Montserrat

Montserrat Background

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 Information

• Population: 9,245 note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned (July 2004 est.)
• Nationality: noun: Montserratian(s) adjective: Montserratian
• Location:: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico
• Religions:: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations
• Ethnic Groups:: black, white
• Land Boundaries:: 0 km
• Area: total: 102 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 102 sq km
• Coast Line: 40 km
• Climate: tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation
• Terrain: volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland
• Maritime Claims: territorial sea: 3 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
• Land Use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 0% other: 80% (2001)
• Environmental Issues: land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation
• Natural Resources: negligible
• Highways: total: 227 km paved: NA km note: volcanic eruptions beginning in 1995 destroyed most of the road system (2003) unpaved: NA km
• Railways:
• Ports & Harbours: Plymouth (abandoned), Little Bay (anchorages and ferry landing), Carr's Bay
• Airports: 1 (2003 est.)