Montenegro, or, rather, the
Republic of Montenegro, was born a few hours ago. This isn't the first time this little strip of land has been its own country. From 1910 to 1918, the area was the Kingdom of Montenegro and fought with the Entente in the First World War, until it was annexed by Serbia, which was itself annexed by Yugoslavia. After the breakdown of Yugoslavia, it was part of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, one of the most awkward names of any country anywhere. Today, roughly 55.3% of voters voted for independence, narrowly passing the 55% threshold for independence, making Montenegro the world's newest country, number 193. We haven't had a new country since Timor-Leste back in 2002, though Kosovo's final status is to be determined by the end of 2006, so another addition is possible very soon.
May Montenegro's 616,000 people be a sterling addition to the world community, and may it prove to be a true competitor next Eurovision (hey, that's why European microstates are for, right?).