Mapping the changes in the population characteristics of Montenegro after the declaration of independence

The disintegration of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) affected Montenegro, which was once part of it. Some geographical changes were positive after the breakup, some were not. Today, the Republic of Montenegro is a candidate for membership of the European Union and a member of NATO. The paper analyzes the changes in the characteristics of the population of the Republic of Montenegro while it was part of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and after independence. The data is used from Statistical Yearbooks from 1948 to 2011. For digital mapping ArcGis 10.2 is used with Kriging statistical analyse. In addition to depopulation, Montenegro is also facing intense population emigration, especially from the northern regions that are close to the border with Serbia. The plan is to hold the next population census, which should show a decrease in the number of inhabitants and an increase in the average age. This population declining is a problem which dealing most of Western Balkan countries.