2012 Edition

Background

English and Irish colonists from St. Kitts first settled on Montserrat in 1632; the first African slaves arrived three decades later. The British and French fought for possession of the island for most of the 18th century, but it finally was confirmed as a British possession in 1783. The island's sugar plantation economy was converted to small farm landholdings in the mid 19th century. 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.

Area

102 sq km 102 sq km 0 sq km

total

102 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC

Climate

tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation

Coastline

40 km

Elevation extremes

Caribbean Sea 0 m lava dome in English's Crater (in the Soufriere Hills volcanic complex) estimated at over 930 m (2006)

highest point

lava dome in English's Crater (in the Soufriere Hills volcanic complex) estimated at over 930 m (2006)

lowest point

Caribbean Sea 0 m

Environment - current issues

land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation

Geographic coordinates

16 45 N, 62 12 W

Geography - note

the island is entirely volcanic in origin and comprised of three major volcanic centers of differing ages

Irrigated land

NA

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

20% 0% 80% (2005)

arable land

20%

other

80% (2005)

permanent crops

0%

Location

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico

Map references

Central America and the Caribbean

Maritime claims

3 nm 200 nm

exclusive fishing zone

200 nm

territorial sea

3 nm

Natural hazards

volcanic eruptions; severe hurricanes (June to November) Soufriere Hills volcano (elev. 915 m), has erupted continuously since 1995; a massive eruption in 1997 destroyed most of the capital, Plymouth, and resulted in approximately half of the island becoming uninhabitable

volcanism

Soufriere Hills volcano (elev. 915 m), has erupted continuously since 1995; a massive eruption in 1997 destroyed most of the capital, Plymouth, and resulted in approximately half of the island becoming uninhabitable

Natural resources

NEGL

Terrain

volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland

Age structure

26.3% (male 706/ female 651) 67.5% (male 1,683/ female 1,805) 6.2% (male 194/ female 125) (2012 est.)

0-14 years

26.3% (male 706/ female 651)

15-64 years

67.5% (male 1,683/ female 1,805)

65 years and over

6.2% (male 194/ female 125) (2012 est.)

Birth rate

11.62 births/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Death rate

6.78 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.)

Education expenditures

3.3% of GDP (2004)

Ethnic groups

black, white

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Infant mortality rate

14.69 deaths/1,000 live births 11.2 deaths/1,000 live births 18.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

female

18.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

total

14.69 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English

Life expectancy at birth

73.41 years 75.15 years 71.58 years (2012 est.)

female

71.58 years (2012 est.)

total population

73.41 years

Literacy

age 15 and over has ever attended school 97% 97% 97% (1970 est.)

definition

age 15 and over has ever attended school

female

97% (1970 est.)

male

97%

total population

97%

Median age

30.2 years 29.7 years 30.7 years (2012 est.)

female

30.7 years (2012 est.)

male

29.7 years

total

30.2 years

Nationality

Montserratian(s) Montserratian

adjective

Montserratian

noun

Montserratian(s)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Population

5,164 (July 2012 est.) an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned

Population growth rate

0.484% (2012 est.)

Religions

Protestant (Anglican, Methodist, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations), Roman Catholic

Sanitation facility access

urban: 96% of population rural: 96% of population total: 96% of population urban: 4% of population rural: 4% of population total: 4% of population

rural

4% of population

total

4% of population

urban

4% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

15 years 14 years 17 years (2007)

female

17 years (2007)

male

14 years

total

15 years

Sex ratio

1.07 male(s)/female 1.08 male(s)/female 0.93 male(s)/female 1.55 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over

1.55 male(s)/female

at birth

1.07 male(s)/female

total population

1 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.08 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

1.27 children born/woman (2012 est.)

Urbanization

14% of total population (2010) 2.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

2.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

14% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter

Capital

Plymouth 16 42 N, 62 13 W UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) Plymouth was abandoned in 1997 because of 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

geographic coordinates

16 42 N, 62 13 W

name

Plymouth

time difference

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

Montserrat Constitution Order 2010, effective 1 September 2011

Country name

none Montserrat

conventional long form

none

conventional short form

Montserrat

Dependency status

overseas territory of the UK

Diplomatic representation from the US

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Executive branch

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Adrian DAVIS (since 8 April 2011) Premier Rueben T. MEADE (since 27 September 2011); note - the office of premier came into effect with the new Constitution Order; he replaces the Chief Minister Executive Council consists of the governor, the premier, 3 other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance secretary the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually becomes premier

cabinet

Executive Council consists of the governor, the premier, 3 other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance secretary

chief of state

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Adrian DAVIS (since 8 April 2011)

elections

the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually becomes premier

head of government

Premier Rueben T. MEADE (since 27 September 2011); note - the office of premier came into effect with the new Constitution Order; he replaces the Chief Minister

Flag description

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the arms feature a woman in green dress, Erin, the female personification of Ireland, standing beside a yellow harp and embracing a large dark cross with her right arm; Erin and the harp are symbols of Ireland reflecting the territory's Irish ancestry; blue represents awareness, trustworthiness, determination, and righteousness

Government type

NA

Independence

none (overseas territory of the UK)

International organization participation

Caricom, CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU

Judicial branch

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia, one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the High Court)

Legal system

English common law

Legislative branch

unicameral Legislative Council (11 seats; 9 members popularly elected to serve five-year terms; the attorney general and financial secretary sit as ex-officio members) last held on 8 September 2009 (next to be held by 2014) percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MCAP 6, independents 3

election results

percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MCAP 6, independents 3

elections

last held on 8 September 2009 (next to be held by 2014)

National anthem

as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

note

as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

National holiday

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Political parties and leaders

Montserrat Democratic Party or MDP [Lowell LEWIS]; Movement for Change and Prosperity or MCAP [Roselyn CASSELL-SEALY]; New People's Liberation Movement or NPLM [John A. OSBORNE]

Political pressure groups and leaders

NA

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers; livestock products

Budget

$31.4 million $37.04 million (2011 est.)

expenditures

$37.04 million (2011 est.)

revenues

$31.4 million

Central bank discount rate

10.99% (31 December 2010 est.) 6.5% (31 December 2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

8.3% (31 December 2012 est.) 8.56% (31 December 2011 est.)

Debt - external

$8.9 million (1997)

Economy - overview

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 airport 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. Half of the island remains uninhabitable.

Exchange rates

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2012 est.) 2.7 (2011 est.) 2.7 (2010 est.) 2.7 (2009)

Exports

$3.6 million (2012 est.) $1.26 million (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

electronic components, plastic bags, apparel; hot peppers, limes, live plants; cattle

Fiscal year

1 April - 31 March

GDP - composition by sector

1.6% 23.2% 75.1% (2012 est.)

agriculture

1.6%

industry

23.2%

services

75.1% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$8,500 (2006 est.)

GDP - real growth rate

3.5% (2008 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$NA

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$43.78 million (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$30 million (2012 est.) $26.32 million (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials

Industrial production growth rate

NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3.3% (2012 est.) 3.7% (2011 est.)

Labor force

4,521 (2012)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Stock of broad money

$71.33 million (31 December 2011 est.) $63.19 million (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$5.185 million (31 December 2011 est.) $12.59 million (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$16.17 million (31 December 2012 est.) $15.25 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Unemployment rate

6% (1998 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

147,100 Mt (2010 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2012 est.)

Electricity - consumption

20.46 million kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

100% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

10,000 kW (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

22 million kWh (2009 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

1,000 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

572.6 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Broadcast media

Radio Montserrat, a public radio broadcaster, transmits on 1 station and has a repeater transmission to a second station; repeater transmissions from the GEM Radio Network of Trinidad and Tobago provide another 2 radio stations; cable and satellite TV available (2007)

Internet country code

.ms

Internet hosts

2,431 (2012)

Internet users

1,200 (2009)

Telephone system

modern and fully digitalized combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 per 100 persons country code - 1-664; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) optic submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad

domestic

combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 per 100 persons

general assessment

modern and fully digitalized

international

country code - 1-664; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) optic submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad

Telephones - main lines in use

2,600 (2010)

Telephones - mobile cellular

4,200 (2010)

Airports

1 (2012)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2012)

total

1

under 914 m

1 (2012)

Ports and terminals

Little Bay, Plymouth

Roadways

volcanic eruptions that began in 1995 destroyed most of the 227 km road system; a new road infrastructure has been built on the north end of the island (2008)

note

volcanic eruptions that began in 1995 destroyed most of the 227 km road system; a new road infrastructure has been built on the north end of the island (2008)

Manpower available for military service

1,353 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

1,353 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service

1,135 1,223 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

1,223 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

1,135

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

34 (2010 est.)

female

34 (2010 est.)

male

35

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Military branches

no regular military forces; Royal Montserrat Police Force (2011)

Disputes - international

none

Illicit drugs

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe