Volcanic eruptions on the pristine Caribbean island of Montserrat
in the late 1990s have rendered parts of the self-governing British
overseas territory partly uninhabitable. Appropriately called “Emerald
Isle of the Caribbean", the island state began to be inhabited
by English and Irish colonists from St. Kitts in 1632. it became a
bone of contention between the British and French who fought for its
possession throughout the 18th century. However, Britain succeeded
in reclaiming the island in 1783.
The country is struggling to come to terms with the devastation when
Soufriere Hills Volcano that sprang to life for the first time in
centuries.
Travel overview
It is not difficult to run out of adjectives when attempting to describe
the scenic beauty of the pristine Caribbean island of Montserrat.
The volcanic island nation, covered with lush tropical forest and
black sandy beaches, is the archetypal dream destination for an idyllic
holiday.
Tourists visiting Montserrat are delighted to discover that apart
from beaches and volcanoes the island has plenty of other attractions
too. Eco-tourism is being encouraged in the country. Other attractions
in Montserrat include the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, Soufriere
Hills Volcano and Chances Peak.
Rendezvous Bay is the only white sand beach in Montserrat. Pelican
Point is a paradise for birdwatchers. Tourists can also enjoy a number
of exciting beach and water sports.
Capital: Plymouth
Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto
Rico
Climate: tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation
Total Area: 102 sq km
Total Population: 9,538
Population Growth Rate: 1.048%
Sex Ratio: 0.955 male(s)/female
Literacy: 97%
Ethnic Groups: black, white
Languages: English
Time Zone: UTC-4
Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Head of Govt.: Chief Minister Lowell Lewis
Major Political Parties: Montserrat Democratic Party or MDP, Movement
for Change and Prosperity or MCAP, New People's Liberation Movement
or NPLM
Participation in International Organizations: Caricom, CDB, Interpol,
OECS, UPU
Major Agricultural Products: cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes,
onions, peppers; livestock products
Natural Resources & Minerals: NEGL
Industry & Transport: tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances
Airports: 2
Railways: 227 km
Roadways: 227 km
Major Trade Partners: US, Antigua and Barbuda, UK, Trinidad and Tobago,
Japan, Canada
Exports: $700,000
Imports: $17 million |
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