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.
Regions and territories: Montserrat
Rendered partly uninhabitable by volcanic eruptions in the late 1990s, the self-governing British overseas territory known as the "Emerald Isle of the Caribbean" is striving to recover and rebuild.Part of the Leeward Islands chain, Montserrat has been plagued by sporadic ash falls and lava flows since 1995 when the Soufriere Hills volcano sprang to life for the first time in centuries.
In 1997 a major eruption devastated the southern part of the island and buried the capital, Plymouth. Agricultural land was destroyed, villages were flattened and 19 people were killed.
The crisis prompted more than half of the island's population to migrate; those who stayed were evacuated to the north. The restless volcano has prevented their return.
Britain offered temporary, and later permanent, residence to all Montserratians. Others left for New York, or for other Caribbean islands including Antigua.
Montserratians living in the US have had their "temporary protected status" revoked; many may have to leave. With volcanic activity in their homeland unlikely to cease, the US Department of Homeland Security no longer considered their situation to be temporary.
Tourism was once the lifeblood of the economy. However the destruction of the capital and the closure of the island's airport halted much economic activity. Montserrat has relied heavily upon British and EU aid to rebuild; a new airport was inaugurated in 2005.
Named by the voyager Christopher Columbus in 1493, the island became an English colony in 1632. Most Montserratians are of African descent.
The Montserrat Oriole, galliwasps (lizards), and mountain chickens - edible frogs found in the highlands - are among the island's notable or endangered species.
- Population: 4,483 (British FCO estimate)
- Capital: Plymouth (abandoned), St John's (de facto), Little Bay (planned)
- Area: 102 sq km (39 sq miles)
- Major language: English
- Major religions: Christianity
- Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 80 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 1 East Caribbean dollar = 100 cents
- GNI per capita: n/a
- Internet domain: .ms
- International dialling code: +1 664
Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor Deborah Barnes Jones
Chief minister: Lowell Lewis
Lowell Lewis, from the Montserrat Democratic Party, was sworn in as head of a coalition government in June 2006 after elections in which no single party won a clear mandate to rule.
His party won a single seat in the island's legislative council, but Mr Lewis gained more votes than any other individual candidate. His selection followed two days of negotiations.
Campaigning focused on the economy and the lack of jobs on the island.
His predecessor, John Osborne from the New People's Liberation Movement, served two terms as chief minister.
The island's public radio station, Radio Montserrat, broadcasts a full-service format of news, volcanic activity reports, music and entertainment.
The station broadcasts on FM; it lost its mediumwave (AM) transmitter to volcanic activity in the late 1990s.
There is a weekly newspaper and a cable TV provider.
The press
Television
Radio
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.
Montserratian natural resources include NEGL
the island is entirely volcanic in origin and comprised of three major volcanic centers of differing ages
Montserratian religion is Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations.
Natural hazards in Montserrat include severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions (Soufriere Hills volcano has erupted continuously since 1995).
Travel Advice on Montserrat
SUMMARY
- Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory. There is no formal British diplomatic or consular representation in Montserrat and the local authorities deal with all requests for consular assistance. The General section of this travel advice gives you more information about this.
- The Soufriere Hills Volcano remains extremely active. The Volcano Alert Level was increased to level 4 (on a scale of 5) on 24 December 2006, in response to heightened volcanic activity. This, combined with volcanic activity over the last decade has resulted in about two-thirds of the island being designated an Unsafe Area (formerly known as Exclusion Zone). Entry to this area is strictly controlled and requires a police licence. In addition, three areas around the island’s coastline have been designated Maritime Exclusion Zones with no entry to mariners because of the danger of volcanic flows reaching the sea.
- A “Guide to Volcanic Hazards” as well as maps showing the Safe and Unsafe land and marine areas are available in the arrival hall at Geralds Airport, the seaport and local police stations. These contain essential information about the volcanic threat. You should ensure that you take a copy of these leaflets on arrival. The risk map was revised in January 2007, and can be viewed at: http://www.mvo.ms/0701%20Risk%20Map.htm.
- A volcanic event on 5 January 2007 suggested that a more major event may follow in the next few days. As a precaution the area south of the Belham Valley that made up the former Day Time Entry Zone (DTEZ) has been closed to the public. In addition residents of certain areas bordering the Belham river valley have been temporarily relocated. A further extension of this area was approved in principle on 6 February 2007, on the basis of the most recent scientific advice. Please see the Natural Disasters section of this Travel Advice for more details.
- Most visits to Montserrat are completely trouble-free. The crime rate is very low, but you should take sensible precautions against petty crime.
- The hurricane season in Montserrat normally runs from June to November. Please see Natural Disasters section of this Travel Advice and Hurricanes for more information.
- The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks from terrorists in public places, including tourist sties, throughout the world.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
The Soufriere Hills Volcano remains extremely active with a fluctuating level of activity. There is an Alert Level system, which ranges from Level 0 to Level 5. The current level is 4. Level 4 is described as: increased eruptive activity or potential for serious activity that could affect inhabited areas. Evacuation of persons and/or restrictions on movement are very likely.
The airport at Geralds remains open and flights into and out of the island are unaffected at present. However, high levels of ash can occasionally lead to cancellations with little notice.
A maritime exclusion zone with three designated exclusion areas around the western, southern and eastern coasts of the island was extended on 18 January 2007. Maritime vessels should not visit these areas. Maps showing these areas are available from the Montserrat Port Authority.
An island-wide siren system is installed to warn of volcanic activity. If the sirens sound, please tune in immediately to Radio Montserrat (ZJB) for a related safety message on FM 88.3. or 95.5.
The hurricane season in Montserrat normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation. You can also access the National Hurricane Centre for updates. Please also see the Hurricanes for detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a hurricane.
GENERAL
Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory and as such there is no formal British Consular Representation. The Governor's Office will assist you in a genuine emergency, but all enquiries regarding passport services should be made to the British High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados at the address shown below.
OTHER