On May 21, Montenegro celebrates the national holiday — Independence Day. It is one of the youngest independent states in the world.
Although Montenegro arose as an independent state in the 18th century, after the First World War it lost its independence, becoming part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. After World War II, it became part of Yugoslavia, which became the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2003.
On May 21, 2006, a national referendum was held in Montenegro, in which citizens were asked to answer the question of whether they want Montenegro to become a completely independent state with the appropriate international legal status.
In order for the referendum to take place, a turnout threshold of — 50% was set%. For Montenegro to leave the Union of Serbia and Montenegro, it was necessary for 55% of those who came to vote to vote «z». The «Block for an independent Montenegro», led by the Prime Minister of the Republic Milo Djukanovic, actively advocated the independence of Montenegro, which was opposed by the «Block for the preservation of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro», led by Predrag Bulatovic.
In total, 86.3% of those eligible to vote took part in the referendum. 55.5% voted for the independence of Montenegro, while 44.5% — were against. Montenegro (and automatically Serbia) became an independent state and soon received international recognition. The results of the referendum and thus the declaration of independence were not recognized by Bulatovich's bloc, and the course of the referendum was called dishonest and undemocratic.
But on June 3, 2006, the Montenegrin parliament declared the independence of Montenegro, and on June 28 it became the 192nd member of the United Nations.
Currently, in honor of the celebration of Montenegro's Independence Day, many ceremonial and festive events with mass celebrations and fun are taking place throughout the country.