Overview of Montserrat

Profile

Montserrat is a small volcanic island of 102 km², with its southern half rendered uninhabitable by the Soufrière Hills eruptions since the 1990s and designated as an 'exclusion zone'. The current administrative and economic center is in the northern part, with public facilities concentrated in the temporary capital Brades and the under-construction new capital Little Bay. The rich tropical rainforest, black sand beaches, and unique landscapes including the buried former capital Plymouth serve as tourism resources. The currency is the East Caribbean Dollar, traffic drives on the left, and English is the official language.

Official name: Montserrat
Common name: Montserrat
Numeric code: 500
Alpha-3 code: MSR
Alpha-2 code: MS
Population: Approximately 4,600 (2018)
Population density: Approximately 45 persons/km2
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic
National anthem: God Save the King
Calling code: +1-664
Internet TLD: .ms

History

Colonized by Britain in the 17th century, the island's population dramatically declined after major eruptions from 1995 onwards. It remains a British Overseas Territory with the British monarch as head of state.

Named by Columbus in 1493, the island remained uninhabited until British colonization including Irish settlers established in 1632. After a sugar plantation economy and slavery period, it became British territory again under the 1782 Treaty of Paris. Following participation in the West Indies Federation in 1958, it reverted to direct British rule in 1962. Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and the Soufrière Hills eruptions of 1995-1997 and 2003 caused devastating social and economic damage, forcing many residents to emigrate. Disaster prevention, reconstruction, and tourism promotion are now the highest priority issues.

Geography & climate

The central part of the island is covered with tropical rainforest, the southern part features desolate lava plateaus and ash fields created by eruptions, and the northern part is dotted with hills and black sand beaches.

Tropical marine climate

Area: North America (Caribbean Sea) / 102 km²
Capital: Plymouth (official, currently uninhabited)
Largest city: Brades
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Volcanic fertile soil, Black sand, Pumice, Groundwater, Fishery resources, Tropical hardwood, Tropical fruits, Geothermal energy, Medicinal herbs, Landscape resources

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy (British Overseas Territory), parliamentary democracy

Economy

Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

GDP (nominal): 65500000 USD (2021)

GDP (PPP): 90000000 USD (2021)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

African descent, Mixed, White, East Indian, Irish descent

Life expectancy

74.9 years

Literacy rate

97%

National sports

Cricket, Football, Netball, Basketball, Athletics