Montserrat is a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the Leeward Islands and is located southeast of Puerto Rico. The island covers an area of 39 square miles and has a population of around 5,000 people.

Montserrat was first colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century and was later claimed by the British in 1632. The island was a British Crown colony until 1962, when it became a part of the West Indies Associated States. In 1989, the Soufrière Hills volcano on the island became active, leading to the evacuation of the capital city of Plymouth and causing widespread devastation. Today, much of the southern part of the island is still uninhabitable due to the volcano's activity.

The economy of Montserrat is heavily dependent on British aid and the tourism industry. The island's main exports are lime juice, rum, and textiles. The official language is English, and the island's currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. Montserrat has a parliamentary democracy system of government, with the Governor as the representative of the British monarch and a Legislative Council consisting of nine elected members and three appointed members.

Tourism is one of the main industries on the island, with visitors attracted to Montserrat's natural beauty, including its beaches, rainforests, and volcanic landscapes. The island is also home to several cultural festivals throughout the year, including St. Patrick's Day, which is a public holiday in honor of the island's Irish heritage. The Montserrat Cultural Centre in Little Bay showcases the island's artistic and cultural history.

Telephone Code
664

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 911; Police: 999

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation

Currency (Code)
East Caribbean dollars (XCD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages
English

Major Religions
Protestant 71.4%, Roman Catholic 11.4%, Rastafarian 1.4%, Hindu 1.2%, Jehovah's Witness 1%, Muslim 0.4%

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

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, traveler will need to present their US driver's license & IDP to local police to pay a special registration fee

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Soufriere Hills Volcano, Rendezvous Bay, Buried City tour

Major Sports
Yachting, basketball, cricket, soccer

Cultural Practices
When entering or exiting a shop, acknowledge the shop owner. Say hello and goodbye as appropriate.

Tipping Guidelines
No tip required at inexpensive restaurants, but leave up to 10% when service exceeds expectations in upscale dining establishments. It is common for servers not to receive tips included on a credit card, so try to leave cash whenever possible. Round up taxi fares. Tip the bellhop $1 -2 (USD) per bag, depending on size, and housekeeping $1 per day, even if there is a hotel service charge. A tip isn’t expected, but you can leave up to 10% for anything that goes above and beyond your expectations from stylist to spa service provider.

Souvenirs
Leather goods, handwoven goods, volcanic soap, preserves

Traditional Cuisine
Goat water — a stew made from ram meat and served with a variety of sides including bread and rice

Geography
Area
total: 102 sq km
land: 102 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation

Natural resources
NEGL

People and Society
Population
5,440 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
African/Black 86.2%, mixed 4.8%, Hispanic/Spanish 3%, Caucasian/White 2.7%, East Indian/Indian 1.6%, other 1.8% (2018 est.)

Languages
English

Religions
Protestant 71.4% (includes Anglican 17.7%, Pentecostal/Full Gospel 16.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 15%, Methodist 13.9%, Church of God 6.7%, other Protestant 2%), Roman Catholic 11.4%, Rastafarian 1.4%, Hindu 1.2%, Jehovah's Witness 1%, Muslim 0.4%, other/not stated 5.1%, none 7.9% (2018 est.)

Population growth rate
0.46% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy; self-governing overseas territory of the UK

Capital
name: Plymouth; note - Plymouth was abandoned in 1997 because of volcanic activity; interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate, the de facto capital, in the Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat

Economy
Economic overview
formerly high-income economy; volcanic activity destroyed much of original infrastructure and economy; new capital and port is being developed; key geothermal and solar power generation; key music recording operations

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$167.4 million (2011 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$34,000 (2011 est.)

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

Industries
tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances

Exports
$4.4 million (2017 est.)

Exports - partners
Antigua and Barbuda 19%, United States 18%, France 17%, Singapore 14%, Belgium 9%, Netherlands 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
sand, iron products, seats, medical instruments, fish (2019)

Imports
$39.44 million (2017 est.)

Imports - partners
United States 70%, United Kingdom 6% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, oranges, electric motors, broadcasting equipment (2019)