CapitalPlymouth
Population5,468
Area102 km²
GDP per capita$19,300
LanguagesEnglish
CurrencyEast Caribbean dollars
Life Expectancy76.1 yr
Governmentparliamentary democracy; a self-governing overseas territory of the UK
Introduction
Background
In 1632, English and Irish settlers from St. Kitts established a colony on Montserrat; the initial arrival of African slaves occurred thirty years later. Throughout the majority of the 18th century, the British and French vied for control over the island, which was ultimately recognized as a British territory in 1783. By the mid-19th century, the economy of sugar plantations transitioned to small-scale agricultural landholdings. The Soufriere Hills Volcano erupted in 1995, causing widespread destruction across the island, prompting two-thirds of its inhabitants to seek refuge abroad. Since then, Montserrat has experienced ongoing volcanic activity, with the most recent eruption taking place in 2013.
Geography
Area
land
102 sq km
water
0 sq km
total
102 sq km
Climate
tropical; minimal daily or seasonal temperature fluctuations
Terrain
a volcanic island characterized by mountainous terrain, featuring limited coastal lowlands
Land use
other
45.8% (2023 est.)
forest
24.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
30% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 20% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 10% (2023 est.)
Location
located in the Caribbean Sea, an island positioned southeast of Puerto Rico
Coastline
40 km
Elevation
lowest point
Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point
the pre-eruption elevation of Soufriere Hills volcano was 915 m; the current lava dome experiences periodic growth and collapse, with an estimated height of 1,050 m recorded in 2015
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Land boundaries
total
0 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea
12 nm
exclusive fishing zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
volcanic eruptions; intense hurricanes (June to November)
volcanism: since 1995, the Soufrière Hills volcano (915 m) has been in a continuous state of eruption; a significant eruption in 1997 devastated much of the capital, Plymouth, rendering approximately half of the island uninhabitable; Montserrat is part of the volcanic island arc of the Lesser Antilles, which stretches from Saba in the north to Grenada in the south
Geography - note
the island is completely of volcanic origin and consists of three principal volcanic centers of varying ages
Natural resources
NEGL
Area - comparative
approximately 0.6 times the area of Washington, D.C.
Geographic coordinates
16 45 N, 62 12 W
Population distribution
the island's population is concentrated in the northern half, while the southern region remains uninhabitable due to ongoing volcanic activity
People & Society
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.)
Sex ratio
at birth
1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years
0.98 male(s)/female
total population
1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
1 male(s)/female
Birth rate
11.64 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
6.18 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
35.4 years
total
37.1 years (2025 est.)
female
37.8 years
Population
male
2,728
total
5,468 (2024 est.)
female
2,740
Nationality
noun
Montserratian(s)
adjective
Montserratian
Urbanization
urban population
9.3% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
0.94% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years
15.8% (male 446/female 420)
15-64 years
76.1% (male 2,062/female 2,101)
65 years and over
8% (2024 est.) (male 220/female 219)
Ethnic groups
African/Black 86.2%, mixed 4.8%, Hispanic/Spanish 3%, Caucasian/White 2.7%, East Indian/Indian 1.6%, other 1.8% (estimated in 2018)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
31.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio
20.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio
9.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
10.5 (2024 est.)
Net migration rate
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.34 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: total
total: 98.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
7.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
5.7% national budget (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
8 deaths/1,000 live births
total
9.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
11.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
0.55% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.65 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the island is inhabited solely in its northern half; the southern area remains uninhabitable because of volcanic activity
Life expectancy at birth
male
76.9 years
female
75.3 years
total population
76.1 years (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: total
total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
35.8% (2023 est.)
Environment
Climate
tropical; minimal daily or seasonal fluctuations in temperature
Land use
other
45.8% (2023 est.)
forest
24.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
30% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 20% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 10% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
9.3% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
0.94% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Environmental issues
soil erosion on inclines that have been cleared for agricultural purposes
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
24,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids
24,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Government
Flag
description: the flag features a blue background with the UK flag positioned in the upper-left quadrant, while the Montserratian coat of arms is situated in the right half; the coat of arms depicts a woman dressed in green, standing next to a yellow harp and holding a large, dark-brown cross with her right arm
meaning: this woman symbolizes Erin, who personifies Ireland, the harp is a symbol associated with Ireland, and the cross signifies the Christian faith; the blue color represents awareness, trust, determination, and righteousness
Capital
name
Plymouth
etymology
the city, now completely uninhabited because of volcanic activity, took its name from Plymouth, England
time difference
UTC-4 (one hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates
16 42 N, 62 13 W
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
see United Kingdom
Constitution
history
previously from 1960; most recent implementation date was 20 October 2010 (The Montserrat Constitution Order 2010)
Country name
etymology
the island was named by explorer Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493, after the Benedictine abbey Santa Maria de Montserrat located near Barcelona, Spain
conventional long form
none
conventional short form
Montserrat
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Legal system
English common law
Government type
parliamentary democracy; a self-governing overseas territory of the UK
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) serves as the highest court within the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; headquartered in St. Lucia, the ECSC comprises the Court of Appeal, led by the chief justice and four judges, and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member nations on a set schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and lower courts; Montserrat is also a participant in the Caribbean Court of Justice
subordinate courts
magistrate's court
judge selection and term of office
the chief justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is appointed by the British monarch; the other justices and judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent body of judicial officials; justices of the Court of Appeal are appointed for life, subject to mandatory retirement at age 65, while High Court judges are appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
Executive branch
cabinet
the Executive Council comprises the governor, the premier, three additional ministers, the attorney general, and the finance secretary
chief of state
King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Sarah TUCKER (since 6 April 2023)
head of government
Premier Easton TAYLOR-FARRELL (since 19 November 2019)
election/appointment process
the monarchy follows a hereditary system; the governor is appointed by the monarch; typically, after legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is designated as premier
National holiday
the official birthday of King Charles III is generally celebrated on the second Saturday of June (1948)
Dependency status
overseas territory of the UK
Political parties
Movement for Change and Prosperity or MCAP
People's Democratic Movement or PDM
Legislative branch
term in office
5 years
number of seats
12 (directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
legislature name
Legislative Assembly
scope of elections
full renewal
legislative structure
unicameral
most recent election date
11/18/2019
expected date of next election
2024
percentage of women in chamber
33.3%
parties elected and seats per party
MCAP (5); PDM (3); independent (1)
National anthem(s)
title
"God Save the King"
history
official anthem, as a UK territory
lyrics/music
unknown
National coat of arms
Montserrat's coat of arms, which dates back to 1909, reflects the heritage of the Irish settlers who first arrived in 1632; the green-dressed woman represents Erin, the personification of Ireland, who holds the gold harp, Ireland's symbol, while the cross signifies Christianity, the predominant religion in Montserrat
Administrative divisions
three parishes: Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy
none (overseas territory of the UK); an alternate point of contact is the US Embassy in Barbados [1] (246) 227-4000; US Embassy Bridgetown, Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, WI
International organization participation
Caricom, CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU
Economy
Budget
revenues
$55.651 million (2014 est.)
expenditures
$43.652 million (2014 est.)
Imports
Imports 2016
$36.1 million (2016 est.)
Imports 2017
$39.44 million (2017 est.)
Imports 2021
$15.3 million (2021 est.)
Industries
tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances
Exchange rates
Currency
East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
2.7 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
2.7 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
2.7 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
2.7 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
2.7 (2024 est.)
Economic overview
previously classified as a high-income economy; volcanic activity has significantly damaged much of the initial infrastructure and economic framework; a new capital and port are currently under construction; notable for geothermal and solar energy production; important for music recording activities
Exports - partners
USA 25%, Antigua & Barbuda 13%, Guyana 13%, Egypt 12%, France 10% (2023)
Imports - partners
USA 62%, Antigua & Barbuda 6%, UK 5%, Belgium 4%, Trinidad & Tobago 3% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2022
$16,200 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$18,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2024
$19,300 (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers; livestock products
Exports - commodities
gravel and crushed stone, sand (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, electric generating sets, automobiles, stone processing machinery, x-ray devices (2023)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$84.537 million (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
90.8% (2017 est.)
government consumption
50.4% (2017 est.)
investment in inventories
-0.1% (2017 est.)
investment in fixed capital
17.9% (2017 est.)
exports of goods and services
29.5% (2017 est.)
imports of goods and services
-88.6% (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2020
-1.9% (2020 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021
1.7% (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
4% (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$80.972 million (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$86.875 million (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$89.254 million (2024 est.)
Energy
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption
200 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
consumption
15.968 million kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
6,000 kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
370,000 kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity access
electrification - total population
100% (2020)
Electricity generation sources
solar
12.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
87.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
54.6% (2011 est.)
Broadcast media
Radio Montserrat is a public radio broadcasting entity that operates 1 station and utilizes a repeater to extend its reach to a second station. Additionally, the GEM Radio Network from Trinidad and Tobago contributes 2 more radio stations through its repeater transmissions. As of 2007, cable and satellite television services are also accessible.
Internet country code
.ms
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
3,000 (2020 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
67 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
5,000 (2020 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
110 (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
2,700 (2018 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
55 (2018 est.)
Transportation
Airports
1 (2025)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
VP-M
Military & Security
Military - note
The responsibility for defense lies with the United Kingdom.
Military and security forces
There are no standing military forces; the Royal Montserrat Defense Force serves ceremonial and civil defense roles, while the Montserrat Police Force is established in 2025.
