Montserrat Map

Description: This map shows island, exclusion zone, airport, peaks, capital cities, and major cities and towns in Montserrat.

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Description:

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Montserrat, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, lies in the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles. This volcanic island encompasses an area of 39 square miles (102 square kilometers) and maintains a population of approximately 4,390 residents as of 2022.

The territory's capital, Plymouth, became uninhabitable after the Soufrière Hills volcano eruption in 1997, which destroyed significant portions of the southern region. Brades now serves as the de facto capital and main center of government operations. Other notable settlements include Little Bay, which developers plan to establish as the new official capital, and Salem.

Montserrat's geography features two distinct regions: the northern zone remains largely unaffected by volcanic activity and hosts most of the current population, while the southern region includes an exclusion zone due to ongoing volcanic hazards. The island's coastline stretches approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers), with several black and gray sand beaches formed from volcanic deposits.

The economy primarily relies on government services, construction, and limited tourism. The British government provides significant financial aid to support the island's infrastructure and development projects. Agriculture plays a minor role, with small-scale production of hot peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetables. The offshore financial services sector contributes modestly to the economy.

Tourism focuses on the island's natural attractions, including hiking trails, bird watching, and diving opportunities. The Centre Hills hosts the largest remaining tract of forest, providing habitat for endemic species like the Montserrat oriole and the mountain chicken frog. Visitors can explore the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, which monitors volcanic activity and offers educational exhibits. The Little Bay Beach and Rendezvous Beach attract tourists seeking pristine shorelines and water activities.

The island's infrastructure includes the John A. Osborne Airport, which handles small aircraft connections primarily to Antigua. The main seaport at Little Bay facilitates cargo operations and ferry services. Montserrat maintains modern telecommunications systems, including broadband internet and mobile services, despite its small size and relative isolation.

The healthcare system centers around the Glendon Hospital in St. John's, providing basic medical services. For specialized care, residents typically travel to neighboring islands or further abroad. The education system follows the British model, with primary and secondary schools serving the local population.

The Facts:
Capital: Plymouth (de jure), Brades (de facto), Little Bay (under construction).
Area: 39 sq mi (102 sq km).
Population: ~ 4,390 (2022 estimate).
Towns: Plymouth, Brades, Little Bay, St. John's, St. Peter's, Salem, Frith, Old Towne, Gerald's.
Official language: English.
Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)​.