Montserrat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Montserrat
British Overseas Territory
Flag Coat of arms
Motto(s):  "A people of excellence, moulded by nature, nurtured by God"
Anthem: "God Save the King"
National song: "Motherland"
Location of  Montserrat  (circled in red)
Topographic map of Montserrat showing the "exclusion zone" due to volcanic activity, and the new airport in the north. The roads and settlements in the exclusion zone have mostly been conquered by natural forces.
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
English settlement	1632
Treaty of Paris	3 September 1783
Federation	3 January 1958
Separate colony	31 May 1962
Capital	Plymouth (de jure) Brades (de facto) Little Bay (under construction) 16°45′N 62°12′W / 16.750°N 62.200°W / 16.750; -62.200
Largest city	Brades
Official languages	English
Demonym(s)	Montserratian
Government	Parliamentary dependency under a constitutional monarchy
• Monarch	Charles III
• Governor	Harriet Cross
• Premier	Reuben Meade
Legislature	Legislative Assembly
Area
• Total	102 km2 (39 sq mi)
• Water (%)	negligible
Highest elevation	1,050 m (3,440 ft)
Population
• 2022 estimate	4,390 (194th)
• 2018 census	4,649 (intercensal count)
• Density	46/km2 (119.1/sq mi) (not ranked)
GDP (PPP)	2014 estimate
• Total	US$63 million
• Per capita	US$12,384
GDP (nominal)	2019 estimate
• Total	US$181,680,000
Currency	East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Time zone	UTC-4:00 (AST)
Driving side	left
ISO 3166 code	MS
Internet TLD	.ms
Website	https://www.gov.ms/

Montserrat (pronounced MONT-sə-RAT) is a small island in the Caribbean Sea. It is a British Overseas Territory, meaning it is part of the United Kingdom but governs itself. Montserrat is part of the Leeward Islands, which are a group of islands in the West Indies. The island is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) long and 11 kilometers (7 miles) wide. It has about 40 kilometers (25 miles) of coastline.

Montserrat is often called "The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean." This is because it looks a bit like the coast of Ireland. Also, many people living there have Irish family roots.

In 1995, the Soufrière Hills volcano on the island became active. Its eruptions destroyed Plymouth, which was the capital city. Many people had to leave the island, mostly moving to the United Kingdom. The volcano is still active, and a special "exclusion zone" has been set up. This zone covers the southern part of the island where it's not safe to go. Scientists at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory watch the volcano very closely.

Because of the volcano, a new town and port are being built at Little Bay. The main government offices are currently in Brades. This new development will help Montserrat rebuild and grow.

Island Name

In 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered the island. He named it Santa María de Montserrate. This name came from a famous monastery in Spain called Montserrat. The word Montserrat means "serrated mountain" in the Catalan language. This describes mountains with jagged, saw-like edges.

Island History

A view of Little Bay's coastline in 2012.

An 1869 map showing Montserrat and its former capital, Plymouth.

Early Inhabitants

Scientists have found signs that people lived in Montserrat a very long time ago. This was between 2000 and 500 BC. Later, the Saladoid culture lived on the island until about 550 AD. The native Carib people called the island Alliouagana. This means 'Land of the Prickly Bush'.

In recent years, ancient rock carvings called petroglyphs have been found. These carvings are thought to be 1,000 to 1,500 years old.

European Arrival

In 1493, Christopher Columbus sailed past Montserrat. He was told the island was empty because of raids by the Caribs.

In 1632, many Irish people came to settle in Montserrat. They came from nearby islands like Saint Kitts. More settlers arrived later from Virginia. These early settlers were often farmers.

The island was briefly taken by the French in the 1660s. However, the English quickly took it back. English control was confirmed by a treaty in 1667.

Over time, many African slaves and Irish workers were brought to the island. They worked on large farms called plantations.

Important Events

In 1768, there was a slave rebellion on the island. Even though it failed, the efforts of those involved are remembered. In 1985, St Patrick's Day became a ten-day public holiday. This celebrates the uprising and Montserrat's unique culture.

During the American Revolutionary War, France captured Montserrat in 1782. But they returned the island to Great Britain in 1783.

Changes and Growth

In 1834, Britain made slavery illegal in Montserrat. This changed the island's economy.

Later, a British helper named Joseph Sturge bought land. He wanted to show that paid workers could be successful. His family helped set up the Montserrat Company Limited. They grew Key lime trees and made lime juice. They also built a school and sold land to local people.

From 1871 to 1958, Montserrat was part of the British Leeward Islands. Then it joined the West Indies Federation for a short time.

William Henry Bramble became the first Chief Minister in 1960. He worked to improve workers' rights and tourism. The island's first airport was named after him. His son, Percival Austin Bramble, also became Chief Minister.

In 1991, the death penalty was officially ended in Montserrat.

The Soufrière Hills volcano erupted in 1995. This caused huge damage and forced many people to leave. The capital city, Plymouth, was destroyed. The southern part of the island became an "Exclusion Zone." Many Montserratians moved to the United Kingdom.

After the volcano, there were changes in government leadership. Reuben Meade became Chief Minister. Later, the title changed to Premier.

In 2017, Montserrat was lucky. It was not badly hit by Hurricane Irma or Hurricane Maria.

Since 2019, Easton Taylor-Farrell has been the island's Premier.

Government and Leadership

Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory. This means it is part of the United Kingdom but manages its own affairs. The United Nations lists Montserrat as a non-self-governing territory.

The island's head of state is King Charles III. He is represented by a Governor who is chosen by the UK. The government runs the island, and the Premier is the head of government. The Governor chooses the Premier from the members of the Legislative Assembly. This Assembly has nine elected members. The leader of the party with the most votes usually becomes Premier.

The Legislative Assembly and the government together make the laws for Montserrat. The Assembly also includes two other members: the attorney general and the financial secretary.

Montserrat also has a court system. It works independently from the government and the law-making body.

Island Areas

Parishes of Montserrat: St. Peter (red), St. Georges (green), and St. Anthony (cyan). Plymouth is marked with a black square.

Montserrat is divided into three main areas called parishes. These are:

• Saint Peter Parish
• Saint Georges Parish
• Saint Anthony Parish

Because of the volcano, only the Saint Peter Parish in the northwest is currently safe to live in. Most of the island's people live there. The other two parishes are still too dangerous.

For counting the population, the island is also divided into three census regions:

• Northern Region
• Central Region
• South of Nantes river

Police and Defense

The Royal Montserrat Police Service is in charge of keeping the peace on the island.

The United Kingdom is responsible for Montserrat's defense. The Royal Navy often has a ship in the Caribbean. These ships help protect the British territories. They also provide aid during hurricanes and help stop illegal activities.

Royal Montserrat Defence Force

Montserrat has its own small defense group called the Royal Montserrat Defence Force. It was started in 1899. Today, it has about forty volunteer soldiers. Their main jobs are to help during emergencies and take part in special events.

Communication on the Island

Montserrat has modern phone services, including landlines and mobile phones. Many people on the island also have access to the internet.

Radio Montserrat provides public radio service. There is also a local television channel called PTV. People can also get cable and satellite TV.

Montserrat uses a special UK postcode for mail. It starts with MSR, followed by four numbers. For example, the postcode for Little Bay is MSR1120.

Island Geography

Montserrat's beautiful coastline.

Montserrat is an island in the Caribbean Sea. It is located southwest of Antigua and northwest of Guadeloupe. The island is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) long and 11 kilometers (7 miles) wide.

The island has mountains in the middle and flatter areas near the coast. There are tall rock cliffs and sandy beaches. The main mountains are Silver Hill, Katy Hill, and the Soufrière Hills. The Soufrière Hills volcano is the highest point on the island. It is about 1050 meters (3,445 feet) tall.

Montserrat also has a few small islands nearby. These include Little Redonda and Pinnacle Rock.

The Volcano and Safe Zones

The Soufrière Hills volcano erupting in 1997.

Plymouth City after being covered in ash in 1997.

Time-lapse images of the Soufrière Hills volcano in 2010.

Devastated Plymouth City and volcano in 2003.

In 1995, the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted. It had been quiet for hundreds of years. The eruption buried Plymouth, the island's capital, under many meters of mud and ash. The airport and docks were also destroyed.

The southern part of the island became an "exclusion zone." This area is not safe for people to visit. Many people had to leave Montserrat because of the volcano. The UK government helped them move. In 1998, people from Montserrat were given the right to live in the United Kingdom.

For many years, the volcano mostly released ash. Sometimes, the ash reached the northern parts of the island. In 2009 and 2010, there was more activity. Hot flows of rock and gas, called pyroclastic flows, came down the mountain.

Today, some parts of the exclusion zone can be visited with special permission. However, the most dangerous areas, like the former capital, are still closed. It is only safe to visit with a government-approved guide.

The northern part of Montserrat was not affected by the volcano. It is still green and full of plants. A new airport, the John A. Osborne Airport, opened in the north in 2005. There are also new docking facilities at Little Bay. This is where the new capital city is being built.

Island Wildlife

The Montserrat oriole, the official bird of the island.

Montserrat is home to many unique plants and animals. Some of these species are found nowhere else in the world.

Conservation groups are working to protect rare plants like the pribby and the Montserrat orchid. These plants are very important to the island's natural environment.

The giant ditch frog, also called the "mountain chicken," lives here. It is a critically endangered frog found only in Montserrat and Dominica. Scientists are working hard to save this frog. They are trying to protect it in its natural home and also breed it in zoos.

The national bird of Montserrat is the Montserrat oriole. This beautiful bird is also found only on the island. Zoos in the UK are helping to protect this species.

Another endangered animal is the Montserrat galliwasp. This is a type of lizard unique to Montserrat. Plans are in place to help this lizard survive.

Montserrat has many different kinds of insects and other small creatures. Researchers have found over 1,200 types of invertebrates. About 120 of these are found only on Montserrat.

The island also has amazing coral reefs and coastal caves. These caves are home to many types of bats. Efforts are being made to protect these bat species.

The Montserrat tarantula is the only tarantula native to the island. It was successfully bred in captivity for the first time in 2016.

The northern coast of Montserrat.

Island Climate

Montserrat has a tropical rainforest climate. This means it is warm all year round. The island also gets a lot of rain. Summers and autumns are wetter because of Atlantic hurricanes.

Island Economy

The MV Caribe Queen ferry used to travel between Antigua and Montserrat.

Montserrat's economy was greatly affected by the 1995 volcano eruption. Today, the British government provides much of the island's budget. Montserrat also earns money from taxes and fees.

The island uses electricity from diesel generators. There are also plans to use geothermal power from the earth's heat. A solar power station was built in 2019.

Montserrat exports things like electronic parts, plastic bags, and hot peppers. It imports machinery, food, and fuel.

Montserrat as seen from the Guadeloupe Passage.

In the 1980s, Montserrat was popular with musicians. Famous producer George Martin opened AIR Studios Montserrat there. Many artists came to record music and enjoy the island. However, a big hurricane in 1989 damaged the studio. The volcano eruptions in 1995 also hurt the island's tourism.

Island Transport

The John A. Osborne Airport.

Air Travel

The John A. Osborne Airport is the only airport on Montserrat. It was built after the old airport was destroyed by the volcano. Flights to Antigua are available daily. You can also find charter flights to other nearby islands.

Sea Travel

There used to be a ferry service to Montserrat. It traveled from Antigua to Little Bay. This service stopped in 2020. Now, the only way to reach Montserrat is by air.

Island Population

The 1997 eruption led to a dramatic decrease in population.

In 1842, Montserrat had a population of 7,119 people.

After the volcano erupted in 1995, about 8,000 people left the island. Most of them moved to the United Kingdom. By 1997, fewer than 1,200 people remained. However, the population has slowly grown since then. In 2016, it was almost 5,000 people. The latest count in 2024 showed a population of 4,386.

The average age of people on Montserrat is about 28 years old. Interestingly, men on Montserrat tend to live slightly longer than women.

Languages Spoken

English is the main and official language of Montserrat. Many people also speak Montserrat Creole. This is a local dialect of English.

Long ago, some people on the island also spoke Irish Gaelic. This was because many early settlers came from Ireland.

Island Religions

Most people in Montserrat are Protestant Christians. This includes Anglicans, Methodists, and Pentecostals. There are also many Catholics on the island. Other religions like Rastafarianism, Hinduism, and Islam are also practiced.

Ethnic Backgrounds

Most people in Montserrat are of mixed African and Irish descent. This is because many African slaves and Irish workers came to the island long ago.

In 2018, about 86% of the population was African/Black. About 5% were of mixed background. There are also smaller groups of Hispanic/Spanish, Caucasian/White, and East Indian people.

Education System

Education in Montserrat is required for children aged 5 to 14. It is free for students up to age 17. The main secondary school on the island is the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS).

For higher education, there is the Montserrat Community College (MCC). The University of the West Indies also has a campus in Montserrat. There is also a private medical school called the University of Science, Arts and Technology.

Island Culture

Local Cuisine

The national dish of Montserrat is goat water. This is a tasty stew made from goat meat. It is usually served with crusty bread rolls. Montserrat's food mixes British and Caribbean cooking styles.

The local diet includes fish, seafood, and chicken. These are often grilled or roasted. Montserrat's food also has influences from Spanish, French, African, and Indian cultures. This makes Caribbean food very diverse. You can find special dishes like Montserrat jerk shrimp. In rural areas, homemade dishes like mahi mahi and fresh baked breads are popular.

Media and Entertainment

The Montserrat Cultural Centre overlooking Little Bay.

Radio Montserrat is the island's only national radio station. It plays music and news. You can also listen to it online. Popular shows include the Morning Show and the Cultural Show.

Montserrat has been a filming location for movies and music videos. The band The Police filmed music videos there in the 1980s. Parts of the 2020 film Wendy were also shot on the island.

In 2023, a documentary called Ben Fogle and the Buried City was released. It explored the abandoned capital of Plymouth. The film was shown in the UK and in Montserrat.

AIR Montserrat Studio

AIR Studios Montserrat was a famous recording studio. It was located in Salem, Montserrat. Producer George Martin opened it in 1979. Many famous artists recorded music there.

Some of the artists who recorded at AIR Montserrat include:

• Dire Straits
• Elton John
• Earth, Wind & Fire
• Jimmy Buffett
• Michael Jackson
• The Police
• The Rolling Stones
• Rush

Famous albums recorded there include Dire Straits' Brothers in Arms and The Police's Synchronicity.

The studio was badly damaged by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and closed. Later, the volcano eruptions caused more problems for the island. George Martin helped raise money for Montserrat's residents. He organized a concert called Music for Montserrat. This event raised a lot of money to help the island recover.

Places to Visit

Montserrat has several interesting places to visit:

• National Museum of Montserrat: A museum about the island's history.
• Montserrat Volcano Observatory: Where scientists watch the volcano.
• Plymouth (ghost town): The former capital city, buried by the volcano.
• Jack Boy Hill: A viewing spot with great views of the volcano and coast.

Island Sports

Yachting

Montserrat has its own Montserrat Yachting Association.

Athletics

Montserrat has taken part in the Commonwealth Games since 1994.

Miguel Francis, a fast runner, was born in Montserrat. He holds a national record for the 200-meter race.

Basketball

Basketball is becoming very popular in Montserrat. The country now has its own basketball league with six teams. A new basketball complex with 800 seats has also been built.

Cricket

Cricket is a very popular sport in Montserrat, like on many Caribbean islands. Players from Montserrat can play for the West Indies cricket team. Lionel Baker was the first Montserratian to play for the West Indies in a One Day International match in 2008.

The Montserrat cricket team is part of the Leeward Islands cricket team. They play in regional matches. The old cricket ground, Sturge Park, was destroyed by the volcano. A new ground, the Salem Oval, opened in 2000. Another ground has been built at Little Bay.

Football

Montserrat has its own FIFA-affiliated football team. They have tried to qualify for the World Cup several times but have not yet made it to the finals. A football field for the team was built near the airport.

In 2002, Montserrat played a friendly match against Bhutan. This game was called The Other Final. Bhutan won 4-0. Most of Montserrat's national team players live and play football in England.

Montserrat also has a local club league called the Montserrat Championship.

Surfing

Surfer brothers Carrll and Gary Robilotta at Isle's Bay, Montserrat.

Surfing was started on the island by Carrll Robilotta. He and his brother Gary explored and named the surf spots in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Island Settlements

Settlements within the exclusion zone are no longer safe to live in.

Safe Zone Settlements

Abandoned Settlements in the Exclusion Zone

Settlements in italics have been destroyed by volcanic flows. Others have been evacuated since 1995.

Notable Montserratians

• Jim Allen, a former cricketer who played for the West Indies.
• Jennette Arnold, the first Montserratian elected to the London Assembly.
• Lionel Baker, the first Montserratian to play international cricket for the West Indies.
• Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell, a musician famous for his soca song "Hot Hot Hot".
• Chadd Cumberbatch, an artist, poet, and playwright.
• Margaret Dyer-Howe, Montserrat's second woman to become a cabinet minister.
• Ettore Ewen, an American professional wrestler known as Big E.
• Howard A. Fergus, an author, poet, and acting governor of Montserrat.
• Patricia Griffin, a pioneering nurse and social worker.
• George Irish, a writer and human rights activist.
• Kadiff Kirwan, an actor.
• E. A. Markham, a poet and author.
• Dean Mason, a football player.
• Ellen Dolly Peters, a teacher and trade union leader.
• Q-Tip, a famous rapper and producer whose father was from Montserrat.
• Vernon Reid, a guitarist for the band Living Colour.
• Shane Ryan, a writer and human rights activist.
• Veronica Ryan, a sculptor and winner of the 2022 Turner Prize.
• M. P. Shiel, a writer.
• Lyle Taylor, a football player.
• Rowan Taylor, an international football player.
• Maizie Williams, a member of the pop group Boney M.

See also

In Spanish: Montserrat para niños

• Bibliography of Montserrat
• Index of Montserrat-related articles
• Outline of Montserrat