- Population:
- 4,389
- Religion:
- Christianity
Montserrat was colonized by the British in the 17th century and remains a British Overseas Territory. The island was severely affected by volcanic eruptions in the 1990s, leading to significant population displacement. The economy now focuses on tourism and reconstruction efforts.
Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, part of the Lesser Antilles chain of islands. It is located southeast of Puerto Rico and northwest of Guadeloupe. Covering an area of approximately 102 square kilometers, it has a population of about 5,000 people as of 2023, significantly reduced due to volcanic activity. The de facto capital is Brades, following the destruction of the former capital, Plymouth, by volcanic eruptions that began in 1995. The official language is English. Montserrat operates as a parliamentary dependency under a constitutional monarchy, with the British monarch as head of state. The economy is based on tourism, agriculture, and financial services, with ongoing reconstruction efforts following volcanic activity. Montserrat is known for its lush green hills, volcanic landscapes, and as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean due to its Irish heritage. The territory is a member of regional organizations such as the Caribbean Community and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
