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Location
Leeward Islands, Caribbean.
Time
GMT - 4.
Area
102 sq km (39 sq miles).
Population
5,027 (2006).
Population Density
49.3 per sq km.
Capital
Plymouth is still officially the capital, but was mostly destroyed by pyroclastic flows in August 1997. The government headquarters are currently in Brades. There are plans to turn Little Bay into the new capital.
Geography
Montserrat is one of the Leeward Islands group in the Eastern Caribbean. It is a volcanic island with black sandy beaches and lush tropical vegetation. There are three main volcanic mountains on the island and Chances Peak is its highest point at 915m (3,002ft). The Soufrière group of hills houses the volcano which began erupting in July 1995 and to date is continuously active. The Great Alps Waterfall, previously one of the most spectacular sights in the West Indies, has been destroyed by the volcano.
Government
British Overseas Territory since 1632.
Head of State
HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor Deborah Barnes Jones since 2004.
Head of Government
Chief Minister Lowell Lewis since 2006.
Recent History
The most recent elections were held in June 2006. Lowell Lewis, of the Montserrat Democratic Party, was sworn in as chief minister, being the individual with the most votes. He heads up a coalition government, since no party won an outright majority. The previous chief minister, John Osborne, served two terms in the post.
Language
English.
Religion
Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and other Christian denominations.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 60Hz. Some buildings are wired to accept 110-volt appliances.
Social Conventions
Casual clothes are acceptable. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. The lifestyle is generally peaceful, combining many English influences with West Indian. The people are usually friendly and relaxed. All visitors are made welcome.