Montenegro has a rich history that dates back to the early medieval period when it was part of the Duklja state. Over the centuries, it experienced various influences, including Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian rule, which shaped its culture and identity. In the 19th century, Montenegro emerged as an independent principality and later became a kingdom. In the 20th century, Montenegro was part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later known as Yugoslavia. After the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Montenegro initially joined a federation with Serbia. In 2006, it declared independence, becoming a sovereign state and a member of various international organizations.