As of 2024, the top 1% in Montenegro earned 9.12% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 15.96%. Montenegro’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 7.26%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Montenegro in 2024
In 2024, income in Montenegro was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 9.12% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 15.96% of income, slightly higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Montenegro | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 9.12% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 35.07% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 15.96% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Montenegro?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Montenegro’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 7.26% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 1.86 percentage points to 9.12%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Montenegro has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 28.77% while the bottom 50% received 22.15%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 35.07% and 15.96% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 7.26% | 28.77% | 22.15% | 6.62 pp |
| 1986 | 6.75% | 28.68% | 21.03% | 7.65 pp |
| 1992 | 7.27% | 29.05% | 21.63% | 7.42 pp |
| 1998 | 8.84% | 31.38% | 21.20% | 10.18 pp |
| 2004 | 9.74% | 33.59% | 19.25% | 14.34 pp |
| 2010 | 9.68% | 35.40% | 16.62% | 18.78 pp |
| 2016 | 10.76% | 36.93% | 16.01% | 20.92 pp |
| 2022 | 9.32% | 35.20% | 15.93% | 19.27 pp |
How Montenegro Compares Globally
Montenegro vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, Montenegro’s top 1% income share of 9.12% is slightly lower than the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in Montenegro receives 15.96% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where Montenegro Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Montenegro ranks 172nd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Montenegro ranks 68th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Montenegro include income distribution in Italy, income distribution in Lithuania, income distribution in Albania.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Montenegro?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Montenegro earned 9.12% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered relatively low by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Montenegro?
Income inequality in Montenegro has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 7.26% in 1980 to 9.12% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Montenegro?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Montenegro received 15.96% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 35.07%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.