Montserrat, a lush green and
mountainous island of approximately 39 square miles, lies in the Eastern
Caribbean chain of islands, some 27 miles southwest of Antigua.
Known fondly as
the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, this pear shaped island - 12 miles long and 7
miles wide (and now expanding, due to the volcanic activity in the south of the
island!) - is situated 1,150 miles north of the equator. It can be located on
the map at approximately 16 45 North and 62 10 West.
The island rises in a
series of dramatic mountain slopes to the high point of over 3,000 feet at the
Soufriere Hills in the Exclusion Zone. The islands of Redonda, Nevis and St.
Kitts in the west and north respectively, Guadeloupe to the south and Antigua
to the northeast can be seen from the various points on the island.
POPULATION
Due to the volcanic activity which has ravaged the island since 1995 there has been a
drop in the population from 10,639 (1991 Census) to 4,482 (2001 Census).
GOVERNMENT
Montserrat is a United Kingdom Overseas Territory. Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State.
Political parties are active on the island, which is governed by a legislature
elected by popular vote. A Chief Minister serves with an appointed cabinet of
ministers. A resident Governor represents the British crown.
MONEY
The Eastern
Caribbean Dollar is the official currency but US dollars are widely circulated
and freely accepted.
All major credit cards are accepted as are Canadian dollars and traveler's
cheques. You will find the American Express agent at Travel World International
Limited, located at Davy Hill. Tel: (664) 491-2713/4. Fax 664 491 2715
There's so much more to learn... Check out our Facts For The Visitor or read up on our reviews of everything about Montserrat:
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