World > North America > Montserrat

Introduction:

Much of this island has been devastated and two-thirds of the population has fled abroad due to the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995.

Official name: Montserrat Capital: Plymouth (abandoned in 1997 due to 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) Government type: NA Population: 8,995 note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned (July 2003 est.) Languages: English Official Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD) Currency code: XCD Area: total: 102 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 102 sq km Climate: tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation

Map of Montserrat