Montserrat
Official Country Name
Montserrat
Montserrat Overview
English and Irish colonists from St. Kitts first settled on Montserrat in 1632; the first African slaves arrived three decades later. The British and French fought for possesion of the island for most of the 18th century, but it finally was confirmed as a British possession in 1783. The island's sugar plantation economy was converted to small farm landholdings in the mid 19th century. Much of this island was devastated and two-thirds of the population fled abroad because of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995. Montserrat has endured volcanic activity since, with the last eruption occurring in July 2003.
Montserrat Economy
Severe volcanic activity, which began in July 1995, has put a damper on this small, open economy. A catastrophic eruption in June 1997 closed the airports and seaports, causing further economic and social dislocation. Two-thirds of the 12,000 inhabitants fled the island. Some began to return in 1998, but lack of housing limited the number. The agriculture sector continued to be affected by the lack of suitable land for farming and the destruction of crops. Prospects for the economy depend largely on developments in relation to the volcanic activity and on public sector construction activity. The UK has launched a three-year $122.8 million aid program to help reconstruct the economy. Half of the island is expected to remain uninhabitable for another decade.
Montserrat Location
Montserrat is located in Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico
Region
Montserrat is located in Caribbean
Montserrat Population
Montserrat has population of 9,439 note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned (July 2006 est.)
Montserrat Climate
Montserrat has tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation
Montserrat Terrain
volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland
Montserrat Natural Resources
NEGL
Ethnic Groups in Montserrat
Montserrat has the following ethnic groups - black, white
Montserrat Religions
Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations
Montserrat Languages
English
Montserrat Capital
Montserrat capital is Plymouth
Montserrat Currency
Montserrat currency is East Caribbean dollar
Map of Montserrat
