Montserrat, an island in the Leeward Group in the Eastern Caribbean, lies 40 km southwest of Antigua and St. Kitts and Nevis. Monterrat is of Volcanic origin and is dominated by the mountainous regions: Silver Hills, Center Hills and Soufriere Hills. The Soufriere Hills Volcano became active on July 18, 1995.
Geography
Geographic coordinates
16 45 N, 62 12 W
Area
102 sq km
People
Population
9,538 note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned (July 2007 est.)
Languages
English
Government
Head of Government
Dr. the Hon. Lowell Lewis, Chief Minister
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)
Dependency status
overseas territory of the UK
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Constitution
present constitution came into force 19 December 1989
