Page last updated on January 28, 2014

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
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 possession 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.
Geography:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
16 45 N, 62 12 W
Map references:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Central America and the Caribbean
Area:
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total: 102 sq km
country comparison to the world: 226
land: 102 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
40 km
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Climate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation
Terrain:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland
Elevation extremes:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: lava dome in English's Crater (in the Soufriere Hills volcanic complex) estimated at over 930 m (2006)
Natural resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NEGL
Land use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arable land: 20%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 80% (2011)
Irrigated land:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Natural hazards:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
volcanic eruptions; severe hurricanes (June to November)
volcanism: Soufriere Hills volcano (elev. 915 m), has erupted continuously since 1995; a massive eruption in 1997 destroyed most of the capital, Plymouth, and resulted in approximately half of the island becoming uninhabitable
Environment - current issues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
the island is entirely volcanic in origin and comprised of three major volcanic centers of differing ages
People and Society:
Nationality:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
noun: Montserratian(s)
adjective: Montserratian
Ethnic groups:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
black, white
Languages:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
English
Religions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Protestant (Anglican, Methodist, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations), Roman Catholic
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5,189 (July 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 231
note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned
Age structure:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0-14 years: 26.2% (male 708/female 652)
15-24 years: 13.5% (male 357/female 341)
25-54 years: 47.9% (male 1,174/female 1,309)
55-64 years: 6.3% (male 156/female 171)
65 years and over: 6.2% (male 199/female 122) (2013 est.)
population pyramid: "> Median age:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 30.8 years
male: 30.3 years
female: 31.3 years (2013 est.)
Population growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.48% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 152
Birth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
11.37 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 172
Death rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6.55 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 149
Net migration rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 96
Urbanization:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
urban population: 14% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 2.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Sex ratio:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.08 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.55 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2013 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 14.16 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 117
male: 10.86 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 17.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total population: 73.65 years
country comparison to the world: 120
male: 75.31 years
female: 71.91 years (2013 est.)
Total fertility rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.28 children born/woman (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 216
Drinking water source:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
unimproved:
Sanitation facility access:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
unimproved:
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Education expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.8% of GDP (2009)
country comparison to the world: 43
Literacy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
total population: 97%
male: 97%
female: 97% (1970 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 17 years (2007)
Government:
Country name:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Montserrat
Dependency status:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
overseas territory of the UK
Government type:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Capital:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: Plymouth
geographic coordinates: 16 42 N, 62 13 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
note: Plymouth was abandoned in 1997 because of volcanic activity; interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate in the Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat
Administrative divisions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter
Independence:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (overseas territory of the UK)
National holiday:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)
Constitution:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
previous 1960; latest effective 1 September 2010; amended 2011 (2012)
Legal system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
English common law
Suffrage:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Adrian DAVIS (since 8 April 2011)
head of government: Premier Rueben T. MEADE (since 27 September 2011); note - the office of premier came into effect with the new Constitution Order; he replaces the Chief Minister
cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the premier, 3 other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance secretary
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually becomes premier
Legislative branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
unicameral Legislative Council (11 seats; 9 members popularly elected to serve five-year terms; the attorney general and financial secretary sit as ex-officio members)
elections: last held on 8 September 2009 (next to be held by 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MCAP 6, independents 3
Judicial branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the itinerant superior court of record for the 9-member Organization of Eastern Caribbean States to include Montserrat; the ECSC - with its headquarters on St. Lucia - is headed by the chief justice and is comprised of the Court of Appeal with 3 justices and the High Court with 16 judges; sittings of the Court of Appeal and High Court rotate among the 9 member states; 1 judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of Montserrat and presides over the High Court
judge selection and term of office: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court chief justice appointed by Her Majesty, Queen ELIZABETH II; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
subordinate courts: magistrate's court
Political parties and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Montserrat Democratic Party or MDP [Lowell LEWIS]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
International organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Caricom, CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Flag description:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the arms feature a woman in green dress, Erin, the female personification of Ireland, standing beside a yellow harp and embracing a large dark cross with her right arm; Erin and the harp are symbols of Ireland reflecting the territory's Irish ancestry; blue represents awareness, trustworthiness, determination, and righteousness
National anthem:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
note: as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
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 airport 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. Half of the island remains uninhabitable. In January 2013, the EU announced the disbursement of a $55.2 million aid package to Montserrat in order to boost the country's economic recovery, with a specific focus on public finance management, public sector reform, and prudent economic management.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$43.78 million (2006 est.)
country comparison to the world: 225
GDP (official exchange rate):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$NA
GDP - real growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.5% (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 99
GDP - per capita (PPP):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$8,500 (2006 est.)
country comparison to the world: 128
GDP - composition, by end use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
household consumption: 88.5%
government consumption: 47.3%
investment in fixed capital: 25.2%
investment in inventories: 0%
exports of goods and services: 23.8%
imports of goods and services: -84.7%
GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 1.6%
industry: 23.2%
services: 75.2% (2012 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers; livestock products
Industries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances
Industrial production growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA%
Labor force:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4,521 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 223
Unemployment rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6% (1998 est.)
country comparison to the world: 63
Population below poverty line:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Budget:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
revenues: $31.4 million
expenditures: $41.48 million (2012 est.)
Fiscal year:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 April - 31 March
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.8% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 142
Central bank discount rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10.99% (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 53
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
8.16% (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 109
Stock of narrow money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$17.54 million (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 189
Stock of broad money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$71.33 million (31 December 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 191
Stock of domestic credit:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$4.074 million (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 179
Exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$2.3 million (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 217
Exports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
electronic components, plastic bags, apparel; hot peppers, limes, live plants; cattle
Imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$32.5 million (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 218
Imports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$32.08 million (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 168
Debt - external:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$8.9 million (1997)
country comparison to the world: 198
Exchange rates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar -
Energy:
Electricity - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
24 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 213
Electricity - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
22.32 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 213
Electricity - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 99
Electricity - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 211
Electricity - installed generating capacity:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10,000 kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 204
Electricity - from fossil fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
100% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 23
Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 133
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 182
Electricity - from other renewable sources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 199
Crude oil - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 191
Crude oil - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 150
Crude oil - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 89
Crude oil - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 159
Refined petroleum products - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 202
Refined petroleum products - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1,000 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 201
Refined petroleum products - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 194
Refined petroleum products - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
568.5 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 203
Natural gas - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 162
Natural gas - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 168
Natural gas - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 142
Natural gas - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 93
Natural gas - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 166
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
87,860 Mt (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 206
Communications:
Telephones - main lines in use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3,000 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 214
Telephones - mobile cellular:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4,000 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 214
Telephone system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
general assessment: modern and fully digitalized
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 per 100 persons
international: country code - 1-664; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) optic submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad (2011)
Broadcast media:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Radio Montserrat, a public radio broadcaster, transmits on 1 station and has a repeater transmission to a second station; repeater transmissions from the GEM Radio Network of Trinidad and Tobago provide another 2 radio stations; cable and satellite TV available (2007)
Internet country code:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
.ms
Internet hosts:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2,431 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 160
Internet users:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1,200 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 213
Transportation:
Airports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 225
Airports - with paved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2013)
Roadways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
note: volcanic eruptions that began in 1995 destroyed most of the 227 km road system; a new road infrastructure has been built on the north end of the island (2008)
Ports and terminals:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
major seaport(s): Little Bay, Plymouth
Military:
Military branches:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
no regular military forces; Royal Montserrat Police Force (2011)
Manpower available for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 1,353 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 1,135
females age 16-49: 1,223 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
male: 35
female: 34 (2010 est.)
Military - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
defense is the responsibility of the UK
Transnational Issues:
Disputes - international:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none