyards, one of Europe’s largest single-complex vineyards, are a must-see.

Thanks to its strategic location, Podgorica serves as the perfect base for exploring all of Montenegro. Within a mere hour’s drive, you can reach the Adriatic coast or the snowy mountains of the north. As the heart of the business world and a provider of peaceful living spaces, Podgorica continues to welcome investors and travelers as a rising star of the Balkans in 2026.

The highest concentration of the Muslim population is found in the northeastern part of the country (the Sandžak region) and along the southern coast. Rožaje is considered the stronghold of the Muslim community, with over 90% of its population being Muslim, followed by cities like Plav, Gusinje, Bijelo Polje, and Berane. In the south, Ulcinj is the largest Muslim settlement on the Adriatic coast. The capital, Podgorica, hosts a cosmopolitan Muslim population, bridging historic neighborhoods like Stara Varoš with modern Islamic life.

The influence of Islam is palpable in architecture and gastronomy. The Osmanagić Mosque in Podgorica and the Sailors’ Mosque in Ulcinj are prominent landmarks of this heritage. The Islamic Community of Montenegro (Mešihat) oversees religious affairs and is deeply integrated into social life through halal certification and educational institutions, such as the Madrasa in Tuzi. By 2026, halal tourism has become a rapidly growing sector, particularly in northern mountain resorts and southern boutique hotels.

1. Corporate Income Tax (CIT) – Progressive Model

• Up to €100k profit: 9%

• €100k to €1.5M: €9,000 + 12% on the amount over €100k

• Over €1.5M: €177,000 + 15% on the amount over €1.5M

Example: A tech company earning €200,000 in annual profit will pay €21,000 in tax (9% on the first 100k and 12% on the second 100k), maintaining an extremely competitive edge compared to the EU average of 21%.

2. Dividend & Personal Income Tax

Dividend tax stands at 15% as of 2026. However, under double taxation treaties (available with over 45 countries), this can often be reduced or credited.

3. Real Estate Assets

• Annual Holding Tax: 0.1% to 1.0% of market value.

• Transfer Tax on Resale: A progressive scale (3%, 5%, or 6% based on value).

• Example: Buying a resale villa for €600,000 will incur a transfer tax calculated progressively, whereas a new Maremont project includes VAT, exempting the buyer from this transfer tax.

Maremont Professional Advice: As of 2026, Montenegro offers exclusive tax exemptions for those with “Digital Nomad” and “Strategic Investor” status. Verifying whether your investment sector falls within the scope of these incentives can reduce your operational costs by up to 30%.

The story of Lanzhou is essentially the story of the Silk Road, one of the most significant trade and cultural arteries in human history. With a history spanning approximately 2,500 years, this city serves as a grand “procession point” for civilizations.

A Glimpse into History

• Ancient Beginnings: The Golden City Lanzhou’s foundations were laid in the 6th century BC during China’s Warring States period. Back then, it was known as Jincheng, literally meaning “Golden City.” It earned this name both for the gold deposits found in the region and for being a strategic defense point “as precious as gold.”
• Heart of the Silk Road During the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), Lanzhou found its true identity. It became a critical stop linking China’s interior to Central Asia and Europe. Since the Yellow River narrows here, it was the primary crossing point for caravans.
• The Gateway of Buddhism Buddhist monks traveling from India followed the Lanzhou route into China. This led to the creation of magnificent cliffside cave monasteries and statues, such as the Bingling Temple.
• Modern Era: Industry and Energy By the 20th century, Lanzhou transformed from an ancient trade hub into an industrial powerhouse. Since the 1950s, it has become a center for petrochemicals and energy, yet it still retains that old “caravanserai” spirit amidst modern skyscrapers.

When to Visit?

Lanzhou’s climate is a bit of a “tough guy”—hot summers and quite frosty winters.

• Best Time: Between May – June or September – October. The weather is mild and perfect for sightseeing.
• Fruit Season: If you go in September or October, you won’t be able to get enough of the region’s legendary sweet melons and grapes.

 Must-See Places

Since Lanzhou stretches along the river, it is very easy and pleasant to explore.

1. Zhongshan Bridge (Iron Bridge): The symbol of the city and the first real bridge over the Yellow River. It looks stunning with evening lights—a perfect photo spot!
2. Baita Shan (White Pagoda Mountain): Located just north of the bridge. When you reach the summit, all of Lanzhou and the Yellow River lie beneath your feet. Having tea here at sunset is priceless.
3. Waterwheel Park: Here you can see the massive ancient waterwheels that used the river’s power to irrigate fields.
4. Gansu Provincial Museum: Don’t leave without seeing the “Galloping Horse Treading on a Swallow” statue.
5. Bingling Temple Caves: A bit outside the city but absolutely worth it. Reached by boat via the river, these giant Buddha statues will transport you to another time.

 Cuisine: Welcome to the Capital of Noodles!

When it comes to Lanzhou, everything else stops because this is the birthplace of “Lanzhou Lamian” (Hand-pulled beef noodles).

• Lanzhou Beef Noodles: Head to a local shop early in the morning. The noodles are pulled right before your eyes. There are five rules: clear broth, white radish, red chili oil, green coriander, and yellow noodles.
• Lamb Skewers (Chuan’r): In the evenings, you won’t be able to resist the smell of lamb skewers smoking in the side streets. The spice balance is magnificent.
• Milk & Barley Soup (Niunai Jiamu): A slightly sweet and refreshing local drink/dessert; it goes great after spicy food.

Where to Stay?

• City Center (Chengguan District): Ideal if you want to be close to shopping streets, restaurants, and the Zhongshan Bridge.
• Riverside: Choose a hotel with a Yellow River view to wake up to the sight of locals strolling along the riverbanks.
• Near the Train Station: A practical choice if you are heading to other cities like Dunhuang or Xi’an.

A Little Tip

The people of Lanzhou are very hospitable. Don’t forget to grab a stool at an open-air tea garden by the river, chat with the locals (maybe using sign language!), and watch the Yellow River flow by.

The total population of Türkiye reached 86,092,168 people, with an increase of 427,224 compared to the previous year. The annual population growth rate was recorded at 5 per thousand.

Gender Distribution and Ratios

The balance between the female and male population in Türkiye is nearly equal; however, the male population is slightly higher.

Foreign Residents and Population Distribution

The foreign population residing in our country increased by 38,968 people compared to the previous year, reaching 1,519,515 in 2025.

Important Note: These figures do not include individuals with short-term visas/residence permits (less than 90 days) for purposes such as courses, tourism, or scientific research, nor do they include Syrians under temporary protection status.

Gender Distribution of Foreign Population:

• Females: 50.7%
• Males: 49.3%

Top 5 Most Populated Cities

A large portion of Türkiye’s population is concentrated in specific metropolitan areas. Istanbul alone hosts approximately 18.3% of the country’s population.

1. Istanbul: 15,754,053 people 🏢
2. Ankara: 5,910,320 people 🏛️
3. Izmir: 4,504,185 people 🌊
4. Bursa: 3,263,011 people 🚠
5. Antalya: 2,777,677 people ☀️

Remarkable Details

• Aging Population: The median age in Türkiye rose to 34.4. This indicates a decline in the fertility rate and a trend toward an aging population.
• Urbanization: The proportion of people living in provincial and district centers reached 93.6%, while the proportion of those living in towns and villages fell to 6.4%.
• Record-Breaking District: The Esenyurt district of Istanbul became the first district in Türkiye to exceed a population of 1 million, with 1,003,905 residents

1. Ancient Origins and the Roman Era

Before the Slavs arrived, the region was inhabited by Illyrian tribes. By the 1st century AD, the Romans had conquered the area, incorporating it into the province of Dalmatia and later Prevalitana.

• Doclea (Duklja): The ruins of this Roman city near modern-day Podgorica remain the most significant archaeological site of this era.

2. The Medieval Principalities (Duklja and Zeta)

In the 6th and 7th centuries, Slavic tribes settled in the Balkans.

• Duklja: By the 11th century, Duklja became a powerful principality. In 1077, Mihailo Vojislavljević received a royal crown from the Pope, making Duklja a kingdom.
• Zeta: As the Nemanjić dynasty of Serbia declined in the 14th century, the Balšić and later Crnojević families ruled the region, now known as Zeta.
• The Name “Montenegro”: The name Crna Gora (Black Mountain) first appeared in charters in the late 13th century, referring to the dense, dark pine forests on Mount Lovćen.

3. The Theocratic Era: The Vladikas (1516–1851)

As the Ottoman Empire expanded, Montenegro became a unique “theocratic” state. Because the lowlands were occupied, the people retreated to the “Stone Sea” of the mountains.

• Prince-Bishops: For over 300 years, Montenegro was ruled by Vladikas (Prince-Bishops) of the Cetinje Monastery. This combined spiritual and secular leadership helped unite the fiercely independent clans.
• The Petrović-Njegoš Dynasty: From 1696, the position became hereditary (passing from uncle to nephew).
• Petar II Petrović-Njegoš: The most famous ruler, a philosopher-poet who wrote The Mountain Wreath, modernized the state and established a Senate.

4. The Kingdom and Independence (1878–1918)

Montenegro’s long struggle for recognition culminated in the late 19th century.

• Congress of Berlin (1878): Montenegro was formally recognized as the world’s 26th independent state.
• King Nikola I: He ruled for over 50 years, transforming Montenegro into a kingdom in 1910. He was known as the “Father-in-law of Europe” because he married his daughters into various European royal houses (including the King of Italy).

5. The Yugoslav Eras (1918–2006)

The 20th century saw Montenegro lose and then regain its sovereignty within larger federations.

• Kingdom of Yugoslavia: After WWI, King Nikola was deposed, and Montenegro was absorbed into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.
• Socialist Yugoslavia (SFRY): After WWII, Montenegro became one of the six constituent republics of Tito’s Yugoslavia. This was a period of massive industrialization; Podgorica was renamed Titograd.
• The Union with Serbia: As Yugoslavia disintegrated in the 1990s, Montenegro remained in a federation with Serbia (FR Yugoslavia, later Serbia and Montenegro).

6. Modern Independence (2006–Present)

On May 21, 2006, Montenegro held a referendum in which 55.5% of voters opted for independence.

• NATO & EU: Montenegro joined NATO in 2017 and is currently the frontrunner among Western Balkan nations for European Union membership.
• Economy: Today, the nation has pivoted from heavy industry to high-end tourism and real estate, particularly along the Budva Riviera and the Bay of Kotor.